Traveling the world is more than just visiting new places—it’s about creating lifelong memories, immersing yourself in different cultures, and seeing the world from fresh perspectives. No one knows this better than Shannon Olson, a Tier One Travel Consultant with a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences. Recently, Shannon embarked on a 7-day Trafalgar tour to Costa Rica, immersing herself in the natural wonders and vibrant culture of this Central American gem. In this Q&A, Shannon shares her firsthand insights, favorite moments, and tips for making the most of a Costa Rican adventure.
About Trafalgar
Trafalgar is one of the world’s leading guided travel companies, known for providing authentic experiences, expertly crafted itineraries, and local insights. With over 70 years of experience, Trafalgar offers tours across all seven continents, focusing on connecting travelers with the heart of each destination. From meeting local artisans to exploring iconic landmarks, every Trafalgar journey is designed to enrich your understanding of the world. In Costa Rica, Trafalgar’s tours showcase the country’s lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities, offering a well-rounded and immersive experience.
Q&A With Shannon
Can you describe the itinerary and the key destinations you visited?
We landed in Liberia and caught a comfortable private transfer from the LIR airport to San Jose. We met up with our group, and after spending one night at the Marriott, we departed from San Jose city in a luxury coach bus. Our tour lasted 7 full days, and we departed on the 8th day. Our itinerary included the highlights of Costa Rica, such as the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve and Tamarindo.
What made this Trafalgar tour stand out compared to other trips you’ve taken?
We appreciated how diverse the itinerary is. We got to see so much of Costa Rica in just a week, from the busy city of San Jose to the sweet surfer beach town of Tamarindo and everything in between. Every day had something new to explore, another animal or reptile to discover, the views around every corner blow your mind, and you can feel the pride of the people with every local experience. There is something in Costa Rica for everyone.
How did the guided experience enhance your visit to Costa Rica?
Our wonderful hosts were Laurens, German and our driver Jason. They were all proud locals and originally from Costa Rica. We learned so much about their country and culture.
A lot like Canada, their healthcare and education are covered by taxes. We learned how the next generation is turning towards tourism and less towards farming, and the previous generation’s methods of employment. It’s the safest and most democratic country in Central America. Endless information about the biodiversity, local wildlife and insects filled our days as we trekked through jungles and parks, exploring the many regions and microclimates.
What was the highlight of your trip to Costa Rica with Trafalgar?
One of my favorite experiences was an early morning hike as we explored the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you can stroll at eye level through the lush canopy, getting an up-close view of monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, while also taking in the sight of the rumbling, steaming Arenal Volcano.
Did you have the chance to interact with locals? If so, what stood out about those experiences?
We headed to La Fortuna Village to meet Rodrigo and Ana, whose families were among the founding families of La Fortuna. We enjoyed a Be My Guest lunch with them and discovered the history and development of this town, which has become a national landmark. It was fascinating to hear from them about how La Fortuna has changed over the decades from the perspective of a local pioneer.
What were some of the best activities and excursions included in the tour?
Antonio Manuel National Park really is as beautiful as they say. As we ventured deep into the National Park with our guides, we had the chance to tick off more animals from our wildlife list—there are currently 109 types of animals and 184 bird species found or spotted here! We kept our ears open for the barking howler monkeys and the chatter of playful squirrels and white-faced monkeys. After our exploration, it was time to hit the beach! We relaxed in the warm Pacific waters and on the sandy beach. It was a gorgeous day that we all enjoyed.
Was there an optional excursion you would highly recommend?
Ziplining at Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park was a thrilling and exhilarating experience!
Picture yourself gliding high above the jungle floor as you zip line through the treetops, surrounded by vibrant foliage and exotic rainforest creatures. Zip-lining through the canopy is sure to be one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life! Don’t miss it if you get the chance.
Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity—what wildlife did you see on the tour?
Every day we had the opportunity to see wildlife. Even on the bus, we spotted sloths hanging in the trees with their babies. Walking through the breathtaking nature, we saw many varieties of monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, iguanas, rare birds, sloths, armadillos, to name a few. Our host guides knew exactly how to find bird life and wildlife of all kinds. We often would take turns looking through their powerful binoculars in awe.
