Costa Rica & Nicaragua Travel Blog: Feb 25
Hey there, traveler!
Josh and Sophie here, managers of BVSC. One of the most common questions we get from guests is: “Where are your favourite places to visit in Nicaragua and Costa Rica?” While we’ve been lucky to call this place home for a year now, believe it or not, there are still so many places we’ve yet to explore.
The magic of Maderas has kept us blissfully grounded here, but over the holiday break, we had the perfect excuse to venture out—family visits! With our loved ones in town, we took some much-needed time off, swapped hotel life for new adventures, and fully immersed ourselves in the beauty, culture, and nature of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
So, where did we go? And more importantly, what did we get up to?
COSTA RICA
Christmas in Costa Rica
Our adventure started with Christmas across the border, where daily downpours gave us Brits a nostalgic taste of home! The Costa Rica border is just 45 minutes from BVSC, making Liberia a popular airport for many of our guests. This time, though, we skipped Liberia and made the long drive to San José to scoop up the family. If you do find yourself in the capital, we highly recommend treating yourself to dinner at La Esquina de Buenos Aires (you guessed it, a steak house)—it’s on the pricier side but so worth it.
La Fortuna: Jungle Vibes & Adventure
We actually visited La Fortuna twice—once with each family group—and stayed in two incredible eco-lodges:
🌿 Rancho Margot – A self-sufficient paradise with a strong passion for permaculture and sustainability. The living roofs are a sight to behold.
🌿 La Finca Lodge – A stunning retreat with top-notch amenities, a fantastic restaurant, and tons of off-the-beaten-path activities.
We honestly couldn’t pick a favourite—both were incredible in their own way!
Activities We Loved in La Fortuna:
✅ Mistico Park Hanging Bridges – An immersive jungle experience with breathtaking canopy views.
✅ La Fortuna Waterfall – Well worth the stairs!
✅ Arenal Volcano Trails – Beautiful hikes with epic views.
✅ Quad Biking & Wildlife Tour @La Finca Lodge – We adventured through sugar cane fields, spotting toucans, howler monkeys, sloths, and so many other tropical creatures.
✅ Hidden Hot Springs @Termales del Bosque – A more authentic and local alternative to the big resorts.
Insider Tip: La Fortuna can be quite touristy, but if you embrace it and stay outside the main town, there’s plenty of wonder to be found. If you’re up for an adventure, seek out some of the lesser-known waterfalls and hidden trails.
🍔 Where to Eat: El Chante Verde – great burgers!
☔ Key Takeaways: Pack a raincoat (it pours), embrace the crowds, and soak in the jungle magic.
Santa Teresa: Boujee Beach Town with Laid-Back Vibes
We visited Santa Teresa twice as well, staying in private villas each time (there are so many stunning rentals here!). In the past, we’ve also stayed at Believe Surf & Yoga Hostel—a great budget-friendly option with a full yoga studio style schedule.
Despite the main road being a bumpy dirt track, Santa Teresa is one of the most stylish spots in Costa Rica. Think: palm-lined beaches, world-class surf, chic boutiques, trendy cafés, and glowing sunsets. It’s easy to see why this place has become an influencer hotspot. That said, while we absolutely loved it (and left with a new wardrobe), be prepared—it’s pricey!
🍽 Where to Eat:
Brunch: Ani’s, Mantarraya Cafe & El Patio Cafe
Beach Bars: Blue Mist & Florblanca Resort
💰 Key Takeaway: Expensive, but absolutely worth a visit!
Other Favorite Costa Rica Spots:
🏄 Pavones – Uncrowded waves for surf lovers - this place has a real charm.
🌿 Osa Peninsula – Raw nature at its finest.
🏄♂️ Dominical – Another great surf town.
🌊 Puerto Viejo – A mix of adventure, culture, and Caribbean vibes.
NICARAGUA
Granada: Colonial Charm & Culture
Although we lived in London for years, we’re not really city people when we travel—saying that, Granada was a very pleasant surprise! With its vibrant colonial streets, lively markets, and rich culture, it was a feast for the senses.
We kicked things off with a walking tour, which we highly recommend to get your bearings. From peaceful bird’s-eye views at the cathedral to the buzzing local market, it was the perfect way to experience the city’s energy.
What We Did:
✅ Walking tour @Danny’s Tours (very knowledgable guide, includes stops at a chocolate & cigar factory)
✅ Lunch on the lake @Villas Monbacho (highly recommend - a short taxi out of town)
✅ Treehouse Party (every Friday—expect jungle beats & good vibes - book tickets in advance)
🍽 Where to Eat: NM Restaurant, Pita Pita, Garden Café (brunch)
🔥 Key Takeaways: A perfect mix of culture, history, and nightlife!
Popoyo: Our First Love in Nicaragua
We first visited Popoyo in December 2021, and it was love at first sight. This laid-back surf town stole our hearts with its dreamy sunsets and easygoing vibe.
The surf here is epic, from Beginners Bay, through to Popoyo Reef and more. We are no scientists so don’t ask us why, but the sunsets just hit different here. Be sure to keep an eye out for the pods of Pelicans which elegantly glide across the waves. For a dance check out Popoyo Secrets.
🍽 Where to Eat:
Taverna 99 – Delicious Italian
Dogtown Surf Store – Great post-surf eats
Magnific Rock – Epic views for a sunset drink and to watch the surf!
🌊 Key Takeaway: A tiny, magical surf town with incredible sunsets - make sure you visit before it becomes over crowded.
Playa Maderas: Coming Home
Of course, no trip would be complete without returning to our home, Playa Maderas! This time, with our full Deakin-M-F clan in tow, we needed a little extra space—so we rented a stunning property overlooking the beach, Villa Pinolera. With unbeatable views of the waves, sunsets, and jungle below, it was the perfect place to introduce our family to the magic of Maderas.
Our days were filled with surf sessions, sunrise yoga, lazy hammock mornings, and salty beach hangs. One of the highlights? An all-inclusive boat day with Salt Nica, cruising the Pacific with great food, flowing drinks, and unbeatable views. We highly recommend seeing the Nica coastline by see - the expanse of jungle is immense.
We wrapped up the trip in true Maderas style, with a New Year’s Eve to remember. A delicious meal at our favorite Juanita’s Kitchen, a sunset bonfire on the beach, and a dazzling firework show to welcome 2025.
It was such a joy to share our Nica Life with our family—watching them fall into the same rhythms we love: slow jungle mornings, sun-drenched afternoons, and starry nights filled with laughter. Moments like these are a beautiful reminder of why we chose to call this place home.
Thinking of visiting? We’ve got a full list of local recommendations for Playa Maderas & San Juan del Sur on our website—[CLICK HERE!]
✨ Join Our Yoga & Surf Retreat: April 5-12! ✨
Want to experience the magic of Maderas for yourself? This April 5-12, we’re hosting Radiant Waves—a 7-night yoga & surf retreat at BVSC! Expect soulful flows, salty surf, and breathtaking sunsets in our jungle paradise. Spaces are limited, so if this sounds like your vibe, [click here to find out more!]
That’s a wrap on our holiday travels! If you’ve got questions or need travel tips, drop us a message—we love helping fellow adventurers plan their dream trip.
See you in the jungle!
Josh & Sophie 🌴💛