Costa Rica with Kids: Rainforests & Beaches
Summary
Discover Costa Rica on this 13-day family adventure that combines nature, soft adventure, and beach relaxation, starting and ending in San José. This thoughtfully paced itinerary is perfect for families looking to explore the country’s most iconic landscapes while enjoying quality time together.
Begin in the Arenal Volcano area, where your family can experience lush rainforests, gentle wildlife encounters and relaxing hot springs. Continue to Monteverde’s cloud forest, known for its cool climate, scenic trails, and exciting hanging bridges that bring the forest to life for travelers of all ages.
End your journey on the sunny shores of Tamarindo Beach, where calm waters, golden sand, and family-friendly activities like swimming, snorkeling, and beach time provide the perfect balance of fun and relaxation before returning to San José — all wrapped in Costa Rica’s warm pura vida spirit.
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Map
Outbound flight from the UK
Day 1: Welcome To Costa Rica!Arrival Day
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, the vibrant capital city known for its rich culture and dynamic atmosphere. Our professional driver will be waiting for you with a personalized sign to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transfer to your hotel. Settling in comfortably, you’ll get a chance to unwind and soak in the energy of a city where history, art, and modern life blend effortlessly. Prepare to immerse yourself in the spirit of Pura Vida, where every moment holds the promise of discovery and joy.
Accommodation: Radisson San Jose Meals: None Activities: Private transfer
Day 2: Journey to Arenal Volcano & Arrival in La Fortuna
Begin your adventure with a scenic shuttle transfer from San José to Arenal, a journey through Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes. As you approach the region, the iconic silhouette of Arenal Volcano begins to rise above the lush rainforest, signaling your arrival in one of the country’s most dynamic destinations.
Accommodation: Fortuna Downtown Boutique Hotel — Standard Room Meals: Breakfast included Activity: Shuttle transfer to Arenal
Day 3: Volcano Trails, Wildlife Encounters & Natural Hot Springs - Regular / Dinner and Transfer Included
Start your day enjoying a guided hike around Arenal Volcano, walking along scenic trails formed by historic lava flows and surrounded by lush rainforest. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the volcano’s history while helping you spot local wildlife and take in beautiful views of this iconic natural landmark.
In the afternoon, unwind at the Paradise Hot Springs, perfect for relax in natural thermal water pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures with focused hydromassage for back, legs, and feet. The Resort also respects a maximum capacity of visitors to provide a peaceful atmosphere. There are showers, massages and body treatments service, food and drink, as well as reclinable beds, sun umbrellas, and relaxing music along the pool areas. All of the necessary elements for a magnificent and relaxing experience. Here you will enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Fortuna Downtown Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: • Guided hike at Arenal Volcano Trails • Paradise Hot Springs (with dinner) or similar
Day 4: La Fortuna Waterfall & Sloth Tour - Regular / Transfer Included
This morning, embark on a guided journey to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall, one of Arenal’s most iconic natural attractions. After a scenic countryside drive, arrive at the park entrance and cross a suspension bridge over the Fortuna River Canyon. From a lookout platform, admire the 110-ft cascade before descending 500 steps to reach the base, where crystal-clear pools await. Swim, relax, and enjoy a tropical snack as your guide ensures a smooth and safe experience.
This afternoon, you’ll enjoy a guided sloth tour near the Arenal Volcano, where you’ll get up close to some of Costa Rica’s most adorable and iconic animals as they rest among the treetops. With the help of an experienced, bilingual naturalist guide, you’ll learn to spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths and hear fascinating details about their behavior and habitat. As a bonus, you may also encounter monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and colorful poison dart frogs along the way.
Accommodation: Fortuna Downtown Boutique Hotel Arenal Country Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks & Lunch (La Fortuna Waterfall Tour)
Activities: • Guided hike to La Fortuna Waterfall (with transport) • Sloth Tour (Transfer included)
Day 5: Scenic Lake Crossing to Monteverde
Say goodbye to La Fortuna as you begin a shared shuttle transfer to Monteverde, a journey that includes a picturesque boat ride across Lake Arenal. Watch for wetland birds, kingfishers, and exotic species as you cruise silently across the water, with stunning views of the volcano and the Tilarán Mountain Range.
