Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary
© Your Little Black Book - Monteverde
4 December 2024
July 23, 2025

Costa Rica itinerary in 18 days: 5 must-see destinations including all addresses and travel tips

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful destinations for anyone who loves nature. Here, you can create a beautiful and incredibly diverse itinerary that offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. From stunning hikes to wildlife encounters and luxurious hotels, we found Costa Rica to be a wonderful and safe destination for a road trip in your own car. Tip: book your rental car and accommodations early to get the best prices, as Costa Rica is a popular destination – especially during peak season.

© Your Little Black Book – Santa Teresa Beach

Costa Rica Itinerary: 18 Days

Based on my own trip to Costa Rica, what itinerary can I recommend to experience all the diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna? I've mapped it out for you in 17 nights and 18 days, just like we did on our world trip! Depending on how many days you want to plan, you can add days at the beach, spend a night in Tamarindo, or add a day at your destination where you want to take a full-day excursion.

When you arrive in Costa Rica and depart, plan to spend an overnight stay in San José. This gives you time to acclimatize, pick up your rental car, and ensure you don't miss your flight home.

  • San José – 1 night
  • Puerto Viejo – 3 nights
  • Tortuguero – 3 nights
  • Arenal / La Fortuna – 3 nights
  • Monteverde – 3 nights
  • Santa Teresa – 3 nights
  • San José – 1 night

Make sure you book your accommodations in Tortuguero well in advance, so you can follow the itinerary as described above. We had to book Tortuguero at the end of our trip because we were just a little too late.

| TIP: Keep in mind that in the more remote parts of Costa Rica, there are many unpaved roads. Therefore, rent a good 4x4 vehicle and keep in mind that distance doesn't always indicate the travel time. Also, double-check that the navigation system only directs you along easily accessible (main) roads and not straight through a valley, even if that route seems shorter at first. I can tell you: I speak from experience ;-)!

Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Cahuita National Park

Puerto Viejo // Costa Rica itinerary

Puerto Viejo is a gem on the Caribbean coast, with a relaxed vibe and tropical beaches. As you explore more of Costa Rica, you'll discover it's a unique destination that showcases the country's diversity. In Puerto Viejo, you'll find everything! It's the perfect place to start your tour in a relaxed way. The combination of beach and rainforest, great restaurants, and Caribbean vibes will instantly put you in vacation mode!

Here you stay in Puerto Viejo:

  • Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel: This bohemian-chic hotel has a beautiful pool, a delicious restaurant, and wonderfully luxurious suites. The beachfront location near Playa Cocles is also perfect!
  • Aguas Claras Hotel: Do you, like me, love hotels with beautiful interiors? Then this luxurious eco-boutique hotel is perfect for you, with a lovely pool and a great restaurant. You'll stay in beautiful and colorful bungalows, and some rooms have a private veranda where you can relax. The beach is just a short walk from the hotel.
  • Terrazas del Caribe Hotel: We stayed here during our world trip, and it's a great choice for families. The apartments are spacious, have their own kitchens, and a large sitting area. Perfect for making your own breakfast or cooking for the kids. The hotel also has a lovely pool and a restaurant, but the best part is its location in the middle of the jungle. From our terrace, we could see macaws and toucans flying overhead!
Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Terrazas del Caribe Hotel

Things to do and see in Puerto Viejo:

We found Puerto Viejo to be the perfect destination to begin our Costa Rica tour. There's so much to see and do, but it's also a great place to relax and adjust to the time difference. Beaches, nature, wildlife… it's beautiful!

Cahuita National Park

I thought this was one of the most beautiful national parks. The jungle that extends all the way to the beach is truly remarkable. You can take several lovely walks, and there's a good chance you'll encounter curious raccoons. If the weather is good, you can also snorkel here, so be sure to bring your swimwear!

Jaguar Rescue Center

If you're traveling with kids, a visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center is a must. Rescued animals like sloths, monkeys, and toucans are cared for here. The center is only accessible via guided tours, and it's best to book tickets online in advance. Good to know: there are no jaguars at the center, as the name might suggest.

Caribbean Chocolate Tour

Costa Rica makes excellent chocolate! Want to learn more and take a lovely walk through the jungle? Then take the tour of the chocolate farm run by Caribbeans Chocolate & Coffee. We saw so many animals along the way, making the hike up the hill well worth it. During this tour, you'll learn all about the process from cacao bean to chocolate. And of course, you'll get to taste it too!

