San José is the vibrant capital city of Costa Rica, offering a mix of culture, history and entertainment. You can stroll through the National Museum of Costa Rica, Central Market, Morazán Park or stroll through the La Sabana Metropolitan Park, which offers numerous family entertainment options.
Explore the beautiful town of Turrialba, surrounded by lush rainforests and home to many natural attractions. Families love the Guayabo National Monument, which features ancient Mayan ruins, and the Irazú Volcano National Park, which has the highest volcano in Costa Rica and offers amazing hiking trails.
Visit the beautiful Arenal region, where you and your family can enjoy activities like zip-lining, hiking, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides. Must-visit attractions are La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano National Park, which offers majestic views of the volcano and a beautiful lake. Relax at the Tabacon Spa and the hot springs located in this region.
Monteverde is a paradise for any nature lover, surrounded by beautiful cloud forests and national parks. Enjoy a fun canopy tour or explore the beautiful Selvatura Adventure Park where you can walk along hanging bridges or explore the butterfly garden. Don't miss out on the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, filled with beautiful hiking trails and guided tours.
Tamarindo is one of the most popular coastal destinations in Costa Rica, offering beautiful beaches, amazing surf breaks, and lots of family-friendly activities. Rent bikes or take a kayak tour, take a surf lesson, or explore the nearby wildlife reserves. With plenty of great restaurants and nightly entertainment options, Tamarindo is a great place to relax and have fun.
Manuel Antonio is a stunning national park located on the Pacific coast, known for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and lush tropical forests. With a variety of activities for kids and adults alike, there's never a boring moment in Manuel Antonio. Nature trails, canopy tours, water sports, and relaxing on the beach are all popular activities in this region.
Finish off your trip with some final exploration of San José. Visit the Children's Museum of Costa Rica or Costa Rican Art Museum, explore the Mercado Central or take a city walking tour to see some of the city's historic landmarks.
Take your flight back home from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Costa Rica offers a variety of transportation options. You can take a taxi or use Uber in the urban areas. Buses are available throughout most of the country and are a great way to see more of the region for cheaper costs. Car rentals are also an option, but it can be challenging for those not familiar with the area. Expect to pay approximately $20-40 per day for a car rental.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Corcovado National Park or taking a trip to Tortuguero. With less time, consider cutting 1-2 locations from the itinerary to allow for more relaxation time.
The main airport in Costa Rica is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which is located in Alajuela, around 30 minutes away from San José city center.