Travel Review: Luxury Costa Rica Vacation, Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde

It is impossible to choose a favorite moment or experience from this trip.

I particularly enjoyed the hot springs in Arenal and the hanging bridges in the cloud forest of Monte Verde.  We happened to be at Monte Verde during a late wet season storm which really emphasized the cloud aspect .  And emphasized the microclimates, as the wind and rain created  surprisngly chilling weather.  It was astonishing how different the climate was a few short hours away at Manuel Antonio. 

The hanging bridges themselves were beautiful -- we did them both in Arenal and Monte Verde.  From above it is easier to appreciate the full lushness of the jungle.  Every centimeter is green, with vines and bromelaids growing atop the trees.  In the canopy we came face to face with a troop of howler monkeys!  The swaying bridges across deep chasms were also enough of an adrenaline charge for me.

The hotel in Arenal was gorgeous, with its private cabins in jungle gardens.  And everywhere through the complex were spectacular views of the volcano.  The hotel in Manuel Antonio had spectacular 360 degree views of the Pacific ocean, cliffs and beaches.  It also had the cleanest hallways I have ever seen--marble so polished I had to reach for my sunglasses.