savvynomadadventures

Picture this: a crisp Sunday morning on February 4, 2020. The air crackles with indescribable energy as if the universe itself is humming with excitement. My partner (now wife), Honey, and I are buzzing with anticipation as we go through our final checks before embarking on our long-awaited journey to Costa Rica. Ah, February 4th—a day that held promises of adventure and wonder. Or so we thought.

Everything was meticulously planned for a two-week escapade: accommodations booked, activities and transportation lined up. However, there was one crucial detail we overlooked—we didn’t have travel insurance. Oops! Nevertheless, undeterred, we bid farewell to our cozy beach pad, ready to seize our Costa Rican dreams.

Passports? Check! I toss Honey hers and reach for mine, swiftly flipping it open to double-check. And there it is, in all its mocking glory—my passport’s expiration date, boldly displaying April 1, 2019. April Fool’s Day, of all things. Why are the hairs on my arms standing up? Something is off.

Wait a minute. Hold on. NOOOO. It’s 2020!

Our plans crumbled like a house of cards. Costa Rica slipped through our fingers like a mischievous prank, the type I like to pull on my friends. Karma’s a bitch I guess. The joke was on us, indeed.

Fast forward three years, and we have finally made it to Costa Rica for an epic 2- week road trippin’ honeymoon adventure. Now, if you’re like most hardworking souls, you probably envision a honeymoon filled with relaxation, luxurious hotels, and perhaps a couple of indulgent spa sessions. Well, my wife had that exact image in mind… but she made the grave mistake of putting me in charge of the planning. If you know me, well then you understand, and if you don’t? I am a bonafide adventure-seeking, adrenaline-loving, food-obsessed junkie, so strap yourselves in, because we’re in for a wild ride!

La Fortuna and Volcan Arenal…the adventure capital of Costa Rica– Design a life you are inspired to live~

Thinking of heading to Costa Rica? This 2-week itinerary has it all! Jungles, mountains, volcanoes, cloud forests, pristine beaches, enchanting coral reefs, and a peninsula teeming with some of the world’s richest biodiversity. 

To ensure we had the utmost flexibility and the freedom to hit the road whenever our spirits demanded, we decided to rent a car for most of the trip. The rental process with Adobe Car Rental was a breeze—smooth, effortless, and done in under 15 minutes. Our trusty steed awaited us, patiently ready to carry us on our grand adventure. We’ll be dropping off the car in Manuel Antonio later, as our journey takes us to Drake Bay. But hold your horses, we’ll get to that part soon enough. First, let’s talk about La Fortuna.

San Jose to La Fortuna– A scenic three-hour drive.

Along the way, we stumbled upon a quaint roadside restaurant called La choza de Doña Emilce that served up mouthwatering Costa Rican typical casada- pescado frito (fried fish). Delicioso!

After indulging our taste buds, we made our way to Los Lagos Hot Springs Resort—an absolute paradise. Imagine lush grounds adorned with natural thermal-fed pools, all with a picture-perfect view of the majestic Arenal Volcano. The sheer beauty of the place took our breath away, and the service was perfect!

Ok friends, it’s time to dive headfirst into the wild world of honeymoon adrenaline. What better way to kick off our honeymoon than with a heart-pounding combo of canyoning and white water rafting that left us buzzing for hours!

Alright, let’s get real for a sec. 

I’ve got a wild side that just can’t be tamed. But back in 2006, I had a run-in with a white water rafting trip on the Zambezi River in Africa facing off against some fierce class 4 & 5 rapids. Let me tell you, things took a turn for the dramatic. Our boat did a somersault after a wild 10-foot drop over a waterfall, and before I knew it, I was being dragged under the water and spinning in a whirlpool of chaos, held under the falls, staring at the light above me, praying I would get out alive.

Luckily, our kayaking superhero/lifeguard dude swooped in to save the day and yanked me out of what I thought would be my final moments on Earth. But here’s the kicker—I ended up experiencing the joys of “dry drowning,” a delightful medical emergency, but being that we were in the middle of an African canyon, with 10 more rapids standing between us and dry land, I had to get my ass back on the boat. I am pretty sure I blacked out the rest of the day.

After that fateful day, I swore off white water rafting for life. The mere thought of it sent shivers down my spine.

But hey, life is full of surprises, and here I am, ready to tackle those rapids once again. I did say I was an adrenaline junkie. Class 2 and 3 rapids? Pfft, we’ve got this!

Canyoning with Pure Trek in La Fortuna.

But before we hopped aboard the raft of destiny, we decided to up the ante with a little canyoning action. You know, rappelling down a staggering 90 feet into the thundering embrace of a waterfall, not once, but three times? NBD, right? 

