After the hike, you can have lunch at one of the local restaurants right outside the park. Along the way, you can stop at Jaco (big surfing beach town) or the Crocodile Bridge. Usually classes are 4-8 people but you can request a private class for just your family. Your email address will not be published. Fantastic family pictures and videos share the true magic of Costa Rica with toddlers. On day 3, hop in your car and take the family to explore! Spend your final days relaxing on the beach. You can also check out Airbnb. There is a ton of wildlife in this park with lots of monkeys! After youre done, head back to the hotel to relax, shower and nap. Its kind of like Tamarindo (another surfing beach town thats popular with families in Guanacaste) but less touristy and has less of a party vibe. This itinerary is perfect for anyone looking for options but ultimately wants to design their own travel plan. San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Smara: Best It San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itin Arenal/La Fortuna & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary Ideas, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo, How to Get from Liberia to Arenal/La Fortuna, How to Get from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park, How to Get from San Jos Airport (SJO) to the Osa Peninsula, How to Get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park, How to Get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna, Enjoy a Sloth and Bird Hike & Dip in Hot Springs, Tour Monteverde Cloud Forest on a Guided Hike, Visit a Coffee Farm & Indigenous Community, Tour a Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center, Hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, Spot Wildlife on a Night Hike in Tortuguero, Go on a Sloth and Bird Hike & Dip in Hot Springs, Embark on a Safari Float & Visit a Chocolate Farm, Visit a Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center, Visit a Local Farm & Arenal Hanging Bridges, Explore a Coffee Farm & Go on a Nighttime Nature Walk, Enjoy a Day of Adventure in Hacienda Guachipelin, Try Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River. Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 10 Days. Hannah celebrated her daughters 3rd birthday in Costa Rica. We saw as many interesting animals on this tour as we did in the Arenal area. Each section shares their day-to-day itinerary, the details, accommodations, and great family pictures! Theres no way to predict traffic. This area has very good tourist infrastructure, a ton of hotels at various price points, many restaurants and a plethora of activities for all ages. Spend 2 nights in Tarcoles. One is a very easy and popular one, going to main tourist destinations and flying in and out of San Jose International Airport (airport code SJO). You can hangout at the local park which has a beautiful view of the church and volcano and lots of souvenir stores. Many Costa Rican naturalist guides are good at engaging and interacting with kids to keep them interested. Eat at the sodas 6. Costa Rica Itinerary 2: Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest to Manuel Antonio National Park. ), and a trip plan centered around volcanoes and beaches. Our guide, Minor, greeted us with bananas right off the banana tree in his yard. "Wilie from Serendipity was wonderful. On day 1, get settled in San Jos. Read more here. Guanacaste Itinerary: 5 Days Guide with Maps & Photos - MytanFeet Go horseback riding along a jungle river, stopping for a picnic and a quick swim in a natural pool. Then, you'll get up close with snakes, monkeys, and parrots during a tour of a wildlife rehabilitation center. 7 Days in Costa Rica - With Kids! Read more here. Now its time for a little bit of excitement! Baldi, Los Lagos, the Springs and Kalambu are excellent for families. Go Explore! Planning tip: If you dont want to drive that long, Tamarindo is a good option for a fun and lively beach town as its 1 hour from Liberia Airport. All the children gave him", "AMAZING !! Start in Manuel Antonio with a Catamaran and beach time. The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! He was very responsive and helped us plan an amazing trip for a very diverse group - we had vegans in the gro", "The trip was seem less as it pertains to the travel arrangements and punctuality of all of the transportation vans that were provided to us. Aspiring artists in your family with delight in Costa Ricas rich and diverse art and art history from painting and drawing to pottery and photography. Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Kids will love the rush of flying through the air. Check out these other, Our local travel specialists have been recommended by. Costa Rica is rapidly becoming a favorite destination for family travel. Then for the guided walk, we highly recommend Bogarin Trail (1.6 kms or 1 mile easy and flat trail), Mistico Hanging Bridges (3.2 kms or 2 miles, kids have to be at least 6), the Arenal Volcano National Park or Arenal 1968 private reserve. Playa Potrero offers the sandy beaches, spectacular views and relaxed vibe. Hi Diana, In La Fortuna/ Arenal weve stayed at Arenal Volcano Inn and Hotel Arenal Manoa, though Ive heard fabulous things about The Springs. This lovely, small country features activities and adventures to delight the whole family. San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Smara: Best It San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itin Arenal/La Fortuna & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary Ideas, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo, How to Get from Liberia to Arenal/La Fortuna, How to Get from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park, How to Get from San Jos Airport (SJO) to the Osa Peninsula, How to Get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park, How to Get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna, Arrive in Liberia & Transfer to Rincn De La Vieja, Take a Private Surf Lesson at Playa Tamarindo, Spot Wildlife on a Nighttime Rainforest Walk, Go on a Sloth and Bird Hike & Dip in Hot Springs, Spot Wildlife on a Night Hike in Tortuguero, Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Children's Eternal Forest, Tour Monteverde Cloud Forest on a Guided Hike, Float Down the Corobic River on a Safari Tour. Spend the first 4 days in Arenal exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park and the hanging bridges. But theres also Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande and many other beautiful Costa Rican beach towns. We recommend to leave before noon so you can arrive in Manuel Antonio during daylight. They also have a stunning view of Arenal Volcano. If you have time, try to work in a visit to the Monteverde cloud forest. Road Trip Day 4: Central Costa Rica: Waterfalls. Costa Rica uses a currency called colones. You float down a calm river for 2 hours while your guide paddles and points out animals. It is about a 3 hour drive. Click here to see the interactive map with the driving route, hotel recommendations, destinations and things to do. Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Dont forget to get our Manuel Antonio/Quepos tours discount here! We wanted to be able to walk out of our condo and to be on the beach, and to walk on the beach to dinner. Arenal Volcano The area around Arenal Volcano is a prime Costa Rica family vacation destination (Photo: @ISphotos via Twenty20) Rising dramatically from the land and ringed by rivers, rainforests, and waterfalls, Arenal Volcano looks like it was plucked straight from a children's fairy tale. Brittany and Jessica helped us craft a terrific itinerary, W", "We started out with Sergio and he was amazing. Explore a mangrove ecosystem at that Damas Island Estuary during another boating trip on day nine before your family adventure comes to an end. Our group was diverse but wi", Traveled to Costa Rica as a group in June, 2023, "A wonderful family trip of a lifetime! This magnificent country has a lot to offer family travelers. For this itinerary, it is recommended to rent a car because of the destinations as Guanacaste is more rural with less transportation options. Also, for some families, its just 1 adult who drives the whole time. 5 Days in Costa Rica: San Jose to Puerto Viejo The Best Costa Rica Family Vacation - Two Week Itinerary The following day, explore the area by air in a canopy zipline tour. Very practical and helpful information for the planning stages! Even if you book a private shuttle, we recommend to stay in San Jose for the night if you are landing in the evening. Up coming trip first week of aug 8days Family w/young adult 3:33 pm. Get out and explore the La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve on the first day, then go for an unforgettable walk along the Arenal Hanging Bridges on day two, finishing the day with a dip in the natural Tabacon Hot Springs. Learn to surf in Manuel Antonio National Park Try a whitewater rafting adventure or enjoy a safari-style river float to wrap up the adventure. Read on to learn more about your options for family-friendly trips around Costa Rica. Their 2 day hot spring pass is also super nice because they have a waterslide, two huge hot spring section with natural and built pools, a hot spring section along the natural river and a yummy restaurant for lunch. Samara is a good beginner surfing beach and you can take a class right on the beach. Guides are skilled at spotting sloths and other animals that you would just pass right by. We also recommend to check out La Fortuna downtown if you have time. The Perfect Costa Rica Itinerary for 10 Days in Santa Teresa [Updated Our personal recommendation is to rent a car or book private shuttles in Costa Rica. As soon as you land in San Jose Airport, pick up your rental car or get picked up by your private driver to go to La Fortuna. If you plan to visit Costa Rica with kids, here are our Costa Rica itinerary for families. 