Cycling tour along beaches

Most hotels offer bike rentals to explore the coastline around Puerto Viejo. Unfortunately, we had too much rain to do that, but I had already planned the route, so we drove. From Playa Cocles, for example, you can cycle all the way to Playa Punta Uva. Along the way, you can stop for a swim, enjoy a delicious lunch, and make sure you're back before dark.

Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Puerto Viejo & surroundings

Tips for restaurants in Puerto Viejo:

In Puerto Viejo, most restaurants are located in the town or along the coast. You can find dishes from all corners of the world. Here are my favorites:

KOKi Beach

A trendy restaurant in town with a tropical atmosphere, where you'll find dishes like fresh ceviche and creative cocktails. This is the spot for delicious food and beautiful sunsets!

Bread and Chocolate

You'll want to remember this spot for breakfast or lunch. They serve the best chocolate pancakes and freshly baked bread. It's also perfect if you're craving good coffee.

Tasty Waves Cantina

Craving tacos? Then you can't miss this surf spot. On weekends, there's often live music, creating a lively atmosphere. This relaxed spot is also perfect for a drink and some snacks.

Le Cameleon Beach Club

This beach club looks nice, but still has a laid-back atmosphere. It's a great spot (though a bit pricier) to go if you're in the mood for something different than a local eatery. The menu features freshly caught fish, tropical cocktails, and international dishes. It offers a lovely view of Playa Cocles, perfect for lunch, dinner, or just a sundowner on one of the beanbag chairs.

Spicy Coconut

This creative restaurant is one of the best hotspots along the coast. They have a concept store and offer delicious food. Everything is homemade, and you can taste it! Local ingredients blend with international dishes. Delicious and not to be missed!

Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Spicy Coconut

Tortuguero // Costa Rica itinerary

Tortuguero National Park is a fascinating maze of canals, lagoons, and tropical rainforest on the Caribbean coast. A paradise for nature and bird lovers. We saw so many beautiful things there! From turtle spotting to serene kayak trips through the canals. This Costa Rican destination is only accessible by boat, and most lodges have their own boats that you can book for transfers. You can leave your car at the parking lot where the boats depart. You can also visit Tortuguero in two nights, but we appreciated an extra night to have a day without excursions and to enjoy the beauty of this place.

Here you will stay in Tortuguero:

  • Mawamba Lodge: This is the lodge where we stayed during our trip. Enjoy a peaceful setting with canal views, a swimming pool for relaxing, and several restaurants. What I particularly liked about this lodge is that you can walk to the village along the beach.
  • Manatus: This jungle hideaway offers spacious rooms with air conditioning (a rarity in Tortuguero!), a swimming pool, and a good restaurant. Like almost all other hotels in Tortuguero, you can book excursions directly through the hotel.
  • Tortuga Lodge & Gardens: This is one of the more luxurious options in Tortuguero. Want to wake up to the sound of the river and the birdsong? Then Tortuga Lodge & Gardens is the perfect place for you. What else can you expect? A beautiful infinity pool overlooking the jungle, stylish rooms, and a restaurant serving both local and international dishes.

© Your Little Black Book – relax in Tortuguero

 

Things to do and see in Tortuguero:

Because the park is only accessible by boat, you should plan on a considerable amount of travel time. Trust me: it's absolutely worth it! On your arrival day, I recommend relaxing by the pool, taking a stroll on the beach, and exploring the hotel. Perhaps there's an evening jungle walk? Or maybe you can just squeeze in a late afternoon boat trip? Book all your excursions as soon as you arrive at the lodge, as they often fill up quickly.

Kayak tour or boat safari through the canals

Early in the morning, nature is at its most beautiful. Paddle through the tranquil canals and spot monkeys, toucans, caimans, and more. You can book an organized kayak tour, but most hotels have their own kayaks. Prefer not to kayak yourself? You can also take a boat safari in the morning and afternoon. Or both, as I did and highly recommend.

Visit the village of Tortuguero

Although this village is tiny and there's not much to do, I think it's worth spending a few hours there if you're in Tortuguero National Park. Here you'll see a glimpse of the daily life of the friendly locals. Expect colorful houses, Caribbean vibes, street art, and plenty of waterfront restaurants. This is also the place to shop for handmade souvenirs and support local businesses.

Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitors Center

Learn more about the importance of turtle conservation and the efforts being made here. It's a small center, but worth a visit outside of turtle season. You can also adopt a turtle and support the conservation efforts. Good to know: there are no live turtles here.

