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If you're visiting Costa Rica, it's hard to resist a tour that combines two things the country is famous for—coffee and chocolate!
While visiting Monteverde, we decided to take the Don Juan Chocolate and Coffee Tour, and it turned out to be a fun way to learn more about how two of my favorite things go from the farm to the table.
I fell in love with Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa the moment I stepped out of the taxi. After the noise and activity of traveling, the sounds of tropical birds and the rustling of the trees were instantly soothing. It felt like we had stepped into another world.
And then there was the view.
Even though Costa Rica doesn't have the turquoise Caribbean waters or centuries of European history, it has something just as special—an incredible landscape filled with rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife, and some truly unforgettable places to stay.
During our trip to Costa Rica, we stayed in a variety of accommodations, ranging from a $30 Airbnb to a much more expensive room at Baldi Resort. Of all the places we stayed, however, my favorite was the Arenal Observatory Lodge.
Manuel Antonio National Park may be relatively small compared with some of Costa Rica's other national parks, but it certainly doesn't lack wildlife. Capuchin, howler, and squirrel monkeys are some of the animals you may encounter along the trails. Sloths, iguanas, agoutis, raccoons, and an incredible variety of birds also call the park home.
And while the animals are fascinating to watch, remember that they are wild animals. Don't feed them, and keep a close eye on your snacks!
Baldi Hot Springs is located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica, at the base of Arenal Volcano. The resort is known for its numerous thermal pools, lush tropical surroundings, and family-friendly atmosphere.
The hot springs are naturally heated by geothermal activity beneath the earth, creating a relaxing setting surrounded by tropical gardens and the sounds of nature.
As we relaxed in the warm water, we could hear birds singing and water flowing nearby. It was a peaceful and memorable experience, and the tropical surroundings made the pools especially enjoyable.
Baldi is a family-friendly resort with something for visitors of all ages. In addition to the thermal pools, there are water slides and swim-up bars, making it a popular choice for families.
There is also an adults-only area for those looking for a quieter place to relax.
The resort has onsite restaurants offering both casual and more formal dining options. The menus include a variety of dishes and flavors, so there are choices for different tastes and budgets.
We enjoyed having dining options conveniently located within the resort during our stay.
Our room was actually beautiful and fit nicely with the tropical setting of the resort. We enjoyed the surroundings and the atmosphere of staying right at the hot springs, and there is something special about being able to step outside and have all of that lush scenery right around you.
We did have a few issues during our stay. The water in the shower would fluctuate between hot and cold, and the humidifier in the room stopped working. We also noticed a musty smell in the room during our stay.
None of these things took away from our enjoyment of the beautiful grounds and thermal pools, but they were disappointing, especially considering the price of the room.
Overall, I think staying at Baldi is worth considering if you want the convenience of having the hot springs right outside your door. The setting is beautiful, and being able to enjoy the resort after the day visitors have left is a definite advantage. For us, the experience was still memorable, even though we did have a few issues with the room.
Yes, I would recommend staying at Baldi Hot Springs, particularly if you want to enjoy the convenience and atmosphere of having the hot springs right at your resort.
There is something special about staying in a tropical setting like this and being able to enjoy the beautiful grounds and thermal pools without having to travel back and forth to another hotel. I think the location alone makes staying at Baldi worthwhile.
Our room was beautiful, although we did experience a few issues during our stay. The shower water fluctuated between hot and cold, the humidifier stopped working, and we noticed a musty smell in the room. In a tropical environment, some humidity and mustiness can be difficult to avoid, but it is something to be aware of, particularly if you are sensitive to those smells or have allergies.
Even with those issues, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The beautiful surroundings, thermal pools, and convenience of being right on the property made it a memorable experience, and I would stay here again.
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Sunday | 9:00 am - 10:00 pm |
| Detail | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | $20,00 | $10,00 |
| Entrance + Lunch | $42,00 | $21,00 |
| Entrance + Dinner | $42,00 | $21,00 |
| Entrance + Lunch + Dinner | $64,00 | $32,00 |
| Detail | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | $36,00 | $18,00 |
| Entrance + Lunch | $58,00 | $29,00 |
| Entrance + Dinner | $58,00 | $29,00 |
| Entrance + Lunch + Dinner | $80,00 | $40,00 |
During one of her visits to Costa Rica, my daughter explored the picturesque town of Zarcero, located in the Central Valley northwest of San José. She shared these photos with me, and this colorful little town immediately caught my attention.
Zarcero is known for its charming church and, especially, the extraordinary topiary garden that sits in front of it.
A Wildlife Adventure on the Tarcoles River
Some of the best travel memories come from getting outside and experiencing the wildlife that makes a destination unique. During her visit to Costa Rica, my daughter took a boat tour on the Tarcoles River, one of the country's most famous wildlife destinations.