50 3 This perfect week-long itinerary will maximize fun and minimize drive time. View Map From natural landscapes to wildlife experiences and adventure sports, Costa Rica has much to offer families. Additionally, you have more lodging options. Fly into Liberia International Airport and pick up your car rental. We ate our way through Costa Rica, stopping at as many sodas as we could. First, you'll have some time to relax on the white, golden, and black sand beaches for which the region is famous. But we did leave valuables at home. You will need some basic information such as your dates of stay and where you will be staying. White water rafting is on the docket for day 3. Monteverde - 3 days. Today you will travel to Manuel Antonio. La Fortuna- 3 days. This 1 week Costa Rica itinerary for families goes to San Jose (Landing at San Jose International Airport) La Fortuna Manuel Antonio SJO Airport. There is NO additional cost to you if you purchase. Offering a mix of rainforest hikes, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures, this active 10-day trip around Costa Rica is popular with families. Get oriented in San Jos on day one of the trip with a self-guided tour around the historic city center, visiting Mercado Central and the gold and jade museumshousing Central America's largest collections of each. Learn more. Bijagua to Liberia International Airport is about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive so enjoy your last few hours in Bijagua and Costa Rica. Join our vibrantFacebook community, "Families Who Love to Travel,"(where family travelers like you can ask for advice and share tips with other families!). The San Jose International Airport is the busier airport. Dont miss Museo Nacional De Costa Rica to learn about the countrys history. Your final few days will be spent on the water or exploring San Jos. It gets dark in Costa Rica at 6 PM everyday and most businesses close around 8/9 PM so if youre arriving after 6 PM, we dont recommend to drive this route in the dark (especially in rainy season). Carful of Kids have to say about Punta Canta, Best Beach Destinations in the USA for Families, Las Catalinas Costa Rica: A Unique Walkable, Tropical Destination, Vail Summer 2023: Fun in the Colorado Rockies, Discover the Wild Wonder of Kazakhstan National Parks. Bijagua is the tiny rural town near Tenorio Volcano National Park. Thus our family vacation to Costa Rica blossomed. Read more about shuttles in Costa Rica here and if youd like a quote for a private shuttle, pleas contact us! If you need a 4wd or a bigger car, then a car like the Hyundai Tucson, Suzuki Vitara or Toyota Rav4 is a good option. Itineraries fun for the whole family include a trip to La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve, an excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, a wildlife excursion around Arenal Volcano (plus a zip line adventure! This is a pretty good hike, so could be a bit much for smaller children. Welcome to Costa Rica! Evening/Night Hot Springs: No trip to La Fortuna is complete without a visit to the hot springs! One is a very easy and popular one, going to main tourist destinations and flying in and out of San Jose International Airport (airport code SJO). Delicious. Save. Incredible 5 Days In Costa Rica Itinerary - Bobo and ChiChi The only one missing was the sloth. In Costa Rica, you literally can start your day in a bathing suit and flip-flops, drive a few hours, and be wrapped in rain jackets, using hiking boots on a mossy trail. Read more here. Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal & Manuel Antonio National P Monteverde Cloud Forest & Manuel Antonio National Park - 8 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 6 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 9 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries, 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas. Playa Biesanz is perfect for small children. We traveled easily around the country with our toddler . After landing in Liberia, travel to Rincn de la Vieja National Park and go for a dip in the Ro Negro Hot Springs. Families looking for a step by step itinerary will love this one! Costa Rica Family Itinerary At-A-Glance. If you want to spend some time at the park, first go to the Chocolateria (right by the park) to get a coffee, chocolate, ice cream or pastries and sit in the park to enjoy tour treat. You may be able to find a better variety of flights in and out of San Jose than Liberia. This minivan seats up to 9 with luggage, 12 without. There are no street lights. All of the driv", "Olman was very informative and always available to answer our questions. White water rafting is on the docket for day 3. Family vacation - all inclusive suggestions - Costa Rica Forum Learn about indigenous culture and how coffee is made, tour a scarlet macaw refuge center, and hike in a forested biological reserve to finish up the adventure. One of Costa Ricas most popular national parks, Manuel Antonio does offer rain forest and beach all in one location. You also likely see monkeys, poison dart frogs and lots of birds. This area of Costa Rica boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. You'll get up close with animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center, then tour the cloud forest as well as the Children's Eternal Forest on guided hikes. You'll enjoy sunset views over the water during a late afternoon sailing tour. There, visit the Crocodile Bridge, do a canopy tour, and do some hiking. Family Volunteer Adventure Package in Costa Rica - 8-days - Discover Corps We wanted adventure and rainforest first and then