The following list was complied by Contiki’s Jenni Berg who just got back from Costa Rica. You can follow her on Twitter @ContikiJenni. The photos were taken by Jenni and E. Gomez. Visit contiki.com for more information on Contiki’s tours.

1) New friends

24 faces, 24 names to learn. Could seem daunting. After day 1 of exploring San Jose together, we were already making plans to meet up before dinner. Before we knew it, the night turned into stories, dancing and group photos. The dynamic was amazing and we all embraced it.

2) Tortuguero – more than jungle

On our own private boat we shot down the river with our “group DJ” pumping the tunes! After arriving at our enchanting Jungle Lodge with winding paths, pool and lush gardens, we were ready to explore. Our boat delivered us to a breathtaking beach which turned into a baseball / soccer game against the local kids. Once the sun went down, the jungle village’s bustling nightlife revealed itself – what a fun surprise!

3) Sounds in the night…

Yes, monkeys are everywhere! The sound a howler monkey makes at the break of dawn cannot be described. Some spider monkeys sound like birds. It is slightly scary yet eerily amazing. It reminds you that you are IN THE JUNGLE!

4) Breathtaking Arenal

Arriving into a cloudy La Fortuna, we hardly noticed Arenal volcano. But the next morning as I opened the curtains, I saw a sight that will forever be ingrained in my mind. Arenal is breathtaking beyond words, not to mention the hot springs that faced this astonishing view!

5) You want me to release what? “Canyoneering”

This “Me Time” excursion was immediately of interest to us, since “rappelling down a waterfall” sounded pretty cool.. The experience we received was so much more. Plunging into random water holes, pushing your fear of heights to the limit, oh, and when they say “OK RELEASE,” you drop!