Short answer? Because it's awesome! 

Really, Costa Rica is more than a vacation and event destination; it is an interactive sensory experience. Our home is blessed with unparalleled biodiversity and stunning environmental attractions like awe-inspiring volcanoes, emerald jungles, misty cloud forests, stunning river valleys, magnificent waterfalls and hundreds of pristine beaches. With no army, excellent education and health care, and some of the happiest people on the planet, Costa Rica is a natural choice and has the best venues for your next wedding, event or adventure.  

Here is my personal list of top reasons to host your event in Costa Rica: 

Infrastructure. In response to growing demand, Costa Rica’s hotel, transportation and tour industry has developed to provide outstanding event and wedding services. It’s not all ox carts and horseback anymore… unless you’re into that! 

Proximity. Costa Rica is easily accessible from the United States and Canada, so your guests traveling from there don’t have to subject themselves to long flights. It’s also an ideal meeting point if you have guests coming in from all over the world. At the same time, Costa Rica is small enough that you can travel from the Caribbean to the Pacific in one day, discovering all kinds of climates and ecosystems in between. Lounge on a gorgeous tropical beach in the morning, and be hiking up a volcano, swimming in a jungle river or trekking through the rainforest that afternoon. More and more airlines are offering direct flights into one of our two International airports, and ticket prices are affordable. 

Time to Really Connect. If you host your event at home, your guests may come to one or two events. By hosting your event in paradise, you allow your guests at least a few days to really connect on a deeper level. Everyone spends quality time getting to know each other and creating unforgettable memories with meaningful adventures and activities. 

Friendliness. Costa Rica has repeatedly been named the Friendliest Country in the World by the Happy Planet Index. That makes a lot of sense to us; it’s pretty hard to be unhappy here! The people who will take care of you throughout your visit will be warm and friendly individuals. They’ll undoubtedly make your time even more special. 

Simplicity. By hosting a destination event, you can skip a lot of the normal hassles involved in event planning. Whether it’s a nosy neighbor, a well-meaning mom or an over-involved coworker, everyone has an opinion, which you will at least have to listen to when you plan an event locally. Here, you can take things into your own hands, and even cut some of those extra invites. We always like to keep it drama free! 

Competitive Prices. The cost of event and wedding services here, as well as expenses such as transportation and lodging, are very competitive. Arenal offers many lush and luxurious options that give the beach a run for its money—literally! 

Totally Unique. We’ve all been invited to events of all kinds over the years, and let’s be honest, they all start to blur together after a while. Yours can be different. Adventure vacations and events are totally unforgettable and have been proven to have a greater return on your investment. Your guests will be raving about your event for years to come… now that’s special! 

Extensive Options. Over the last 15 years, we’ve witnessed some impressive growth in vendors and services available in Costa Rica. If we can’t get it, chances are you can bring it—or we can make it! 

Exotic Beauty. Our country is famous for its incomparable natural beauty and cornucopia of exceptional locations for your event. You’ll find beaches, mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, volcanoes, modern hotels, and quaint towns. With digs like ours, your event will be anything but ordinary. 

It’s Cool. Which makes you and everyone who comes cool. It’s true.

In the spirit of total transparency, you should know there are just a couple reasons you should NOT host your event in Costa Rica: 

You can’t handle “wedding crashers” that come with an event in Costa Rica. In the form of sloths, monkeys, parrots, blue jays, butterflies, leaf cutter ants, and more. We are immersed in nature, and anything can pop up, at any time! We have had all of the aforementioned show up uninvited at events. It can happen. 

You can’t go with the flow, or take the “Pura Vida” lifestyle approach. 

You can’t let Mother Nature take the reins. Nature rules here, which means sometimes we have to deal with the weather (wind and rain and clouds, oh my!), limited availability of certain flowers due to weather, and everything else unexpected.

Considered the Adventure Capital of the Americas, the Arenal area offers the best of all worlds. Here you’ll enjoy all the elements—lush rainforest, a sweet volcano, expansive Lake Arenal, sustainable farms, sparkling rivers and waterfalls, tropical gardens and decadent hot springs—within a small, easily accessible radius. We are truly blessed to have world-class tourist amenities and incredibly romantic and remote venues. No either/or here—you can have it all!

And if you’re like me and digest information in list format, here are my favorite reasons to host your event in Arenal.

