Costa Rica, a coastal Central American country known for its lush rainforests, natural wonders, and stunning beaches, is the perfect destination for families seeking adventure and fun. This itinerary takes you to some of the must-visit locations in Costa Rica, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages.
Start your trip with a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its stunning views, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. The park's beaches will amaze you with their crystal-clear waters and white sand. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and iguanas as you walk through the park. Junior visitors will enjoy the easy trails and the many chances to see wild animals up close.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled day in Arenal Volcano National Park. Take a long hike through the rainforest, and cross the hanging bridges to see amazing views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Take a dip in the natural hot springs, and witness the panoramic view of the La Fortuna waterfall. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from zip-lining, horseback riding, and ATV tours.
Make sure you have your swimsuits ready to take a dip in the enchanting natural blue waters of the Rio Celeste waterfall. The color of the water is so blue that you won't believe your eyes. The waterfall is part of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, offering breathtaking hikes, scenic views, and rich biodiversity. Children will love the fun and the sense of magic that comes with visiting a waterfall hidden in the rainforest.
Located on the Caribbean coast, Sloth Sanctuary is a must-visit for families who love animals. You will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures and learn about their habits and habitats. The kids will be thrilled to see the baby sloths, which are very playful and cute. You can also take a boat tour in the canals to spot monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds along the way.
End your trip with a relaxing beach day in Tamarindo, one of the most popular coastal towns in Costa Rica. The town has a relaxed vibe, with its beautiful beaches, lovely town square, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Take a surfing lesson, go horseback riding, or simply lounge on the beach and enjoy the sun. You can also catch a stunning sunset view at the Sunset Reef.
It is recommended that you rent a car to travel between these amazing locations. You can book a rental car online for approximately $200 for 5 days. We also recommend that you arrive at San Jose Airport (SJO), as it is the largest airport in the country, and has both international and domestic flights available. From SJO it should take about 12 hours driving time for this itinerary.
If you have more time, you can explore other beautiful places in Costa Rica, such as Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and Corcovado National Park. Also, do not forget to bring mosquito repellant and sunscreen, as the weather can get hot and humid. If you have less time, you can pick and choose which activities to do based on your preferences as each location offers a variety of activities.
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), known as the main airport in Costa Rica, is situated in San Jose city, 17 miles from the city center. You can quickly get to San Jose using the official airport taxi service or take a bus from the airport.