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12-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Costa Rica

Viewed by 86 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica

San José, Costa Rica

3:00 PM

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Your family arrives in Costa Rica, filled with excitement for the adventure ahead.
Private shuttle transfer to hotel.
USD 25, 30 minutes

4:00 PM

Check-in at the Hotel

Rest and freshen up at your family-friendly hotel in San José.
Walk or taxi to hotel.
USD 100, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at La Criollita

Taste traditional Costa Rican cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families.
Short walk from the hotel.
USD 60, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Explore the Plaza de la Cultura

Stroll around the vibrant cultural plaza and enjoy the local vibe.
Short walk from the dinner location.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San José

Day 2: Travel to La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Mundo

Savor fresh tropical fruits and local breakfast favorites at this lovely café.
Walk or taxi to the café.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shuttle to La Fortuna

Enjoy scenic views of mountains and valleys on the way to La Fortuna.
Private shuttle transport.
USD 100, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Arrival and Lunch at Restaurante Don Rufino

Indulge in a delicious lunch at this restaurant known for its farm-to-table concept.
Walk to restaurant after check-in.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Take a short hike and appreciate the majestic waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest.
Short taxi ride to the waterfall.
USD 18, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at hot springs

Unwind at one of the natural hot springs after a full day of travel and adventure.
Taxi to the hot springs.
USD 40, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Lava Lounge

Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with a menu featuring burgers and local dishes.
Short taxi ride.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 3: Adventure Day in La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fill up on a hearty breakfast buffet before your days of adventure.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Arenal Volcano National Park Hike

Embark on an exciting family hike with stunning views of the volcano.
Guide arranged through the hotel.
USD 80, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Restaurante La Fortuna

Enjoy a family meal featuring delectable local dishes.
Walk or taxi to lunch.
USD 50, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Zip-lining Adventure

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the treetops for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Transport provided by zip-line company.
USD 100, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and freshen up at your hotel after an exhilarating day.
Transport back to the hotel.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Springs Resort

Enjoy dinner with a view at this beautiful resort, featuring a variety of family-friendly options.
Taxi to the resort.
USD 85, 2 hours
Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at the hotel before heading to Monteverde.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shuttle to Monteverde

Travel through scenic countryside to the cloud forest of Monteverde.
Taxi to the shuttle station.
USD 50, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Dine among the trees at this unique restaurant with local dishes on the menu.
Short walk from the hotel.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Cloud Forest Reserve Hike

Explore the diverse ecosystem of the cloud forest and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Short taxi ride to the reserve.
USD 25, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Unwind at your hotel after an active afternoon of nature exploration.
Transport provided by the reserve.
Included, 30 minutes

6:30 PM

Dinner at Morpho Restaurant

Taste delicious local cuisine in a family-friendly environment.
Taxi to the restaurant.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 5: Explore More of Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of adventure.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Canopy Tour on Hanging Bridges

Take an exhilarating walk above the treetops on hanging bridges for amazing views.
Short taxi ride to the canopy tour.
USD 90, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bar & Restaurant Trattoria

Refuel with tasty Italian cuisine made with local ingredients.
Taxi back to the restaurant.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Monteverde Butterfly Gardens

Delight in the beauty of colorful butterflies and learn about their lifecycle.
Short taxi ride to the gardens.
USD 20, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and enjoy the scenery on the way back to the hotel.
Transport back to the hotel.
Included, 30 minutes

6:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurante Sabor Tico

Experience traditional Costa Rican dishes with a welcoming atmosphere.
Taxi to the restaurant.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a lovely breakfast at your hotel in Monteverde.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shuttle to Manuel Antonio

Make your way to the beautiful beaches and wildlife of Manuel Antonio.
Private shuttle arranged through the hotel.
USD 100, 3.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at El Avión

Savor meals at this unique restaurant in a converted airplane with stunning ocean views.
Walk or taxi from the hotel.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore lush forests filled with wildlife and relax on the beautiful beaches.
Short walk to the park entrance.
USD 16, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel to refresh after a day of exploration.
Walking or taxi transport.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at La Lambretta

