7-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Costa Rica

Day 1: Explore San José

San José, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Mundo

Start your adventure with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Mundo, a family-friendly eatery known for its organic coffee and fresh fruit smoothies.
Located in the Escalante neighborhood, a short drive from downtown.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of Costa Rica at the National Museum, where you can wander through gardens, exhibits, and even view ancient artifacts.
Head downtown to Avenida 7, it’s about a 10-minute drive.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Savor a local lunch at Mercado Central, filled with delicious traditional Costa Rican dishes such as casados and gallo pinto.
Just a 5-minute walk from the museum.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk in La Sabana Park

Enjoy a relaxing stroll or let the kids play in La Sabana Park, a beautiful green space perfect for afternoon walks.
Drive 10 minutes to La Sabana Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Discover the fascinating collection of gold and artifacts at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, an engaging experience for both adults and children.
Around a 10-minute drive from La Sabana.
USD12, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Silvestre

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Restaurante Silvestre, offering unique dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
Just a 10-minute drive from the museum.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: A Day in La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your drive to La Fortuna, where adventure awaits!
Eat at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to La Fortuna

Embark on your scenic drive to La Fortuna, taking in breathtaking landscapes along the way.
It's approximately a 2.5-hour drive from San José.
USD35 (fuel), 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike down to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in the refreshing natural pool and take memorable family photos.
A short 15-minute drive from La Fortuna town.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Don Rufino

Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurante Don Rufino, known for its Costa Rican and international flavors in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Head back to La Fortuna town, about a 20-minute drive.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Arenal Volcano National Park

Spend your afternoon exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike trails surrounded by amazing flora and fauna.
A quick 10-minute drive from La Fortuna.
USD15, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Forge

Savor dinner at La Forge, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of flavorful dishes and kid-friendly options.
Return to La Fortuna town, approximately 20 minutes away.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation in Arenal

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day filled with fun activities.
Eat at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Canopy Tour (Zip Lining)

Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the canopy, as you glide through treetops with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano.
Register for tours near your hotel.
USD100, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at El Establo

Refuel with lunch at El Establo, which offers a fantastic view of the volcano along with delicious local cuisine.
About 15-minute drive back toward La Fortuna.
USD55, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Ecotermales Hot Springs

Relax your muscles in the natural hot springs of Ecotermales, where the family can unwind in a tranquil setting surrounded by nature.
It's about a 30-minute drive from La Fortuna.
USD80, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to La Fortuna

Head back to La Fortuna to freshen up before dinner, enjoying the stunning sunset view.
It’s a 30-minute drive back.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at La Perla

Indulge in an exquisite dinner at La Perla, known for its homey ambiance and selection of traditional dishes.
Close to your accommodation in La Fortuna.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Monteverde

Monteverde, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before heading out on a new day’s adventure.
Eat at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Monteverde

Enjoy a scenic drive filled with picturesque views as you travel to Monteverde, a popular cloud forest destination.
It’s approximately a 3 hour drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde.
USD35 (fuel), 3 hours

11:30AM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the beautiful trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, famous for its diverse wildlife and towering trees.
Head directly to the reserve after arriving.
USD25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tree House Restaurant

Dine surrounded by nature at Tree House Restaurant, featuring a unique, tree-integrated design and a variety of delicious dishes.
A short drive from the Cloud Forest Reserve.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hanging Bridges Tour

Enjoy an incredible view of the forest with a Hanging Bridges tour, giving you a chance to see the beauty from above!
Located near the reserve, a quick drive away.
USD30, 2 hours

5:30PM

Accommodation Check-In

Check-in to your family-friendly hotel in Monteverde and relax after a full day of adventure.
Return to your hotel.
USD100 (for family room), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sabor Tico

End your day with a cozy dinner at Sabor Tico, known for its delicious local specialties and welcoming atmosphere.
It's close to your accommodation.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a day of exploration.
Eat at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park

Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its striking beaches, beautiful trails, and abundant wildlife.
It’s about a 3 hour drive from Monteverde.
USD35 (fuel), 3 hours

11:30AM

Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park

Join a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, where family members can spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
The park entrance is easily accessible from parking.
USD16 (for family), 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant El Avión

Dine at Restaurant El Avión, enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and delicious meal choices off their diverse menu.
Located 5 minutes from the park.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Manuel Antonio Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at the beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach, perfect for the whole family.
Walk from the restaurant to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Café Milagro

Wrap up your day with dinner at Café Milagro, offering a varied menu and refreshing drinks perfect for families.
A 10-minute drive from the beach back to town.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Back to San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at Manuel Antonio before heading back to the capital.
Eat at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to San José

Drive back to San José, taking in the scenic views one last time.
It's about a 3 hour drive.
USD35 (fuel), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Coyol

Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican meal at El Coyol, known for its local dishes and friendly vibe.
A short drive from your hotel.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Paseo de las Flores

Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs at Paseo de las Flores, a popular shopping center offering unique products.
About a 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free (shopping varies), 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Return to your hotel to pack up and freshen up before dinner.
Head back to your accommodation.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Grano de Oro

Celebrate the end of your adventurous week with a dinner at Grano de Oro, beloved for its warm ambiance and exquisite menu.
Just a 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Departure

San José, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Eat at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Check-out and Return Rental Car

Check out from your hotel and return your rental car as you prepare for your journey home.
Return rental car at the airport.
USD50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Departure from San José International Airport

Say goodbye to beautiful Costa Rica as you board your flight home, carrying wonderful memories of your family adventure.
Head to the airport, approximately 20-30 min drive.
Free, Varies
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