This Blog focuses on Laura’s birthday dinner at Adventure Dining in the Costa Rica Retirement Travel series. If you want to catch up on our back story and other adventures, you can go to
A rainy drive high into the Costa Rican mountains turned into one of the most magical birthday celebrations we’ve ever experienced.
The gang experienced a wonderful birthday celebration at Adventure Dining, and Pink Bear wants to share it with you.
Adventure Dining in Costa Rica: Mountain Views, Wildlife, and Fine Dining:
Adventure Dining is far more than a meal — it is a magical mountain-top experience combining tropical gardens, wildlife, spectacular views, fine dining, and unforgettable hospitality. It is located on one of Costa Rica’s highest mountains. The event includes a walk through the Enchanted Gardens, a multi-course meal including premium alcoholic beverages, views of Bijaigual waterfall and the coast from a beautiful deck, and fireworks.
The owners, Cindy and David, arrived in Costa Rica 22 years ago and loved it so much they decided to make it their home. They created a magnificent space for family and friends to relax and enjoy the scenery. Pura Vida!
Dinner is a prix-fixe menu, and the price includes appetizers, beef/chicken/fish combo, drinks, dessert, and coffee, as well as optional pickup from the Jaco area upon request.
Dining Experience:
The gang was picked up in a spacious van from our condo in Jaco at 3:30 PM. It was raining very hard, but we did not let it spoil our mood. Because we traveled to the Pacific side of Costa Rica in early May, afternoon rain is not uncommon. We did have spectacular weather for our trip, with this being one of only two heavy rainstorms. Both rainstorms were in the early evening. The drive to the venue was a bit over an hour, and even though it was raining, we got some nice views as we headed up the mountain. By the time we arrived, the rain had stopped.
David greeted us and offered us wine and beer. David shared the story behind Adventure Dining and how he and Cindy built this incredible retreat in the Costa Rican mountains. We also discovered that we were to be among the last guests because they were retiring. We are so glad to have experienced this place.
After our welcome, we walked through the magnificent gardens full of flowering plants, trees, and some wildlife.
We were having so much fun, and David was kind enough to capture our special moments with many individual and group photos!
We also got our first glimpse of Costa Rican wildlife.
A macaw sitting in a tree:
Our first white-faced monkey sighting!
White-faced monkey in a tree
Here is a short glimpse of our monkey viewing
After our garden walk, we went to the large deck, overlooking the Bijagual mountains and waterfall, and the Jaco coastline.
The entrance to the dining area
The view from the deck
We experienced a magnificent sunset!
As the sun disappeared behind the mountains and coastline, the entire evening began to feel almost surreal.
After the sunset, we were treated to a delicious multicourse meal! All the food was well prepared and delicious.
Then we had a surprise fireworks display
Then we had a birthday cake!
There was singing and laughing:
It was one of Laura’s best birthdays ever!
Thank you, David and Cindy!
If you are visiting the Jaco area and want a truly memorable evening away from the crowds, Adventure Dining is an unforgettable experience. Between the mountain views, wildlife, sunset, and incredible hospitality, this was one of the highlights of our Costa Rica trip.
Tips for Visiting Adventure Dining
- Bring a light jacket — it gets cooler in the mountains.
- Expect some rain during Costa Rica’s green season.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the gardens.
- Bring your camera — the sunset views are spectacular.
- Reservations are essential.
To read about our entire Costa Rica travel adventure: