9 Days • 8 Nights
Costa Rica Family Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Ziplining through the Monteverde cloud forest
- Volcano hot springs and hanging bridges at Arenal
- Sloths, monkeys and frogs on guided walks
- A gentle white-water rafting or safari float
- Golden beaches at Manuel Antonio
- Wildlife, adventure and downtime for all ages
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
The family is met at San Jose airport and transferred to your hotel to rest after the flight, gathering for a welcome dinner and a briefing on the adventures ahead.
You travel north to La Fortuna beneath the Arenal Volcano. The afternoon brings a first taste of wildlife and a fun soak in natural hot springs with waterslides and warm pools the kids will love.
A morning on the hanging bridges spotting sloths and monkeys, then a gentle 'safari float' down a calm river, drifting past birds, iguanas and jungle, ideal for families and easy for all ages.
A free day for family adventures, a chocolate-making tour, a visit to a frog and butterfly garden, horseback riding, or simply the hot springs and pool. Something for everyone.
A scenic jeep-boat-jeep crossing of Lake Arenal brings you up to the Monteverde cloud forest. An evening wildlife walk hunts for frogs and sleeping birds by torchlight.
The big one: ziplining and sky bridges high above the cloud forest canopy, thrilling for older kids and teens, with tamer options for younger ones, plus a hummingbird garden and wildlife spotting.
You descend to the Pacific coast and Manuel Antonio, where the rainforest meets golden beaches. Check in and enjoy an afternoon splashing in the sea.
A guided family walk in the national park to spot sloths, cheeky monkeys, iguanas and toucans, followed by an afternoon on its beautiful beaches building sandcastles and swimming.
A final beach morning before transferring back to San Jose airport for your onward flight home, with the whole family full of pura vida.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and hot springs entry
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- Arenal hanging bridges, a family zipline, a safari float and a guided Manuel Antonio park walk
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival; carry a passport valid for at least six months and, technically, proof of onward travel
- Currency: The currency is the Costa Rican Colon, though US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for rural areas, small eateries and tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest and most popular, ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush and quieter, with mostly sunny mornings and afternoon showers
- Pura vida: Costa Rica's famous phrase means 'pure life' and captures the country's relaxed, warm and nature-loving spirit; expect friendly people, an unhurried pace and a deep pride in the environment
- Wildlife & national parks: Costa Rica protects around a quarter of its land and holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity; a naturalist guide dramatically improves wildlife sightings, and park entry fees are included
- Getting around: Distances can be longer than the map suggests due to winding mountain roads; internal ground transfers are included, and we can add short domestic flights to save time on longer legs
- Health & water: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, tap water is generally safe in main areas, and you should bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for the cloud forest
- Money & tipping: A ten percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills; extra tips for excellent guides and drivers are appreciated. Power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does this suit?
It works wonderfully for families with children of around five and up. Activities like ziplining, rafting and hikes have age and height guidelines, and we tailor everything, offering gentler alternatives so every family member is comfortable.
Is Costa Rica safe and easy for families?
Very — it is one of the safest, most family-friendly countries in the region, with excellent lodges, short-ish drives, superb wildlife and guides who are brilliant with children. It is a favourite family destination for good reason.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or lodge meals in remote areas. Costa Rican cuisine, from fresh tropical fruit to casados and ceviche, is a delight, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Are transfers between regions included?
Yes — all ground transfers between regions are arranged and included, with English-speaking drivers. On longer itineraries we can add short domestic flights to save time; just ask.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and cheaper, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely. With a naturalist guide you can expect sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas and countless birds, and often frogs, coatis and more. Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforest, volcanoes and beach, add or swap regions, change the pace and choose lodges to match your interests and budget.
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