relaxation at the beach. Our family debated between the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park or the Nicoya Peninsula of Guanacoste. And, in San Jose weve stayed at a unique budget hotel, the Adventure Inn. Mariso who was our guide on the volcano walk was fantastic. Learn more. The Guanacaste region receives much less rain than the Arenal Volcano area. Here is the 14 day itinerary in a nutshell: San Jose - 1 day. We went with option B and locked passports away in the safe but carried an image on our phones. This area of Costa Rica is known for its natural mineral hot springs. Go sightseeing in historic San Jos, explore the cloud forest of Monteverde, visit the country's largest butterfly garden, and enjoy a safari-style float down a jungle river to spot crocodiles in the wild. As there are no shoulders, cars often park in the middle of the road. Church of Jesus Christ strengthens families, youth - Church News 6 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas You'll glide through the jungle treetops on a zip line adventure on day four, then enjoy a relaxing hike to La Fortuna Waterfall on the last day of the trip. So, both beaches and rain forests made it onto our itinerary. Days 5 and 6 are spent in Monteverde exploring the cloud forest and enjoying a night hike. Quetzal at Monte Verde Cloud Forest Reserve by Brennan Pang. Check out the quick video below showing all the highlights of our 2 week family vacation in Costa Rica. Check out what our friends at Carful of Kids have to say about Punta Canta. 7 Days in Costa Rica by Maggie McKneely | Apr 17, 2022 | Costa Rica | 21 comments Last Updated on February 19, 2023 by Maggie McKneely Planning a trip to this idyllic country known for waterfalls, sloths, and gorgeous beaches? Continue to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. ), and a trip plan centered around volcanoes and beaches. During our Costa Rica family vacation, which included 4 full days, we visited three destinations, Guanacaste, Arenal, and La Fortuna. Chelsea, the mom behind Pack More Into Life, provides a detailed itinerary, as well as helpful planning tips. Punta Canta, Dominican Republic is also on our family travel list for wildlife and beaches. Brittany and Jessica helped us craft a terrific itinerary, W", "We started out with Sergio and he was amazing. I wont spoil all the surprises. Lay Eyes on the Elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids. Head to one of the beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. We did stay at a hotel with hot springs so we didnt need to make that an activity as we did it as part of our relaxation time on property. All of the driv", "Olman was very informative and always available to answer our questions. And, it was a destination that Ma C and Poppies might have an interest in visiting again with us. But you could do what we did in 7, if willing to cut out a couple of days lazing on the beach. There is a Walmart which you may want to stop at for a SIM card if you are renting a car and driving. So, while it seems like a small country that you could cover in 7 to 10 days, you shouldnt try. Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour discount! Jody and her family spent 6 days focused on the La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area and the Manuel Antonio area. Kick off the trip with a nighttime tour of a sloth habitat near La Fortuna, known as one of the country's primary hotspots for these slow-moving creatures. Driving is the most flexible way to get around Costa Rica. Costa Rica - 5 day itinerary. Read the Ultimate Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park for more information. Discover the region's vibrant nocturnal ecosystemsloths, bats, porcupines!on a guided night hike, then go for a boat ride through the park's canals amid the jungle; trek to the area's highest peak, Cerro Tortuguero, on day three. Costa Rica Tour company 4:18 pm. For the older kids, Arenal Mundo Aventura, Arenal Canopy and SkyTrek are great options. Practice greetings as simple as Hello! and How are You? Hola! and Cmo ests? And, be sure to include Pura Vida! as much as possible. Since you already did a guided walk in La Fortuna, its not absolutely necessary to do a guided walk in this park too but you can if you want. And, the beach is the perfect place to get it. Bring all necessary medications. Costa Rica - 5 day itinerary - Go Travel With Kids On day 7, take a river float (a lighter version of white water rafting). But you miss the waterfall if you cut out early. Day four takes you to the gorgeous beaches around Puerto Viejo. $4,195 Adult / $3,995 Child We'll take you to the most beautiful corners of Costa Rica on this family adventure. "Wilie from Serendipity was wonderful. Lots of beach fun for the kids! Driving in Costa Rica. You can also use your major credit cards at most places other than some Sodas. Aspiring entomologists will love taking a night tour to see nocturnal creatures like giant tarantulas! Our family airline of choice, Southwest Airlines, flies to Liberia. Kristas trip highlight was the Rincon De La Vija Adventure Pass, which included an exciting river tubing experience and ziplining. This maximized fun and limited