Night walk

End your day in Tortuguero with an exciting jungle walk at night. Discover the rainforest's nightlife and listen to the unique sounds of nature. Most hotels organize evening walks like this. We didn't do this ourselves, as we've done it in several other locations. There are also often morning birdwatching walks, which are also very enjoyable!

Turtle spotting (July to October)

If you travel during the season, this is an unforgettable experience. Take a guided walk to the beach and watch the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Tortuguero

Tips for restaurants in Tortuguero:

Most hotels offer half-board options, and dinner is included because they're quite remote. That's why it's nice to visit the village during the day and experience a bit of the Caribbean vibe. Which restaurants in Tortuguero are good for a bite to eat?

El Patio

With a beautiful view over the canals, you can enjoy fresh fish dishes and other dishes here, and soak up all the impressions in the terrace garden. We had such a wonderful time here!

Soda D'Leite

Try Costa Rican cuisine, such as rice and beans with fresh seafood at this local village restaurant.

Kame Sushi

Sushi in the jungle? This is the place to go for surprisingly delicious sushi. A tip if you're in the mood for something different than the local cuisine.

Buddha Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner here with a view of the water. They serve international dishes and delicious fresh juices.

Good to know if you go to Tortuguero:

  • If possible, plan your visit around turtle season, from July to October. This offers a unique opportunity to see these giant creatures up close. We unfortunately missed this, but even without turtles, I think Tortuguero is definitely worth a visit.
  • Make sure you have good rain gear! A poncho is essential in Tortuguero, regardless of the season. Showers are often short and heavy. Tip: also make sure you have good protection for your camera equipment and phone.
Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero

arena & la fortuna // Costa Rica travel route

The Arenal region is the Costa Rican destination where adrenaline and relaxation go hand in hand. Here you'll find a volcanic landscape with natural hot springs and days of jungle adventure. From waterfalls to hanging bridges and wellness, you'll find it all here. La Fortuna is a great base, but there are also beautiful, more remote accommodations. In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know.

Here you can stay in La Fortuna and the surrounding area:

  • Arenal Manoa Hotel & Hot Springs: This delightful hotel combines luxury and nature. Stay in one of the private bungalows, surrounded by lush gardens, and wake up to views of the impressive Arenal Volcano. The hotel also has its own hot springs, so you can relax there after an active day exploring nature.
  • Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: If you're looking to relax in La Fortuna and plan to spend a lot of time at your hotel, the iconic Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, with its own natural thermal pools heated directly by the Arenal Volcano, is highly recommended. This hotel also has a wonderful spa where you can book a wide variety of treatments.
  • Finca Luna Nueva Lodge: This eco-lodge feels like a hidden gem in the jungle! It's a bit further from La Fortuna, but since you have to drive everywhere anyway, that's not a problem at all. This hotel is so much fun for families, but also a unique spot for couples. Sustainability and connection with nature are paramount at this finca. One of the fun things you can do on the property is a walk with the gardener who will tell you all about the special plants. Highly recommended! There's also a good farm-to-table restaurant, a nice bar for drinks, and a lovely swimming pool.
Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Finca La Nueva

Things to do and see in La Fortuna and the surrounding area:

You can easily spend three nights or so in the La Fortuna area. It's a popular destination because it's easily accessible from San José. Are there any activities you absolutely must do? Book them well in advance to avoid sold out. Good to know: keep in mind that you probably won't see the Arenal Volcano for most of the day.

Wellness & hot springs

Enjoy a day of wellness at one of the natural hot springs, such as Tabacón Hot Springs or EcoTermales. Enjoy a wonderfully relaxing soak in the warm water!

La Fortuna Waterfall

A visit to La Fortuna Waterfall is a must. The hike up is short but steep, via a path of stairs. Once at the bottom, you can take a refreshing dip in the water. Tip: go early, as it can get quite crowded.

Mistico Hanging Bridges

Walk across the Mistico Hanging Bridges, a network of bridges through the jungle, and enjoy panoramic views.

Sky Park Adventures

At Sky Park Adventures, you can experience a variety of adventures for all ages, so we went there with our son. Start with a drink at the Chillout restaurant overlooking the volcano. Take a cable car to a viewing platform and zipline down through the jungle. Or take a scenic walk across several suspension bridges. It's all possible here!

Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Arenal Volcano

Tips for eating and drinking in La Fortuna:

If you, like me, love good food, you'll be in your element in La Fortuna. The restaurants are top-notch, and there's plenty of choice depending on your budget. These are our favorite places to eat while in La Fortuna:

Don Rufino

This modern restaurant, located in downtown La Fortuna, is one of the best in the area. The menu features dishes like ceviche and perfectly cooked steak. Order a cocktail with it—they make the best!

Spectacular Cantina

For Mexican vibes and colorful dishes, head to Spectacular Cantina. This taco restaurant is the place to go for the best tacos in La Fortuna. Familiar flavors, local ingredients, and homemade hot sauces are all guaranteed to make you want to try them.

La Street Bistro

At La Street Bistro, the menu is packed with fusion dishes, making this restaurant with its hip and colorful interior a true crowd-pleaser. International dishes are combined with Costa Rican influences and a creative twist. It's the kind of restaurant you'll return to repeatedly, and it's also fun for kids.

Monteverde // Costa Rica Itinerary

Monteverde is known for its beautiful cloud forests and is a paradise for nature lovers. Here you literally walk through the clouds, surrounded by pristine nature with enormous biodiversity. From colorful hummingbirds to hikes over hanging bridges, we thoroughly enjoyed everything Monteverde has to offer. Add to that the beautiful hotels, and you have all the ingredients for a few days of unwinding in nature, but with a touch of eco-luxury.

This is where you stay in Monteverde:

  • Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: This hotel feels like it's nestled in nature, yet it's also close to the town. It's a wonderful place where we stayed in a lovely family room. We were also very happy with our choice of this hotel because of the excellent restaurant (which also has a children's menu) and its extensive wine list. The lodge is set in lush gardens teeming with butterflies, birds, and other small animals. Everything here is so well-maintained, from the swimming pool where you can order drinks to the children's bathrobe that hung in Manuel's room.
  • Hotel Belmar: Eco-luxury at its finest! Think rustic wooden rooms with balconies, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a spa overlooking the cloud forests. This hotel is perfect for couples and a romantic jungle retreat, but in style. We only ate there this time, but I'd definitely check in again for our next trip.
  • Senda Monteverde Hotel: Sustainability plays a major role in many hotels in Costa Rica. This beautiful boutique hotel, surrounded by pristine nature, is no exception. Perfect for those seeking absolute tranquility after a day of exploring.
Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book

Things to do and see in Monteverde:

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

This magical cloud forest is a paradise for birdwatchers. You might even spot the rare quetzal here. I'm not usually one for guided tours, but in these forests, I definitely recommend it. They know the natural world inside and out and know exactly what to spot. We saw the most beautiful birds, and you learn more about the unique plants.

Treetopia suspension bridges & zipline

If you haven't done it in the La Fortuna area, you can also walk among the treetops at Treetopia in Monteverde, where you'll find a network of hanging bridges. We've done this in several locations, and it's always special!

On my first trip to Costa Rica, I went ziplining for the first time. What an adrenaline rush! You can do this in several places in Costa Rica, and it's definitely fun to do with older kids too. Because our son was still too young, we didn't do it this time. That way, there's always something fun to do on your next trip!

Hummingbird Gallery

It's a bit quaint, but that also makes it quite charming. I was first here almost 20 years ago, and hardly anything has changed in all that time. The Hummingbird Gallery is a small cafe on the edge of the rainforest. Food for the hummingbirds hangs on the terrace, and they come in droves. It's so wonderful to see these swift creatures with their brightly colored feathers and unusual beaks up close. I'd recommend keeping your camera handy! Afterwards, you can have a coffee and a snack at the cafe, and who knows, you might even spot some coatis on the path on the way back, just like we did.

Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Hummingbird Gallery

Tips for eating and drinking in Monteverde:

San Lucas Treetop Dining

Imagine this: a 7-course meal among the treetops with panoramic views. At San Lucas, you'll enjoy a culinary menu featuring local ingredients and flavors in your own private treehouse. Perfect for a romantic dinner.

Morpho's Restaurant

This restaurant is a Monteverde icon. Very touristy, but no less fun for that. It's especially recommended with kids, as it's built around a huge tree. They serve local dishes with a creative twist, as well as a simple burger. Tip: for a similar setting, you can also try Tree House Restaurante.

Taco Taco Monteverde

I don't know how many tacos we ate during our trip through Costa Rica, but I can assure you, there were a lot. And honestly? I never get tired of them! So diverse, and especially thanks to the local ingredients, they're always a surprise. In Monteverde, you'll find the best ones at Taco Taco. A colorful little place with a lovely patio.

