Marcy's Costa Rica Family Adventure: Sloths, Volcanoes, and Joy

Sometimes the best trips begin with a deal too good to pass up. When I spotted direct WestJet flights from Calgary to Liberia, Costa Rica for just $500 per person, I knew this was my chance. Costa Rica had been calling to me for years, and my family was ready for an adventure. I booked those seats, pulled out my planning tools, and built a customized itinerary that would let us experience the jungle, the wildlife, and the volcanic landscapes I'd been dreaming about.

As a travel advisor, I needed to see this destination for myself. I wanted to understand the roads, the logistics, the timing. I wanted to know which resorts actually delivered on their promises and which experiences were worth the investment. My boys were eager for adventure, and I was determined to give them something unforgettable while building the kind of firsthand knowledge that makes me better at my job.

Into the Jungle

La Fortuna exceeded every expectation. The wildlife alone made the trip worthwhile. Each day as we drove through the area, we'd spot the same sloth hanging lazily on the roadside, and my boys would press their faces to the windows, watching him munch on leaves. Toucans with their impossibly bright beaks, hummingbirds darting between flowers, parrots calling from the canopy, and monkeys swinging through the trees. One afternoon we stopped for lunch at a beachside restaurant and a troop of monkeys descended, entertaining us for the entire meal. You simply cannot plan moments like that.

We stayed at Los Lagos Resort, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for families. The property sits with stunning views of Arenal Volcano, and the grounds include nature walks, multiple pools fed by hot springs at different temperatures, and breakfast included with your stay. The rooms were massive, featuring two king beds with pull-out beds tucked beneath them. For families traveling with kids who need space (and parents who need their own beds), this layout is genius.

Here's something that surprised me: the bugs. Or rather, the lack of them. We traveled at the beginning of the rainy season, and I had packed bug spray for days. But the insects were barely noticeable. The weather surprised me too. May is technically rainy season, but when it did rain, it was brief. The real gift of visiting during this time? Almost no crowds. We booked activities last minute, kept our schedule flexible, and never felt rushed or packed in with tour groups.

Insider Tips I'll Share Forever

The rope swing in La Fortuna is free and wildly popular. My boys spent two entire afternoons there, swinging, people watching, and spotting monkeys in the surrounding trees. If you want to avoid the crowds (and the parking fee), arrive after 4pm. It's a completely different experience without the daytime chaos.

We also took a chocolate tour with Don Jorge, a local company that teaches you about sugarcane and coffee alongside the cacao. There's a cenote on the property, and we made our own chocolates by the end. For families, it's engaging and delicious. One more tip: bring both US dollars and Costa Rican colones. Vendors accept both, and depending on their exchange rates, one currency might stretch further than the other. Having cash in both saved us money throughout the trip.

Who This Trip Is For

Costa Rica's jungle region is built for adventurous souls. My boys did a whitewater rafting tour while I tried canyoning, and we all came home with stories. If you love wildlife, if you want to wake up to volcano views and spend your days spotting monkeys and toucans, this is your place. But if you're seeking a quiet beach holiday with loungers and cocktails, La Fortuna isn't the right fit. The beaches are elsewhere, and the jungle calls for a different kind of energy.

Now that I've driven those roads myself (narrow, yes, but manageable in daylight), stayed at resorts that truly work for families, and discovered the magic of shoulder season travel, I know exactly how to craft this experience for my clients. I can tell them which tours are worth the splurge and which wildlife you'll see just walking around. I understand the rhythm of this place now. And honestly? I cannot wait to send families there and hear their stories when they return.