5 a.m.

Is that barking? Woofing? Howling?

The sun was just peeking over the horizon as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, the sound of howler monkeys surrounding me like a personal symphony.

This was my first day in Costa Rica.

Many of my friends were surprised when I told them I had yet to visit this popular Central American country, known for its rainforests, beaches, adventure activities, and delicious coffee and chocolate. Back in 2020, before the pandemic, Costa Rica was on my list. I had been “saving it” for a special time.

Well, Spring Break 2026 felt like that time.

I found a cheap ticket and set off to spend three days in Manuel Antonio and three days in La Fortuna.

But first: Manuel Antonio.

Everyone told me I needed a professional guide for the national park, and they were 100% right. My guide, Catalina, could spot tree frogs on a leaf 40 feet away and sneaky sloths tucked high in the canopy. She pointed out tiny native insects I would’ve walked right past and helped us track a spunky anteater weaving through the brush.

Although the tour was supposed to last about two hours, we spent three, wandering deeper into the hidden corners of the national park. We ended at the beach, where I took a refreshing dip to wash off the sweat from this humid paradise. The water was a little warmer than I prefer, the waves a little rougher too (one knocked me flat and left me covered in sand). But honestly — who can complain? It was stunning.

Later, I hiked along the coastal trails, climbing up to viewpoints that revealed sweeping panoramas of jungle meeting ocean from every angle.

Back at my Airbnb, squirrel monkeys greeted me alongside a chorus of macaws. I ended the day with ceviche, local fish curry, and a crisp beer.

The next day…

Seeing Manuel Antonio from land had been incredible, but now it was time to experience it from the sea.

I boarded a pontoon with a group of equally excited travelers, and within minutes we were handed fresh fruit juice (or cocktails) by the crew. As we cruised along the coastline, everyone stayed alert, scanning the horizon for birds, whales, or anything that moved.

“There!”

A dolphin appeared beside the boat. Then another. They played in the wake, darting in and out of view like they were putting on a show just for us.

I soaked up the sun (safely, in my sun shirt) and took in the coastline I had explored the day before from an entirely new perspective. Around 11, we anchored, and it was time to jump in.

I leapt from the top deck, went snorkeling—spotting at least seven different fish species—and braved the “faster-than-it-looks” waterslide.

Lunch was incredible: fresh fruit, pasta salad, and local fish kebabs that were, without exaggeration, some of the best fish I’ve ever had.

By the time we headed back to shore, no one wanted to leave. The party vibes were real.

And that’s what stuck with me most about Manuel Antonio — the balance. One moment, you’re quietly watching a sloth blink from the treetops. The next, you’re diving into the ocean, laughing with strangers who kinda felt like friends. It’s wild and peaceful, energizing and pensive, all at once.

Manuel Antonio is a place where nature doesn’t just surround you, but pulls you in, wakes you up, and reminds you how good it feels to be fully alive.