Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Family Adventure in Costa Rica

Viewed by 60 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Start your trip by exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens where you can enjoy majestic waterfalls and spot various monkeys in their natural habitat.
Take a guided tour or private transportation to La Paz, it's a 1.5-hour drive from San Jose.
50, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Savor a delicious lunch amidst the greenery of La Paz, keeping an eye out for playful monkeys that often visit the area.
Dine at the on-site restaurant within La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Monkey Encounter & Wildlife Viewing

Engage in a dedicated monkey encounter experience within the gardens, where you can interact with and observe various monkey species up close.
Join the guided monkey encounter program within La Paz.
30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to San Jose

Head back to San Jose and relax at your hotel after a day filled with monkey adventures and natural beauty.
Take your pre-arranged transportation back to the city.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tin Jo

Enjoy a flavorful dinner at Tin Jo, blending Asian cuisine with the tastes of Costa Rica, as you recount your exciting monkey encounters.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant in San Jose.
40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 2: Nature & Adventure

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Explore Children's Museum

Spend the morning at the Children's Museum in San Jose, where kids can learn about Costa Rican biodiversity, including monkeys.
Visit the museum located in the city center; avail of public transportation or a short taxi ride.
15, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Escalante

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Mercado Escalante, a trendy food market offering diverse culinary options in a vibrant setting.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the market from the Children's Museum.
20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Simon Bolivar Zoo

Explore Simon Bolivar Zoo, known for its conservation efforts and the opportunity to see monkeys and other native wildlife up close.
Travel to the zoo by taxi or public transport; it's a 15-minute ride from Mercado Escalante.
10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Return to your hotel to rest and unwind, reflecting on the day's activities and monkey sightings.
Take a taxi or use hotel shuttle service to reach your accommodation.
Varies, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Alma de Amon

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Alma de Amon, a local favorite known for its varied menu and inviting ambiance.
Take a taxi or a short stroll from your hotel to Alma de Amon for dinner.
35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 3: Volcano Exploration & Monkey Spotting

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on a guided tour of Arenal Volcano National Park, with chances to spot monkeys in the surrounding rainforest.
Take a private shuttle or drive to the park entrance; it's a 30-minute ride from your hotel.
25, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch with a View at La Fortuna

Enjoy a scenic lunch in La Fortuna town, overlooking Arenal Volcano and surrounded by lush greenery where monkeys often roam.
Drive or grab a taxi to the town center of La Fortuna, a 15-minute ride from the national park.
15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Monkey Sanctuary Visit

Explore a monkey sanctuary near Arenal to observe and learn about these playful creatures in a natural setting.
Take a guided tour or arranged transport to the sanctuary for an exciting monkey encounter.
40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at your lakeside hotel in Arenal, looking forward to more monkey sightings and relaxation by the water.
Take a taxi or use hotel shuttle to reach your lakeside accommodation.
Varies, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Don Rufino, delighting in their fusion of local flavors and great ambiance after your monkey-filled day.
Unwind with a short drive or walk to Don Rufino restaurant for dinner.
50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal

Day 4: Adventure & Wildlife with Monkeys

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Ziplining at Sky Adventures

Soar through the treetops on a thrilling ziplining adventure at Sky Adventures, keeping an eye out for monkeys swinging in the trees.
Take a shuttle or drive to Sky Adventures for your ziplining experience; it's a 30-minute ride.
75, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Novillo Arenal

Recharge with a tasty lunch at El Novillo Arenal, where friendly monkeys may make an appearance for some foodie entertainment.
Enjoy a short drive or shuttle to the restaurant, located 20 minutes away from Sky Adventures.
20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wildlife Boat Tour at Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Embark on a boat tour at Cano Negro to spot various wildlife, including monkeys, in their natural riverine habitats.
Join a guided boat excursion to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge; it's a 1.5-hour drive from Arenal.
60, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Choza de Laurel

Satisfy your hunger with a flavorful dinner at La Choza de Laurel, reminiscing about the monkey sightings of the day.
Head to the restaurant by taxi or shuttle to enjoy a hearty dinner after your wildlife adventure.
40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal

Day 5: Beach & Monkey Moments

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Embark on a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, a haven for monkeys and other wildlife amidst picturesque beaches.
Take a shuttle or short drive to the park entrance; it's a 4-hour journey from Arenal.
20, 4 hours

12:00PM

Beachside Lunch & Monkey Watching

Enjoy a beachside lunch within the park, with monkeys often swinging by for a curious visit as you dine by the shore.
Have a picnic lunch on the beach while keeping an eye out for playful monkeys.
25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sands of Manuel Antonio Beach, where monkeys and sloths are known to make surprise appearances.
Settle down on the beach for a leisurely afternoon of sun and monkey-spotting.
5, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check into Hotel

Check into your beachfront hotel in Manuel Antonio for a well-deserved rest after a day filled with beach fun and monkey encounters.
Take a short drive or use hotel shuttle to reach your accommodation by the beach.
Varies, N/A

7:00PM

Dinner at Gabriella's

Enjoy a seaside dinner at Gabriella's, reliving the monkey memories of the day while dining with ocean views.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Gabriella's restaurant for a delectable dinner by the sea.
50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 6: Sun, Sand & Monkey Sights

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Surfing Lesson at Tamarindo Beach

Start your morning with a surfing lesson on the gentle waves of Tamarindo Beach, keeping an eye out for monkeys in the nearby trees.
Walk or short drive to the beach for your surfing lesson.
50, 2 hours

11:00AM

Beachfront Brunch with Monkey Spotting

Enjoy a delightful brunch at a beachfront cafe, overlooking the ocean and trees where mischievous monkeys may be spotted.
Choose a beachside cafe for your delicious brunch with possible monkey sightings.
20, 1 hour

12:30PM

Relax & Sunbathe with Monkeys

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden sands, soaking in the sun and keeping an eye out for playful monkeys in the nearby canopy.
Set up your beach spot for a tranquil afternoon of sunbathing and potential monkey encounters.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Explore Tamarindo Town & Monkey Alley

Stroll through Tamarindo town, especially Monkey Alley, where monkeys are known to play and interact with visitors in the streets.
Take a leisurely walk around town, making sure to swing by Monkey Alley for possible interactions.
30, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Pangas Beach Club

Enjoy your last dinner in Costa Rica at Pangas Beach Club, with a chance to catch a glimpse of monkeys in the surrounding trees as you dine by the beach.
Take a short walk or taxi to Pangas Beach Club for a memorable farewell dinner with potential monkey sightings.
60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tamarindo

Day 7: Departure Day

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Morning Beach Stroll

Start your day with a peaceful morning stroll along the sandy shores of Tamarindo, bidding farewell to the beautiful beach and possibly catching a last glimpse of monkeys playing.
Take a leisurely walk along the beach before your departure, soaking in the serenity.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at Nogui's Beachfront Restaurant

Have a delicious breakfast at Nogui's Beachfront Restaurant, savoring the last tastes of Costa Rican cuisine and enjoying the view of the ocean.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Nogui's for your final breakfast in Tamarindo.
20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Souvenir Shopping

Explore the local shops for souvenirs to remember your monkey-filled Costa Rican adventure, picking up some treasures to take home.
Stroll through the nearby shops and markets, browsing for unique Costa Rican gifts.
50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Transfer to Airport

Bid farewell to Tamarindo as you transfer to the airport for your journey back home, reminiscing about the monkey encounters and amazing experiences.
Arrange for a taxi or shuttle to take you to the airport for your departure.
Varies, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tamarindo
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About costa rica

Trip Packing List: San José, Costa Rica (late February)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Costa Rica (Late February)
Packing List
San José, Costa Rica Weather: Your Year-Round Climate Guide
Weather Guide
Costa Rica Weather: A Comprehensive Year-Round Climate Guide
Weather Guide
San José, Costa Rica: Essential Travel Guide and Tips
Travel Expert
Essential Tips for Visiting Costa Rica Safely and Smartly
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your costa rica Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go