Celajes Restaurant (near Hotel Belmar)

If your budget doesn't quite cover a stay at Hotel Belmar, why not enjoy a delicious lunch, dinner, or a cocktail at sundown? This farm-to-table restaurant serves dishes made exclusively with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Pure flavors in a beautiful setting overlooking the valley. Magical!

The Open Kitchen

One place we visited several times during our stay in Monteverde is hotspot The Open Kitchen. Homemade cakes, pies, and lemonades are irresistible. They also offer excellent iced lattes and a delicious lunch menu featuring Mediterranean dishes. Think freshly baked pitas, colorful salads, and crispy falafel, all homemade and made with local ingredients.

Good to know:

  • Monteverde is cooler than most places in Costa Rica. Long pants are essential, as are a warm sweater, waterproof jacket, and shoes.
  • The roads to Monteverde are bumpy and not always paved. With a 4x4, that shouldn't be a problem, but otherwise, be sure to stick to the main roads before you have to drive through a small river to reach the hotel. I speak from experience ;-)!

© Your Little Black Book – The Open Kitchen

Santa Teresa Beach // Costa Rica Travel Itinerary

It's a bit of a drive, but once you arrive, you'll truly feel like you've arrived at a remote hidden gem. Santa Teresa is a bohemian beach destination on the Nicoya Peninsula with a lovely laid-back vibe. It's somewhat reminiscent of Tulum and Canggu from years ago. This is where you go for jungle hotels, relaxation, trendy restaurants, and expansive Pacific beaches with beautiful sunsets. Do you enjoy surfing or yoga? Then you're in the right place too! Tip: The roads in Santa Teresa are unpaved, so if you're going somewhere, make sure your car is suitable for the route. To reach some hotels and villas in the hills, you'll need a 4x4. Do you have days left in your itinerary? Then a night in Tamarindo, like we did, could also be fun! 

Here's where you stay in Santa Teresa Beach:

  • Esencia Hotel & Villas, Santa Teresa: If you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel within walking distance of the beach and great restaurants, this is the place for you. It's not super luxurious, but it's a small, locally run boutique hotel with a lovely pool. The rooms are designed as private villas in a beautiful green garden, where you can even spot monkeys. Since we had a longer stay at Santa Teresa Beach, having our own kitchenette was a big plus.
  • Hotel Nantipa: A luxury boutique hotel right on the beach with stylish suites and a focus on local culture and sustainability. Unfortunately, it didn't fit our world travel budget, but they do have a lovely restaurant, which we frequented!
  • Somos: This lovely boutique hotel is right next to Esencia, where we stayed, and we ate there often to eat at the lovely restaurant. If you're traveling without kids, I'd recommend booking there. It has a great vibe and is also very centrally located.
Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Hotel Nantipa

Things to do and see in Santa Teresa Beach:

In my opinion, Santa Teresa Beach is a great place to stay if you're not planning on doing too much. But if you'd like to make it a bit more active, here are some things not to miss!

Yoga & Surfing

Santa Teresa boasts several yoga schools, all offering individual yoga sessions. Sometimes even on the beach. Prefer to hit the waves? Santa Teresa is a great place to take surfing lessons!

A different beach every day

Along the kilometer-long village, you'll find the most beautiful beaches. It's also fun to rent a bike and go for a ride. We visited many different beaches in the area, and I found them so beautiful and expansive. The Pacific Ocean mist on the horizon is also a special sight. Truly stunning! Playa Santa Teresa itself is beautiful, but if you want to see more, these are recommended: Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa, Playa Manzanillo, and Playa Mal País.

Sundown picnics

This was our favorite activity in Santa Teresa. As soon as it cools down a bit, we head to the beach for a cozy picnic under the most amazing sunsets. We hunt for shells together among the rocks or play in the surf. We pick up some tasty treats at the supermarket; a blanket and that's all you need. It can be that simple and beautiful!

Horse riding on the beach

I'm personally afraid of horses, but the horseback riding sessions we saw on the beach looked absolutely stunning. So, if you're a horse lover, find a good organization and add this to your bucket list.

