7-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrival in San José

San José, Costa Rica

10:00AM

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive at San José International Airport and head to your hotel to check-in and freshen up, ready to explore.
Drive or take a shuttle to your hotel in San José.
USD150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Silvestre

Savour delicious traditional Costa Rican cuisine with a family-friendly menu.
A quick 15-minute taxi ride from your hotel.
USD80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica

Enjoy exploring the vibrant history and culture of Costa Rica through engaging exhibits perfect for kids.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD40, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Central Market

Wander around stalls selling local handicrafts and snacks, allowing kids to sample treats and explore freely.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
Free to enter, snacks at USD15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Criollita

Enjoy a warm family dinner with a variety of local dishes that appeal to hungry adventurers.
A 5-minute drive from the market.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure at Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on your adventure.
Enjoy the hotel buffet.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Arenal Volcano National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive to Arenal, with stops for photos along the way in beautiful landscapes.
1 hour and 30-minute drive.
Fuel USD20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hiking Trails

Embark on family-friendly trails through lush forest with opportunities to see wildlife and stunning views of the volcano.
Starting point near the entrance.
USD25 entry fee for the park., 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Café Doña Juanita

Refuel with local dishes like casado and gallo pinto in a charming café near the park.
10-minute drive from the park entrance.
USD60, 1 hour

3:30PM

Arenal Hot Springs

Relax in naturally heated hot springs—perfect for families with fun water features.
20-minute drive to Tabacon Hot Springs.
USD90 per adult, USD45 per child., 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Benazuza

Savour a delightful dinner with traditional Costa Rican cuisine while soaking in nature views.
15-minute drive from the hot springs.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Family Fun in La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a filling breakfast before a day packed with activities.
Enjoy the hotel buffet.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike down to the breathtaking waterfall; swimming is great for kids in the safe pool at the base.
30-minute drive from the hotel.
USD15, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Rainforest Café

Enjoy a whimsical dining experience surrounded by nature while relishing tasty local fare.
10-minute drive from the waterfall.
USD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Zip-lining Adventure

Experience an exhilarating zip-lining adventure high above the canopy, perfect for thrill-seeking families.
30-minute drive to Sky Adventures Park.
USD100 per person., 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Parrilla de Maria Blanca

Chase the day's excitement with a relaxed dinner, enjoying local grilled meats and fresh salads.
20-minute drive back to town.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with another delicious breakfast at your hotel.
Enjoy the hotel buffet.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest

Drive to Monteverde, enjoying the scenic roads lined with beautiful tropical vegetation.
Approx 3-hour drive.
Fuel USD30, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Stella's Bakery

Grab delicious sandwiches or pastries at this quaint bakery popular with locals and visitors alike.
Located in Monteverde town.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the incredible biodiversity in this cloud forest; the hanging bridges are a hit with children.
5-minute drive from the bakery.
USD25 entry fee for the reserve., 3 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Butterfly Gardens

Walk through the enchanting butterfly gardens while learning about their lifecycle.
A short drive from the reserve.
USD15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Tree House Restaurant

Experience dining where the ambiance features a giant tree that runs through the restaurant.
Located in Monteverde town.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Beach Day at Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early to make the most of your beach day.
Enjoy the hotel buffet.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park

Make the scenic drive down to Manuel Antonio, anticipating the beach and wildlife!
Approx 3.5 hours drive.
Fuel USD35, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Wagon

Savour fresh seafood and tasty pizza while enjoying views of the surrounding nature.
Near the entrance to the national park.
USD60, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife; kids will love the monkeys and sloths.
Walk to the park entrance.
USD20 entry fee., 3 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Playa Espadilla

Let the kids play in the sand while you relax and soak up the sun.
Short drive or walk to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante El Avión

Dine in a quirky restaurant converted from a plane, offering a unique experience with great views.
5-minute drive from the beach.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wildlife Exploration at Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before embarking on wildlife adventures.
Enjoy the hotel buffet.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Osa Peninsula

Embark on a journey through stunning scenery to reach Osa Peninsula, known for its rich biodiversity.
Approx 4-hour drive.
Fuel USD40, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Casa Cielo

Enjoy a delicious meal at this eco-friendly restaurant with local dishes and smoothies.
5-minute drive from your accommodation.
USD50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Corcovado National Park Tour

Join a family-friendly guided tour to explore this stunning park with wildlife spotting opportunities.
A short drive from the restaurant.
USD120 per adult, USD60 per child., 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Osa Restaurant

Savour fresh local cuisine while recounting your wildlife adventures from the day.
Located near your accommodation.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before heading back to San José.
Enjoy the hotel buffet.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive Back to San José

Enjoy the scenic drive back while reminiscing about the great family adventures.
Approx 5-hour drive.
Fuel USD45, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at La Esquina de Buenos Aires

Celebrate your final meal in Costa Rica with exquisite Argentine cuisine.
Located in San José.
USD80, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Last-minute Shopping at Artisan Market

Pick up souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home.
A short drive from the restaurant.
Free, souvenirs vary in price., 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Casa del Cerveza

Enjoy a casual farewell dinner with a variety of local craft beers and tasty meals.
A short drive from the market.
USD70, 2 hours

8:00PM

Airport Transfer

Head to the airport ready for your flight home, carrying memories of an unforgettable adventure.
Arranged transfer to the airport.
USD30, 1 hour
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