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Off the Beaten Path: 14-Day Family-Friendly Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica

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Day 1: Arrive in San José

San José, Costa Rica

12:00PM

Arrival at San José Airport

After arriving at San José Airport, take some time to get settled in your 4x4 rental car to prepare for your adventure.
Self-drive from the airport to hotel.
USD 100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Downtown San José

Visit the vibrant Central Market and the National Theater to soak in local culture and historical architecture.
Short drive to downtown San José.
USD 20, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Indulge in a unique culinary experience, featuring upscale local dishes in a beautifully designed environment.
Drive back to the restaurant.
USD 150, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San José

Day 2: Journey to Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast before heading out on your drive to Arenal.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Arenal Volcano National Park

Travel to Arenal, taking scenic routes, including hidden waterfalls and pristine nature along the way.
Self-drive adventure with the 4x4.
USD 80, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Fonda

Taste local favorites paired with views of the stunning volcano and landscape.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cerro Chato Hike

Join a moderately challenging hike to the rim of the dormant Cerro Chato volcano, soaking in the spectacular views.
Drive to the hiking trailhead.
USD 15 per person, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Arenal Observatory Lodge

Dine with panoramic views of the volcano while enjoying a hideaway meal in the cloud forest.
Drive to the lodge.
USD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal

Day 3: Adventure in Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up with a nutritious breakfast to kickstart your adventurous day.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Off-Road ATV Tour

Explore the rugged terrains surrounding Arenal on an ATV tour, capturing incredible views and wildlife sightings.
Drive to the ATV rental office.
USD 80 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Don Rufino

Refuel with local cuisine at this popular La Fortuna restaurant after your adventurous ride.
Short drive back to the restaurant.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike down to magnificent La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim and relax in the refreshing waters.
Drive to the waterfall trailhead.
USD 15 per person, 2 hours

5:30PM

Soak in Hot Springs at Tabacón

Unwind in the luxurious hot springs, enjoying natural pools set against the backdrop of lush rainforest.
Drive to Tabacón.
USD 120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal

Day 4: Adventurous Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast, preparing for your journey to Monteverde.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Monteverde

Travel to Monteverde, taking the off-road route to experience lesser-known viewpoints and coffee plantations.
Self-drive with 4x4.
USD 100, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sabor Tico

Savor traditional Costa Rican dishes on your arrival into Monteverde.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on a guided nature walk through the cloud forest, a haven for wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Drive to the reserve.
USD 25 per person, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cloud Forest Lodge

Dine at this lovely lodge while observing beautiful gardens and enjoying expertly crafted local cuisine.
Drive to the lodge.
USD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 5: Exploring Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Start your day with a delectable breakfast of local flavors.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hanging Bridges Tour

Wander through the tree canopy on hanging bridges while witnessing exotic birds and wildlife.
Drive to the tour center.
USD 35 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Monteverde

Enjoy organic, locally sourced meals at this beloved café known for its excellent coffee.
Short drive to the café.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit a local artisanal cheese factory

Learn about and taste local cheeses, discovering the traditions of Monteverde's dairy industry.
Short drive to the factory.
USD 10 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Tree House Restaurant

Dine in a unique treehouse-themed restaurant that offers incredible meals in a natural setting.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 6: Hidden Gems in San Gerardo de Dota

San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before heading to San Gerardo de Dota, known for its pristine nature.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to San Gerardo de Dota

Journey to this hidden valley, taking scenic backroads and enjoying incredible views.
Self-drive with 4x4.
USD 80, 3-4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Casa de la Hilda

Enjoy hearty, traditional meals in this charming hidden spot, loved by locals.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Bird Watching Tour

Explore this haven for rare bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal, with a guided afternoon tour.
Book a local guide.
USD 60 per person, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Your Hotel

After a day of exploration, enjoy a peaceful dinner at your hotel with local flavors.
On-site dining.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Gerardo de Dota

Day 7: Beach Fun in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with views of the beautiful valley.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Manuel Antonio

Travel towards the coast, taking scenic backroads to discover hidden beaches and coastal landscapes.
Self-drive with 4x4.
USD 100, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Avión

Dine at a unique restaurant built from a former plane, serving delicious local meals.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore the stunning beaches and diverse wildlife within this national park, further enriching your experience.
Drive to the park entrance.
USD 16 per person, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Rana Roja

