Costa Rica has always been at the top of our bucket list—a land synonymous with lush rainforests, rich coffee, cacao, and an endless variety of tropical fruits. We wanted to experience firsthand where all these flavors originate and encounter the extraordinary wildlife unique to the rainforests of Central America, having caught many glimpses of this incredible country in nature documentaries over the years. After carefully planning a tailored 11-day itinerary, our trip was set. From November 24 to December 6, 2025, we flew via Madrid to Costa Rica, exploring the region by bus and rental car before returning home to a frosty, festive Germany filled with unforgettable memories.

Nestled just 10 degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica is a compact tropical nation bounded by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Roughly the size of a single German federal state, its terrain is defined by rugged mountain ranges, active volcanoes, and dense rainforests spanning two distinct coastlines—the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This geography creates a stark climatic split: the warm, humid east experiences heavy year-round rainfall, while the pacific west is noticeably warmer and drier.

Our travel window coincided with the transition from the rainy season, which typically tapers off in November, into the dry season. Yet, the sheer volume of precipitation still caught us off guard—there was not a single day without rain. During our first days in Tortuguero National Park, torrential downpours hit with almost apocalyptic intensity. Fortunately, a last-minute purchase of two heavy-duty rain ponchos saved our treks. Ultimately, experiencing the rainforest in its true element—wrapped in atmospheric mists and torrential tropical rains—became one of the most mesmerizing highlights of the entire journey.

Above: Volcano Arenal in late Evening. This was the only time we could actually see the summit of the volcano.

Below: a Sloth hangs high up in the tree top.