Waterfall Gardens, Wildlife Center, Poas Volcano Crater & Hot Springs in Arenal
Our Costa Rica Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary is best suited for families with children of all ages. It is also great for travelers who want extra time at the beach at the end of their stay. The itinerary can be tailored to meet your family’s needs, even those traveling with young children.
Explore Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity in the rainforests with the entire family…you might even see a baby sloth! Or monkeys…or parrots…or…come find out!This Costa Rica family itinerary includes light adventures and educational activities perfect for the whole family. Traveling between destinations is kept to a minimum to keep your kids happy and comfortable for your stay. This itinerary includes three destinations and offers an ideal blend of mountains, rainforests, and beaches. Your journey begins close to the SJO (San Jose) Airport and continues to the volcanic region of Arenal before ending on the beach in the Pacific.
Highlights of the Costa Rica Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary
- Waterfall Gardens, Wildlife Center & Poas Volcano’s Crater – This is a fantastic introduction to the exotic wildlife and biodiversity in Costa Rica. This fun and educational tour teaches you about Costa Rica’s varied landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. Pay attention; you’ll learn which animals you can spot throughout your trip.
- Arenal Hot Springs & Diverse Family Adventures – This private adventure center provides safe and exciting entertainment for children of all ages. The rejuvenating hot springs at Arenal will bring you back to life after your travels.
Typical 9-Day Costa Rica Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary
Day #1: Arrival & Transfer to Rainforest Lodge
Arrive at SJO Airport and meet your private driver for a comfortable transport everyone to the agricultural regions of the Central Highlands before landing in the cloud forest environment of Volcan Poas. You will settle into your boutique property, where you will rest and relax before your first dinner in Costa Rica.
Day #2: Coffee, Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Wildlife & Transfer to Arenal
Breakfast at your hotel is always included in our itineraries. Wake up early to enjoy breakfast at your hotel and sample classic local flavors like fresh fruit and Gallo Pinto. Fuel up for a day of adventuring with your family.
Transportation will arrive early in the morning and take you on a 3-in-1 adventure tour in the country’s Arenal/La Fortuna region. Begin the journey with a trip to the scenic Volcan Poas National Park to peer inside a volcanic crater. Next, stop at a working coffee farm to see how this magical crop is grown, cultivated, and produced. Of course, you will be able to sample some coffee as well!
This day also includes a visit to the Waterfall Gardens & Wildlife Center, where you will hike to towering waterfalls and learn about Costa Rica’s exotic wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to hold a toucan or spot a monkey!
You’ll end this day in Arenal, where you can settle into your spacious and comfortable property. You can take a dip in the pool before dinner and call it a night.
One of our families’ trips to the breathtaking La Paz Waterfall GardensDay #3: All-Day Adventures in the Shadow of Arenal Volcano
Families with younger children can choose between a land or river adventure, depending on their interests and comfort. Raft along the river, spot wildlife, visit natural hot springs, and have a riverside picnic. Then, enjoy lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants.
Families with children ages thirteen and older may want to consider a canyoning adventure that involves safely repelling down waterfalls on a guided, one-of-a-kind river excursion. The rest of your day will be spent exploring nearby La Fortuna. We will provide some insider tips on where to find delicious local food.
The majestic…Arenal Volcano. Would your kids want to see this?Day #4: Zip-Line Canopy Tour – Hot Springs
Enjoy a day of high-octane, high-altitude adventure with a zip line excursion through the canopy of the rainforest! After breakfast, a professional guide will accompany you and your family on a canopy tour, including hanging bridges and a zip line tour where children as young as six can participate. Afterward, you will return to the hotel to relax after a fun day.
Later in the evening, we’ll arrange transportation to nearby natural geothermal pools with resort-level amenities. The evening will conclude with a hearty dinner and some much-needed sleep.
Day #5: Explore the Rainforest from a River on an Adventure Transfer to the Coast
Choose between two different river adventures based on your departure airport. If you’re flying out of Liberia’s Airport (LIR) and want to spot wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans in their natural habitat, the peaceful wildlife safari float is a perfect option. Guided by an expert local naturalist, this river trip is great for families or those wanting to soak in Costa Rica’s biodiversity at a relaxed pace.
For those craving a bit more of a rush, white-water rafting is available to travelers departing from either airport. Known as one of Costa Rica’s top adventure activities, white water rafting trips offer various levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner-friendly class II and III rapids to more challenging class III and IV runs. No prior experience is required—your expert river guide will provide all the instruction needed to ensure a safe and thrilling ride. After a day of excitement, you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunset on the Pacific coast.
If you’re departing from SJO, you’ll travel to Manuel Antonio, where the rafting adventure is included en route. For those flying out of LIR, prearranged transportation will take you and your family north to Guanacaste, where you can choose from various river activities to complete your journey.
