All Tourists Are the Same… but Different

After years guiding travelers all over Costa Rica, I’ve learned something funny: all tourists are the same — and completely different at the same time! Almost everyone dreams of seeing monkeys, sloths, and whales; exploring our beautiful cloud forests and beaches; and making their trip a true once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.

But everyone’s style is different. Some guests want to be on the go: surfing in the morning, ATV tours after lunch, sunset paddleboarding, night walks, and repeat — seeing as many places and doing as many activities as possible. Others prefer to settle into one or two places, taking a few half‑ or full‑day tours, but always coming “home” to the same bed and relaxing in the evenings, without packing and unpacking every day.

For those travelers who really want to get away from it all and experience the true Costa Rica — staying off‑grid in the jungle but still enjoying great food, top‑shelf drinks, and a little luxury — one of my favorite places to take guests is Casa Roja. Believe it or not, this magical ecolodge sits right at the mouth of a major river, surrounded by water on three sides, and even comes with its own boat (and a wonderful cook)!

From Casa Roja, we can explore some of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets: snorkeling or diving at Caño Island Biological Reserve, hiking the bucket‑list Corcovado National Park, or just relaxing on pristine beaches and hiking to hidden waterfalls. If you love fishing, the marine reserve near Caño Island is lightly fished thanks to its remoteness — perfect for catching tuna, snapper, or even billfish. Birdwatchers will be in heaven too: you can spot incredible birds right from the open‑air living room (sometimes even whales in the distance!) or on a quiet jungle walk.

I’ve never had guests leave Casa Roja disappointed — there’s a reason it’s kept a five‑star rating for eight years. And if you want even more, we can add horseback rides, day trips to Drake Bay, visits to the ancient stone spheres of Sierpe, or just kick back with fresh tropical fruit and watch nature unfold around you.

Whether you’re an “always on the move” traveler or someone who loves to slow down and soak it all in, Costa Rica really does have something for everyone — and I’d love to help you find it. 🌿🇨🇷🦥