Delight in wood-fired pizzas and local dishes in a relaxed location.
Taxi to the restaurant.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 7: Beach Day in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up for a fun beach day with breakfast back at your hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Beach Day at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the day on the soft sands of Manuel Antonio Beach while enjoying water activities.
Short taxi ride to the beach.
Free, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at El Patio de Manuel Antonio

Grab a light lunch with local flavors as you relax by the beach.
Short walk from the beach.
USD 50, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Continue Beach Activities

Enjoy swimming, beach volleyball, and sunbathing until the sun sets.
Staying at the beach.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to unwind and freshen up after a full beach day.
Walking or taxi transport.
Included, 30 minutes

7:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Bodega

Wind down with flavorful meals featuring local ingredients in a cozy setting.
Taxi to the restaurant.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 8: Travel to Tortuguero

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your journey to the lush Tortuguero National Park.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Shuttle and Boat Transfer to Tortuguero

Experience a scenic boat ride through canals to reach Tortuguero.
Coordinate with the hotel.
USD 120, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in and Lunch at Local Lodge

Settle into your lodge and enjoy a meal made with fresh ingredients.
At the lodge.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Tortuguero Village Tour

Explore the small Caribbean village and learn about the local culture.
Walking tour.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Relax at the Lodge

Enjoy the serene surroundings and wildlife watching from the patio.
Back at the lodge.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Dine at your accommodation with local cuisine, perfect for families.
At the lodge.
Included, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tortuguero

Day 9: Explore Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on adventures.
Breakfast at the lodge.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Tortuguero National Park Boat Tour

Discover rich wildlife on a guided boat tour through canals and lagoons.
Arranged through your lodge.
USD 60, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at the Lodge

Savor local flavors back at your lodge after your morning adventure.
At the lodge.
Included, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Free Time or Optional Kayaking

Relax or enjoy kayaking through the tranquil waters watching for wildlife.
Onsite at the lodge.
USD 40, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Lodge

Unwind after a fun-filled day exploring with family.
At the lodge.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30 PM

Dinner at the Lodge

Enjoy another delightful meal at your lodge while discussing the day's adventures.
At the lodge.
Included, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tortuguero

Day 10: Travel to Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Have breakfast before your morning journey to the Caribbean coast.
Breakfast at the lodge.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Boat and Shuttle Transfer to Puerto Viejo

Experience another scenic transfer to the charming Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo.
Arrange through the lodge.
USD 100, 4.5 hours

12:30 PM

Check-in and Lunch at Kú Restaurant

Savor fresh Caribbean-inspired dishes after your journey.
Walking distance from hotel.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax at Playa Cocles

Spend your afternoon on the beautiful beach, soaking up the sun.
Short walk or taxi to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel for a refreshing shower and rest.
Short walk back.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at La Nena

Enjoy an eclectic menu featuring local and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Taxi to the restaurant.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Day 11: Explore Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast while looking at the stunning ocean views.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Cahuita National Park

Take a guided hike to explore the trails, beaches, and coral reefs.
Private transport arranged.
USD 30, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at El Tierra Restaurant

Enjoy delicious seafood and Caribbean dishes right by the beach.
Short walk from the park.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Snorkeling Adventure

Explore the underwater world while snorkeling in Cahuita's pristine waters.
Arranged through local vendors.
USD 50, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Unwind and refresh before dinner in your hotel.
Transport back to the hotel.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30 PM

Dinner at Pura Vida

Wind down with food that reflects the local flavors in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Walking or taxi to the restaurant.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Day 12: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Puerto Viejo as you reflect on your adventure.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shuttle to San José

Begin your journey back to San José to wrap up your vacation.
Private shuttle arranged.
USD 100, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Check-in at the Hotel in San José

Settle in and relax at your destination back in the capital.
Walking distance from the shuttle drop-off.
USD 100, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Explore the market and try a variety of local dishes from different vendors.
Taxi to the market.
USD 40, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Final Souvenirs Shopping

Pick up some last-minute souvenirs to remember your adventure.
Explore nearby shops.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at La Gata Flora

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant renowned for its cuisine and atmosphere.
Taxi to the restaurant.
USD 80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San José
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