Rainforests in Arenal / La Fortuna & Cloud Forests in Monteverde
The Costa Rica Collection Family Itinerary is a perfect introductory itinerary for families of all sizes and kids of any age. This family itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience a little bit of everything Costa Rica offers. On this itinerary, travelers will visit the towering volcanoes and rainforests in Arenal/La Fortuna, as well as the enchanting cloud forest of Monteverde, before heading west to visit the beach and jungles of the Pacific Coast.
Families large and small experience the “Pura Vida!” experience on our Costa Rica Collection Family Vacation ItineraryChoose from two Pacific Coast options to fit your travel and adventure needs. The levels of adventure can be scaled up or down, depending on what you’re looking for and the ages of your children. Enjoy a relaxing excursion like a wildlife safari float or a hike through the hanging bridges hike, or pick the more adventurous route and go white-water rafting and canyoning.
Highlights & Trip Itinerary Facts
- Private Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Hike – Explore the wonders of the Costa Rican cloud forest with a private naturalist guide early in the morning before the hanging bridges are opened to the public.
- Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs – Enjoy views of the magnificent volcano as you soak in the geothermal pools heated by the volcano.
- Sailing and Snorkeling – Venture out to sea on a beautiful catamaran and explore secluded beaches and the pristine waters of the Pacific.
Suggested 9-Day Costa Rica Family Collection Itinerary
Day #1: Arrival – Monteverde Cloud Forest: Explore the Creatures of the Night on a Hike
Fly in or out of the SJO (San Jose) and LIR (Liberia) airports to choose the best airfare option for your schedule and budget. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a scenic private transfer to the cloud forest of Monteverde. After settling into your deluxe room, your family can take a private Guided Night Hike to learn about the rainforest creatures that come out after dark.
Day #2: Morning Canopy Tour in the Rainforest – Afternoon Relaxation or Exploration
After a tasty breakfast of fresh fruit and “Gallo Pinto,” set out for a Private Hanging Bridges Hike with a naturalist guide. You will have exclusive access to the lofty hanging bridges before they are opened to the public. Walk among the rainforest canopy, spotting Quetzals, toucans, and other rare wildlife.
The butterfly and orchid gardens are another fun family activity available to you and your family. After a relaxing walk through the hanging bridges, fly through the canopy on a zip line adventure. The zip line tour is available for adults and children ages six and older. Professional guides are available to assist children on the zip line. After an adventurous morning, return to your boutique hotel to relax or head into town to shop.
The thrill of Costa Rica zip lines will leave you and your kids laughing and smiling for daysDay #3: Adventure Transfer to Arenal – Evening at the Hot Springs
Travel from the Monteverde cloud forest to the towering Arenal Volcano. Your commute will be split between a drive and a boat ride across the gorgeous Lake Arenal, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. After settling into your room, take a private transfer to a hot springs resort to unwind and soak in the natural geothermal pools heated by the volcano. Enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel to melt into bed.
Some days your family needs to simply relax…like in a volcanic hot spring!Day #4: Rainforest & Jungle River Adventure
Choose from two river activities: a wildlife float safari or a thrilling multi-activity adventure.
- On the wildlife float safari, you’ll spot howler monkeys, sloths, and other exotic species.
- The multi-adventure itinerary includes land and river activities, followed by some time spent relaxing in the hot springs.
Spend the late afternoon and evening as you please. This is a great time to take a self-guided hike to a waterfall or explore the hoppin’ little town of La Fortuna.
Day #5: Take a Guided Hike in a National Park or Choose Another Activity
Choose the best adventure for your family. Curious kids may be interested in a guided hike through Arenal Volcano’s National Park lava fields. While adventurous families may want to go on a canyoning/waterfall rappelling adventure or choose a horseback riding adventure alongside real Costa Rican cowboys.
Looking for more adventure? We’ll arrange a full-day hike into the rainforest. Trek to the top of a dormant volcano or discover a wondrous rainforest waterfall. If your family wants more action on the water, we can arrange an activity on Lake Arenal, like stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking.
Day #6: Travel to the Pacific Coast – Manuel Antonio or Playa Hermosa
Commute in style with a private adventure transfer from the rainforest to the beach. Depending on the children’s ages, you can include a rafting experience mid-transfer. If your family departs from SJO airport, you will travel to Manuel Antonio.
If, instead, your family will fly out of LIR airport, you will head north to the Guanacaste region. Either way, by the end of the day, you will be relaxing in a deluxe beach resort by sunset!
Day #7: Leisure in the Morning, Snorkeling in the Afternoon & Sailing on a Catamaran at Sunset
Your morning is free to do as you please. Do some bird watching, enjoy the pool at the resort, head to the beach, or just sleep in! After lunch, head out to sea on a catamaran sailboat sunset excursion, including snorkeling.
We will arrange for professional guides to take your family to a secluded beach cove teeming with marine life. A light lunch and drinks are included on this beautiful sunset sailing tour.
Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening and relax in paradise. Pura Vida!
Day #8: Optional Leisure or Activity…You Choose!
Either spend the day relaxing or head out on another unforgettable excursion.
Two of the most popular activities on the Pacific Coast include guided tours of the Manuel Antonio National Park / Santa Rosa National Park or surf lessons. These half-day tours are the perfect ending to a memorable week of family adventures.
Alternatively, you can spend time chilling by the pool-side relation or head to a secluded beach for some private relaxation. We’ll advise your family on which beach to visit and where it’s located.
This evening will end with a family-style dinner at one of our favorite restaurants nearby.
Round out your family’s vacation with a leisurely Costa Rica beach experienceDay #9: Time to Head for the Airport & Travel Home
We’ll take care of travel arrangements to return your family to the San Jose Airport or the Liberia Airport for your flight home.
Things to Know about the Costa Rica Family Collection Itinerary
- The minimum age for the canopy tour is six years old. Your children can optionally ride on the zip line cable with a professional guide.
- The minimum age for white-water rafting depends on the season and ranges from eight to ten years of age.
- The minimum ages for multi-adventure activities are eight years for kayaking, tubing and climbing wall, and six years for horseback riding. It may be possible for underage children to be accompanied by a professional guide. Ask for details.
- This itinerary lends itself to traveling in and out of either (or both) Liberia (LIR) and San Jose (SJO) airports.
- You may choose from two versions of this family vacation itinerary based on the departure airport.
- If departing from SJO airport, your family will visit Manuel Antonio.
- If departing from LIR airport, your family will visit Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste.
- We can arrange for luxury accommodations upon request should your family desire upgraded lodging and other amenities.
Cost of Trip
Prices listed below are per person, based on a room being shared by a family of at least two people, and based on peak travel season (mid-November through mid-April, or June through August). Have a family of four? We’ve also provided pricing for two adults and two kids (ages 12 years or younger), sharing a room.
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9-Day Costa Rica Family Collection Itinerary
Per-person pricing:
Family-of-four pricing:
8-Day Costa Rica Family Collection Itinerary
This alternate itinerary removes the guided hike in a national park and reduces the trip by a single day.
Per-person pricing:
Family-of-four pricing:
11-Day Costa Rica Family Collection Itinerary
This alternate itinerary extends the activities and adds even more fun, such as a coffee and cheese tour. This results in a slightly longer vacation for your family.
Per-person pricing:
Family-of-four pricing:
What Our Clients Say:
Thank you for helping out with our Costa Rica trip. We had a blast! Pura Vida!
— Jonathan