From the lakeshore, a minivan awaits to take you on a scenic 1.5-hour drive up into the cloud forests of Monteverde, climbing steep roads flanked by green valleys and panoramic vistas. This is one of Costa Rica’s most dramatic transitions—from tropical lowlands to mystical cloud forest.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge
Meals: Breakfast included
Activity: Shared Transfer Arenal to Monteverde via Lake Crossing
Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Awaken to the cool mountain air and prepare for an immersive guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Spanning over 25,730 acres, this protected area is teeming with life. Your guide will lead you through mossy trails beneath towering trees, helping you spot the vibrant quetzal, elusive mammals, and shimmering hummingbirds.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: • Guided walk at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Transfer included)
Days 7-11: Monteverde Hanging Bridges & Cloud Forest Exploration - Regular / Transfer included
Today you’ll explore the Monteverde Hanging Bridges, walking along well-maintained trails and suspension bridges that offer stunning views above the cloud forest canopy. This peaceful experience allows you to appreciate Monteverde’s rich biodiversity at a relaxed pace, with opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and unique plant life while enjoying the cool mountain air.
Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: • Guided walk at Monteverde Hanging Bridges (Transfer included)
Day 8: Journey from Monteverde to Tamarindo Beach
Today you’ll travel from the cool cloud forests of Monteverde to the warm, sunny shores of Tamarindo Beach. Enjoy a scenic drive as the landscape transitions from lush mountains to coastal plains, arriving in Tamarindo with time to relax, enjoy the beach, and soak in the laid-back Pacific vibe.
Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: Shared Transfer Monteverde to Tamarindo
Day 9: Tropical Leisure in Tamarindo
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in Tamarindo Beach. Relax on the golden sands, swim in the warm Pacific waters, or explore the town’s shops and restaurants. Optional activities such as snorkeling, surfing, or boat tours can be arranged if you’d like to add a bit of adventure to your day.
Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: None. Free time for optional tours (see list provided)
Optional tours Not Included: • Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour • Safari Float Tour on Corobici River • Tamarindo Mangrove Boat Tour • Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach • Catamaran Tour
Please, contact your traveler advisor so they can book the selected activity for you!
Day 10: Tropical Leisure in Tamarindo
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in Tamarindo Beach. Relax on the golden sands, swim in the warm Pacific waters, or explore the town’s shops and restaurants. Optional activities such as snorkeling, surfing, or boat tours can be arranged if you’d like to add a bit of adventure to your day.
Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: None. Free time for optional tours (see list provided)
Optional tours Not Included: • Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour • Safari Float Tour on Corobici River • Tamarindo Mangrove Boat Tour • Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach • Catamaran Tour
Please, contact your traveler advisor so they can book the selected activity for you!
Day 11: Tropical Leisure in Tamarindo
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in Tamarindo Beach. Relax on the golden sands, swim in the warm Pacific waters, or explore the town’s shops and restaurants. Optional activities such as snorkeling, surfing, or boat tours can be arranged if you’d like to add a bit of adventure to your day.
Accommodation: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: None. Free time for optional tours (see list provided)
Optional tours Not Included: • Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour • Safari Float Tour on Corobici River • Tamarindo Mangrove Boat Tour • Surf Lesson at Tamarindo Beach • Catamaran Tour
Please, contact your traveler advisor so they can book the selected activity for you!
Day 12: Return to San José
Today you’ll travel from the sunny shores of Tamarindo Beach back to San José. Enjoy the scenic journey across Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, arriving in the capital with time to relax and prepare for your onward travel.
Accommodation: Radisson San Jose
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: Shared Transfer Tamarindo to San Jose
Day 13: See you Soon, Costa Rica!
All good things must come to an end, and it’s time to say goodbye to this magical land and its wonderful people. Our professional driver will pick you up on time in the lobby of your hotel in San José, assist you with your luggage, and take you comfortably and safely to Juan Santamaría International Airport. We recommend being ready ahead of time, and remember to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to avoid any last-minute stress. We truly hope to see you again soon so you can continue experiencing the pura vida that only Costa Rica can offer. Thank you for choosing us and see you next time!
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: Private Transfer San Jose to the Airport
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