What was your favorite meal or dining experience on the trip?
It wasn’t the most luxurious restaurant we ate at, but we had a lot of fun dining in a pizza place in La Fortuna. The servers brought around endless platters of pizza that we could pick and choose from – all you can eat. The tasty variety of pizzas brought to our table went well with the house wines. There was also a kids’ section with big tables and chefs, helping kids to roll out dough and make their own pizzas before it was placed in the huge wood fire ovens. Delicious!
Did the accommodations meet your expectations? What stood out?
Near the Arenal Volcano, we spent 2 nights at Hotel Montana De Fuego All Inclusive resort.
We had our own cabin looking over the volcano. The resort had lovely hot spring pools, one with a pool bar. Tables, loungers and a mud bath were available as we dipped into the cooler and warmer pools. The views were breathtaking.
My daughter loved Tamarindo in the province of Guanacaste, renowned for its breathtaking views, picturesque coastline, exciting surfing spots, and lively atmosphere. This vibrant region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. It’s easy to spend your day enjoying the warm sea, lounging on the sandy beach, and watching the surfers. It was a very cute and fun town with lots of accommodation and dining options.
What should travelers pack for a Trafalgar tour in Costa Rica?
Here is a packing list from our local guide for our itinerary:
- Sunblock
- Raincoat
- Insect Repellent (15% DEET is enough)
- Flip flops or strapped sandals
- Sweater/Light Jacket
- Small backpack to be used as a day bag with essentials
- Sunglasses
- Quick drying clothing if possible
- Swimsuits
- Hat
- Medication that you may need, like cold meds, diarrhea pills, allergy pills, gravol/ginger for motion sickness, pain killers, band aids, earplugs or any other important medication. In certain areas, pharmacies are scarce, far away or opened limited hours
- Sneakers/hiking shoes with good traction
- A bottle to refill water during the trip
- Cash for incidentals and gratuities
- Wi-fi is available in hotels, however, the access is often limited to some common areas
Do you have any tips for first-time visitors to Costa Rica?
Don’t exchange money at the airport. Our CAD exchanged better with the local colon (CRC), so don’t worry about bringing USD as it’s not necessary. The local national banks with ATMs worked well for taking out local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted. Many of the locals and staff speak English.
Who would you recommend this tour to (families, couples, solo travelers, etc.)?
Our tour was with adults, and our kids were between the ages of 8-25. I can’t think of an age group or person who wouldn’t enjoy this beautiful country. Trafalgar caters to all ages, and the kids on our trip had a wonderful time. There were days with optional activities so you can relax by the pool, sleep in or climb a volcano if you wish. We could adapt our day to how we felt most of the time. Some older folks may have challenges walking on the uneven terrain in the jungles. You do have to be able to walk and stand for a min. of 2 hours on some excursions.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before taking this trip?
I wish I had brought my SLR digital camera to take pictures in the parks and jungles. The trees are tall, and a lot of the birds and wildlife live in the higher elevations. My pictures would have been clearer and more defined with my SLR. Thankfully, the guides took incredible pictures with their cameras and shared their photos in our group chat.
My most memorable tip from our wonderful guide, German, was this:
“MOST important to bring: positivism, an open mind, and a great attitude towards a new country, a new experience & new friends.”
I would return to Costa Rica in a heartbeat, and I enjoy recommending this exciting destination to everyone!
Reach out to Shannon Olson for personalized guidance and expert advice. With over 40 countries visited and years of travel planning experience, Shannon is dedicated to helping you discover the world your way—comfortably, sustainably, and with a sense of adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of the lush landscapes of Costa Rica or another global getaway, Shannon has the expertise to make your next journey unforgettable. Contact her today to start planning!
READY TO EXPLORE COSTA RICA OR ANOTHER INCREDIBLE DESTINATION?
When you’re ready to book your next holiday, contact one of our Tier One Travel consultants. They will find the perfect place for your next vacation and will craft something incredible that is suited to your unique needs and will make sure your travel plans will be as stress-free as possible.
One call; endless experiences!
