Adventure Awaits - A Guide to Finding Pura Vida in Costa Rica

• Guanacaste: Charter a boat or do a small group half-day snorkel trip. It’s a great way to spend time on the water.

• Hanging Bridges Tour, where you can explore the rainforest canopy from suspended walkways. Going with a naturalist guide makes all the difference. They will help you spot wildlife you’d likely miss on your own, and will capture what you see through the binoculars with your iPhone camera.

• After a long day of adventure, take your pick of plunges in the area’s natural Hot Springs, heated by Arenal Volcano’s geothermal energy. Options range from rustic jungle pools to luxurious thermal resorts.

• A short hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall reveals a stunning 200-foot cascade where you can swim at the base. It’s a rewarding experience and one of the region’s most iconic sights.

• If you’re up for a day trip, drive about 1.5 to 2 hours to Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The river’s surreal turquoise hue, caused by volcanic minerals, is like nothing you’ve ever seen. You’ll pass pineapple farms along the way. Pro tip: arrive when the park opens to enjoy the views before the crowds (and before rain clouds, the water).

• For thrill-seekers: White water rafting is exceptional. The Balsa River offers Class II-III rapids — perfect for families or first-timers. The Sarapiquí River offers Class III-IV runs for a more intense, adrenaline-packed adventure. Both deliver spectacular jungle views and are a ton of fun.

One word: Casado. This classic Costa Rican dish — made with rice, black beans, plantains, salad, tortillas and your choice of protein — is a must-try everywhere you go. Each version is a little different and always delicious.

Costa Rica’s produce is outstanding — fresh, flavorful and abundant. Eat pineapple every chance you get! The country supplies over 80% of the pineapples found in grocery stores across the United States and Europe, making it one of the most important pineapple producers in the world.

In Arenal, head to Lava Rocks Café and get back to me to let me know if you agree with my son’s assessment that they make the best chicken wings in the world. Restaurante Tiquicia is a family-run spot that serves up excellent casados and homemade coconut ice cream. El Chante Verde offers fresh food with a great ambiance, and caters to vegans and carnivores alike, and Tierra Mia delivers traditional Costa Rican food with a twist and great cocktails. If you are staying at Nayara Tented Camp, you can’t go wrong with any of your restaurant selections. They are all perfection.

In Guanacaste, sit down for farm-to-table dining at Cala Luna Origen Restaurante in Tamarindo inside the Cala Luna hotel. Try tapas and cocktails at the lively Anejo at the Four Seasons. Or delight in the beautiful backdrop of Ostra, where you can enjoy a creatively envisioned South Asian dinner at the Andaz.