14-Day Family Friendly Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

San José, Costa Rica

12:00PM

Arrive in San José

After your flight, relax and get settled into your hotel before your adventure begins.
Airport transfer to hotel.
USD100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine at the bustling Central Market.
Short walk from hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Exploring San José

Take a guided walking tour of downtown San José, visiting the National Theatre and Jade Museum.
Walking distance.
USD20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Dine at a trendy restaurant featuring local ingredients and innovative dishes.
Short taxi ride.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure at Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Travel to Arenal

Drive or take a shuttle through scenic landscapes to Arenal.
Take Route 1 towards La Fortuna.
USD30, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel with views of Arenal Volcano.
Hotel check-in process.
USD150, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Lava Lounge

Relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere with burgers and local craft beers.
5-minute drive from hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park

Explore trails filled with rich wildlife and stunning views of the volcano.
Drive to park entrance.
USD15, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Don Rufino

Enjoy gourmet Costa Rican dishes in a welcoming environment.
Short drive from hotel.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Waterfall Adventures

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your day of adventure.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike down to see the picturesque waterfall and take a refreshing swim.
15-minute drive from hotel.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Parada Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes such as casado or gallo pinto.
5-minute drive from waterfall.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Zip-lining Adventure

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the treetops of Arenal.
Book a tour for transportation.
USD70, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Mediterraneo

Indulge in a delicious mix of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Drive back to La Fortuna center.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a breakfast filled with tropical fruits and local favorites.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Monteverde

Journey through beautiful cloud forests to reach Monteverde.
Drive on Route 606.
USD20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cloud Forest Cafe

Relax at this cafe known for its panoramic views and local dishes.
Near Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Wander through lush trails and learn about the unique ecosystem.
Entrance located in Park.
USD25, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sabor Tico

Enjoy traditional dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Drive from the reserve.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventure Activities

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with fresh coffee and local breakfast dishes.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Suspension Bridges Walk

Traverse through the treetops on suspension bridges offering panoramic views.
Close to the hotel; drive to site.
USD35, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Dine in a unique treehouse setting, surrounded by nature.
Short drive from bridges.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cocoa and Chocolate Tour

Learn about the chocolate-making process and enjoy samples along the way.
Book in advance for a tour.
USD40, 2 hours

4:00PM

Free Time / Relaxation

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, explore shops, or relax at the hotel.
Self-guided exploration.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Green Restaurant

Savor farm-to-table dishes that highlight local produce.
Short drive from hotel.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Beach Retreat at Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before heading out.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Manuel Antonio

Journey to the beach town with stunning ocean views along the way.
Drive through Route 1.
USD25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Milagro

Have delicious pasta and fresh juices in a cozy, tropical setting.
Located near the beach.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming and soaking up the sun at this beautiful beach.
Walking distance from the cafe.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Gran Escape

Dine on Mediterranean-style cuisine with fresh seafood options.
Short drive or walk from the beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: National Park Exploration

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast with fresh local fruits.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore the trails and spot monkeys, sloths, and iguanas in this rich ecosystem.
5-minute drive to park entrance.
USD16, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Cocina

Savor a variety of international options accompanied by refreshing drinks.
Near Park entrance.
USD30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Beach Time

Enjoy more relaxation or fun beach games at Manuel Antonio Beach.
Short walk from restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Barba Roja

End your day with a stunning view and delicious food overlooking the ocean.
Short driving distance.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Relax at Nicoya Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up before travel with fresh fruits and pastries.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nicoya Peninsula

Head north, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way.
Drive on Route 160.
USD30, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Sample local seafood with views of the beach and cooling ocean breeze.
Located in Montezuma.
USD30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Check in at Beachfront Hotel

Relax in your beachfront hotel and unwind from your travels.
Short walk from restaurant.
USD150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Beach Time

Spend the afternoon enjoying sun and sand at the beachfront.
Direct beach access.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Bakery

Indulge in fresh pastries and hearty pizzas while relaxing at this casual spot.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Adventures on the Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a beachside breakfast.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Explore trails in one of Costa Rica's first national parks, perfect for hiking.
Drive to reserve entrance.
USD20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cocolito Restaurant

Savor authentic local dishes while taking in garden views.
Nearby the reserve.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Surfing Lessons

Take a family surfing lesson to ride the waves at Santa Teresa.
Drive to Santa Teresa beach.
USD50, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pizza & Beer

Unwind with casual dining that the whole family will enjoy.
A short walk from the beach.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in preparation for the journey ahead.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel Back to San José

Drive back through scenic routes, soaking in Costa Rican beauty.
Route 1 towards San José.
USD25, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Criolla

Dine on Costa Rican Classics before your second part of the journey.
Located in San José.
USD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the National Museum

Dive into Costa Rica’s rich history and culture.
5-minute drive from restaurant.
USD15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant La Vaca

Enjoy grilled specialities in a casual establishment.
Nearby on foot.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Adventure in La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with an energizing breakfast.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to La Fortuna

Experience lush landscapes during the drive to La Fortuna.
Route 140.
USD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Spend some time swimming and enjoying the natural beauty.
Close to town.
USD15, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Rainforest Café

Savor local meals while surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Drive back to town.
USD25, 1 hour

3:30PM

Arenal Hot Springs

Relax in the therapeutic hot springs, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Shuttle service from lunch location.
USD40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Fortuna

Enjoy dining with a stunning view of the volcano while tasting local dishes.
Close by.
USD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Explore Arenal

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare with an energizing breakfast to kick off your day.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit La Fortuna town

Explore the local town, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Short drive to town center.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Enjoy typical Costa Rican meals in this local favorite.
Located downtown.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Horseback Riding Tour

Experience the breathtaking countryside on horseback, perfect for families.
Book a local tour.
USD40, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at El Chanfle

Enjoy a laid-back meal featuring various local dishes and snacks.
Nearby.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your exciting journey.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Tortuguero

Take a boat ride through waterways to reach the remote Tortuguero village.
Boat transfer is arranged.
USD60, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Jungle Lodge

Get settled in your eco-lodge surrounded by the rainforest.
Lodge arrival is via boat.
USD150, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Jungle Lodge

Enjoy a meal prepared with fresh ingredients in a tranquil setting.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tortuguero Canal Tour

Explore the canals by boat, spotting wildlife such as monkeys and sloths.
Guided tour from lodge.
USD40, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Jungle Lodge

Dine on freshly prepared meals reflecting local flavors.
On-site dining.
Included, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Return to San José and Departure

San José, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Jungle Lodge

Enjoy a final breakfast surrounded by nature.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Boat Transfer Back to Tortuguero

Retrieve your belongings and take the boat back to Tortuguero village.
Boat transfer arranged by lodge.
USD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight or Drive Back to San José

Fly or drive depending on prior arrangements to return to the capital.
Arrange transport in advance.
USD70, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante El Patio

Enjoy traditional Costa Rican fare one last time.
Close to San José airport.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure from San José

Say goodbye to beautiful Costa Rica with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Depart from San José International Airport.
Variable, N/A
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