The Arenal Volcano. It is the iconic, conical volcano that dominates the landscape in Arenal. It is one of the youngest volcanoes in the hemisphere, and although it entered a resting phase in 2010—meaning that its eruptions have paused—it is still a stunning sight. Rising above the rainforest at its base, Arenal frames the skyline with near perfect symmetry and offers the perfect backdrop for any event. In other words, you will have stunning photos.

100% Rainforest. Arenal and its surroundings are made up mostly of primary rainforest. When you think “tropical,” you’re imagining our home. The Arenal Volcano National Park encompasses four different microclimates and harbors a tremendous diversity of plants and wildlife. In fact, nearly 75% of the bird species identified in Costa Rica can be found here.

Wildlife. It’s a jungle—literally! The area boasts over 10,000 identified species of plants, 850 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies, and 500 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Among the most productive ecosystems in the world, Costa Rican jungles are pristine and lush, bursting with some of the most colorful flora and fauna on the planet.

Adventures. La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area offer a huge number of adventures—actually, more than anywhere else on the planet. You and your guests will never be bored with white water rafting, canyoning, waterfall rappelling and jumping, canopy and zipline tours, hanging bridges, cultural experiences, farm tours, mountain biking and climbing, tubing, and river boat safaris. Phew. (And that’s not even getting into our lake activities.) We are proud partners with the leading Adventure Company in Costa Rica. With nearly 30 years of experience and offices all over the country, the #1 rated Desafio Adventure Company tops the charts for safety and cutting edge adventures!

Lake Arenal. Located at the base of the volcano, Lake Arenal is the largest lake in the country. Constructed as part of Costa Rica’s hydroelectric project to provide sustainable energy to the country, its turquoise waters are an enchanting sight from many vistas in the area. Surrounded by the lush rainforest and diverse wildlife we love, it also offers freshwater fishing, boating, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding, as well as kiteboarding, wake boarding and windsurfing.

The Famous Hot Springs. World-famous for a reason, our decadent hot springs are fed by one of the largest geothermal aquifers in the world and powered by our personal volcanic space heater. Mineral rich and great for your health, they offer a relaxing way to unwind after a full day of adventures. We have a variety of romantic and secluded options ranging in style and price. If you're looking for a romantic and restorative day, you've found it. Stay after sunset and soak under the stars to take things to the next level. Many also offer world class spas for even deeper relaxation and healing. It is a truly unforgettable experience... and muy caliente!

Convenience. The Arenal/La Fortuna area is located approximately three hours from both International airports (San Jose or Liberia). This means you can choose from more flight options, and no matter where your guests land, they will be settled in no time! It is also located midway between our two coasts, which means it is a perfect complement to any beach destination in the country. We are truly at the heart of Costa Rica.

Wide Selection of Venues. Host your event anywhere. Really, anywhere. In a historic Costa Rican farmhouse, an amphitheater with volcano views, beneath a 500-year-old Ceiba tree (the actual tree of life), in a five star riverside restaurant, at the base of a waterfall, on an organic farm serving farm-to-table meals, at a funky disco club tucked deep into the jungle, or on a lakeside pavilion complete with floating stage. Don’t see your dream venue on the list? Ask us—we can probably make it happen!

So Many Places to Stay! You can find something for every style and in every price range. From cozy B&B's and budget-friendly lodges to the most luxurious eco-resorts, it’s all here. The area boasts over 120 different accommodation options, many of which top the Best Of lists every year on TripAdvisor, Conde Nast, and Travel & Leisure, and all of which are independently owned. Tell us what you like, and we can match you with one of our favorites.

Because you’ll love it! I love it, of course. I live here. But I’m pretty sure you’ll love it too. Not a day goes by that the beauty of Arenal doesn’t take my breath away. Plus, La Fortuna is the friendliest little tourist town you could ask for. Full of restaurants, shops and services, it offers anything and everything you could want, right at the base of our majestic volcano.

Good Vibes. What’s more, Arenal offers a unique meeting point of the elements: water (lake), fire (volcano), earth and wind all converge here. Costa Rica generates most of its (renewable!) energy in the immediate area, and you can truly feel the unique vibration of this place when you visit. With so many good vibes, you’ll connect with nature and others on a whole new level. I know I have! Arenal is the perfect setting for any event, and I would love to share it with you.

