7-Day Family Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrival in San José

San José, Costa Rica

10:00AM

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Welcome to Costa Rica! Check into your family-friendly hotel such as the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel and start your adventure.
After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport, take a 20-minute taxi ride to the hotel.
USD150, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tin Jo

Savor delicious Asian fusion dishes at Tin Jo to fuel up for your explorations ahead.
Head to Tin Jo, a 15-minute drive from your hotel.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica

Explore the fascinating history of Costa Rica, with exhibits suitable for all ages.
Drive 10 minutes to the National Museum.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walking Tour of Downtown San José

Stroll through the vibrant streets of downtown, including the Central Market and Theatre National.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to public areas.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Criollita

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal, such as Casado, at this family-friendly locale.
A short 10-minute drive from the downtown tour.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Arenal Volcano Adventure

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel to prepare for a day of adventure.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Arenal Volcano

Set off early to Arenal Volcano, witnessing the stunning scenery along the way.
Drive for approximately 3 hours.
USD40 (gas), 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on family-friendly hiking trails where you can spot unique wildlife and breathtaking views of the volcano.
Entry point is located within the National Park.
USD15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Fortuna Waterfall

Have a picnic lunch surrounded by nature near one of Costa Rica's famous waterfalls.
Short drive to La Fortuna Waterfall.
USD20 (picnic supplies), 1 hour

2:30PM

Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the waterfall, perfect for family fun.
Access is a short hike down to the waterfall.
Included, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax in Hot Springs

Unwind at one of the nearby hot springs, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Drive to hot springs resort (e.g., Tabacón) nearby.
USD100, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Savor a delicious family dinner at this popular local restaurant featuring Costa Rican and international cuisine.
Short drive from the hot springs.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Explore La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Mediterráneo

Start your day with fresh coffee and scrumptious breakfast dishes in this family-friendly café.
Walking distance from the hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:00AM

Canopy Tour (Zip Lining)

Experience the thrill of flying through the treetops on a ziplining adventure that’s fun for the whole family.
Drive to booking site (e.g., Arenal Mundo Aventura).
USD150, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Fortuna Soda

Enjoy a local meal featuring ‘sodas’ or simple Costa Rican dishes at an inexpensive cafe.
Short drive from the ziplining location.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit La Fortuna Ecological Park

Explore this ecological park with easy trails, perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the natural landscape.
Short drive to the ecological park.
USD10, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges

Walk through the forest canopy over suspension bridges, an exhilarating experience for everyone.
Only a 20-minute drive from the ecological park.
USD30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Fortuna

Enjoy a family dinner at this restaurant that offers a mix of local flavors and international cuisine.
Short drive from Hanging Bridges.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast to kick-start your journey to Monteverde.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Monteverde

Embark on a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Monteverde, famous for its cloud forest.
Follow route 142 from La Fortuna.
USD40 (gas), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Tree House Restaurant

Dine in a unique restaurant built around a giant tree in the middle of Monteverde.
Located in town; just a short drive.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the breathtaking cloud forest, home to amazing biodiversity and stunning scenery.
Short drive to the reserve entrance.
USD25, 3 hours

5:30PM

Night Safari with Guide

Experience the forest come alive at night with a guided tour to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Return to the lodge and join your guide.
USD100, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sabor Tico

Indulge in Costa Rican cuisine at its best with a family-friendly menu.
Short drive from your lodge.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Beach Day at Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up on breakfast before heading to the beach.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Manuel Antonio

Start your scenic drive to Manuel Antonio, which will take about 3.5 hours.
Follow route 1 toward Quepos.
USD30 (gas), 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Milagro

Enjoy a lunch filled with local flavors at this popular restaurant.
Located in Quepos, just before arriving in Manuel Antonio.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Manuel Antonio National Park

Spend the afternoon hiking and relaxing on the stunning beaches of this well-preserved national park.
Short drive to the national park entrance.
USD16, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Avión

Dine at this unique restaurant built around an old plane, offering great views and a fun atmosphere.
Short drive from the national park.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Explore Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to the Osa Peninsula.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Osa Peninsula

Venture on a 4-hour drive to the Osa Peninsula, known for its pristine wildlife and landscapes.
Follow the route down south toward Puerto Jiménez.
USD50 (gas), 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Perla del Sur

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before heading out to explore more.
Located in Puerto Jiménez.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Corcovado National Park Day Tour

Join a guided tour to discover the rich biodiversity of Corcovado, ideal for family exploration.
Book through local tour operators in Puerto Jiménez.
USD150, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Lapa Rios

Dine at this eco-resort restaurant featuring local dishes in a beautiful setting.
Back to Puerto Jiménez; short drive.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to San José

San José, Costa Rica

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Last breakfast in the beautiful Osa Peninsula to fuel the journey back.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive Back to San José

Head back to San José for an approximate 5-hour drive.
Follow the same route back.
USD50 (gas), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy a casual lunch at this bustling market famous for its variety of food options.
Drive to the central market.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Last-minute Shopping at Multiplaza

Visit one of the largest shopping malls for souvenirs and gifts before you depart.
Short drive to the shopping mall.
Free with spending options, 2 hours

5:30PM

Departure

Time to bid farewell to Costa Rica, taking home wonderful family memories from your adventure.
Return rental car and head to the airport.
Free (depends on your flight), 1 hour
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