Hip beach clubs

One of our other favorite things to do in Santa Teresa? Visiting a different beach club every day. And there are plenty of them here! Most beach clubs are great for drinks and a light bite. The best restaurants for a more elaborate meal are mostly on the jungle side of the road (if you ask me!).

costa rica tour, costa rica itinerary, santa teresa beach

© Your Little Black Book – Banana beach restaurant

Tips for eating and drinking in Santa Teresa Beach:

Santa Teresa has no shortage of great restaurants. You can literally find a different hotspot every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Keep in mind that prices are a bit higher here than in other parts of Costa Rica if you're traveling on a budget. This destination certainly made my "Your Little Black Book" heart beat faster! These are my favorite spots:

Name Santa Teresa

This was our favorite restaurant for sushi and other Japanese snacks. Santa Teresa is full of sushi restaurants, and what's so great is that they all use freshly caught, local fish. So, sushi with a Costa Rican twist.

Banana Beach Restaurant

This is the ultimate spot for a relaxing beach day or a sundowner. The beach club is located right on Santa Teresa Beach and has a fun, bohemian vibe. There's a playground and swings for kids. I'd recommend going here primarily for drinks, but chances are you'll end up stopping for a bite to eat. The local fish crudo and the pizettes are highly recommended!

Soda Tiquicia

Authentic Costa Rican cuisine at its finest! This local soda serves traditional dishes like casados ​​and flavorful gallo pinto. A very friendly and affordable spot, it's a great alternative if you're looking for a break from the trendy restaurants.

El Patio Cafe

A relaxed spot for breakfast or lunch in a charming setting. Think delicious avocado toast, freshly squeezed juices, and the best coffee to start your day right. This was my favorite place to start the day with an iced latte.

Eat Street

A collection of food trucks and stands where you can sample all sorts of dishes, from tacos to poké bowls. There's a relaxed atmosphere, and this spot is also a great place to stop for a drink.

Manzú – A Beachfront Restaurant

One of the most beautiful places to dine with a view of the sea and the sunset is Manzú. Here, you can dine with your feet in the sand. This restaurant wouldn't be out of place in Tulum or Ibiza, in terms of vibe. The dishes are Mediterranean-inspired, and the atmosphere is incredibly laid-back and luxurious.

Costa Rica tour, Costa Rica itinerary

© Your Little Black Book – Manzu

More travel tips for Costa Rica?

Have fun planning your Costa Rica itinerary! You'll find many more tips for this beautiful destination on Your Little Black Book! I also created a lot of travel vlogs during our world trip, which I've also shared in this article. Traveling to Costa Rica as a family? Then you'll also want to read this extensive article with kid-friendly travel tips for Costa Rica >>. Once my son is a little older, we will definitely go back!

more Costa Rica tips

With love,

Anne

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the best free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself at various locations in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can make it, we’ll go again. 📍In this video, I show you where you can fill your bucket. Comment *oester* for the comprehensive guide with all the details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules. Important to know: – Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket) – For personal use only – Do not scoop or scrape the seabed – Go at low tide Handy things to bring: Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes, and garbage bags (for the oysters *and* dirty clothes). And of course: bring an oyster knife, lemon, and champagne too 🍋🥂 Because you’ll want to taste something right away, won’t you! The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing. In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them, without much effort. Comment oyster and I'll send it to you right away! Who do you want to go oyster gathering with soon? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up. 📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it) 📍 Rijksmuseum 📍 Fruit Garden of West 📍 Westerpark 📍 Jozef Israëlskade 📍 WG site 📍 Nelson Mandelapark 📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen 📍Amstelpark By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment. I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck _______________________________________________ 🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
3 x home that has the ultimate green space. Not too big, everything within walking distance, but plenty of nice hotspots!! These services (and what clothing) are in the Netherlands 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲! I have massive spring fever, so it's time for a mini-escape: everything is within walking distance, there are lovely coffee shops, boutiques for shopping, and enough gems to discover in 48 hours ✨ Which city is at the top of your list for a spring getaway? Let me know in the comments & save for your next girls' trip. 🖤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your sign to plan your next weekend brunch with friends in Amsterdam 👀 @ottolenghi_amsterdam is officially open and the new go-to hotspot for flavors of the Levant. Open from breakfast to dinner and I can't wait to go back for a lazy weekend brunch with a table full of dishes and good conversations. Save this one to your Amsterdam Little Black Book 📓! 🖊️ @anne_de_buck ____________________________ Ottolenghi Amsterdam is a new all-day restaurant near Museum Square by chef and entrepreneur @ottolenghi in @mo_hotels @conservatoriumhotel.

I wrote this article as a Costa Rica expert, commissioned by Visit Costa Rica. All experiences and hotels were selected and funded by Your Little Black Book.

Discover more tips in the
Costa Rica Little Black Book

Click here

Train City Trips

view all 5 tips here

Travel Essentials

view all 36 tips here