Oh, and let’s not forget the “monkey drop” that followed—a jaw-dropping 88-foot free fall that had our hearts heart racing faster than a hummingbird on espresso. This is an expression folks. Please don’t fill your hummingbird feeder with expresso, we will not accept responsibility. #adrenalinetherapy

With those gravity defying adventures under our belts, it was time to face the white water rapids once again. 

I strapped on my life jacket with a newfound sense of confidence. Who knew a little waterfall rappelling and free-falling could be the perfect confidence boost. It was Honey’s first time white water rafting and I am sure I scared her to death with my stories, yet she was geared up and ready to go! Our guide Gerald was absolutely awesome. He assured us a fun and crazy ride and did not fall short of his promises.

Oh shit…here we go.

The rush of the water, the thrill of conquering each twist and turn—it was like riding a roller coaster on steroids. I faced my fears head-on and came out on top, grinning from ear to ear as we navigated those rapids like seasoned adventurers, even though Gerald tossed my ass in the river.

When life throws you a wild curveball, don’t back down. Embrace the adventure, reclaim your courage, and show those fears who’s boss. Who knows? You might just find that your wildest experiences become your most unforgettable memories. And as for us, we are ready for the next adrenaline-fueled escapade—I have fully convinced Honey that THIS is the proper way to “Honeymoon”.

The folks we booked with at Wave Expeditions and Pure Trek Canyoning went above and beyond. We let them know it was our honeymoon when we booked the evening before, and when we finished our day of adventures at a gorgeous local restaurant we were greeted with a private table with rose petals, Costa Rican chocolates, and a bottle of champagne! 

We have been blown away by the genuine kindness and hospitality in Costa Rica, but this was next level. As much as we would have delighted in imbibing alone…what’s the fun in that? We invited our new friends (I mean we did conquer the Balsa River together)  to join us in the festivities! It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!

Up next… Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…and Whatever You Do…Don’t Touch The Sloths.

Day 2: We ventured into the realm of awe-inspiring natural wonders, starting with none other than the magnificent La Fortuna waterfall in Costa Rica. This waterfall deserves its reputation as the crème de la crème of cascades!

A grueling hike down a whopping 536 steps (yes, what goes down must come up, and boy did those steps test our leg muscles). Honey actually pulled BOTH calf muscles the day before on the white water rafting trip and could barely walk, yet I forced her to attack the hike to the waterfall. I mean…it was epic and even though she was in excruciating pain, I am sure she loved it…right Honey?

We reached the pinnacle of breathtaking beauty. Behold, La Fortuna—a towering 230 ft waterfall gracefully plummeting into a crystal-clear pool, nestled amidst a tropical forest. It was a sight straight out of a dream and absolutely pristine. We were hot, sweaty, and ready for a dip in the chilly water sent from the heavens. The pounding water was soothing and the constant drum filled my heart with a sense of peace. Happiness coursed through our veins as we embraced each other and the sheer magnificence of this natural wonder.

But hold on tight, because our adventure didn’t end there! Our next mission? A sloth spotting extravaganza…because nothing screams adrenaline like a sloth.

Honey has had an eternal love affair with these slow-motion furballs, so a sloth-walking tour was an absolute must-do in La Fortuna. And let me tell you, our guide, Sergio, was a walking encyclopedia of sloth knowledge!

Honey was over the moon, and rightfully so. We were treated to sightings of several sloths, including one with an adorable baby. #cutenessoverload

Fun fact: Did you know that these creatures descend from their treetop homes only once a week to take a poop? Now, that’s some poop-tastic info!

This was no ordinary zoo or sanctuary experience. This was the real deal—a wild sloth encounter. In Costa Rica, it’s illegal to keep sloths in captivity, and getting touchy-feely with these furry wonders can land you behind bars. Yep, you heard that right—jail time for excessive sloth affection. So, we admired these marvelous creatures from a respectful distance, exchanging smiles and mutual appreciation for one another’s existence.

And there you have it, a whirlwind of waterfalls, plenty of sloths, and bucket-list adventures that left us craving for more. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our Costa Rican escapades, where the jungle’s secrets and pristine beaches await us. Until then, keep your sense of wonder alive and your eyes peeled for the unexpected wonders that await around every corner. Adventure on!

