It’s Okay To Be a Sloth: Traveling to Costa Rica With Invisible Illness

The challenge: The “hot, wet, and bumpy” reality

For those of us coming from North America, Costa Rica offers two primary hurdles.

The roads: Costa Rica has opted to preserve nature rather than expedite transit. Without major highways, the roads are, quite frankly, horrid. For a “temperamental” body, the constant bumps can cause joint pounding and jars to equilibrium.

The weather: There are two temperatures in the rainy season: hot and humid or hotter and wet. Managing UV exposure, core temperature, and limb swelling was a full-time job.

The solution: A global proverb strategy

Monkey at hotel. Sometimes there is no need to go on a tour to see the wildlife.

Preparation

“Expect the best, prepare for the worst.” — Hindu Proverb

Logistics: If the budget allows, choose Premium Economy or Business Class. In Costa Rica, “short hops” by small plane or helicopter are game-changers.

The ice and fan hacks: I packed flexible reusable ice packs and rotated them into my shirt to keep my core temp down. I clipped a small USB-charged fan to my shirt to circulate air and manage my core temp on the go.

Calculated variables: Near the beach, The Westin Conchal and The W share a helipad, and The Springs has its own near Arenal. The Westin also features an on-site medical clinic. Knowing where the clinics are (like in Las Catalinas, where you can stay in villas or the Hotel Santarena) is vital data for the resilient traveler.

Pool near my room versus a trek on a shuttle.

Reasonable expectations

“It is better to bend than break.” — Irish Proverb

Itinerary pacing: Build in “buffer time.” While a resort pool is lovely, a private balcony plunge pool can be a medical necessity to avoid one less trek in the heat. At the Waldorf Cacique, having a tub overlooking the water saved me from “borrowing energy from tomorrow.”

Fabulous over elite: At Paradise Hot Springs, having hot springs steps from my door was worth its weight in gold. I enjoyed it thoroughly! Similarly, at the same hotel, I opted for room service in a highly air-conditioned room, rather than the meal in their lovely Tico outdoor dining area. Tabacon, on the other hand—while they arguably have the best hot springs in the region—also has a hot spring pool nearer to the rooms. I opted to utilize the pool during my stay rather than take a shuttle in the heat. Both locations revitalized my body for the next day.

The shorter path: At the Místico Hanging Bridges, there is no shame in taking the short route. There are three distances to choose from. Seeing some of the beauty is always better than breaking your body to see all of it. And know: monkeys and sloths might show up at your hotel, too!

I'd choose this intimate hot spring-fed infinity pool with Arenal view any day!

Support

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb

I was blessed to travel with a group of colleagues who understood that compassion is the “secret sauce” of travel. Whether it was carrying a water bottle or waiting for “this sloth” to catch up in the shade, their support made an unreasonable journey doable.

The insider advantage

Online portals make travel easy to purchase, but they don’t make it easy to execute—especially for those with complex needs. My mission is to bring this insider perspective to my clients for not only Costa Rica—but for opportunities wherever you want to go.

I want to remind you that even if you don’t feel “super” every day, you absolutely deserve to see the world at your own pace. In my book, asking for help isn’t complaining—it’s being resourceful. Backed by Fora’s vetted global resources, I help the chronically resilient find their way through a world that isn’t always tidy, ensuring the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.

Let’s get you prepared with flexible support and hire me to start planning your next journey.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.