10-Day Family Adventure and Relaxation in Costa Rica: City, Beach, and Thrills

Day 1: City Arrival & Exploration

San José, Costa Rica on February 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Miel Garage

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring local Costa Rican coffee and fresh pastries at this cozy and popular San José café.
CRC5000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica

Explore Costa Rica’s history and culture in this well-curated museum housed in a former fort, showcasing pre-Columbian artifacts to modern exhibits. Open daily 8am - 4pm.
CRC4000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Soda Tapia

Enjoy authentic Costa Rican cuisine like casado or gallo pinto at this casual and beloved local soda open from 7am to 5pm.
CRC3500, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll through Mercado Central

Wander the busy central market to experience local life, shop for souvenirs, and try tropical fruits and snacks. Open daily 7am - 6pm.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Jade Museum

Discover one of the world's largest collections of pre-Columbian jade artifacts. Open 9am - 4pm.
CRC6000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Grano de Oro

Enjoy a refined Costa Rican and international fusion dinner in a charming boutique hotel setting. Open 6pm - 10pm.
CRC12000, 1h30m
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Day 2: San José Cultural Day

San José, Costa Rica on February 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café del Museo

Have a fresh breakfast and excellent coffee at the museum café located in the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Open 7am - 7pm.
CRC5000, 1h

9:30am

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Explore fascinating gold artifacts offering insights into ancient cultures of Costa Rica. Open 9am - 5pm.
CRC6000, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk at Parque La Sabana

Relax at San José’s largest urban park with scenic views, playgrounds for children, and local life. Open all day, free entry.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Park Café

Enjoy casual lunch featuring sandwiches, salads, and Costa Rican favorites located near Parque La Sabana. Open 11am - 4pm weekdays.
CRC4000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Costa Rican Art Museum

View contemporary and historical art in a beautiful old building at Morazan Park. Open 9am - 5pm.
CRC3000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tin Jo

Dine on a fusion of Asian cuisines in a charming setting, suitable for families. Open 6pm - 10pm.
CRC11000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Beach

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica on February 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading to Manuel Antonio.
Included with hotel, 1h

8:00am

Drive from San José to Manuel Antonio

Travel approximately 3 hours to the Pacific coast beach town of Manuel Antonio for your beach stay.
Transportation cost approx CRC25000, 3h

11:30am

Check-in and relax at hotel

Settle into your family-friendly beachside hotel, rest, or enjoy the pool.
Hotel dependent, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Avión

Dine at a unique restaurant built around a vintage airplane frame, offering fresh seafood and local dishes. Open 12pm - 10pm.
CRC8000, 1h

2:30pm

Manuel Antonio National Park visit

Explore the stunning beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife in this famous national park. Open 7am - 4pm.
CRC16000, 3h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Café Milagro

Relax with coffee and a variety of dishes perfect for families in this vibrant café. Open until 10pm.
CRC9000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Beach Leisure Day

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica on February 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with ocean views included at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Beach time at Playa Espadilla

Relax or swim at this large, family-friendly beach with calm waters and plenty of space.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Soda Angel

Sample authentic Costa Rican dishes at this local favorite soda near the beach. Open 8am - 4pm.
CRC4000, 1h

2:30pm

Optional kayaking or snorkeling tour

Take a guided kayaking tour or snorkeling trip to see marine life. Tours run 2-3 hours and usually start in the afternoon.
CRC30000 approx per person, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kapi Kapi Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner of local and international dishes with a cozy ambiance. Open 6pm - 10pm.
CRC10000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Nature and Wildlife

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica on February 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a day of wildlife discovery.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Guided wildlife tour in Manuel Antonio Park

Join a family-friendly, early morning guided hike to see monkeys, sloths, birds, and more in their natural habitat. Park opens at 7am.
CRC16000 plus guide approx CRC15000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Emilio’s Café

Enjoy hearty sandwiches and fresh salads at this treehouse-style café. Open 7am - 5pm.
CRC6000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at hotel or beach

Afternoon at leisure for swimming or relaxing with your family.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gabriella’s Steak Seafood & Pasta

Savor fresh seafood and pasta specialties in a welcoming atmosphere. Open 6pm - 10pm.
CRC12000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Adventure Zone

La Fortuna (Arenal), Costa Rica on February 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before heading to La Fortuna.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna

Enjoy a scenic approximately 4-hour drive north to the adventure hub near Arenal Volcano.
Transportation approx CRC30000, 4h

12:30pm

Check-in and lunch at hotel

Check in and have lunch at your hotel or nearby restaurant.
CRC8000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Hike down to the beautiful waterfall where swimming is possible in the designated area. Open 7am - 5pm.
CRC1500, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in natural hot springs

Soak and unwind in natural geothermal hot springs such as Baldi or Tabacon. Available until approx 10pm.
CRC20000, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Don Rufino

Dine on upscale Costa Rican cuisine with family-friendly options. Open 6pm - 10pm.
CRC12000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Adventure Activities

La Fortuna (Arenal), Costa Rica on February 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your adventure day with a wholesome breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Ziplining Canopy Tour

Experience thrilling zipline rides through the rainforest canopy suitable for families with children older than 6. Tours last about 3 hours. Open daily 8am - 4pm.
CRC45000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Soda Viquez

Enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine in a casual setting close to adventure activities. Open 7am - 5pm.
CRC4000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Arenal Volcano National Park

Walk gentle trails with views of Arenal Volcano and lava fields. Kids will enjoy spotting wildlife and the lava rocks. Open 8am - 4pm.
CRC15000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at La Choza de Laurel

Casual dining with tasty local dishes and friendly atmosphere. Open 6pm - 9pm.
CRC9000, 1h30m
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Day 8: More Adventure & Travel

Return to San José, Costa Rica on February 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before your return trip to San José.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Horseback Riding Tour

Morning horseback tour around Arenal’s countryside and hot springs area; suitable for families. Duration approx 2 hours.
CRC25000, 2h

11:00am

Drive from La Fortuna to San José

Return to San José for your final night. The trip takes about 3.5-4 hours.
Transportation approx CRC30000, 4h

3:30pm

Rest and freshen up at hotel

Check into your San José hotel and relax after the drive.
Hotel dependent, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Park Café

Enjoy a final dinner at this highly rated family-friendly restaurant near the city center. Open 6pm - 10pm.
CRC12000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Departure Day

San José, Costa Rica on February 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your last breakfast in Costa Rica before check-out.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Artisan Market in San José

Shop for souvenirs and handmade crafts at the Mercado Artesanal. Open 9am - 5pm.
Free to enter, 1h30m

11:00am

Return to hotel, check out

Prepare for airport transfer and departure.
Hotel dependent, 30m

12:00pm

Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport

Travel to the airport for your flight home, approximately a 30-minute drive.
Transportation approx CRC15000, 30m
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