Monteverde, Costa Rica

“The crown jewel of cloud forests”

Ah, Costa Rican road trips, the stuff dreams are made of! Wind tousling our hair, delicious Maduritos & Yuquitas (plantain & cassava chips) aplenty, jaw-dropping scenery, and even some random cow crossings to keep us entertained for hours. Yep, it’s all part of the adventure as we embarked on the 82-mile journey from La Fortuna to Monteverde. This road less traveled will take you up and around the majestic Volcan and Lake Arenal, with over 150 hairpin twists and turns that’ll make your head spin. The drive took us about 3.5 hours…yes, to go 82 miles. The road is riddled with potholes, dirt, gravel, and even mud at times, but hey…it’s all about the journey, not the destination right?

What to expect along the drive…

As you conquer the mountains and cruise through rolling hills and fertile farmland, you’ll stumble upon cozy little towns bursting with vibrant culture. And hey, guess what? They’re not just filled with bakeries and restaurants (although, let’s be honest, that’s a huge plus), but they’re also home to a plethora of eco-friendly lodges that cater to all kinds of travelers, from the frugal penny-pinchers to the luxury-loving jet-setters. Costa Rica truly knows how to roll out the green carpet for its visitors, and we are loving it! We even spotted a sloth in a tree along the way!!! Hi dude, what’s hanging?

This place is like a walking advertisement for biodiversity and sustainable travel. In fact, Costa Rica is hailed as one of the world’s top destinations for eco-tourism, a responsible way of exploring the world that involves protecting the environment, embracing diversity, and giving local communities and small businesses a well-deserved boost. Hats off to Costa Rica for setting the bar so high! Seriously, the rest of the world needs to take notes and follow suit. We’re not just inspired by the natural beauty of this enchanting place but also by the kick-ass locals who call it home. These Costa Ricans are not just friendly, accepting, kind, and hospitable; they’re also hilarious! They’ve got jokes and we are here for it!

To continue the adrenaline-fueled honeymoon pattern we opted for ziplining “Superman & Wonderwoman style” on the longest and scariest zip lines in Latin America. The tour at 100% Aventura Park included 11 Ziplines, and one was over a mile long, soaring over the cloud forest at 536 feet! This was no joke, and was super terrifying but SUPER fun! There was an option to do a “ Mega Tarzan Swing” (which is basically bungee jumping with a swing at the end) but we both opted out due to, um, hehem… well, umm, let’s just say we didn’t want to get whiplash or destroy or backs.

It certainly had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with being positively scared shitless to do it. I mean, we 100% DID NOT get strapped in for it, walk over the hanging bridge, and all the way out to the ledge, and have them open the gate. Honey did not look at the tiny rope she was supposed to hold on to and “jump” over the 147 ft cliff, AND we ABSOLUTELY did NOT run away screaming and crying like babies.

That wasn’t us, nope no way.

The blood-curdling screams we were hearing from others doing the Tarzan Swing reminded us of a Saw horror movie, you know, the ones where people are getting chopped up by chainsaws and such, all their own doing? We decided to pass on this one, cuz, you know, our backs and stuff.

Adrenaline overload…time to chill

Needless to say, the ziplines left us feeling both exhilarated and completely drained. Alas,  it was time to retreat to our little slice of paradise at The Rainbow Valley Lodge. The view from our private dwelling was out-of-this-world surreal. I’m not even sure if words can do justice to the sheer breathtaking beauty that unfolded before our eyes. Our two-story suite was like something out of a fairytale, complete with a jacuzzi that offered epic views, swings for cloud forest gazing, and a private balcony that extended over the valley like a magical viewing platform. It was so amazing we weren’t even upset that we didn’t have hot (or even warm) water.

Who cares about hot water when you have an ice-cold shower to match the “thrilling” nature of our honeymoon adventure? Besides, hot tubs with hot water are so last season. We were right on trend with our invigorating cold tub experience. At least, that’s what we told ourselves to justify the chilly situation. Brrrrrrrr.

Jardín de mariposas & hanging bridges

Now, no trip to Monteverde would be complete without a stroll along the famous hanging bridges, a hike in the cloud forest, and a visit to the enchanting butterfly gardens. Just imagine yourself suspended over 80 feet above the ground, crossing those swaying bridges amidst the misty cloud forest. We chose the spectacular Selvatura Park to experience the hanging bridges. It did not disappoint!

Monteverde has been deemed “one of the most beautiful places on Earth”, and sits on the continental divide. One of the (many) main draws of hiking the cloud forest is that if you take the grueling hike to the viewpoint called “La Ventana” (the window), you are awarded views that span from the Pacific Ocean and also to the Caribean side of the country. Incredible!

Monteverde is also a haven for nature lovers, boasting over 2500 species of plants, 425 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, 60 species of amphibians, and 101 species of reptiles, according to our guide. And if that’s not enough to make your heart flutter, get this: a mind-boggling 658 species of butterflies and 100 species of dragonflies and damselflies call this magnificent place home.

