Such natural beauty! Photo Credit: Dominic Peticca

Located only two hours out from Langosta, Papagyao seemed like a beach side retreat immersed in wildlife and nature. While in Papagayo we had the pleasure of staying in two luxurious hotels. The first, Casa Conde in Guancaste and the second Grand Papagayo!

Casa Conde beach front hotel offers comfort and relaxation in a welcoming environment that happens to be only 30 minutes from the Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste. Located just mere steps away from with one of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica -- Playa Panamá (also known as one of the most sanitary beaches in the country), Casa Conde offers 20 standard suites, 2 junior suites and 4 superior suites as well as restaurants Mare Calmo and the El Bucanero bar in addition to the swim up pool bars.

The view from the Occidental Grand Papagayo Hotel in Papagayo. Courtesy Photo

Occidental Grand Papagayo hotel was our last resort. Being an adult only all-inclusive resort, this resort was the perfect place for those seeking relaxation in a natural setting. Delivering many daily activities such as: kayaking, swimming, water aerobics, and more Occidental Grand Papagayo literally has it all.

Costa Rica has a total of 28 national parks! One of the most widely visited include: Manuel Antonio National Park, Poas National Park, Irazu National Park, Marino Ballena National Park and Tortuguero National Park. During our excursion we were lucky enough to go hiking trout the beautiful Ricon De La Vieja National Park.

Highly suggested, here you will be one with nature and see some of the wildlife at its finest. You'll be emerged within the wetlands and dry lands of region and walk through the highly sought after national park. The hike itself is about 1.2 miles, but it gives you stunning views of the area and you can also see one of the eight lagoons in Costa Rica!

After a long day of hiking what better way to relax than enjoy a nice mud bath and a dip in the hot springs. Here at, Hacienda Guachapelin guests can feel new again while taking a mud bath and a dip in the many hot springs. A hidden gem in the mist of the forest, this beautiful scenic spot had 6 different hot springs which ranged from 100 to 104. Definitely worth the hike, Hacienda Guachapelin is a place you can not miss.

Papagayo serve as a tourist hub for many reasons -- an immense amount of rainforest and wildlife as well as many activities for visitors. Whether its a canopy tour amongst the wildlife, horseback riding, or many other excursions -- Papagayo gives you plenty of opportunities to embrace your inner wild side.

Costa Rica is a peaceful nation, and has no standing army, as it was abolished in 1948. Through this trip I was able to get a glimpse of each region’s best attributes including breathtaking beaches, natural parks and attractions.

Deemed as the happiest country in the world, Costa Rica is 'Pura Vida'! "It’s part of our culture.You often hear the phrase “Pura Vida” used as a greeting or expression of happiness, the phrase literally translates to “pure life,” however its truer meaning is “full of life," explains Alejandro Castro, marketing director of the ICT. "It means enjoying the little things in life, while taking full advantage of the beautiful place we live in."

With 2.4 million visitors each year it's a no-brainer that costa Rica is a tourism destination. There are endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, romance and exploration in Costa Rica all surrounded by sheer beauty and the high energy for a new way of life.

Below are a few quick facts about Costa Rica in order to help prepare for your trip:

- The native language in Costa Rica is Spanish, however, English is widely spoken throughout various tourist areas of the country

- The national currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), though U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. The exchange rate as of 2015 is approximately 533.00 CRC to 1 USD, but can vary daily

- Visas are not required for entry by U.S. and Canadian citizens. All that is needed is a valid passport, and an entry and exit ticket.

- Costa Rica occupies 0.03 percent of the Earth’s landmass, our country has a high concentration of biodiversity. This is not only reflected in our fauna and flora, but in our terrain, which includes hills, valleys, forests, mountains, volcanoes, wetlands and plains.

So if you're in search for a quick trip this one is for you! Whether you are in the mix of the jungle with the howler monkeys or lounging poolside with the iguanas Costa Rica has it all and is simply "Pura Vida"!

Click HERE for Part I of my Costa Rica review and click HERE to see the best time to go visit!