Bella Vista Blog
Costa Rica Guides & Attractions
Everything we've learned about central Costa Rica, in one place. These are the real waterfalls, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and day trips within reach of Bella Vista — the ones our own guests keep coming back raving about — plus honest planning guides for weddings, retreats, pickleball trips, and family vacations.
New to the area? Start with our Costa Rica family vacation guide for when to go and how to get here, then explore the attractions near the resort. Ready to plan your own stay? See where you'll stay or check your dates.
Traditional Costa Rican Food: A Guide to Typical Dishes
Gallo pinto, casado, olla de carne, ceviche, and the sweets to save room for — a friendly guide to typical Costa Rican dishes and what to eat.
Read the guide →All-Inclusive Costa Rica Wedding Packages: What's Included & What It Costs
What's really in an all-inclusive Costa Rica wedding package, what it costs, and how a private-estate buy-out compares to a big resort package.
Read the guide →The Best Costa Rica Villa for Large Groups: An Honest Comparison
Bella Vista vs. Costa Rica's best-known group villas — compared on price, capacity, pickleball, weddings, and location, with a full amenities matrix.
Read the guide →Boutique Hotels in Costa Rica — and Why Bella Vista Is Often Called One
What makes a hotel 'boutique' in Costa Rica — small, design-led, personal, and locally rooted — and why guests so often describe Bella Vista as one.
Read the guide →Why Celebrities Choose Costa Rica for Family Vacations
Chris Hemsworth, Gisele Bündchen, and more keep choosing Costa Rica for private family trips. Here's why — and how your family can vacation the same way.
Read the guide →Hiking Catarata Bijagual: Costa Rica's Towering Hidden Waterfall
A steep, wild hike to one of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls, out near Tárcoles — rugged, rewarding, and worth every step of the climb.
Read the guide →Costa Rica All-Inclusive: Resort vs. Private Villa (Honest Guide)
Big all-inclusive resort or a private villa for your Costa Rica trip? An honest comparison of cost, privacy, and meals — and which wins for groups vs. couples.
Read the guide →Costa Rica Family Vacations: The Complete 2026 Guide
When to go, how to get there, where to stay, what it costs, and exactly what to do — a complete, practical Costa Rica family vacation guide with a 7-day itinerary.
Read the guide →Costa Rica Villa vs. Hotel for Groups: Which Is Better?
Private villa or hotel for your Costa Rica group trip? After 5 years hosting groups, an honest comparison of cost, togetherness, meals, service — and when each wins.
Read the guide →Getting Legally Married in Costa Rica: Requirements & How It Works
Can you get legally married in Costa Rica? Yes — here's exactly what you need, and how it's recognized back home.
Read the guide →Costa Rica Pickleball Packing List & Trip Tips
Heading to Costa Rica for pickleball? Here's your packing list and trip tips so you arrive ready to play.
Read the guide →The Best Time of Year for a Costa Rica Wedding
When's the best time to get married in Costa Rica? A season-by-season guide to choosing your date.
Read the guide →Corporate Retreats in Costa Rica: A Planning Guide
Planning a company offsite? How to run a corporate retreat in Costa Rica that balances real work, bonding, and downtime.
Read the guide →Yoga & Wellness Retreats in Costa Rica: A Host's Guide
Hosting a yoga or wellness retreat in Costa Rica? How to run one your guests will never forget, at a private estate that's all yours.
Read the guide →How to Plan a Family Reunion in Costa Rica
The secret to a great Costa Rica family reunion: rent one whole private resort so everyone's actually together.
Read the guide →A Costa Rica Honeymoon at a Private Resort
Dreaming of a Costa Rica honeymoon? Skip the crowded resort — a private mountaintop estate is romance and adventure in one.
Read the guide →Pickleball Camps in Costa Rica: What a Pro Pickleball Trip Looks Like
What does a pickleball camp in Costa Rica look like? Dedicated courts, coaching, and a whole-property retreat — featuring pro champion Scott Moore at Bella Vista.