the amount of driving needed to get from place to place. If youre a blogger who would like to be included in this post or write a guest post for Families Love Travel, please email us at contribution@familieslovetravel.com! Day 4. The seeds of this Costa Rican adventure were planted a couple of years ago when my son told his kindergarten teacher that we were going to Costa Rica for Spring Break. Kids will love the 2-mile trek, which includes 6 iconic hanging bridges. But we were lucky that we actually got a view of Arenal Volcano just one of the 4 days we were there. Tamarindo - 4 days. Often there is no dividing line and cars may opt to not stay on their side of the road. And, it was from the comfort of a boat on the river. As an Amazon Associate Insider Families earns from qualifying purchases. This lively 10-day itinerary through Costa Rica is tailor-made for families, featuring a visit to a local farm, zip-lining adventures, a jungle cruise, surf lessons, and horseback riding. Or, perhaps you fly into one and out of the other. And, this is where the rain finally stopped for us and the clouds cleared enough to get a view of the Arenal Volcano for the first time. Theyll get to search for creatures like insects, spiders, snakes and frogs. Click here to get our Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour discount! Then witness green turtles laying their eggs on the beach. See Costa Rica's waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife habitats on this 10-day tour that's perfect for families. In Costa Rica, Latter-day Saints celebrated International Family Day . If you have a shorter time to visit, or San Jose is your airport of choice this itinerary could be a better option for your family. This property is absolutely gorgeousand is an awesome place for families. Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste and the Famed Gold Coast, Ultimate Guide to Monteverde: Costa Rica's Lost World. Take another hike on day 4 at Rincon De La Vieja. See the Ultimate Guide to Tortuguero National Park for more ideas. But as we drove there in the pouring rain, and located the destination with GPS rather than street signs, I had moments of doubt. From capuchin monkeys to crabs, kids will be in awe everywhere you go! Playa Penca is your go-to for day 3. Cook your own meals 5. Families will love the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation Tour a great place to learn about Costa Rican history and culture. Road Trip Day 3: Puerto Viejo: Wildlife Rescue & National Park. Head to the Arenal Volcano. As in any destination, nap schedules will slow down your activities. Tour a jaguar rescue center, then visit with an indigenous family and learn how to make chocolate on day five. Here youll find a couple of extra options for your Costa Rica itinerary. Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport Costa Rica. On this itinerary, you'll spend the first few days of the trip exploring the volcanoes, hot springs, bird habitats, and waterfalls of Arenal. Dont miss Giselles other tips for where to stay, where to eat, and insights about the weather. You can zipline at Wingnuts after or before your kayak. Then you'll tour a scarlet macaw refuge and breeding center and go for a hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve to wrap up the trip. Costa Rica offers two major airports accessible from multiple American cities. There take a breathtaking hike (up and down) to see the gorgeous La Fortuna Waterfall. From backpackers to families, it's an easy spot to travel for anyone seeking adventure, exoticism, untouched nature, and authentic experiences. Experience the highlights of Costa Rica's vast landscapes in the Family Volunteer Adventure. 01 / Top Sights & Places Unmissable places for your itinerary Discover more Places San Jos Tortuguero Village Quepos La Fortuna Playa Tamarindo Cahuita Uvita Puerto Jimnez Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Jac Montezuma Playa Smara Ojochal Liberia Mal Pas & Santa Teresa Playas del Coco Puerto Limn Puntarenas 02 / Planning Toolkit You can stop at the Llanos de Cortes waterfall in Bagaces along the way. Families are sure to fall in love with Costa Ricas world-renowned approach to life pura vida. Itinerary #1: Outdoor Family Adventure in Costa Rica Explore the best of Costa Rica's landscapes and wildlife habitats on this seven-day journey through La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve, the Monteverde cloud forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Need we say more. FLORBLANCA RESORT. You can unsubscribe at any time. Are you on a quest to discover the ultimate present for an adventure-seeking kid who , In Vail we have a saying that, We moved here for the winter, but stayed , Over the past couple of summers our family explored the wide open spaces of our , Prioritize What is Most Important for your Costa Rica Vacation, 7 Days in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano Guanacaste Region, Costa Rica Family Itinerary: Arenal Volcano to Manuel Antonio, Everything Else You Need to Know About Visiting Costa Rica, Other Central American Destinations for Animal and Beach Lovers.

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