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5-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Costa Rica

Viewed by 112 travelers

Day 1: Discover San José

San José, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Soda Tapia

Kick off your Costa Rican adventure with a hearty breakfast of Gallo Pinto at Soda Tapia, a local favourite.
Head east on Avenida 1 to reach Soda Tapia, approximately 15 minutes from your accommodation.
CRC6000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the National Museum of Costa Rica

Dive into Costa Rican history and culture at the National Museum, where you can see butterflies, gold artifacts, and more.
It's a quick 10-minute drive from your breakfast spot.
CRC4000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Savour local dishes at Mercado Central, choosing from vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce and traditional meals.
Walk 15 minutes from the museum to the central market.
CRC8000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

After lunch, marvel at the intricate gold pieces from the ancient cultures of Costa Rica.
A 10-minute stroll from the Mercado Central will take you here.
CRC3000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Treat yourself to a modern twist on traditional Costa Rican cuisine at the award-winning Restaurante Silvestre.
A short 10-minute drive will get you there.
CRC15000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San José

Day 2: Adventure at Arenal

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Arenal.
Check out and drive towards Arenal Volcano, about 3 hours away.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Arenal Volcano National Park

Take a guided hike through the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, marveling at the diverse wildlife.
Drive straight to the park entrance, around 15 minutes from your hotel.
CRC8000, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Brasilito

Enjoy a filling lunch with stunning views of the volcano, featuring farm-fresh salads and local dishes.
Head back to the main road, about 20 minutes' drive.
CRC10000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Zip-lining Adventure

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the canopy in the Arenal area, perfect for adventurous families.
A quick 5-minute drive to the zip-lining venue.
CRC60000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Soda Tapir

Wind down with a local favourite, Soda Tapir, known for its traditional Costa Rican rice and beans.
A 10-minute drive back to La Fortuna.
CRC7000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal Volcano

Day 3: Cloud Forest Exploration

Monteverde, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for the scenic drive to Monteverde.
Check out and drive for approximately 3 hours towards Monteverde.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore this biodiverse reserve rife with wildlife, walking along well-maintained trails and spotting exotic birds.
Reach the reserve within 10 minutes from your hotel.
CRC20000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Monteverde

Recharge at Café Monteverde with organic coffee and fresh pastries made from local ingredients.
A short 10-minute drive.
CRC8000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hanging Bridges Tour

Get up close with nature in this thrilling hanging bridges tour that offers panoramic views over the forest.
Just a 10-minute drive from the café.
CRC15000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Tree House Restaurant

Dine in an actual treehouse while sampling delicious local dishes at this unique dining place.
10-minute drive.
CRC12000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 4: Beach Fun at Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Savour breakfast at your hotel before your journey to the picturesque beaches of Manuel Antonio.
Check out and drive for about 3 hours to Manuel Antonio.
Included with stay, 1 hour

11:00AM

Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its stunning beaches, rich wildlife, and breathtaking views.
The park entrance is conveniently located just 10 minutes away.
CRC10000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at El Wagon

Dive into delicious pizzas with a tropical twist at El Wagon, just a short stroll from the park.
A quick 5 minutes from the park exit.
CRC12000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Beach Time at Manuel Antonio

Unwind at one of the beautiful beaches within the national park, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy family games.
Walk from the restaurant to the beach areas.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Café Milagro

Enjoy an outdoor evening meal at Café Milagro offering a variety of local dishes and fresh seafood.
Just a short 15-minute drive back into Manuel Antonio.
CRC13000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 5: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in paradise before heading back to San José.
Check out and drive back towards San José, roughly 3 hours.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Craft Market at San José

Visit the craft market for souvenirs and local art, perfect for family mementoes.
Once you reach San José, head to the market 10 minutes away.
Free to browse, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Criollita

Indulge in delicious Costa Rican cuisine, from casados to ceviche, at this family-friendly spot.
A 10-minute drive from the market.
CRC9000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Jade Museum

Explore the fascinating jade collections and learn about the history behind this precious stone.
A short 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
CRC5000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante La Esquina

Wrap up your Costa Rican adventure with a delightful farewell dinner featuring local and international dishes.
It's a quick 5-minute drive from the museum.
CRC14000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San José
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