Rainforests in Arenal / La Fortuna & Cloud Forests in Monteverde
The Costa Rica Family Collection is a perfect introductory itinerary for families of all sizes with kids of any age. This Costa Rica family vacation is ideal for travelers that want to see the diverse environments that Costa Rica offers. On the Costa Rica Family Collection itinerary, travelers will visit the scenic volcanoes and rainforests in Arenal / La Fortuna, as well as the cloud forest of the Monteverde region before heading west to visit the beach and jungle of the Pacific Coast.
Families large and small experience the “Pura Vida!” experience on our Costa Rica Collection Family Vacation ItineraryThis itinerary is versatile and offers two Pacific Coast options. The levels of adventure are also wide-ranging and allow families with younger children to do easier and more relaxed excursions like a wildlife safari float or a hanging bridges hike, while the families looking for more action can go white-water rafting and canyoning.
Highlights & Trip Facts of the Costa Rica Family Collection
- Private Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges Hike – Explore the wonders of the Costa Rican cloud forest with your family’s private naturalist guide early in the morning before the hanging bridges are opened to the public.
- Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs – Take in the views of this magnificent volcano as you soak in the pools filled with natural geothermal waters heated by the volcano.
- Sailing & Snorkeling – Step aboard a beautiful catamaran as it takes you along the Pacific Coast to secluded beaches and a pristine snorkeling destination where you will explore Costa Rica’s underwater marine life.
Suggested 9-Day Costa Rica Family Collection Itinerary
Day #1: Arrival – Monteverde Cloud Forest: Explore the Creatures of the Night on a Hike
This itinerary offers the ability to fly in our out of either the SJO (San Jose) & LIR (Liberia) airports, so you may choose the best airfare. Upon arrival, your family will be escorted (via private transportation) on a scenic trip up into the Costa Rican cloud forest of Monteverde. After settling into your deluxe room, your family will have the option of a private Guided Night Hike to explore and learn about the rainforest creatures that only come out after dark.
Day #2: Morning Canopy Tour in the Rainforest – Afternoon Relaxation or Exploration
After filling up on a breakfast of fresh fruit and “Gallo Pinto”, a naturalist guide will pick your family up for a Private Hanging Bridges Hike this morning. Your family will have exclusive access to these lofty hanging bridges before they are opened to the public. Together with your kids, you will explore the canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest looking for Quetzals, toucans, and other rare birds and animals. The butterfly and orchid gardens are also an option for a fun family activity. A zip line adventure will await your family after a hike on the hanging bridges, and kids ages six and older can partake in this thrilling activity. To appease any concerns, professional guides are available to assist children on the zip line. After this adventurous morning, your family can relax at the boutique hotel or head into town to do some shopping.
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
This morning your family will transfer from the cloud forest of Monteverde to the rainforest and volcanoes of Arenal. You will drive part of the way in a vehicle before boarding a boat, which will cross the gorgeous Lake Arenal. This will be your first chance for a glimpse of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. After settling into your room, a vehicle will transfer your family to a hot springs resort where everyone will enjoy soaking in the natural geothermal pools that exist in this volcanic region of Costa Rica. A delicious dinner is included 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
There are two river activity choices for today. If your family wants to see animals such as sloths, monkeys, and toucans in the wild then Costa Rica Escapes will arrange for a nature guide to lead your family on a wildlife safari float down the river. If your family desires a bit more excitement, the multi-adventure activity is for you. This itinerary includes a land activity and a river activity followed by relaxing in natural hot springs. Either way, your family will spend time together enjoying the pristine rivers that flow through the Arenal rainforest. The multi-adventure activity includes a choice of one land activity and a river activity. You will relax on the banks of a river where there are more hot springs and a great restaurant where you will have lunch. The late afternoon & evening is open. This is a great time to take a self-guided hike to a waterfall and/or explore the hoppin’ little town of La Fortuna – we’ll let you in on the best ways to do these…
Day #5: Take a Guided Hike in a National Park or Choose another Optional Activity
For this day of the Costa Rican Family Collection itinerary, Costa Rica Escapes can work with you to define the ideal adventure activity for your family. The fun options abound! Your young geologist may be interested in a guided hike through Arenal Volcano’s National Park lava fields. Adventurous kids may want to go on a canyoning/waterfall rappelling adventure or ride horses on a private reserve with real Costa Rican cowboys. Looking for more adventure? We can arrange a full-day hike into the rainforest where your family can either reach the peak of a dormant volcano or discover a wondrous rainforest waterfall. If your family wants more action on the water, we can arrange for an activity on Lake Arenal with either stand-up paddle boards or sit-on-top kayaks.
Day #6: Travel to the Pacific Coast – Manuel Antonio or Playa Hermosa
On this day of the itinerary, your family will take a private adventure transfer from the rainforest to the beach. Based on the ages of the children in your family, you have the option to include a rafting experience on this transfer. If your family will be departing from SJO airport, then you will travel to Manuel Antonio. If instead, your family will fly out of LIR airport, then 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 to enjoy the sunset!
Day #7: Leisure in the Morning, Snorkeling in the Afternoon & Sailing on a Catamaran at Sunset
This morning is free so do some bird watching, enjoy the pool at the resort, head to the beach, or just sleep in! After lunch, your family will have the opportunity to take a catamaran sailboat ride and embark upon a sunset excursion that includes snorkeling. We will arrange for professional guides to take your family to a secluded beach cove where the colorful marine life will delight kids of all ages. A light lunch, along with beverages, will be included as your family takes in the beautiful sunset that this area is famous for. In the evening, your family will return to the hotel to have dinner and relax in paradise. Pura Vida!
Day #8: Optional Leisure or Activity…You Choose!
On this day, your family will have the option to experience another fun, family activity or simply relax. Two popular activities on the Pacific Coast include guided tours of the Manuel Antonio National Park / Santa Rosa National Park or surfing lessons. These are half-day tours that will cap an eventful and memorable week of family adventures. Alternatively, If you choose to take it easy, you can have some pool-side relation time or even head to a secluded beach. Don’t worry, we’ll advise your family on which beach to visit, and where it’s located. This evening will close out with a family-style dinner at one of the reputable restaurants nearby, and we will offer a few preferred dining options.
Round out your family’s vacation with a leisurely Costa Rica beach experienceDay #9: Time to Head for the Airport & Travel Home
Just as with all in-country transportation on your trip, we’ll take care of travel arrangements to return your family to either the San Jose Airport or the Liberia Airport for your flight home. You will have so many stories to reflect on as a family from your trip!
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 is dependent 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.
- There are two versions of this family vacation itinerary that you may choose – based on 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 together.
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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! I put together a video of our trip, if you want to share it with those who are considering booking with Costa Rica Escapes. Pura Vida!
— Jonathan