We spent some time with a fascinating guide at the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, This kid kept us engaged and intrigued for HOURS with his wealth of knowledge of insects, amphibians, plants, and of course, butterflies! We learned SO much. We were able to view hundreds of butterflies, insects, and a HUGE tarantula named Fred.

Fun fact: Scorpions will eat their babies if they are not able to climb on their backs.

So, friends, there you have it. Our Monteverde experience. Of course, like any other place, there were literally hundreds of other things we could have done, but this was our journey and we loved it. Up next…Manuel Antonio. ¡Vamos a la playa!

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio- where nature meets legend and beauty intertwines with a touch of mystery. 

Before we dive into the wonders of this Costa Rican gem, let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of local guides. These guardians of knowledge have been our faithful companions throughout our Costa Rican escapades, ensuring that we not only witness the abundant wildlife but also immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of flora, fauna, and cultural traditions. And Manuel Antonio was no exception.

Everyone loves a good tale, well at least we do! Manuel Antonio has a few local legends in regard to how it received its name. 

The first legend… Imagine this: A Spanish Conquistador meets his untimely demise at the hands of native tribes. He is killed and buried deep beneath the beach. His name, of course, was Manuel Antonio.

But hold on, there’s another yarn that the locals spin. It revolves around a mysterious hermit named Manuel Antonio, who dwelled in the jungle for years, completely alone. As the legend goes, this dude lent his name to the park we now wander through. And if that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, rumor has it that buried treasure and gold lay hidden within the park’s depths. The locals passionately believe in these hidden riches, and some even claim that the abundance of precious metals underground causes interference with cellular and satellite signals. Buried treasures and conquistadors – in!

Fast forward to 1972, when Manuel Antonio officially became a national park. There was a Frenchman who had purchased the public land, hoping to transform it into his private paradise. But the spirited locals weren’t having any of it. They destroyed the fences the Frenchman tried to erect time and time again until they triumphantly reclaimed the area for themselves. They crafted a declaration that would forever preserve this natural wonder as a public, protected space. It was a victory for the people and a triumph for conservation.

However…the downside to Manuel Antonio’s fame is the overwhelming influx of tourists. Can you blame them, though? This place is an absolute marvel. We made new friends, saw two types of sloths, tons of amphibians and reptiles (Jesus Christ lizards!), and plenty of monkeys to keep us entertained. I will admit, this tour felt a bit like the “Disneyland” of tours. Highly commercialized and has way too many people. We could hear our (super awesome) guide sigh and watch him roll his eyes as one of the other guides from a different company continuously made obviously rehearsed and extremely bad jokes all day long. For example: “Did you know that the Beatles wrote a song about the park? All you need is sloth…do do do do do do” or… “Do you know why I became a tour guide? So I can get up and close and personal with beautiful women all day every day”.

Sigh, gag…move on to the next sloth, please. 

Despite being the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it attracts a colossal number of visitors. To preserve the delicate balance of nature, strict rules dictate what you can bring into the park – absolutely no food or plastic bottles. According to our guide, a recent study revealed a shocking number of animals falling prey to diabetes caused by visitors feeding them copious amounts of fruit that is NOT part of their natural diet, leading to sickness and death.

He explained that the maximum number of tourists allowed into Manuel Antonio National Park used to be a mere 600 per day. But in recent years, that number skyrocketed to a staggering 3000 per day and this serious increase has taken a toll on the park’s wildlife. Stress has become their unwelcome companion, leading to a breakdown in immune function and, ultimately, death. Costa Rica may be at the forefront of eco-tourism, but it’s crucial that they find a balance and regulate the number of visitors.

I vividly recall visiting Manuel Antonio two decades ago, where the park brimmed with wildlife and a handful of charming restaurants dotted the landscape. Now, the scene has transformed into a bustling hub of hundreds of establishments. Beauty and charm remain, but that sleepy, dreamy allure has waned, and so have the animals.

Nevertheless, our escapade in Manuel Antonio was still pretty rad, and much of the credit goes to the incredible folks at Mango Moon Villa.

Perched atop a cliff, this quirky and cozy hotel offers breathtaking vistas of the coastline below. Our taste buds were delighted by the breakfast spread of fresh fruits and a typical Costa Rican dish called pinto gallo. And oh, let’s not forget our bartender Jorge who conjured the best damn Piña Coladas on the planet, using fresh pineapple and coconut. It was a taste of paradise itself. And what else did we say Manuel Antonio is known for??? You guessed it! Legends! And the new owner of Mango Moon did not disappoint! 

