Costa Rica with my family

I just returned stateside from almost two weeks exploring Costa Rica with my family. It is a gift to travel with our kids and I am grateful for this time of exploring and of course documenting with my lens.

Happy Summer Adventuring friends!

This was my first trip documenting and experimenting with my new mirrorless camera the Canon R6 Mark 2. I grabbed an adapter so I can still use my lens (the only one I brought this trip was my 35mm 1.4. I was looking for a smaller body that was easier to travel abroad and I was so grateful for the weight and size on a hike through the rain forest. I definitely need more practice but so far I am liking the ease and the low light function of this camera- I will share more as I get more used to it! Here are some images from our time there.

Why we travel with our kids outside the US?

we want them to struggle to communicate & understand new systems – it builds compassion & grit.

we want them to appreciate cultures different from theirs.

we never want them to forget how changed our family was forever by living outside the US for a few years.

we want them to not fear “different” and embrace different food, ways of doing things, & be exposed to the beauty of God’s world and her people.

Family Adventures in Costa Rica were a gift and I share some recommendations and video on my personal Instagram: follow along on my insta @roxengstrom

What is your favorite part of traveling?

Before heading to Manuel Antonio we stopped at the Starbucks Reserve and Coffee Farm.

In Manuel Antonio we stayed at Hotel La Mariposa and highly recommend it- the views were beautiful!

We spent one day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park. It was amazing to see the animals- including sloths with our guides scope. If you have kids with you a guide is a must as they can find the animals and allow you to see everything.

After our time in Manuel Antonio we drove North to Playa Conchal and spent 5 days there- highlights were a sunset sailboat and snorkeling outing and hiking in the rainforest around the base of a volcano!

Our guide at Sensoria was Walter and he was so knowledgeable and shared some of his story through our 3 hour hike through the rain forest. One hour of our hike was in the pouring rain! It was an experience we will never forget! After our tour we dropped him at his home everyone in the community knows him. If you are in the area please reach out to him personally and he will take you through the Parque Nacional. His number- 6309 1635. Highly recommend Walter!!