The Peninsula Papagayo is one of the most incredible places to visit in Costa Rica. This 1,400-acre retreat provides a peerless setting for outdoor activities and adventures. This once-in-a-lifetime destination is guaranteed fun for the entire family and fodder for lifelong memories. This guide will provide you with tips for making the most out of your Costa Rican vacation.

1 – Consider Your Budget

You need to come up with a budget before planning your trip to Cosa Rica. Even if you’re not a fan of making them, a budget can give you an idea if a Costa Rica vacation is within your reach. You should consider accommodation costs, airline prices, entertainment costs, food and drink costs, ground transportation costs, travel expenses, and anything else that might come up during your trip. To access some of the choicer adventures and areas, in Peninsula Papagayo, you may need to be a member of the Papagayo Explorers Club, too.

2 – Decide What You Want to Do

With your budget in mind, you can plan accordingly. One of the best things about the Peninsula Papagayo is that there’s something for everyone to do. It’s your access to the incredible biodiversity. This area has access points and basecamps that attract people of all ages.

Each of the trails is designed to preserve some of the biological areas on the planet. You’ll find that the biking and hiking trails are connected to the trail system, which makes it possible to bike, hike, and walk along each of these trails. If you want something more challenging or intense, then you can travel deep into the forest. Some of the activities that take place on these trails include bird watching, mountain biking, nature walks, night walks, safari nature rides, and the Nacascolo Paddle Exploration.

3 – Book Accommodations

If you ever booked accommodations before, then you know how difficult it is to get the room you want. That’s why it’s so important to book your accommodations as soon as possible. Most resorts allow you to cancel a few days before your trip if you use a third-party site such as Booking. But it’s usually best to book through the hotel chain and to find out their cancellation policy.

You should book your room as soon as you know when you want to go. You can always check back if there’s an upgrade or a cheaper rate. There are plenty of gorgeous hotels and resorts in the Peninsula Papagayo area.

One is the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, which gives you an up-close look at nature. This resort has one of the most beautiful landscapes and environments on the planet. This Peninsula Papagayo resort and spa also has luxury accommodations such as four restaurants, a relaxing spa, and four swimming pools, including an adults-only pool.

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is another highly-recommended resort. With breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and endless entertainment and wellness options, you’ll experience the “pura vida” like few have done before.

4 – Research Local Restaurants

Even if your resort offers word class dining, you still need to explore the food in Costa Rica. The first thing you should do is find out where the hot spots are. Visit each restaurant’s website and read the menu so you know what to expect and what to order. Some of the most incredible food and drink experiences can be found at Chef 4U, the Fish Market, Olas Restaurant, Ostra Seafood, Sunset Lounge, Surf Bar, and Villa Italia, just to name a few. Book reservations ahead of time so you can get a table since some of these places fill up fast.

5 – Finalize Your Budget

Now that everything is planned, it’s time to work on your budget one last time. This is where you’ll want to determine your maximum amount to spend on each aspect of your trip. How much do you want to spend on activities? Souvenirs? Food and drink? There are plenty of free mobile apps that can track your spending.