My Unforgettable Costa Rican Adventure at Casa de Mojo
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. This trip was completely impromptu and was planned just three days before departure, when I made the spontaneous decision to visit my sister and her husband in Costa Rica, who have built an incredible life running a surf school and Airbnb in one of the country’s most beautiful coastal regions. What awaited me was a week of pure magic that reminded me why sometimes the best vacations are the ones that feel like coming home.
The Journey to Paradise
My adventure began with a flight into Liberia, but the real journey started when I left the airport behind and headed toward the coast. Costa Rica has a way of gradually revealing its wild beauty as you venture from the airport toward the Pacific shores, and this trip was no exception.
The drive to my sister’s place was an adventure in itself. After navigating the paved highways, we eventually turned onto a dirt road that immediately transported me into the heart of Costa Rica’s untamed landscape. These roads, I learned, are part of the authentic Costa Rican experience – sometimes they’re smooth sailing, other times they’re washed out by the intense tropical rains that nourish this lush country. It’s exactly this kind of unpredictability that keeps Costa Rica feeling wild and authentic, far removed from the over-developed tourist corridors you might find elsewhere.
My sister and her husband have chosen to make their home truly off the beaten path. Their property requires a vehicle to access, which means it maintains that peaceful, secluded feeling that’s become increasingly rare in popular beach destinations. The fifteen-minute drive to Playa Grande felt like a daily pilgrimage to paradise – close enough to enjoy the beach whenever we wanted, but far enough to escape the crowds and noise.
Casa de Mojo: A Home Away From Home
Casa de Mojo, their charming Airbnb casita, became my home base for the week. Built with a traditional tin roof and nestled on their property beside a beautiful pool, the casita perfectly embodies the laid-back Costa Rican lifestyle they’ve embraced. The tin roof, while wonderfully cooling and authentic, came with its own unique Costa Rican alarm clock system – early each morning, the resident squirrels would drop walnut shells from the trees above, creating loud bangs that would echo through the casita. Rather than being annoying, these natural wake-up calls became part of the charm, reminding me I was truly immersed in Costa Rica’s wild environment where nature sets the schedule.
There’s something magical about staying somewhere that’s been created with love and attention to detail by family members who understand what travelers truly need – not just a place to sleep, but a space to unwind, connect, and experience the genuine warmth of Costa Rican hospitality.
The casita provided the perfect balance of privacy and connection. I could retreat to my own space when I needed quiet time, but I was always just steps away from joining my sister and brother-in-law for meals, conversations, or spontaneous adventures. The pool became a central gathering place where we’d start our mornings with coffee, take midday cooling-off breaks, and end our evenings recounting the day’s adventures under the stars.
Playa Grande: A Beach Lover’s Dream
Just fifteen minutes from the house lay Playa Grande, a stunning stretch of coastline that immediately captured my heart. This isn’t just any beach – it’s a wide, expansive canvas of golden sand that seems to stretch endlessly along the Pacific coast. On a typical day, Playa Grande attracts both locals from San José looking for a weekend escape and international travelers seeking that perfect Costa Rican beach experience.
During our visit, however, we were blessed with something even more precious – solitude. The beach was practically empty during our stays, giving us the feeling of having discovered our own private paradise. There’s something profoundly peaceful about walking along miles of pristine coastline with only the sound of waves crashing and the occasional call of tropical birds overhead. These moments of tranquility reminded me why beach vacations can be so restorative – it’s not just about the sun and surf, but about the space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
Sunset Magic in Brasilito
One of our most memorable evenings was our trip to Brasilito to watch the sunset. Costa Rica is famous for its spectacular sunsets, and Brasilito provided the perfect viewing platform for this daily natural spectacle. We arrived with enough time to secure good seats and order perfectly crafted margaritas – because really, is there any better way to watch the sun melt into the Pacific Ocean?
This sunset session became more than just sightseeing; it was a perfect evening where we decompressed from the day’s adventures, shared stories, and simply appreciated the incredible beauty surrounding us. The margaritas were expertly mixed, the conversation flowed freely, and the evening sky painted itself in a magnificent palette of oranges, pinks, and purples. It’s moments like these that remind you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures that travel can offer.
