A Family Adventure in Costa Rica on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Cultural Introduction

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Barista

Start your day with delicious gallo pinto and coffee at Café del Barista, a local favorite that captures the essence of Costa Rican breakfast.
Walk or take a short taxi to your next stop.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit National Museum

Immerse yourselves in the history of Costa Rica at the National Museum, where kids can explore exhibits and a butterfly garden.
A 10-minute walk from the café.
USD8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Mercado Central, sampling local food like casado and fresh fruit smoothies.
A pleasant 15-minute walk from the museum.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Discover Costa Rica's rich heritage through the stunning gold artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Just a 5-minute walk from the market.
USD6, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll through Parque Nacional

Take a leisurely walk in Parque Nacional, where your family can relax and kids can play in the open spaces.
A 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at La Criollita

Savor traditional Costa Rican cuisine for dinner at La Criollita, featuring dishes like tortilla and meat stew.
Grab a local taxi or walk 20 minutes.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adrenaline Rush

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out for an adventure-filled day.
Eat at the hotel before checking out.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Shuttle to Arenal Volcano

Travel to Arenal Volcano via a family-friendly shuttle service for amazing views along the way.
Shuttle services take about 3 hours to reach Arenal.
USD25 per person, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Rainforest Café

Stop for a delicious lunch offering local flavors and close-up views of nature.
Easy access from the shuttle drop-off point.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Guided Nature Hike

Join a family-friendly guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, learning about the ecosystem and local wildlife.
Short walk from the café.
USD35 per person, 3 hours

4:30PM

Relax at La Fortuna Waterfall

End your day with a refreshing dip in the waters of La Fortuna Waterfall, surrounded by breathtaking views.
A taxi will take you to the waterfall from the park.
USD15 per person, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Don Rufino

Indulge in a casual yet sophisticated dinner at Restaurante Don Rufino, known for its diverse menu and fresh ingredients.
Take a taxi back to La Fortuna town.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Family Fun Day

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Soda La Hormiga

Savor local breakfast options, including their famed avocado toast and a side of fresh fruit.
Walking distance from the hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit La Fortuna Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the family-friendly La Fortuna Wildlife Sanctuary and meet various rescue animals native to Costa Rica.
A short taxi ride from your lodging.
USD20 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Arenal

Enjoy tasty burgers and local dishes at Café Arenal while surrounded by stunning views of the volcano.
Easy walk from the sanctuary.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ecotermales Hot Springs

Experience relaxation and fun in the natural hot springs of Ecotermales, perfect for families.
Located just outside town, accessible by taxi.
USD40 per person, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Parada

Choose from a selection of rotisserie chicken and local rice dishes perfect for the family.
Short taxi ride back into La Fortuna.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cloud Forest Adventure

Monteverde, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at El Jardin

Start your day with fresh pastries and Costa Rican coffee before you leave for Monteverde.
Short walk from your hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Monteverde

Take a shuttle to Monteverde, enjoying the scenic views on the way, approximately 3 hours.
Pre-arranged shuttle services.
USD25 per person, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Tree House Restaurant

Dine in a unique treehouse setting, enjoying local dishes in a whimsical atmosphere.
Located near the shuttle drop-off point.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on a family-friendly hike through the extraordinary biodiversity of the cloud forest.
A short taxi ride to the reserve entrance.
USD25 per person, 3 hours

4:30PM

Souvenir Shopping in Monteverde

Visit the local shops and markets to find unique souvenirs and artisanal crafts.
Explore the town on foot.
Varies, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Sabor Tico

Enjoy a casual dinner serving traditional Costa Rican dishes that the whole family will love.
Short walk back from the shops.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 5: Beach Day

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Fuel up with a good breakfast at your hotel before heading to the beach.
Eat at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Shuttle to Manuel Antonio

Enjoy a scenic shuttle ride to Manuel Antonio, well known for its stunning beaches and national park.
Pre-arranged shuttle service takes about 1.5 hours.
USD20 per person, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend the morning at the park, spotting monkeys and sloths while enjoying lush surroundings.
Walk toward the park entrance.
USD16 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Avion

Dine at El Avion, a restaurant built within a former airplane, offering spectacular views of the ocean.
Short walk from the park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Beach Time

Relax at one of the beautiful beaches in Manuel Antonio, perfect for family fun and swimming.
Easily accessible on foot from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Luna

Conclude the day with a view of the sunset while dining at Restaurante La Luna, known for its great atmosphere and food.
Just a short walk from the beach.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Water Sports and Relaxation

Quepos, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Milagro

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Café Milagro, where farm-to-table is the way of life.
Short walk from your Manuel Antonio hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Water Sports at the Beach

Spend the day enjoying water activities such as snorkeling or kayaking, perfect for family fun.
Head to the beach with beach outfit and gear.
Variable depending on activity, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Indulge in a fresh seafood lunch at The Fish Market, observing the local catch being sold.
Located nearby the beach.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Total Relaxation at Quepos Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the soft sands of Quepos Beach or exploring tidal pools.
Easy access from The Fish Market.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Rancho El Americano

Unwind with delicious local barbecue cuisine and family-friendly menu options in a casual setting.
Walk or taxi back to town.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Departure

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before heading back to San José.
Eat at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shuttle to San José

Return to San José via the shuttle, reflecting on the wonderful family memories made in Costa Rica.
Pre-arranged shuttle service.
USD20 per person, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mercado Escalante

Enjoy a final taste of Costa Rican cuisine with a lunch stop at Mercado Escalante before your flight.
Easily located near the shuttle drop-off.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore souvenir shops

Last minute shopping to pick up some final souvenirs to remember your trip.
Relatively close to the market.
Variable, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Head to the airport

Make your way to the airport, ensuring plenty of time for check-in and security.
Taxi to the airport.
USD30, 1 hour
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