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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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