One Week in Costa Rica: Adventure, Sunshine, and Staying Sunburn-Free
There’s something about Costa Rica that grabs hold of you—the wildness, the warmth (both in weather and people), and the sense that anything could happen around the next curve of a jungle trail. Our family spent a week chasing that feeling, and every single day delivered. From ziplining through rainforests to rafting down churning rivers, we packed in a full adventure roster—and came back not only full of stories, but surprisingly, sunburn-free. That part? Not luck. But we’ll get to that.
Day 1: San José to La Fortuna – The Road to Adventure
After touching down in San José and picking up a rental car, we hit the road for La Fortuna. It’s a three-hour drive, but it felt shorter with all the scenery—rolling hills, coffee fields, tiny roadside fruit stands. As the clouds thinned and the heat dialed up, we realized quickly: Costa Rica doesn’t mess around when it comes to the sun.
By the time we checked into our lodge with a perfect view of Arenal Volcano, the temperature was in the 90s and the humidity wrapped around us like a warm, damp blanket. We unpacked, layered up in light protective clothing, slathered on sunscreen (we brought, SunArmor Advanced, for the trip), and took a short trail walk near the property to stretch out. Even that little stroll left us sweating—and grateful we came prepared.
Day 2: Ziplining Above the Canopy
Our first big activity set the tone: a zipline tour through the jungle canopy. We geared up early in the morning with helmets and harnesses, then hiked up to the platforms where guides clipped us in one by one. And then we were flying—through tunnels of green, over misty ravines, catching glimpses of the volcano in the distance.
The sun was high by late morning, and with every platform we landed on, we could feel it stronger. Long sleeves helped, but we were glad we'd prepped with sun protection before we even left the lodge. After a few sweaty hours, we were wiped out but glowing—no burns, no hot spots, just pure exhilaration.
Day 3: Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
There’s something magical about seeing the rainforest from horseback. We rode slowly through farmland that melted into lush jungle, our guide pointing out toucans and howler monkeys in the distance. After a dusty trail descent, we reached the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall.
We hiked down to the base and dove into the shockingly cold water—so refreshing after a long ride. The sun beat down hard on the open trail and pool area, but we were layered up and staying vigilant with reapplying. Despite the constant exposure and dips in the water, our skin held up. That waterproof formula we packed wasn’t just a gimmick.
Day 4: Hiking the Arenal Volcano Trails
We hit Arenal National Park early, trying to beat the heat (spoiler: you can’t really). The trail system took us through old lava fields and secondary rainforest, past massive trees with roots like twisted sculptures. Even the shady parts couldn’t keep the humidity from hitting like a wave.
There were moments on the exposed ridges where we all paused—not just to catch our breath, but to take in the sweeping views. No filters needed. By the time we made it back to the car, our shirts were soaked through and our energy was flagging, but no one had that red glow or uncomfortable sting from too much sun. Preparation pays off.
Day 5: Rafting the Balsa River
This day was all about adrenaline. We drove out to the Balsa River for a whitewater rafting trip through Class II and III rapids. It was wild—fast-moving water, hidden boulders, and our raft guide barking commands like a drill sergeant. We paddled hard, laughed harder, and yes, got absolutely drenched.
The sun, though partially blocked by trees, found us in every open stretch of river. Normally, we’d have come home with raccoon-eye tan lines and peeling forearms, but we’d built a habit by then—lightweight long-sleeves, hats, and a good layer of protection that didn’t wash off after the first splash.
Day 6: Kayaking on Lake Arenal
For our last full day, we took it slow(ish). Kayaking on Lake Arenal at sunrise was one of the most peaceful moments of the trip. Mist hovered over the glassy water as the volcano loomed in the background, and we paddled along the edge of the forest, spotting birds and tiny rivers feeding into the lake.
The sun rose fast, turning the mist into steam, and the reflection off the water was intense. It’s easy to forget just how much exposure you’re getting when you’re not feeling the burn—but thanks to our gear and a final reapplication before we launched, we stayed in the clear.
Day 7: Back to San José – With Glowing Skin and Full Hearts
We drove back to San José, exhausted and happy, our phones filled with jungle selfies and waterfall videos. But the surprising part? Not a single sunburn. Not even a faint one. We joked that it was our biggest travel achievement.
We credit a few smart choices—covering up when we could, hydrating constantly, and using a sunscreen that actually held up to the elements. We brought SunArmor Advanced after reading about its durability and water resistance, and it earned its spot in our pack every day.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica gave us volcano views, jungle treks, epic rivers, and more sun than we’d ever experienced in one place. But it also reminded us that adventure and self-care can go hand-in-hand. If you're planning your own trip—trust me—bring something that lasts, even when you’re sweating, swimming, or ziplining through the jungle.
Pura vida isn’t just a saying. It’s how Costa Rica lives. And now, a little piece of how we live, too.