DAY 1
Hotel: Hampton Inn
For our first night in Costa Rica, we stayed at the Hampton Inn that was very close to the airport. This way, we could get settled in before the trip really began!
Dinner: Rosti Alajuela
On our first night in Costa Rica, we had a simple dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. The restaurant had a gluten-free menu. We enjoyed chicken with sides such as rice, pico de gallo, and beans.
Treat: Coffee Dream’s Cafe
On our first night in Costa Rica, we visited a 100% gluten-free bakery. We visited a location that was inside a mall but it was nice to safely eat something sweet! They had some savory items, too, like empanadas.
DAY 2
Breakfast: Hampton Inn
We had breakfast at the hotel. They did have gluten-free bread in a separate box, but it was part of a larger container and was open with no label so I didn’t have it. I had fruit, hard boiled eggs, and I think rice and beans. Yogurt was also available.
Lunch: Restaurant el SHADDAI Comida de Turno
For lunch on our first full day, we enjoyed a traditional meal called Casada. This meal consists of a protein with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and veggies. We ate at a local soda, a family-owned restaurant. The restaurant was trained by Zaney Travel staff about celiac protocols.
Dinner: The Springs Resort + Spa at Arenal
We had grilled salmon at the The Springs Resort + Spa at Arenal.
Sightseeing: Doka Estate Costa Rica Coffee Tour + Plantation
On our first day, we headed to a coffee farm! It was so great to sample coffee and see the process of how the beans are harvested and roasted. It was also a very interactive experience!
Hotel: The Springs Resort + Spa at Arenal
Amazing experience at this hotel! Such a beautiful spot. There was daily morning yoga class, beautiful spring pools and hot springs, and a gorgeous view of the volcano. We ate dinner a few nights at the hotel. The staff was well versed in celiac.
DAY 3
Breakfast: The Springs Resort + Spa at Arenal
We ate a buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch: Nanku Restaurant – Tropical Bar and Grill
One of my favorite meals in Costa Rica was at this restaurant. I had the tilapia ceviche with mixed chips. Staff from Zaney Travel called the restaurant ahead of time to discuss celiac disease and how to prevent cross contamination.
Dinner: The Springs Resort + Spa at Arenal
For dinner, we shared a sizzling meat plate!
Treat: The Springs Resort + Spa at Arenal
I had a mango smoothie at the swim up hot springs bar at the resort.
Sightseeing:
Sloth Park
DAY 4
Breakfast: The Springs Resort + Spa at Arenal
They had a separate omelet bar, which was nice for avoiding cross contamination, and a lot of fresh fruit!
Lunch: Soda La Sabrosita
At this soda, we shared these large round Cora tortillas they almost were like consistency of pizza. One had cheese, one had egg on top, and one was more plain. Super delicious!
Dinner: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
We had a Mexican dinner at the hotel!
Treat: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
I had a fresh coconut and patacones by the hotel pool.
Hotel: Croc’s Resort and Casino
When we moved to Jaco Beach, we stayed at a nice hotel by the water. I had a great view of the ocean. The staff was great and had a good understanding of gluten-free. One day, I had patacones by the pool and they made them in fresh oil for me.
Sightseeing:
Superman zipline
DAY 5
Breakfast: Croc’s Resort and Casino
I had breakfast at the hotel!
Lunch: Los Guarumos
This was a really cool restaurant. It had stunning views and we even saw some monkeys in the trees! The staff was also knowledgeable of our gluten-free needs. We had a typical Casado lunch with fish, plantains, rice, beans, and veggies.
Dinner: Croc’s Resort and Casino
We had dinner at the Italian restaurant at the hotel. There were very few gluten-free options. I got fish and veggies, which was great, it was just a very limited menu.
Sightseeing:
Visited the Tarcoles School, horseback riding
DAY 6
Breakfast: Art Hostel Costa Linda
Before visiting the National Park, we stopped for breakfast at this restaurant/hostel. Super cool spot with a simple but delicious breakfast. They were also aware of our gluten-free needs.
Lunch: Restaurante Buru Seaside Manuel Antonio
I was so-so about this restaurant. It has a nice view of the water. I had the ceviche. It was okay, but not my favorite.
Dinner: Croc’s Resort and Casino
We ate at the Mexican restaurant at the hotel again!
Sightseeing:
Park Manuel National Park and then Nacarcosta Sustainable Palm oil plantation also rode water buffalo here.
DAY 7
Breakfast: Croc’s Resort and Casino
We had breakfast at the hotel.
Venue: La Mona Golosa
We also visited a chocolate farm! This was a really cool experience where we had the chance to learn about the history of the chocolate and see the process of how it’s made. We walked through the cacao trees and then even had the chance to roast our own beans and add flavors to the chocolate.
Dinner: Green Room
I visited the Green Room in Jaco, Costa Rica! They have a delicious menu with items that are labeled to be gluten-free. I traveled with Zaney Travel, a gluten-free tour group. Zaney Travel has talked to the staff and they created a dedicated prep area for gluten-free meals. Everything was delicious! They have a nice brunch, too, with gluten-free French toast and bread options.
