Exploring La Fortuna: A Costa Rican Adventure with Friends

Our family recently hosted the Reeves, our dear friends from back home, for a memorable vacation in Costa Rica. Ben, John's lifelong amigo, and his wife, Kerri, along with their three boys, joined us for a ten-day adventure that showcased the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Our journey began with a relaxed New Year's Eve celebration at our friends' house, as we preferred an early start to the festivities. The following day, we introduced the Reeves to Playa Ocotal, a favorite beach known for its unique rock formations and excellent snorkeling spots. Concluding with a delicious dinner at Father Roosters (awesome beach bar/restaurant).

Our next destination was La Fortuna, a picturesque town renowned for its stunning views of Arenal, Costa Rica's largest volcano. Our accommodations at Hotel Kokoro, a cozy family-owned hotel, provided the perfect blend of privacy and togetherness, with each family enjoying their own cabin while being close enough to share drinks and conversations on our porches. The hotel's natural hot spring pools and serene atmosphere made our stay truly relaxing, and we were even treated to a special sighting of a baby sloth and its mother in a nearby tree.

During our time in La Fortuna, we embarked on two memorable excursions. Our visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall was a breathtaking experience, with its powerful cascades and the refreshing pool below. The hike down to the falls involved over 500 steps, but the awe-inspiring sight made it well worth the effort. We also enjoyed a day at the Bali Hot Springs, a luxurious resort with relaxing pools and exhilarating water slides that provided fun for both kids and adults.

Before leaving La Fortuna, we explored the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, where we marveled at the stunning views and unique wildlife. While we opted for a self-guided tour due to our tiredness from previous activities, we would recommend hiring a guide for a more immersive experience, especially for those interested in learning about the local flora and fauna.

We concluded our trip with a sunset cruise aboard the Happy Coco Catamaran, a favorite of ours, operated by Exclusive Costa Rica Tours. After the cruise, we bid farewell to our friends with a memorable dinner at the luxurious Bosque Del Mar Hotel in Playa Hermosa.

Our time in La Fortuna was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality time with friends, making it a trip we will cherish forever. Costa Rica truly showcased its natural beauty and warmth, leaving us with unforgettable memories and a desire to return soon.