Farm-to-Table Breakfast at Finca Las Garzas
One of our most authentic Costa Rican experiences was a visit to Finca Las Garzas, a working farm that offers visitors the chance to experience true farm-to-table dining at its finest. This wasn’t just breakfast — it was an immersion into Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainable, natural food production. Much of what we ate came directly from the farm, harvested fresh that morning: the eggs were from chickens roaming freely around the property, and many of the vegetables had been growing in the soil beneath our feet just hours before. Some of the fruits, certain produce, and the coffee may have been sourced from nearby farms rather than grown or produced on the property itself, but everything still felt incredibly local and fresh.
What made the experience even more special was the obvious pride the farm family took in their sustainable practices and the genuine hospitality they showed every visitor. The food was not only delicious but represented everything that’s wonderful about Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental stewardship and natural living. Every bite was bursting with flavor that comes from ingredients harvested close to the table, and the warmth of the hosts made the meal linger long after the plates were cleared.
6 people were able to have full breakfasts from under $83 US.
Culinary Adventures in Tamarindo
No Costa Rican adventure would be complete without exploring the local food scene, and Tamarindo provided the perfect culinary playground. Our first major food discovery was Little Lucha Taqueria, a tiny Mexican restaurant known for serving some of the best tacos in town, decorated with Mexican wrestling figurines and featuring a VW bus converted into a bar.
The atmosphere at Little Lucha was infectious – the kind of place where the energy is as important as the food. They serve authentic Mexican-style street tacos, cold beer, premium tequila and whiskey drinks, with A/C, WiFi, and great music. We timed our visit perfectly to take advantage of their 2-for-1 taco special, which meant we could sample a wider variety of their offerings without breaking the budget.
The tacos were exceptional – authentic street-style preparations that transported us straight to the best taco stands of Mexico City. Each bite was a perfect balance of fresh ingredients, expertly seasoned meats, and handmade tortillas. The casual, vibrant atmosphere made it the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned, ordering another round of drinks and soaking in the lively energy.
Our second Tamarindo adventure took us to the Thursday market, a weekly tradition that brings together local vendors, fresh produce, artisan crafts, and the community spirit that makes Costa Rican towns so special. Walking through the market was like taking a cultural immersion course – we sampled tropical fruits I’d never encountered, admired handmade crafts created by local artisans, and practiced our Spanish with friendly vendors eager to share stories about their products.
After exploring the market, we found ourselves drawn back to the beach with a few cold Imperial beers – Costa Rica’s beloved national beer. There’s something about Imperial that perfectly captures the Costa Rican spirit: refreshing, uncomplicated, and best enjoyed with good company in beautiful surroundings. As we sat on the beach watching another spectacular sunset, beers in hand, I felt completely immersed in the pura vida lifestyle that makes Costa Rica so addictive for travelers.
Pool Days and Home Cooking
Not every day was about exploration and adventure. Some of our most memorable moments happened right at the house, lounging by the pool and embracing the art of doing absolutely nothing. These slower days reminded me that sometimes the best travel experiences come from simply existing in a beautiful place without an agenda.
We took turns cooking dinners, which became a delightful way to experience Costa Rican ingredients and cooking styles. Shopping for ingredients at local markets, experimenting with tropical fruits and vegetables, and preparing meals together felt like a deeper way to connect with the place we were visiting. There’s something special about sharing home-cooked meals in a foreign country – it creates a sense of belonging and community that restaurant meals, no matter how excellent, can’t quite replicate.
These cooking sessions also provided perfect opportunities to share stories, laugh about our adventures, and plan the next day’s activities. Some of my favorite travel memories happen not at famous landmarks or popular attractions, but around dinner tables where good food creates the backdrop for meaningful conversations and genuine connection.
The Grand Finale: Sailing with Panache
For our final day, we decided to end the trip with something truly special – a catamaran excursion with Panache Sailing. Sometimes the universe aligns perfectly, and this was one of those magical days where everything came together flawlessly. The weather was absolutely perfect – not a cloud in the brilliant blue sky, with just enough breeze to keep us comfortable and help the boat glide smoothly through the Pacific waters.
