The Bird’s Word Blog

I recently returned from a solo trip to Costa Rica with Journeys International, joining several group activities along the way. The timing couldn’t have been better – after navigating some significant transitions in my personal life, I stepped into Costa Rica with an open heart and mind, ready for a renewed sense of wonder and adventure. Every experience, from kayaking through rainforest canals to rafting downriver, felt like an invitation to reconnect with myself and the world around me.

As a mom, partner, sister, and friend, I couldn’t help but imagine how much my community would enjoy this place too. Costa Rica is dynamic, welcoming, and perfectly suited for travelers of all backgrounds.

4 Reasons I Think Costa Rica is Fantastic for Travelers of All Ages

Throughout my travels, it stood out that Costa Rica offers experiences that resonate across generations and travel styles. Young kids can marvel at monkeys swinging through the trees, a couple may find tranquility in natural hot springs, and parents can share the thrill of ziplining through lush forests with their teens. It doesn’t really matter if you’re traveling solo (like I was), with family, or in a group, Costa Rica has a way of bringing people together. Through exploration, human connection, and its signature Pura Vida (literally, “pure life”) spirit, this country encourages people of all ages to appreciate the little things, savor the moment, and live life to the fullest. I noticed four things that particularly facilitated the broad appeal.

1. Diverse Experiences for Exploring Nature – Responsibly

Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s species, making it a paradise for eco-conscious travelers. With over 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves, the country offers countless opportunities to explore responsibly. Its varied landscapes—rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, mangroves, and beaches—are alive with opportunities to connect with nature.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting and kayaking through Tortuguero National Park. Known to some as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero’s winding canals are alive with wildlife. On another excursion, I watched from a longboat as monkeys and sloths lounged in the trees, then saw crocodiles glide just beneath the surface. The stillness of the water, paired with the sounds of the rainforest, made it a calming and refreshing experience, sparking the mindful reflection that I often need as a busy mom.

For a faster-paced adventure later in the trip, I joined a group for whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River. The rapids were invigorating, but there were also quiet moments to take in the lush surroundings. Kingfishers darted across the water and iguanas basked along the banks. Halfway through the trip, we snacked on sliced pineapple and papaya while lounging in the river shallows. Sharing this experience with others reminded me how travel can bring people together in ways that feel both fun and meaningful.

Beyond these experiences, Costa Rica offers incredible biodiversity in places like Monteverde’s cloud forest, where you might spot a resplendent quetzal, and Arenal Volcano National Park, perfect for hiking among lava fields and vibrant wildlife. Costa Rica’s commitment to preserving its natural wonders means travelers of all ages can enjoy these spaces for generations to come.

2. The Warm & Inviting Cultural Experiences

Costa Rica’s Pura Vida philosophy—rooted in gratitude, simplicity, and joy—is woven into every interaction. Ticos (as Costa Ricans are called) are welcoming, eager to share their traditions, and always ready to make visitors feel at home. One of my favorite moments was learning to make patacones with a local family. Cooking in their kitchen and listening to their stories gave me a sense of their connection to the land and their pride in their heritage. I felt like I was sharing a part of their lives.

Cultural immersion activities in Costa Rica go far beyond the kitchen. Many travelers love exploring the country’s long history with cacao in chocolate-making workshops at rainforest plantations. Farmers teach about ancient traditions alongside modern methods of crafting the rich treat. Similarly, coffee farm tours offer a glimpse into one of Costa Rica’s most beloved exports, highlighting the meticulous care and passion that farmers pour into every bean.

Artisan traditions are another piece of Costa Rican culture that may speak to the crafters in your travel group. Visitors can try their hand at crafting or painting, learning techniques passed down through generations—such as the intricate, hand-painted ox carts that have become a national symbol. For those seeking a different kind of cultural immersion, visits to local schools or opportunities to share meals in family homes offer an intimate window into daily life. Locals are eager to share their lives in a way that’s engaging, educational, and welcoming for travelers of all ages.

3. Ease in Travel: Infrastructure & Accommodations

Costa Rica’s infrastructure makes it easy to explore a variety of regions without long travel days. Within a single trip, it can be feasible to kayak through Tortuguero’s canals, hike near Arenal Volcano, and zipline in Monteverde. Domestic flights and well-connected roads mean even remote destinations are accessible. Those who visited Costa Rica in the past may be surprised to see how well-paved most roads are now.

Accommodations are varied, though, ranging from eco-lodges surrounded by wildlife to boutique hotels to large resorts (which Journeys eschews). Many lodges prioritize sustainability, with locally sourced meals and renewable energy. Families will appreciate lodges that balance adventure with comfort, while couples and solo travelers can opt for more secluded retreats if they prefer.

In my case, having Journeys handle the planning and logistics allowed me to fully focus on the experience. With local guides, trusted accommodations, and transportation included, I could simply enjoy my adventure without stressing over those important details.

4. Adventure Options for Every Kind of Explorer (and Activity Level)

Costa Rica offers a wide range of adventures to match different energy levels and interests. Horseback riding through Hacienda Pozo Azul provides a gently adventurous way to connect with the landscape, while ziplining in Monteverde or Arenal delivers a high-adrenaline thrill. The most athletic explorers can hike stunning trails like those on Barva Volcano or in Corcovado National Park.

Families especially will love hands-on activities like butterfly tours, surf lessons, or a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary. My kids also would have loved the nighttime rainforest walk, which showed an entirely different side of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. These nighttime adventures can open visitors’ eyes to unseen wildlife, revealing red-eyed tree frogs, sloths curled into branches, and the nocturnal habits of Costa Rica’s evening creatures.

For those looking to unwind, the natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano are a perfect way to relax while surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. And, if you choose the right ones, they can be surprisingly family friendly, with cooler pools as well as warmer ones. With so many options, Costa Rica makes it easy to craft an adventure that suits everyone in your group.

Discover Costa Rica for Yourself

Traveling through Costa Rica gave me the chance to experience its beauty, energy, and warmth first hand. From kayaking in wildlife-rich canals to connecting with local families through culinary traditions, every experience felt thoughtful and personal.

As someone who travels often for work and with family, I couldn’t help but recognize Costa Rica as a destination that truly has something for everyone in your travel party. Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, traveling with kids or teens, or creating memories with multigenerational loved ones, Costa Rica offers opportunities to connect, explore, and embrace Pura Vida.

If you’re searching for inclusive, stress-free adventure like mine, Journeys International offers customizable itineraries to help you plan an adventure tailored to your needs. If Costa Rica sounds like the right destination for your next journey, I encourage you to explore our itineraries and connect with our team to start planning for every member of your travel party, whether age 7 or 77.