7-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Miel

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at Café Miel, known for its delicious Costa Rican coffee and egg dishes.
Located near the city center, easy walk or 5-minute taxi ride from most hotels.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore the National Museum

Visit the National Museum to enrich your family's understanding of Costa Rican history and culture through engaging exhibits.
A 10-minute drive from Café Miel.
USD8, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Savor a local lunch at Mercado Central, where you can try various traditional dishes like casado and gallo pinto.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Discover the remarkable collection of ancient artifacts, showcasing the rich indigenous heritage of the region.
Just a 5-minute walk from Mercado Central.
USD10, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at La Criollita

End your day with a family dinner at La Criollita where you can enjoy local specialties in a cozy atmosphere.
A quick 10-minute drive from the museum.
USD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure to Arenal

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel your adventure with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel, featuring local fruits and hearty dishes.
Breakfast is included at most local hotels.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Arenal

Take a scenic 3-hour shuttle ride to Arenal, enjoying views of coffee farms and lush landscapes.
Private shuttle booked for comfort.
USD150, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Soda La Parada

Enjoy a tasty lunch featuring local dishes like ceviche or fried fish at this beloved soda.
Located in La Fortuna, just a short ride from your hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Arenal Volcano National Park

Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, taking in the stunning views and diverse wildlife.
A 15-minute drive from the lunch spot.
USD15, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurante Los Héroes

Wind down with a delicious dinner offering a mix of international cuisine and local dishes perfect for the whole family.
A short 10-minute drive from Arenal National Park.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: La Fortuna Fun

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Café Lucca

Start your day with breakfast at Café Lucca, known for their fresh pastries and organic options.
A 5-minute walk from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

La Fortuna Waterfall

Take a refreshing dip at La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings.
A 15-minute drive from Café Lucca; parking on-site available.
USD18, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Fortuna

Refuel with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant specializing in Costa Rican favorites.
Located nearby the waterfall, about a 10-minute drive.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Hot Springs Experience

Relax at one of the famous hot springs in Arenal, soaking in the natural thermal waters surrounded by lush greenery.
Many resorts have free access; check with your hotel.
USD50, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Da Domenico

Enjoy a casual dinner with the family at Da Domenico, known for its tasty pizzas and Italian dishes.
A short 10-minute drive from the hot springs.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Monteverde Excursion

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel.
Most hotels in La Fortuna provide breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Monteverde

Enjoy the scenic drive of about 3 hours to Monteverde, filled with beautiful views of the cloud forest.
Private shuttle drops you off right at your accommodation.
USD150, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Stella's Bakery

Indulge your family with delicious sandwiches and desserts at Stella's Bakery.
A 5-minute walk from your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Sky Walk

Experience the cloud forest from above on a canopy tour, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective.
About a 20-minute drive from Stella's Bakery.
USD75, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Monteverde Trapp Family Lodge Restaurant

Complete your day with dinner at the hotel restaurant featuring a delightful mix of local and international cuisine.
A short drive from Sky Walk.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day at the Beach

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, enjoying views of the abundant greenery.
Most hotels provide breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Manuel Antonio

Travel approximately 3 hours to Manuel Antonio, a popular beach destination with stunning coastlines.
Private shuttle for easy access to your next location.
USD150, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at El Avión

Dine at El Avión, located in a preserved plane, while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean.
Just a 10-minute drive from your accommodation.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming and playing on the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.
A 5-minute drive to the park entrance.
USD16, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Barba Roja

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at Barba Roja with an extensive menu and stunning sunset views.
A short drive from the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Adventure in Dominical

Dominical, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a serene breakfast at your hotel, filled with local flavors and fresh fruit.
Most hotels provide breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Dominical

Travel to Dominical, which takes about 40 minutes, filled with scenic coastal views.
Private shuttle service to ensure comfort.
USD50, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Surf Lessons

Book family-friendly surf lessons to ride the waves and enjoy Dominical’s beautiful beaches.
Surf schools are located right on the beach.
USD100, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Tortilla Flats

Enjoy a casual beachfront lunch at Tortilla Flats, known for their fresh tacos and ceviche.
Just a short stroll from the surf school.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Nauyaca Waterfalls

Take a half-day excursion to Nauyaca Waterfalls where you can hike and swim in the refreshing pools.
A 30-minute drive from Tortilla Flats; arrange in advance.
USD30, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Café Mono Congo

Finish your day with a delightful dinner at Café Mono Congo, offering fresh and healthy options that the whole family will enjoy.
Located in Dominical, a short drive or walk from your accommodation.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to San Jose

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, replenishing before your journey back.
Most hotels provide breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel back to San Jose

Travel back to San Jose, soaking in the final views of your incredible adventure.
Private shuttle for convenience.
USD150, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Tin Jo

Experience delicious Asian fusion cuisine for lunch at Tin Jo, highly rated among locals and visitors alike.
Conveniently located near the city center.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (Optional Visit)

If time allows, revisit or explore any missed attractions such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.
Located near lunch spot.
USD10, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante La Criollita

Wrap up your Costa Rican adventure with a farewell dinner, reminiscing the beautiful memories made with family.
Return to La Criollita for dinner, just a short drive.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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