Thanksgiving in Costa Rica
Two years ago today Ben and I were in Costa Rica for Thanksgiving week. I don’t even remember how or why we got the idea to go there, but I still think it was the best trip we’ve ever taken (maybe even beating our honeymoon in Belize)! 
On Thanksgiving Day we went to Manuel Antonio and National Park (and beach). It was the most amazing day of our trip and a T-day I will never forget! It was complete paradise.
There were monkeys, iguanas, raccoons, birds and even a sloth! The monkeys and raccoons were aggressively trying to steal food from people!
And after hiking around a bit we swam in the ocean and suddenly someone on shore started yelling something and pointing in my direction. For a second “SHARK!” went through my head! But, it turned out to be a huge sea turtle. He kept coming up for air and I tried to swim along side him/her as long as I could. Best.Thanksgiving.EVER.
For a few days we stayed at an eco-lodge and ate breakfast outside each morning in the green beauty. I loved the Costa Rican food – rice, beans and fish!
We climbed a volcano…
And passed the “Peligro!” signs because we live dangerously.
Here’s the view of a lake from the volcano…
We zip-lined in the Rainforest.
It was amazing. I have had a crazy love for the rainforest since I was a kid. Actually getting to visit the rain forest was a dream. I really want to explore other rain forests now too! Save the Rainforest!!
We rented a car and drove up and down the Pacific Coast, but there were some obstacles along the way…
Ben loved the fresh coconut juice 
It’s just not my thing.
We also visited a coffee plantation and got to enjoy fresh Costa Rican coffee.
We made some new friends…here is a Coati 
And there were stray dogs EVERYWHERE. 
It is quite a bumpy drive from the volcanoes (inland) to the beach, but totally worth the views.
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (because I love food)! And this Costa Rica trip was my favorite T-day ever. Ben and I fell in love with Central America on this trip and dream about exploring other countries in the region (hence the Belize honeymoon).
I hope you are having an amazing Thanksgiving!!! Now, I need to get back to cooking…
I want to try zip-lining so badly! Jealous.
Happy Thanksgiving
1wow seems like such an awesome trip! a bit off the beaten path & that appeals to me sooo much. going to have to keep that in mind for the future
happy thanksgiving
2thanksgiving in costa rica? sign me up! awesome!
3Wow! you’re definitely making me miss my trip to costa rica in the 8th grade, though they made us hike and white water raft and fed us just rice and beans
runeatrepeat Reply:
November 27th, 2009 at 2:21 am
No fish in Costa Rica? That is not right
Sounds like an AMAZING Thanksgiving. Definitely unforgettable!
5Hi
6A beautiful blog. I would like to be a regular and maybe add you to my blogroll, perhaps you will do same if I maintain your interest
My vacation to Costa Rica a few years ago was probably one of the best trips ever! I love the rainforest, and turtles (and tropical birds)! Hope your Thanksgiving is awesome!!!
7Hi Monica,
My now husband and I went to Costa Rica with my parents a few years ago as a “rest and recuperate” vacation after my sister’s wedding (they basically let us tag along because we begged). We were in the exact same area as you– we went to Manuel Antonio three different times! I loved those monkeys– when we went, they were stealing yogurt from tourists. Funny stuff.
Did you pass the “crocodile bridge” over the Tarcoles river? It was crazy!!!
Anyway…sorry for the long comment, but your post made me nostalgic! It looks like you had a great trip there too!
8I love traveling and really want to go to Belize. I think I would miss being with family on Thanksgiving, though.
9