She weaved a tale of parties, nudity, and copious drug use by the previous owner, who we will remain unnamed (but she was married to a lead singer in a VERY FAMOUS rock band), that almost led to the ruin of the hotel. She spoke of drug lords coming to the property demanding money from the previous owner, and the government wanted to shut the place down due to expired certifications and unpaid taxes. Sounds like a hot mess to me. The new owner saw it as an opportunity and took over the place in 2019…just before the pandemic. Funsies for her. Good thing she is resilient and a brilliant businesswoman. The place is thriving and unique, and the staff is warm and welcoming. She filled Mango Moon Villa with folks that understand her vision and embody the truest form of hospitality.

As soon as we arrived at Mango Moon after our 4 hour-wild drive from Monteverde, we knew we were in luck. The smiling face of the concierge Teejay alerted us to some of the magic we would be experiencing. Teejay urged us to “seize the day” and hop aboard the Ocean King, a sunset catamaran that was leaving in an hour.  We thought, why the heck not? And holy shit, that was THE BEST decision!

Of all my travels to over 65 countries and countless boat tours, this one took the grand prize. Imagine having a boat practically to yourselves, with only a handful of fellow explorers aboard a vessel built to accommodate 200 souls. For four glorious hours, we sailed into bliss, wind in our hair, dolphins playfully joining our aquatic procession, and a tantalizing cocktail in hand.

And to top it off, there was even a waterslide to add an extra splash of adventure. The sunset painted the sky with hues of pure magic while “I’m a Barbie Girl” blared through the speakers.  Nope, not a typo. For some reason, that song is quite popular here. No clue. It was a blast of epic proportions.

We have been going nonstop

and I promised my blushing bride we would take our last day in Manuel Antonio solely to relax. No activities whatsoever. Just chilling out.

Except, y’all know me by now.

By 10 am I was literally chomping at the bit to do something, anything BUT relax. Truth be told? Relax? It’s not even in my freaking vocabulary.

Sooo…as sweetly and softly as I could, I whispered the words to my wife” Hi, babe. You like waterfalls right?” She shot me a look that could only be classified as rageful. “Yes, Sam, BUT we are relaxing today”.

“Ok, no worries, I just kinda wanted to see this waterfall real quick. “

“Real quick?” she squeezes out a laugh.

” But I guess we already saw one. Even though this one is supposed to be the best in Costa Rica, and we have nothing else to do, BUT I get it, you want to relax”.

‘Let’s go”. She sighs, exasperated.

“Really? REALLY? Sweet! The car is already packed. Vamos a la cascada!”

Oh man… this was NOT a well-planned excursion. 90 degree heat and 90 percent humidity mix with mid-afternoon hikes like sloths and Beatles songs. Not well my friends. Not well at all.

5 miles round trip but the first 2.5 were straight uphill through muddy, rocky, and unsheltered terrain. Sun blaring down on us. I am not going to lie. I experienced a moment where I thought ” Honey is a cop, she knows how to murder someone and get away with it”. Because I am pretty sure she wanted to kill me. I mean… I wanted to kill me.

When we finally arrived atop the Nauyaca Falls, we had to descend back down very steep steps to get to the pools. It was worth every single moment of anger and frustration. The sight took our breath away. Three cascading falls flow into a larger fall and create an emerald pool of joy. The water helped regulate our skyrocketed temperature, and we were stunned by the energy and beauty of this very special place. This natural wonder is one of the most sought-after destinations in Costa Rica and we now understand why.

We didn’t want to leave. I mean, it was fantastic and all, but we really didn’t want to hike back out. At least we left refreshed and it was downhill most of the way.

Relaxing day? Me thinks not. Not sure if I will be receiving divorce papers in the mail when we get home. Kidding. We LOVED it.

Now, when we planned our visit to Costa Rica during the so-called “rainy” season, we braced ourselves for a deluge of rain. But fate has smiled upon us, for not a single drop has dampened our spirits during this 10-day escapade, except for a few nighttime showers and those occasional downpours while we were safely cocooned in our vehicle during our drives. Every day has felt like a dream come true. “We’ve been sent good weather”.

Fun fact: If you happen to journey to El Silencio de Quepos, a village just outside of Quepos, be prepared for a currency adventure. Colones or dollars? Not welcome here, my friends. The community has forged its own form of currency called Udis. Initially designed to protect farmers’ hard-earned money from robbers, this local currency has now woven its way into the fabric of everyday life. The Udis can only be used within the town, creating a vibrant local economy that keeps the money circulating within the village. And as a special treat, anyone wielding the Udis receives a glorious 10% discount at all the shops in town. Now, that’s what I call a unique currency exchange! We didn’t end up making it to the town but our guide shared this cool fun fact with us! Just passing it along-