Costa Rica

Pura Vida, Wildlife & Wallets: Our Wild (and Pricey) Adventure Through Costa Rica

If there’s one country that can make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a David Attenborough documentary and an overpriced Airbnb listing at the same time… it’s Costa Rica.

We'd heard it all before: “Don’t go, it’s too expensive!” “It’s not budget-family friendly!” “You’ll cry when you check your bank account!” But honestly, we just couldn’t resist. This little sliver of Central America is one of the wildlife epicentres of the world, and no amount of financial fear-mongering was going to stop us from experiencing the magic. (Spoiler: they were right about the costs—but more on that later!)

Welcome to Nature's Playground 🌿

From the moment we arrived, Costa Rica turned into a live-action nature show. Every corner of this lush, tropical wonderland was buzzing, chirping, slithering, or swinging through the trees.

We saw colourful toucans swooping through the canopy with beaks that looked like they’d been painted by a kid let loose in a crayon box. Sloths hung lazily in the trees like wise old sages, taking life verrrry slowly (seriously, spirit animals). Wild monkeys were everywhere – howler monkeys woke us up with their prehistoric roars, while capuchins cheekily eyed our snacks.

And then there were the crocodiles—oh yes. Lurking in rivers like prehistoric relics, they gave us chills and made us very glad to be on this side of the bridge.

In the rainforests and cloud forests, poison dart frogs dazzled us with their neon warning colours—so tiny, so beautiful, so… absolutely not to be touched. Meanwhile, under the sea, the marine life had us hooked. Snorkelling along the Pacific Coast, we found thriving reefs, rainbow-coloured fish, and underwater calm that felt like being in another world.

Fun Fact Time! 🐾🌎

• Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world's biodiversity, despite only making up 0.03% of Earth’s surface.

• There’s no standing army—Costa Rica abolished it in 1948. That’s right: more money for education and conservation.

• The national motto is “Pura Vida,” which translates to “pure life,” but really means everything from “hello” and “thanks” to “life is awesome!”

Pacific vs. Caribbean: The Showdown 🏝️

We spent time on both coasts, and the winner? The Pacific Coast, hands down. The beaches were golden, the sunsets were soul-stirring, and the vibe was pure chill. The beaches along the pacific Coastline felt like a dreamy postcard, and the snorkelling? Exceptional.

As for the Caribbean side—well, it wasn’t quite our jam. We stayed in Puerto Viejo around Easter (Santa Semana), and let’s just say the vibe was more “spring break rave” than “family beach trip.” Loud music all day and all night, beach parties, crowds—it just wasn’t the calm jungle retreat we were after. Also, the beaches were disappointing after being spoilt by the coastline at the opposite side of the country.

Often the beaches had shipwrecks…. cool to see!

But Let’s Talk About the Cost… 💸

Here’s the real talk: Costa Rica is not cheap. In fact, we’d go as far as to say it’s London-plus pricing. We’re talking £10 smoothies, £80 a night for basic family lodging, and tours that had us questioning if a bank loan was an option. 😅

We were warned. We ignored it. And yes, we overspent by so much it’s unbearable to even write the number (we’re laughing through the tears).

For a budget-travel family like us, Costa Rica was a bit of a shock to the wallet. It’s not that it isn’t worth it—because WOW, it really is—but it's something to seriously consider if you’re travelling on a budget. To put in perspective 12 eggs were £5.00, 6 litre Water £3.50, loaf of bread £3.50, pack of Doritos £4.50, sanitary products £11.50!!!

So... Would We Do It Again?

In a heartbeat.

Despite the budget stretch, Costa Rica gave us memories that are absolutely priceless. The wildlife, the raw nature, the wild jungle sounds at night, the peace of watching a sloth do its slo-mo climb—it’s a magical place that stays with you.

If you’ve got the budget, and you’re wild about wildlife, beach life, and the kind of travel that hits your soul, Costa Rica is a must. Just maybe give your bank account a heads-up first.

Pura vida! 🌴🐒🐸

Top Tips for Visiting Costa Rica 🇨🇷

1. Budget Bigger Than You Think 💸
Costa Rica is pricey. Think London-level costs. Plan ahead so the spending shock doesn’t ruin the fun.

2. Rent a 4x4 🚗
Many roads are rough or unpaved. A 4WD gives you freedom and access to the best spots.

3. Pack for All Weather 🌦️
Rainforests, beaches, and mountains = unpredictable weather. Bring light layers, a rain jacket, and good shoes.

4. Take It Slow 🐢
Don’t try to see it all. Choose a few regions and enjoy them fully—Costa Rica is made for slow travel.

5. Respect Wildlife 🐒
Keep your distance, don’t feed animals, and choose eco-friendly tours. Nature comes first here.

6. Pacific > Caribbean (for Families) 🌊
The Pacific Coast had better beaches, chill vibes, and great snorkelling. The Caribbean was too party-heavy, especially around Easter.

7. Eat at Sodas 🍛
Local restaurants (sodas) offer tasty meals at a fraction of tourist prices. Try the casado!

8. Go Early for Wildlife 🐾
Morning and dusk are prime time to see animals—especially monkeys, sloths, and frogs.

9. Avoid Major Holidays 🥁
Semana Santa (Easter) = crowds, noise, and sky-high prices. Plan around it if possible.

10. Unplug & Enjoy 📵
Wi-Fi is patchy in places—embrace it! Costa Rica is better lived than posted.