From the moment we stepped aboard, it was clear that Panache Sailing operates at a different level. The boat was immaculate, the crew was professional yet friendly, and every detail had been carefully considered to ensure passengers had an exceptional experience. The music selection perfectly captured the tropical, laid-back vibe we’d been soaking up all week – not too loud, not too quiet, just the perfect soundtrack for a day on the water.
One of the greatest joys of group travel experiences is the people you meet along the way, and this catamaran trip delivered in spades. We found ourselves chatting with a diverse group of fellow travelers – a couple from London sharing stories about their European adventures, friends from Dallas who had discovered Costa Rica the previous year and couldn’t stay away, and a family from Burlington, Ontario, who were celebrating a significant anniversary.
These spontaneous connections are what transform good trips into unforgettable ones. Within hours, we were sharing travel stories, exchanging recommendations for future destinations, and laughing together like old friends. There’s something about being on the water, surrounded by natural beauty, that breaks down the usual social barriers and creates instant community.
The highlight of the sailing excursion was definitely the swimming and snorkeling opportunities. The crew anchored us in a protected bay where the water was crystal clear and perfect for swimming. One of the staff members, clearly passionate about marine life and the local ecosystem, guided us on an extended snorkeling tour that took us quite a distance from the boat.
Swimming in the Pacific Ocean off the Costa Rican coast was like entering a living aquarium. The water was perfectly warm, visibility was excellent, and the marine life was abundant and colorful. Our guide pointed out various fish species, explained the coral formations we were seeing, and shared insights about Costa Rica’s marine conservation efforts. It was education and adventure rolled into one perfect experience.
Staying Connected to Real Life
Even in paradise, real life occasionally intrudes, and I had a perfect example of this when I needed to take a phone meeting with a client to finalize a website project. Thanks to modern technology and Costa Rica’s improving internet infrastructure, I was able to conduct the meeting from the casita without any technical difficulties.
The client was thrilled with the final results, and there was something surreal about closing a successful business deal while sitting beside a pool in tropical Costa Rica. It reminded me how the modern world has made it possible to blend work and travel in ways previous generations could never have imagined. The meeting went smoothly, the project was completed to everyone’s satisfaction, and I was back to vacation mode within an hour.
Reflections and Future Plans
As I prepared to return to Toronto, I found myself already planning my next visit. There’s something about Costa Rica that gets into your soul – maybe it’s the pura vida philosophy that encourages people to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures, or maybe it’s the incredible natural beauty that seems to exist around every corner.
Staying with family who have made Costa Rica their home provided insights that typical tourist experiences can’t offer. I witnessed firsthand how the country’s laid-back lifestyle, strong environmental values, and genuine warmth create a quality of life that’s increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. My sister and brother-in-law have built not just a business, but a lifestyle that allows them to share their love of Costa Rica with travelers from around the world.
This impromptu trip reminded me of travel’s transformative power. It’s not just about seeing new places or checking items off a bucket list – it’s about being open to spontaneous opportunities, stepping outside your normal routine when the moment feels right, and allowing unexpected adventures to shift your understanding of what’s possible.
Until Next Time
As my plane lifted off from Liberia, carrying me back to Toronto’s cooler weather, I carried with me more than just a tan and some great photos. I brought back a renewed appreciation for family, a deeper understanding of the pura vida lifestyle, and a collection of memories that will warm me through the coldest Canadian winter days – including the fond memory of those squirrel alarm clocks that marked the beginning of each perfect day in paradise.
Costa Rica has earned its reputation as a destination that changes people. Between the stunning natural beauty, the warm and welcoming culture, the incredible food scene, and the endless opportunities for adventure, it offers something for every type of traveler. But more than that, it offers a different way of seeing the world – one that prioritizes happiness, environmental stewardship, and human connection over the frantic pace that characterizes so much of modern life.
Casa de Mojo will always hold a special place in my heart as the home base for this incredible adventure. But more importantly, this trip reinforced the value of family, the importance of taking time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and the transformative power of travel when approached with an open heart and mind.
I’m already counting the days until I can return to this magical corner of the world, ready for another dose of pura vida and whatever adventures Costa Rica has in store for me next time.