Of course, I’ll always give you a balanced and transparent look at the pros and cons of every decision you make about your event. So, here are a few reasons you may NOT want to host your event in Arenal:

1. You’re not okay with the possibility that it could rain on the day of your event. Full disclosure: Considered paradise by many, the rainforest can be… rainy. Rain is possible anytime and any day of any month. Rainy season or not, the sky can open up for 10 seconds or 10 days straight. It can also change quickly. There is often no way of predicting it—even with forecasts and radar.

The good news: We also enjoy long stretches of time with totally amazing, clear and sunny weather. Days and weeks that are beyond beautiful! Don’t let anyone tell you differently. There is also always a rain plan, and most activities go on rain or shine.

2. You don’t want to drive three hours from the airport to your destination.

The good news: I can recommend other venue options closer to one of our international airports without sacrificing your dreams of cloud forest or rainforest, waterfalls or volcanos. I’ll be happy to provide some different options to suit your needs.

The reasons to hire a planner for your Costa Rica event are obvious—to me. But I’ve been in this business a long time. Here’s why I think you’d be crazy not to hire a planner for your special event in Costa Rica:

Your Current Location. Chances are you’re planning an event in Costa Rica…while in another country. Chances are Spanish is also not your first language (speaking from experience here). And chances are you have never been to Costa Rica—or, if so, maybe for one week a few years ago. Really, this is reason enough for you to hire a planner. Whoever you choose, you should find a planner you connect with to support you in this process.

Costa Ricans Are Too Nice. There, I said it. One of the things I love the most about Costa Rica is its people. They are hands down some of the friendliest people in the world. They will go out of their way to help you and are generally really, really happy. (Seriously we were named the Happiest Country on the Planet again last year.) However, when planning an event, I have found this can actually be a hindrance. Why? Because Costa Ricans will almost always say yes. To anything. Even if they don’t fully understand what it is you want. It always comes with the best of intentions, and might not be a big deal in most instances. But if you are planning a special event, it’s important to have someone who completely understands what you want and can clearly communicate that for you—and, more importantly, make it happen.

Stress. Planning an event is stressful enough. Traveling internationally is stressful enough. There is no need to make it any more stressful. I can help you with every single arrangement, from the moment you land until the moment you depart. It can actually be fun!

It Saves You Money. And you get more for your dollar. I’ve done most of the price comparisons for you. I know what’s available and how to get the best value for your dollar. Better yet, by drawing on my long-standing relationships with vendors, I can also get you extra perks and better pricing in general.

It Saves You Time. Again, I’ve already done most of the research for you. If I don’t already have the answer, I promise I will find it for you. Instead of spending hours on search engines looking for vendors in the area and trying to translate or communicate what you want (and then trying to get payment to each one), you can do it all at once by hiring a planner.

Choose The Right Venue For You. The area boasts lots of hidden gems that we have discovered over the years. It’s hard to tell what an event venue is really like from a website. The photos don’t show what’s next door or across the street—or that it is 30 minutes up a 4x4-only driveway! I have personally experienced most of the venues available in the Arenal area. I know—from direct experience—the pros and cons that come with each one and help you decide which is best for you.

You Will Eat, Breathe, and Relax. This comes with having less stress. Plus the food you eat will be local, fresh and delicious. The air you breathe will be pure and clean rainforest air. Your only responsibility will be to sit back, relax, enjoy the experience, and look good. Period.

Think you don’t need a planner? Here’s why I (respectfully) disagree:

There is truly no downsides to hiring a planner. Myself or someone else.

If you think your budget doesn’t have space, know that without a qualified planner you will likely make (avoidable) mistakes during the planning process or at the event that cost you in the long run... often much more than a coordinator would have cost! (Most couples who do it themselves say they wish they had hired a planner.)

Prohibitive cost is one of the most common misconceptions about hiring a planner. But actually, you’ll get more bang for your buck. When you have a group of vendors who have worked together and have a cohesive relationship, they will stop at nothing to make sure an event goes smoothly. You can’t put a price on that.

You can still DIY. As much as you would like in fact. We usually welcome it. And it can save you a bundle as well. You still make all of the decisions and add all of your personal touches to your event. Event planning is a unique process of co-creation, and I love to see the original ideas that emerge!

I (Tui—owner of Blue Butterfly) was born here. I live here. I work here. I am bilingual and have experience and relationships with many of the country’s leading vendors—and I can suggest the best ones to meet your vision and budget.