Savor fresh seafood and local cuisine at this laid-back eatery outfitted with a friendly atmosphere.
Drive back to the restaurant.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 8: Adventure to Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your scenic journey to the captivating Osa Peninsula.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Osa Peninsula

Take the offbeat route, visiting remote beaches and lush landscapes while discovering hidden gems.
Self-drive with 4x4.
USD 200, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Jardin

Refuel with delicious local dishes at this charming restaurant upon arrival in the Osa Peninsula.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Check-in at Lapa Rios Lodge

Settle in at this luxury eco-lodge, where rainforest meets ocean with majestic views.
Drive to the lodge.
USD 500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at your lodge while surrounded by nature.
On-site dining.
USD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osa Peninsula

Day 9: Explore the Wonders of Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lapa Rios Lodge

Enjoy a fresh breakfast to fuel your day of exploration.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Guided Wildlife Tour

Embark on a guided hike through the rainforest, spotting unique wildlife and learning about the ecosystem.
Arrange through the lodge.
USD 80 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Lodge

Continue your culinary journey with a fresh lunch featuring local ingredients.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Playa Lapa Rios

Spend a leisurely afternoon lounging on the beachfront of the lodge, taking in the natural beauty.
Short walk from the lodge.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Delight in another gourmet experience at Lapa Rios Lodge, filled with local flavors.
On-site dining.
USD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osa Peninsula

Day 10: Travel to Tortuguero

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Lapa Rios Lodge

Enjoy breakfast before heading to your next adventure.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to La Paloma Dock

Journey toward Tortuguero, taking back roads for scenic views and a taste of off-the-beaten-path Costa Rica.
Self-drive with 4x4.
USD 80, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Paloma

Relax with a meal before your boat ride to Tortuguero.
Drive to La Paloma.
USD 40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boat Transfer to Tortuguero

Experience the beautiful waterways on a boat transfer to your eco-lodge.
Boat ride.
USD 60 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Check-in at Tortuga Lodge

Settle into your lodge along the canals, surrounded by natural beauty.
On-site lodging.
USD 200, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring local flavors at your eco-lodge.
On-site dining.
USD 50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tortuguero

Day 11: Immerse in Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tortuga Lodge

Savor breakfast while overlooking the serene canals.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Guided Canoe Tour

Paddle through the canals alongside a guide, spotting wildlife like caimans and a variety of birds.
Arrange through the lodge.
USD 60 per person, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Lodge

Refuel with a delicious buffet meal while sharing stories from your morning adventure.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Tortuguero Village

Explore the charming village and learn about local conservation efforts.
Short boat ride to the village.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Evening Turtle Tour

If in season, take a guided tour to observe nesting turtles on the beach.
Organized by the lodge.
USD 50 per person, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Tortuguero

Day 12: Travel to Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Tortuga Lodge

Enjoy breakfast while enjoying the tranquil environment of Tortuguero.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Boat Transfer back to La Paloma

Return to La Paloma Dock by boat for another exhilarating experience in the waterways.
Boat ride.
USD 60 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Puerto Viejo

Enjoy a scenic drive to Puerto Viejo, experiencing lush landscapes and vibrant towns along the way.
Self-drive with 4x4.
USD 100, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Savor delicious Caribbean cuisine at this casual local eatery after your journey.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Banana Azul

Settle into your beachfront hotel just steps from the ocean's edge.
Drive to hotel.
USD 150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Pecora Nera

Delight in an Italian meal at this highly-rated local gem known for its ambiance and flavor.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Day 13: Relax and Enjoy Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Banana Azul

Start your day with a delightful beachside breakfast.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Beach Day at Playa Cocles

Spend your morning relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Short drive or walk to the beach.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Point

Enjoy a beachfront dining experience savoring fresh seafood and Caribbean dishes.
Drive or walk from the beach.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Cacao Tour

Learn about chocolate production at a local cacao farm, with tastings included to satisfy your cravings.
Arrange through the hotel.
USD 50 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Koki Beach

End your day with a beachfront dinner, enjoying stunning sunset views.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo

Day 14: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Banana Azul

Enjoy your last breakfast on the beach before your departure.
On-site dining.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to San José

Travel back to the capital, relishing the memories of your adventures in the 4x4.
Self-drive.
USD 100, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante Nuestra Tierra

Enjoy a traditional farewell meal featuring Costa Rican flavors before your flight.
Drive to restaurant.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Transfer to San José Airport

Complete your journey by heading to the airport, cherishing your unforgettable trip.
Drive to the airport.
USD 30, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in San José
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