6-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

San José, Costa Rica

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Mundo

Start your adventure with a delightful breakfast at Café Mundo, known for its fresh coffee and local dishes.
5-minute walk from hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the National Museum

Explore the rich history of Costa Rica at the National Museum, where interactive exhibits engage the whole family.
15-minute drive from café.
USD11, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy a sprawling variety of local food at Mercado Central, sampling traditional dishes like casado and gallo pinto.
10-minute walk from the museum.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore La Sabana Park

Take a leisurely stroll or rent bikes at La Sabana Park, a sprawling green space perfect for families.
10-minute drive from Mercado Central.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rest. Silvestre

Dine at this trendy restaurant that serves delicious Costa Rican fusion food in a family-friendly setting.
15-minute drive.
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Adventurous Arenal

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a day of adventure.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hiking Arenal Volcano

Embark on a family-friendly hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, observing diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery.
30-minute drive to the national park.
USD15, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Don Rufino

Enjoy a delicious lunch at this local favorite that offers fresh, organic meals with a view of the volcano.
15-minute drive from the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

La Fortuna Waterfall

Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, a perfect cool-off spot.
15-minute drive from lunch.
USD18, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Lava Lounge

Savor delicious pizza and local dishes at Lava Lounge, a laid-back spot perfect for families.
20-minute drive to La Fortuna.
USD40, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cloud Forest Exploration

Monteverde Cloud Forest

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a lovely breakfast before heading out on the road to Monteverde.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Monteverde

Take a scenic ride to Monteverde, famed for its captivating cloud forests.
3-hour drive.
Varies by vehicle, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Tree House

Dine among the trees at this unique restaurant that offers vibrant meals and great views.
5-minute drive from your lodging.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Spend the afternoon exploring trails and bridges in the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
10-minute drive from lunch.
USD25, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Sabor Tico

Indulge in authentic Costa Rican dishes at this casual eatery, perfect for families.
20-minute drive.
USD25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Beach & Wildlife Adventure

Manuel Antonio National Park

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up for a day of adventure with a hearty breakfast at your Monteverde accommodation.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Manuel Antonio

Enjoy a scenic drive to Manuel Antonio, known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
3-hour drive.
Varies by vehicle, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Avion

Experience lunch at this unique restaurant built from a historic airplane, offering fantastic views and cuisine.
10-minute drive from the park.
USD48, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can see monkeys, sloths, and breathtaking beaches.
5-minute drive from lunch.
USD16, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at La Luna

Enjoy dinner at La Luna, known for its inviting atmosphere and scrumptious fresh seafood.
5-minute drive.
USD60, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relaxation & Adventure

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel after a refreshing night’s sleep.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Turialba River Rafting

Get your adrenaline rush with a family-friendly rafting trip down the Turialba River, surrounded by stunning scenery.
2-hour drive to the river.
USD90, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aqua Sports

Refuel with a relaxed lunch at Aqua Sports, where you can find numerous healthy options just a stone's throw from the rafting site.
10-minute drive from the raft landing.
USD45, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ecotermales Hot Springs

Unwind at Ecotermales Hot Springs, soaking in the natural thermal waters as a family.
20-minute drive.
USD60, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Parrilla de Maria Bonita

Enjoy a warm family dinner offering Mexican and Costa Rican specialties, perfect for recharging after a day of adventure.
15-minute drive.
USD55, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast at your La Fortuna hotel before heading back to San José.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to San José

Make the journey back to San José, reflecting on the amazing family memories created during your trip.
3-hour drive.
Varies by vehicle, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Patio

Enjoy a lovely farewell meal featuring traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
15-minute drive.
USD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Jade Museum

Explore the Jade Museum to learn about the history of jade and its significance in Costa Rican culture.
10-minute drive from lunch.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Family Souvenir Shopping

Wrap up your trip with some last-minute souvenir shopping at local shops to remember your adventure.
15-minute walk.
Varies by item., 2 hours
View Hotel Availability