Day #6: Relaxing, Snorkeling & Catamaran Sailing
Spend the first half of the day unwinding and enjoying some leisurely family time at the pool or beach. After a laid-back lunch, the adventure picks up as the whole family embarks on a snorkeling trip aboard a catamaran.
Sail to a secluded tropical beach, where vibrant sea life awaits under the surface. As the day winds down, savor a late-afternoon meal and enjoy a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The evening offers more relaxation, with time to unwind before dinner.
Day #7: Guided National Park Hike, Beach Time & Evening Rest
Costa Rica is famous for its breathtaking national parks, which boast stunning beaches. Today, you’ll spend the day exploring one of these incredible parks. You’ll head to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park if you’re in Manuel Antonio. If you’re in Guanacaste, your adventure will take you to Santa Rosa National Park.
As you wander through these natural treasures, expect to encounter diverse wildlife, including several species of monkeys and colorful, elusive birds like the macaw. After your tour, take some time to relax on the beach, soaking in the beauty of the Pacific Coast. Later, unwind back at your property before enjoying a family dinner at a local restaurant or in the comfort of your hotel.
Day #8: Leisure or Activity…Your Choice!
You might find that your family needs a relaxing day, and that’s fine! Day 8 is designed for total relaxation. If anyone still craves adventure, we can easily arrange a half-day tour before or after lunch. You can spend the day lounging by the pool, discovering a secluded beach, or enjoying another activity. In the evening, we’ll plan a special family dinner in town, giving you one last chance to soak up some local culture and reflect on all the incredible memories you’ve made during your Costa Rica vacation.
This beach has your name on it…Day #9: Head to the Airport & Fly Home
We’ll take care of all the transportation arrangements, ensuring your family arrives at the airport with plenty of time to spare. As you head home, everyone will likely think about when they can return to Costa Rica!
Things to Know About the Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary
- San Jose’s (SJO) airport is the best airport for this trip & required on arrival day
- Liberia’s (LIR) airport can be used as the departure airport if you’d prefer to visit the Guanacaste beaches
- The minimum age for a canopy tour is 6 years (professional guides are available to assist children during their ride)
- The minimum age for white water rafting is largely based on the season and typically ranges from ages 8 to 10 years
- The minimum age for kayaking, tubing, and climbing wall activities is 8 years
- The minimum age for horseback riding is 6 years
- Underage children may be able to be accompanied by a guide for some activities
Costs for the Costa Rica Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary
Prices are per person and based on a family/group of at least two people sharing a room. All pricing is based on the High Season: mid-November – mid-April, June – August
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9-Day Costa Rica Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary – as outlined above
The following prices are per person, and based on a minimum of 2 people sharing a room
The following prices are per family of 4: based on 2 adults & 2 children (12 yrs or younger) sharing a room
8-Day Costa Rica Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary
- Day #1: Arrival – Transfer to Central Highlands Property – Relax
- Day #2: Volcano Craters, Coffee, Waterfalls & Wildlife – Transfer to Arenal
- Day #3: Arenal Adventure Choice
- Day #4: Rainforest River Adventure – Hot Springs
- Day #5: Zip-Line Canopy Tour – Transfer to the Pacific Coast
- Day #6: Morning to Relax & Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Sail
- Day #7: Day at Leisure or Optional Activity
- Day #8: Transfer to Airport for Flight Home
The following prices are per person, and based on a minimum of 2 people sharing a room
The following prices are per family of 4: based on 2 adults & 2 children (12 yrs or younger) sharing a room
11-Day Costa Rica Rainforest Family Escape Itinerary
- Day #1: Arrival – Transfer to Central Highlands Property – Relax
- Day #2: Volcano Craters, Coffee, Waterfalls & Wildlife – Transfer to Arenal
- Day #3: Arenal Adventure Choice
- Day #4: Rainforest River Adventure – Hot Springs
- Day #5: Zip-Line Canopy Tour & Hanging Bridges Hike
- Day #6: Transfer to the Pacific Coast – Evening to Relax at the Beach
- Day #7: Morning to Relax & Afternoon Snorkel & Sunset Catamaran Sail
- Day #8: Day at Leisure or Optional Activity
- Day #9: National Park Tour/Surfing Lessons – Afternoon to Relax
- Day #10: Day at Leisure or Optional Activity
- Day #11: Transfer to Airport for Flight Home
The following prices are per person, and based on a minimum of 2 people sharing a room
The following prices are per family of 4: based on 2 adults & 2 children (12 yrs or younger) sharing a room
What Our Clients Say:
I want you to know that we had a fabulous time! It exceeded our expectations! You did a tremendous job of designing a program that kept our very active family active while ending the 10 days with some lovely downtime. Thank you so much. It was a trip we will cherish for many years to come!
— Kim