Costa Rica, with its 5% of the world's biodiversity, offered a stunning backdrop for our milestone birthday trip. We spent 12 nights exploring the western side, from the volcanic hot springs of La Fortuna to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.

While some experiences felt overly curated, the trip was full of incredible wildlife encounters and breathtaking views.

One highlight was rafting down the Rio Celeste, where we were the only two on the tour, navigating rapids and spotting howler monkeys from the shore.

Another memorable experience was hiking through the cloud forest of Monteverde, where we encountered massive butterflies, hummingbirds, toucans, and even a large snake.

We also had the unique opportunity to kayak through bioluminescent algae in the Nicoya Peninsula, witnessing the eerie white glow as our paddles broke the water's surface.

While we enjoyed the coffee and chocolate tour, it felt overpriced and didn't offer much in terms of unique knowledge or wildlife sightings.

Overall, our Costa Rican adventure was a beautiful blend of incredible sights, exciting excursions, and delicious meals. If you're planning a trip, skip the highly curated outings and explore the country's less popular attractions – and be quick with your camera; the jungle won't wait.