One Day Itinerary for Family Friendly Costa Rica

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens - Start the day with a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a family-friendly hike through the lush rainforest and to see the beautiful waterfalls. Estimated time: 2-3 hours.
• Mi Lindo Ecuador - Stop for an authentic Ecuadorian lunch at this family-owned restaurant. Try the empanadas and ceviche. Estimated time: 1 hour.
• Arenal Volcano National Park - Drive to Arenal Volcano National Park to see the impressive volcano and take a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Estimated time: 3-4 hours.
• Mercado Central - End the day with a visit to Mercado Central, a bustling indoor market with a variety of local goods and souvenirs for sale. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Time and Costs Estimates

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens - 2-3 hours, $35 per person
• Mi Lindo Ecuador - 1 hour, $10-15 per person
• Arenal Volcano National Park - 3-4 hours, $15 per person
• Mercado Central - 1-2 hours, varies depending on purchases
• Total Costs: $75-80 per person

Transportation

For this itinerary, renting a car is recommended to allow for flexibility and convenience. Estimated travel time between destinations is 1-2 hours. Car rental costs vary depending on the provider and type of car, but budget around $60-80 for the day.

Links to Key Attractions

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Mi Lindo Ecuador
• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Mercado Central

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park or spending an extra night in Arenal to fully explore the area. If you have less time, consider skipping the hot springs and spending more time at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.