8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrive in San José

San José, Costa Rica

10:00AM

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Welcome to Costa Rica! You will arrive at the international airport where local hosts will guide your family to your hotel.
Take a short shuttle ride from the airport to your hotel in San José.
USD100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at La Criollita

Enjoy a casual family-friendly atmosphere while savoring traditional Costa Rican dishes, including casado and gallo pinto.
Head south for about 20 minutes from your hotel.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Explore fascinating artifacts that tell the story of Costa Rica's rich cultural history through gold and other treasures.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Wrap up your day with a culinary experience featuring local flavors in a beautiful setting.
A 10-minute drive from the museum.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast including fresh fruits, eggs, and local coffee before heading to Arenal.
Check out of your hotel and travel to Arenal (3-hour drive).
Included, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Arenal Volcano National Park

Hike the well-maintained trails offering stunning views of the active Arenal Volcano and diverse wildlife.
Entrance is along the road to Arenal; about 20 minutes away.
USD18, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Fortuna

Enjoy fresh Casado and local fish at this family-friendly restaurant with a view of the waterfall.
A 15-minute drive from the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

La Fortuna Waterfall

Take the picturesque walk down to the base of the waterfall for swimming and relaxation in the pool.
A 15-minute drive from lunch.
USD15, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Satisfy your appetite with a selection of international and local dishes that the whole family will love.
Return to La Fortuna for dinner, about a 15-minute drive.
USD75, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Fun in Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore the amazing adventures that await.
Stay at the same hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Zip Line Tour

Feel the thrill and excitement as you zip through the treetops of Arenal at one of the best zip lining spots in Costa Rica.
Transport by the tour operator from your hotel.
USD150, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Soda Arenal

Refuel with a traditional Costa Rican meal in this vibrant, family-friendly eatery.
5-minute drive from the zip line location.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hot Springs Relaxation

Spend the afternoon unwinding in the natural hot springs surrounded by the lush rainforest—a perfect family panorama.
30-minute drive to Tabacón Hot Springs.
USD100, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante El Cielo

Dine with a stunning view of Arenal Volcano while enjoying local tofu and seafood dishes.
A 30-minute drive back to La Fortuna.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Indulge in a fresh breakfast packed with local flavors before embarking on your next scenic adventure.
Check out of the hotel and drive to Monteverde (3-hour drive).
Included, 1 hour

11:00AM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the lush green trails filled with biodiversity; cross hanging bridges, and discover various species of flora and fauna.
Entrance is located on the way to Monteverde.
USD25, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Tree House Restaurant

Enjoy dining in a rainforest treehouse with delicious pizzas and smoothies to please everyone.
A 15-minute drive from the reserve.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Sky Walk Tour

Experience the unique beauty of the cloud forest from above while walking across suspended bridges and trails.
Across the street from lunch.
USD50, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Casa Luna

Relax and enjoy local cuisine and international dishes with fresh ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
A 20-minute drive from the Sky Walk.
USD65, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Nature Exploration

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast featuring fruits and Costa Rican coffee.
Stay at the same hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hummingbird Garden Visit

Explore the fascinating hummingbirds with a guided tour that is perfect for kids and adults alike.
A short 5-minute drive.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Monteverde Café

Enjoy a light lunch with options like sandwiches and salads in a relaxed setting.
Back in Monteverde, just a 5-minute drive.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Butterfly Garden Tour

Learn about Costa Rica's amazing butterflies and their conservation at the Monteverde Butterfly Garden.
A short 10-minute drive from lunch.
USD20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Night Walk Tour

Experience the cloud forest in a different light while observing nocturnal creatures during a guided night walk.
Arrange the tour through your hotel.
USD40, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lodge at Monteverde

Savor delicious entrees with organic ingredients in a beautiful setting, ideal for families.
A short 15-minute drive.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Coastal Adventures in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before driving to Manuel Antonio, known for its stunning beaches and national park.
Check out of the hotel and drive to Manuel Antonio (3-hour drive).
Included, 1 hour

11:00AM

Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore the park with your family, spotting wildlife like monkeys and sloths while walking along beautiful trails.
Entrance is on the way to the beach; around 15 minutes away.
USD16, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Wagon

Grill up some tasty burgers and local cuisine in a fun and family-friendly environment.
A 20-minute walk from the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Unwind at this beautiful beach known for its soft sands and gentle waves, perfect for families to enjoy.
Just a short walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Mariposa

Dine with a view of the ocean as you enjoy fresh seafood and local options in a vibrant atmosphere.
A short drive from the beach.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Beach and Wildlife

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start the day with breakfast featuring local dishes and refreshing fruits to energize your family.
Stay at the same hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dolphin Watching Tour

Join this exciting excursion to spot dolphins and possibly even sea turtles along the beautiful coastline.
Meet the tour operator at the beach.
USD140, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Victor's Bar & Restaurant

Grab a quick bite of typical Costa Rican dishes in a cozy and relaxed setting after an eventful morning.
Return to Manuel Antonio, only a short drive.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Titi Canopy Tour

Experience a thrilling canopy tour through the monkeys' habitats, suitable for all ages and perfect for family bonding.
15-minute drive from lunch.
USD60, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Barba Roja

Relish dinner while enjoying a panoramic view, with a variety of pinchos and seafood that everyone will love.
A short drive from the tour location.
USD75, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure from San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Finish your adventure with a delicious breakfast featuring fresh fruit and local specialities.
Check out and head back to San José (3-hour drive).
Included, 1 hour

11:30AM

Last-minute Shopping

Stop by the artisan market in San José to pick up souvenirs and gifts before your departure.
20-minute drive from central San José.
Variable, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Savor local fare in a lively market setting—perfect for a final taste of Costa Rica before you leave.
A short drive from the market.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Departure from San José Airport

Bid farewell to Costa Rica, full of unforgettable memories and new experiences.
Back to the airport by shuttle.
USD40, 1 hour
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