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

Viewed by 237 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

San José, Costa Rica

12:00PM

Arrive in San José

Welcome to Costa Rica! After landing, make your way to your hotel for a brief refresh before exploring.
Airport transfer to hotel.
USD100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Dive into authentic Costa Rican cuisine at the buzzing Central Market.
Short walk from hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

City Tour

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

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Enjoy a modern twist on Costa Rican cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Short taxi ride.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San José

Day 2: Adventure at Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Travel to Arenal

Take a scenic drive to the magnificent Arenal Volcano.
Follow Route 1 towards La Fortuna.
USD30, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel, admiring views of the volcano.
Hotel check-in process.
USD150, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Lava Lounge

Indulge in burgers and craft beers at this relaxed atmosphere restaurant.
Short drive from hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Take a hike down to the stunning waterfall for a refreshing swim.
15-minute drive from restaurant.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Don Rufino

Dine at this charming restaurant offering gourmet Costa Rican dishes.
July from waterfall.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal Volcano

Day 3: Exploring Arenal

Arenal, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring tropical fruits and local specialties.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park

Hike through trails filled with wildlife and breathtaking views of the volcano.
Drive to park entrance.
USD15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Parada Restaurant

Savor traditional dishes in a casual and friendly environment.
5-minute drive from park.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Zip-lining Adventure

Experience an exhilarating zip-line tour through the treetops.
Book a local tour for transportation.
USD70, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cafe Mediterraneo

Finish your day with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Drive back to La Fortuna.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Arenal

Day 4: Travel to Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast before making your way to Monteverde.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Monteverde

Drive through lush landscapes to arrive at the cloud forest.
Take Route 606.
USD20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cloud Forest Cafe

Dine with stunning views and a delicious selection of Costa Rican dishes.
Near Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore dense trails while learning about incredible flora and fauna.
Entrance located in Park.
USD25, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sabor Tico

Enjoy authentic local dishes at a charming eatery.
Drive from the reserve.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde

Day 5: Monteverde Adventures

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

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

9:30AM

Suspension Bridges Walk

Traverse the treetops on suspension bridges for panoramic views.
Drive to the site.
USD35, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

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

1:30PM

Cocoa and Chocolate Tour

Learn about chocolate-making while enjoying samples of the sweet treat.
Book in advance.
USD40, 2 hours

4:00PM

Free Time/Relaxation

Explore nearby shops, take a breather, or rest at your hotel.
Self-guided exploration.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Green Restaurant

Dine on fresh farm-to-table choices that celebrate local produce.
Short drive from hotel.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monteverde

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

Scenic drive to the coast, soaking in the beautiful landscapes.
Route 1 to the Pacific coast.
USD25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Milagro

Enjoy fresh and healthy sandwiches while enjoying the laid-back vibe.
Located near the beach.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend your afternoon swimming and sunbathing at this stunning beach.
A short walk from the café.
Free, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at El Gran Escape

Dine on Mediterranean-style cuisine, featuring fresh fish and pasta.
Short drive or walk from the beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 7: Relaxation in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

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

9:30AM

Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore this rich park’s trails, wildlife, and pristine beaches.
5-minute drive to park entrance.
USD16, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Cocina

Savor creative Costa Rican dishes in a welcoming space.
Near Park entrance.
USD30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Beach Time

Enjoy more sun and fun at Manuel Antonio Beach, maybe try some water sports.
Short walk from restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Barba Roja

Wrap up your day with sunset views and delicious food overlooking the ocean.
Short drive from the beach.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Day 8: Travel to Nicoya Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before setting off.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nicoya Peninsula

Drive north to reach the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Take Route 160.
USD30, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

Indulge in seafood dishes with stunning views of the beach.
Located in Montezuma.
USD30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Check-in at Beachfront Hotel

Relax in your beachfront accommodation on the stunning Nicoya Coast.
Short walk from the restaurant.
USD150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Beach Time

Spend the evening lounging on the beach or swimming in the ocean.
Direct access to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Bakery

Delight in fresh pizzas and delicious baked goods in a casual atmosphere.
5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nicoya Peninsula

Day 9: Beach Relaxation

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with spectacular ocean views.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Playa Santa Teresa

Relax at one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, ideal for sunbathing.
Short drive to beach.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Jack’s Bakery

Indulge in fresh, delicious bakery items and salads at this popular spot.
Nearby the beach.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Surf Lessons

Enroll the family in a surfing lesson to ride the Pacific waves.
Local surf school.
USD50, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Pizza & Beer

Enjoy a laid-back dinner featuring a variety of pizzas.
A short walk from the beach.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nicoya Peninsula

Day 10: Adventure Day on the Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast to kick off your adventure.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Hike the pristine trails of this nature reserve, spotting local wildlife.
Drive to reserve entrance.
USD20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cocolito Restaurant

Savor authentic Costa Rican meals bordering nature.
Nearby the reserve.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax on the Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the ocean and sandy shores.
Return to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Shed

Unwind with local dishes in a relaxed beachside atmosphere.
Short drive from the beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nicoya Peninsula

Day 11: Beach Exploration and Relaxation

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty beach-front breakfast.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Playa Hermosa

Unwind at this beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Short drive to beach.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Teca

Savor creative dishes in a vibrant, laid-back environment.
Nearby the beach.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Snorkeling Adventure

Marvel at colorful marine life while snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Book a local snorkeling tour.
USD50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zwart Café

Enjoy casual dining with scrumptious local and international fare.
Short drive from beach.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nicoya Peninsula

Day 12: Final Day at the Beach

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before enjoying your last beach day.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Playa Manzanillo

Relax and enjoy the stunning views from this pristine beach.
Drive to beach.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Manzanillo Restaurant

Savor the local fresh catch in an idyllic beach setting.
Located near the beach.
USD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Beach Time

Spend a relaxing afternoon swimming or reading by the sea.
Direct access to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill

End your beach days with a view of the setting sun over dinner.
Short walk from the beach.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nicoya Peninsula

Day 13: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before your journey back.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel Back to San José

Drive back through scenic routes while reflecting on your beautiful trip.
Route 1 towards San José.
USD30, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Criolla

Dig into classic Costa Rican meals as you arrive in San José.
Located in San José.
USD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the National Museum

Experience rich history and culture of Costa Rica at this informative museum.
5-minute drive from restaurant.
USD15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant La Vaca

Enjoy delicious grilled specialties at this laid-back establishment.
Nearby on foot.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San José

Day 14: Departure from San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in beautiful Costa Rica.
On-site dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Final Shopping/Exploration

Take some time to shop for souvenirs or explore any last sights before departure.
Self-guided exploration.
Varies, 1 hour

10:00AM

Airport Transfer

Make your way back to San José International Airport for your flight home.
Pre-arranged transfer.
USD40, 1 hour

1:00PM

Departure from San José

Bid farewell to Costa Rica, carrying unforgettable memories home.
Depart from San José International Airport.
Variable, N/A
Find Hotels in San José
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