I may be a little biased, but here’s my top-list for why you should hire Blue Butterfly:

Connection. I am Costa Rican by birth. My parents came from the U.S. to Costa Rica in the early 70’s and started an herbal tea company on the volcano Poas. Costa Rica and volcanoes are in my blood!

Experience. Upon moving back to Costa Rica in 2004, I got involved in tourism and hospitality as the manager of a boutique beachfront bed and breakfast in Guanacaste. It was there that I began planning weddings. (I had honestly been planning events since high school, so it seemed like a natural fit.) Since then, I have worked independently as well as alongside other companies as the only independent event planner to live - and specialize in the Arenal and La Fortuna area. I have been involved in over 400 weddings and corporate events in Costa Rica! Most recently, I have focused on intimate weddings, transformational travel and group facilitation, curating wellness retreats including the Rhythm of Nature Retreat, several international Press Trips in conjunction with the national tourism board, and the 2016 Thought Leadership Summit.

Background. I didn’t get into this work by accident. I am especially qualified thanks to my insider insights into...

-Nonprofit. I know how to make every penny count.

-Corporate America. I understand it, because I have been there and lived it. I have assembled boards, as well as served on them. And I’ve participated and organized countless meetings. I understand corporate North American expectations —and I can deliver.

-Hotels & Travel. I have spent the last 15+ years working in the hotel and travel industry in Costa Rica, so I understand how it works and who the best providers are. We also have an in-house travel coordinator, as well as relationships with travel partners, who can help your guests with travel and accommodations.

-Freelance Events. As a freelance coordinator, I still have the privilege of working with many of the other event and wedding planners in the country. There are some dynamite coordinators and companies out there whom I respect deeply. The bottom line is, I have been able to observe countless vendors and service providers at work—without needing to “test them out” on my clients. From rental companies and photographers, to musicians and florists, this has allowed me to compile my own list of the best providers.

-Education. I earned my Bachelors degree in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Central Florida. Since then I have studied events and hospitality and am also a certified wedding planner (CWP) with The Bridal Society. Most recently I earned my Diploma in Social Innovation from the United Nations mandated, University for Peace in 2020.

Location. I am the only event coordinator in the country who is both living in and specializing in the Arenal/La Fortuna area. I have the insider scoop on what’s happening in the area and all the venues, restaurants, tours and services available. I am constantly on the l look out for new venues, views and vendors. I’m on my home turf; I know all the ins and outs of getting things done around here. And if I don’t know, I know someone who does.

Multiple Cultures. Though I was born in Costa Rica, I was raised and educated in the U.S. I understand both Costa Rican culture and North American standards; I excel in bridging the two. And trust me, they are very different in many ways. I understand North American and European design styles and incorporate my local knowledge to execute those ideas in the most beautiful, sustainable, and efficient way possible.

Environment & Community. We see every event as an opportunity to help the world around us in some way. As each group and event is different, and projects we’ve supported vary widely—from purchasing desks, painting and fixing up local schools and donating sporting supplies, to supporting reforestation projects and animal rescue centers. We work with any interested group to find a way to give back that is meaningful for them. We’ve had wedding couples ask all of their guests to bring a children's library book instead of a gift or card. We’ve coordinated corporate events that used tropical baby trees in their dinner centerpieces, which they then planted after. Every event can be transformative—for your guests and for our world!

Different Approach. Our design style approach is fairly minimalist. We like to focus on the nature and love. Most of the area’s venues are completely surrounded by natural beauty, so you don’t have to do too much to make an event exquisite. No beige-carpeted event halls here! We also try to make a small impact on the environment and a big impact on the community by sourcing locally as much as possible. We strive for organic and all-natural style!

Desafio-Supported. We are a proud partner to one of the best tour, transportation and logistics operator in the country: Desafio Adventure Company! Most travel and event planners have to find different providers for each tour and service. As a partner to Desafio, which is a direct operator, we have the full logistics support of a travel agency, a fleet of vehicles and drivers, the most exciting tours in Costa Rica, and a 24-hour operations department with nearly 30 years of experience. This is a truly valuable asset.

Passion - this is what we love to do! We are positively passionate about connection, love, transformation and curating unique experiences that make the participants and our surrounding world a little better. We love witness those special and once-in-a-lifetime moments in our clients lives.

It excites us to share our special spots and the beauty of the nature of the country of Costa Rica and the people. We are dedicated to helping you figure out all of the details and fit the pieces together and find great joy in seeing our clients happy and in supporting their visions.