Episode 13: The “FUCK IT LIST” Zone: Costa Rica

Costa Rica doesn’t just make you feel alive....it grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you until you remember exactly why you’re here. Sun, chaos, wildlife, waterfalls, canyons, ocean adventures, we went full FUCK IT LIST mode.

Where We Traveled:

Liberia International Airport: our gateway to the Guanacaste Coast.

Occidental Papagayo: Our Base Camp. We stayed at the Occidental Papagayo, an all-inclusive resort that felt like paradise with a pulse. Buffet food was okay, but the three on-site restaurants were PHENOMENAL....we especially loved the Oriental restaurant. Drinks flowed, pools were perfect, and the vibe skewed relaxed (mostly mature guests, not a party scene). Karaoke night was a wild bonus, and wildlife roamed the grounds. Most rooms have sweeping ocean views, making it the perfect chaotic-but-comfy home base.

The best part? Getting to know other travelers. Making vacay friends is a rush all its own.....because nothing breaks the ice faster than telling them I don’t have nipples (lmao…seriously).

Beaches We Hit

• Playa Bonita: quiet, perfect for early morning walks.

• Playa Hermosa: long sandy shorelines, ideal for strolling and sunbathing.

• Playa Bueno: tucked-away, chill, and great for low-key snorkeling.

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Excursions & Adventures

Whale Watching + Snorkeling: (3-Hour Morning Tour)Hands down one of the most insane mornings of our lives. Humpback whales literally right next to our boat — tail slaps, breaches, raw Pacific power everywhere. Snorkeled near a reef full of tropical fish, swam alongside three turtles, one for several minutes. Also witnessed turtles… mating in what looked like a slightly non-consensual, fully nature-dictated horror show. Nature is a fucking trip. Fresh fruit, beer, and water included — survival essentials. Only three hours but unforgettable. Booking local tours in person saves you hundreds compared to online or resort pricing — we saved $100 just on this one.

Cañón De La Vieja Expedition: Five hours of full-on adventure chaos.

lunch first: soup, fajita plate, dessert, and fresh watermelon juice, fuel for the insanity ahead. Horses to the river, then tubing through the canyon...it was like river rafting meets leisure tubing. Birds, huge spiders, and bats included. Zipline section: five or six heart-stopping ziplines with jaw-dropping views. Wrapped the day with a mud bath (more like mud painting) at a natural hot spring...earthy, relaxing, smelly (rotten egg/sulfur smell but FUCK IT) and deserved. Booked locally through a taxi driver for about $70 per person..... personal, cheaper, and way more fun than pre-booking online.

La Leona Waterfall Hike + Swim: Local guide, jungle hike, multiple swimming stretches, and the final pull against the current into a cave to reach the waterfall. Cascading into a pool like a secret from another world. About $32 per person. Strangers on vacation quickly become partners in chaos and part of the fun!

Travel Tips: What to Pack & Know

What to Pack: Several swimsuits, hats, sunglasses, shorts, and breathable tops. Tennis shoes for hiking/water stuff, sandals for chill or cute photos. Ladies: flowy dresses/skirts. Sunscreen( pricey on-site) and yes, you will get burned. Socks (extra pairs if doing excursions), underwear, deodorant, makeup, and Chub Rub preventer("Megababe" is the brand you can buy it on amazon) FUCKING miracle worker. Pack like you’re surviving adventure camp but still want Instagram worthy shots.

Getting Around: Roads are unpredictable. Two lanes everywhere doesn’t always mean fast. 20 miles can take 20 minutes or 1.5 hours. Don’t rush; leave early. Uber exists and is not illegal for passengers. The risk is on the drivers, who can get fines or lose their license plates for weeks.... snitches get stitches and I won't tell their secrets but there are WAYS to use Uber and it is safe.

Money & Excursions: Cash is king if you want to buy from vendors or book local excursions (USD works fine). Cards accepted, but many charge ~13% fees. Book excursions when you get there. Online or resort prices are usually double.

Food & Fun: Eat at least a couple meals off-resort for real Costa Rican flavors. Beach massages exist for $40....it was slightly handsy (not in a pervy way so get your minds out of the gutter), zero modesty rules, and worth every cent.

Language: A little Spanish goes a long way....helpful for guides, drivers, and booking adventures. Google Translate is your friend.

Helpful Research Links: Look, Don’t Book Online

Here are some sites to see what tours and adventures look like — then book locally for the best prices:

Whale Watching & Snorkeling

• Guanacaste & Papagayo Whale Watching Info

• Guanacaste Snorkeling Tours Info

Canyon / Zipline / Adventure Tours

• https://www.thecanyonlodge.com

• Costa Rica Canyoning & Adventure Info

• Adventours Costa Rica Experience Info

Waterfall & Jungle Hike Tours

• La Leona Waterfall CR — (laleonawaterfallcr.com)

• La Leona Waterfall Adventure Tours — (leonawaterfallhike.com)

Where to Book

• Occidental Papagayo — (book here online)

Reminder: The research links are for inspiration and checking what the tours look like (except the resort). Book locally once you arrive to save money, negotiate, and have a guide who actually knows the area.

Final Thoughts:

Costa Rica is a wild, adventurous, beautiful, and sometimes chaotic paradise. Volcanic mud, waterfalls, canyons, humpback whales, and jungle adventures reminded us we’re alive in ways nothing else can. If we did it again, we’d rent a car, drive around, and stay at Airbnbs to explore more of the country at our own pace. One of the top three FUCK IT LIST trips I’ve ever taken — and I will absolutely be back.