Read the guide →How Much Does a Costa Rica Destination Wedding Cost? (2026 Budget Guide)
What does a wedding in Costa Rica really cost? A transparent 2026 budget breakdown — venue, catering, flowers, photography, DJ, and more — with a real example.
Read the guide →How to Plan a Costa Rica Destination Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dreaming of getting married in Costa Rica? A step-by-step guide — venue, legal ceremony, guests, timing, and vendors — to plan it without the stress.
Read the guide →Where to Play Pickleball in Costa Rica: A Region-by-Region Guide
From Nosara and Tamarindo to the Central Valley and the South Pacific — here's where to play pickleball in Costa Rica, region by region, plus the best pick for a private group retreat.
Read the guide →Planning a Pickleball Retreat in Costa Rica: The Complete Guide
Thinking about a pickleball retreat in Costa Rica? Here's the complete guide — courts, group size, timing, getting there, budgeting, and how to pick the right home base.
Read the guide →What to Expect When Landing at the Airport in Costa Rica
First time flying into Costa Rica? Here's exactly what to expect at both airports — San José and Liberia — plus how to breeze through customs and immigration.
Read the guide →Costa Rica's Rainy Season: Why the Green Season Might Be the Best Time to Visit
Everyone asks about the dry season — but Costa Rica's rainy 'green' season may be the most magical time to visit: lush, green, fragrant, full of seasonal fruit, and far from the washout people imagine.
Read the guide →The Schoeller Family's Luxury Costa Rica Villa Tour at Bella Vista
Travel creators with over a million YouTube subscribers stayed at Bella Vista and shared it with the world as a luxury Costa Rica villa — see the resort through their eyes.
Read the guide →El Encanto Waterfall: A Hidden Jungle Gem Near Bella Vista
A stunning hidden waterfall and swimming hole just 26 minutes from Bella Vista — one of the best-kept secrets near Esparza.
Read the guide →Playa Blanca: The Beautiful (Once-Private) Beach Near Bella Vista
Once private, now public — the prettiest stretch of Pacific sand within reach of the resort, and worth every minute of the drive.
Read the guide →Piedra de Fuego: A Jungle Nature Escape 9 Minutes from Bella Vista
A lush jungle nature spot just minutes away, with dramatic old-growth trees.
Read the guide →The Swimming River Near Bella Vista: A 10-Minute Escape in the Hills
A cool, clear mountain river only minutes from the resort — a local favorite.
Read the guide →Playa Caldera: The Quick Pacific Beach Day from Bella Vista
The closest easy beach day — sand, surf, and a quick drive to the coast.
Read the guide →NATUWA Wildlife Sanctuary: Macaws, Monkeys & Rescued Wildlife
Get close to scarlet macaws, toucans, sloths, monkeys, and rescued wildlife at this beloved sanctuary.
Read the guide →Hiking Cerro Tinajita: Panoramic Views Near Bella Vista
A rewarding local hike with sweeping valley-and-coast views — a favorite for early risers.
Read the guide →Choco Tour Costa Rica: A Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Experience
A hands-on, delicious bean-to-bar chocolate tour — fun for families and groups alike.
Read the guide →Adventure Park Vista Golfo: Ziplines & Hanging Bridges
Ziplines, hanging bridges, and a high-ropes course for a full day of canopy adventure.
Read the guide →José's Crocodile River Tour: Giant Crocs on the Tárcoles
A thrilling Tárcoles River boat tour to see enormous wild crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
Read the guide →The Monkey House: Meet Costa Rica's Capuchin Monkeys Near Playa Caldera
Meet wild white-faced capuchin monkeys up close — an unforgettable family stop near Playa Caldera.
Read the guide →The Butterfly Farm Near San Ramón: Blue Morphos Up Close
Walk among brilliant blue morpho butterflies at a garden farm near San Ramón — a gentle, magical outing for families.
Read the guide →