1. Arenal Volcano Area
Arenal Volcano stands tall and pristine in the northwest of Costa Rica. It is located about 90 kms from San Jose airport and it is accessible by car. This region just can’t be missed out and photo’s don’t just this beautiful place. I would highly recommend booking a resort with thermal pools to enjoy this region to the fullest. We stayed at Volcano Lodge and Springs in a Junior Suite with a private hot spring pool. Waking up to the view of Arenal Volcano and dipping into the pool early in the morning with a cup of coffee is the idea of my perfect holiday. The resort had 5 other common pools with a swim-up bar with a private like sitting in every pool. Sipping cocktails and swimming in that pool was just heaven.
Volcano Lodge and Springs at Arenal Volcano Region
2. Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa
The only thing I knew about Costa Rica prior to my vacation planning was this resort. It is ranked number one place for natural hot springs in the world. We chose not to stay in this property as we felt a day pass at this property was a better option. We opted for a night pass (due to time restriction) which cost us $70 which includes use of thermal spring, towels, shower area, and a buffet dinner. Do carry cash/credit card if you would like a storage locker, they will refund after the use.
3. Zip lining
You can’t go to Costa Rica and not go zip lining! It is like an added stamp on your passport. I went to the Monteverde cloud forest for zip lining which had about 16 cables, 2 superman style and ended with a Tarzan swing. I would highly recommend booking with Extremo Monteverde Park for this adventurous activity. The staff was brilliant and so made sure we enjoyed every bit of it. Prior warning to those who don’t like to hike, with every cable, the hike gets tougher and longer. I would also recommend carrying water, a bug spray, and a camera during this activity.
Zip Lining at Monteverde
4. Chocolate and Coffee Tour
There are two things in life I love the most, chocolate and coffee and Costa Rica was a perfect paradise. You will find many coffee plantations and chocolate tours around the rain forest region. My friends and I decided to go on a chocolate tour which was about $25 per person. It was a 90 minutes tour at the Arenal Volcano region called the Estukuru and one of the most fun, non-adventurous activity I have done with my friends. We not only walked through the entire cocoa bean farm, but also made our own hot chocolate and chocolate bars at the end of the tour. This can be a great activity if you have kids in the group as well.
5. Relax at Tamarindo
As I walked on the beach, my feet pressed against the soft sand leading to the crashing waves, that was the moment when I realized that Playa Tamarindo is a paradise in the truest form. We chose to stay at Tamarindo Diria, a gorgeous luxury resort which had 4 adults pools and one of them with a swim-up bar. This was a beach property with a private beach area.Tamarindo is a party town with small bars and beach shacks.Beach, beer and amigos, doesn’t it sounds like a perfect place to be with friends?
An evening well spent at Tamarindo Diria
6. ATV Ride
I have driven a quad bike in the sand dunes and a muddy trail before, but this activity is meant for a person who just wants more. We had made prior reservations with www.fortunawelcome.com which cost us $95 per person which included a delicious meal at the end. It was a 2.5 to 3-hour activity at the base of Arenal included a practice trail, a 2 km off road tracks and 2 km gravel road track which ended at the river. After a crazy ride on those tracks, a quick dip in turquoise-blue stream wound its merry way through the forest was the perfect end this heart-racing activity.
ATV Ride with my amigos
Final Word
Costa Rica is a hidden gem and those who are looking for a relaxing yet fun holiday with friends think no more. I would suggest spending at least two nights in each region to embrace the Pura Vida Life.
Happy traveling my hungry travelers!
Travelmakesmehungry 
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