Costa Rica Adventures: Volcanoes, Beaches & Flights with Southwest
Costa Rica is a small country in Central America with big natural beauty. It has rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and one of the richest collections of wildlife in the world. Even though it covers only 0.03% of Earth’s surface, Costa Rica is home to about 5% of all species.
Visitors come to enjoy nature, culture, and the friendly spirit of “Pura Vida” — meaning “pure life.”
Our Journey to Costa Rica
To start our summer adventures, we flew with Southwest Airlines to Costa Rica. The airline offers flights to both San José International Airport and Liberia International Airport, making travel easy and affordable.
Exploring Arenal Volcano
Our first stop was Arenal Volcano in the town of La Fortuna. This famous volcano is surrounded by hot springs, hanging bridges, and lush rainforest trails.
On our hikes, we saw:
- Sloths resting in the trees.
- Bright red frogs.
- Colorful toucans and macaws.
At night, we soaked in the natural thermal waters while listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Driving to Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Next, we drove south to Quepos, a beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. It is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, the smallest but one of the most loved parks in the country.
Here we spotted:
- Capuchin monkeys playing in the trees.
- Howler monkeys calling in the distance.
- Squirrel monkeys swinging branch to branch.
- Sloths, iguanas, and many tropical birds.
The mix of jungle and beach made Quepos one of the highlights of our trip.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
- Dry Season (December–April): Sunny days, perfect for beaches and hiking.
- Rainy Season (May–November): Fewer tourists, greener forests, and amazing waterfalls.
Costa Rica’s Culture and Food
Costa Rica is the first country in the world to reverse deforestation, showing its deep respect for nature. Tourists are asked not to touch wildlife or take selfies with animals, which keeps them safe.
Local food is simple and fresh. Don’t miss:
- Gallo Pinto (rice and beans with spices).
- Fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya.
Famous Costa Rican coffee.
Southwest Airlines and Local Communities
While exploring Costa Rica, we also learned about how Southwest Airlines supports local communities. Since 2016, the airline has worked with CATIE to:
- Donate over 4 million pounds of leather from airplane seats.
- Provide $1.3 million in grants.
- Train rural women to make beautiful products from recycled leather.
- Teach marketing skills to help families earn income.
This program gives women skills, jobs, and hope for their families.
Plan Your Costa Rica Trip
Costa Rica offers volcanoes, rainforests, beaches, wildlife, and culture. From relaxing hot springs to hiking trails and wildlife adventures, it is the perfect escapadita.
Ready to go? Book your Costa Rica trip today at Southwest.com.
