Remote Costa Rica Family Adventure Vacation Itinerary

Turrialba’s Pacuare River & Osa Peninsula’s Drake Bay

The Remote Costa Rica Family Adventure Itinerary is our personal favorite. On this Costa Rican adventure, you’ll visit two incredible, off-the-beaten-path areas of the country: Turrialba’s Pacuare River and Osa Peninsula’s Drake Bay. Both regions are considered remote and undisturbed, with amazing National Parks and Preserves that offer unforgettable wildlife experiences. This itinerary includes an in-country flight, which provides jaw-dropping views from above.

Beaches of Drake Bay — The beaches of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula await your family in our Family Adventure Vacation Itinerary

This Costa Rica family itinerary is best matched with active and well-traveled families with older children who may have previously visited Costa Rica or Central America. The destinations included are remote and less-developed. However, we have also designed this experience for families with adventurous younger children! If your family wants to see a side of Costa Rica that is unique and biologically diverse, this is your ideal vacation itinerary.

Itinerary Highlights & Facts

Hiking in Corcovado National Park Hiking & Snorkeling in Drake Bay – Considered the “Amazon” of Costa Rica, this park is a sight to behold. A local guide will lead you through the park on a safe yet adventurous tour.
Convenient local flights to and from Drake Bay – Your family will be amazed at towering waterfalls, volcanos, and gorgeous canyons below as you fly in and out of this popular destination.
Overnight Pacuare River Rafting & Indigenous Biological Reserve Experience – Experience what international travelers dream of with a safe and exciting rafting trip down one of Costa Rica’s best-known rivers. The kids will never forget this river adventure!

Suggested 9-day Remote Costa Rica Family Adventure Itinerary

Day #1: Arrival – Overnight stay in boutique lodging with a volcano view

Upon arriving at San Jose Airport (SJO), a private vehicle with a friendly driver will transfer your family to your hotel, just 30 minutes away. You’ll then head into the coffee-rich Central Highlands, nestled on the foothills of Poas Volcano, where you can settle into your boutique B&B and relax before your upcoming adventures.

Day #2: Soar over the jungle on your flight to Drake Bay – Afternoon to Explore

After enjoying breakfast with stunning views of Poas Volcano, take a short flight to the Osa Peninsula, famously described by National Geographic as “one of the most biologically intense places on earth.” Upon landing, a 4WD vehicle will ferry you across a river to your eco-lodge, nestled between jungle and beach. Spend the afternoon exploring your surroundings, spotting wildlife, or relaxing on the beach in Drake Bay. All meals are included today.

Day #3: Underwater Exploration on a snorkel or scuba tour of Isla del Caño

After breakfast, take a boat trip to Isla del Caño, a remote 500-acre biological reserve 14 miles off Drake Bay. Surrounded by protected waters teeming with tropical marine life, the island also features pre-Colombian artifacts. The snorkeling here is exceptional, with schools of fish, turtles, whales, and even sharks often spotted. After your adventure, return to the lodge to watch the sunset over the ocean and share stories from your adventure.

Snorkel tour of Isla del Caño — Your kids will absolutely love the snorkel tour of Isla del Caño

Day #4: Explore the wonders of Corcovado National Park on a guided rainforest hike

Embark on an adventure to one of Central America’s most enchanting national parks. After breakfast, your family will take a 25-minute boat ride to Corcovado National Park, where a guide will lead you on a hike through this magical rainforest. Covering 103,290 acres, Corcovado is the largest of Costa Rica’s protected areas, home to an astonishing array of biodiversity, including 10% of the mammals found in the Americas. Keep an eye out for Scarlet Macaws, anteaters, tapirs, and three species of monkeys.

Jungle Hike - Costa Rica Family Vacation — Your kids (and you!) will be amazed at the rich biodiversity deep in the jungle

Day #5: Free Day in Drake Bay

No trip to Drake Bay is complete without exploring the hidden beaches and jungle trails. Now that you’re familiar with the area, you can comfortably venture out to spot wildlife and enjoy the ocean at will. We can also arrange activities like horseback riding, zip-lining (a kid favorite!), or another visit to Corcovado National Park. Make the most of your final full day in this paradise!

Day #6: Transfer through the Mountains to Turrialba

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Osa Peninsula and fly back to the Central Valley. Upon arrival at SJO, private transportation will take you on a scenic drive through the eastern mountains toward the Turrialba Valley. As you pass through the charming mountain towns and lush plantations of coffee and sugarcane, you’ll see why this area is often compared to a tropical “Switzerland.” After checking into your bed and breakfast, hike to a hidden waterfall, enjoy the pool, or simply relax before your final adventure. End the day watching the sunset over the volcano.

Day #7: Pacuare River Rafting – Day #1

Get ready for a rafting adventure down the Pacuare River. Guided by expert guides, including those with international competition experience, you’ll safely navigate the river’s thrilling rapids. Your journey ends at a well-appointed jungle lodge with all the amenities, including hammocks perfect for stargazing. Delicious meals, waterfall excursions, and zipline canopy tours will complete your rainforest adventure.

Rafting Trip on the Pacuare River with your Family — Rafting the Pacuare River with your family will be one of the most memorable experiences on your trip

Day #8: White-water Rafting – Day #2

Your journey along the Pacuare River adventure continues today. Travel to breathtaking waterfalls and pass through the Dos Montañas canyon. The rapids intensify as you flow downriver, reaching thrilling class III and IV, making for an exhilarating day on the river.

Day #9: Transfer to the Airport for the Flight Home

On the final day of your Costa Rica Remote Family Adventure, savor a relaxing breakfast with freshly roasted coffee before heading home. We’ve arranged private transportation to the airport for your flight.

Things to Know About this Itinerary

Flights to and from SJO (San Jose) airport are suggested for this itinerary. However, arrangements can be made for LIR (Liberia, Guanacaste) at an added expense. Please know that this will also require extra travel time.
This itinerary is recommended for families with kids ages 12 and older (due to the rafting experience); however, we can arrange appropriate accommodations and activities for families with younger children on this trip if requested. It can also depend on the season.
There will be some days for leisure and optional, independent activities that we can suggest to suit your family’s passions and interests.

Costs for the Costa Rica Remote Family Adventure Itinerary

All pricing is based on the High Season: mid-November – mid-April, June – August.

Click to view seasonal pricing details >>

9-Day Remote Family Adventure Vacation Itinerary

Prices are per person and based on a family/group of 3 people sharing a room.

Premier Accommodations: $3,500 – $4,450 / person
Casual Accommodations: $2,335 – $3,600/ person

8-Day Remote Family Adventure Vacation Itinerary

Prices are per person, and based on a family/group of 3 people sharing a room.

Premier Accommodations: $3,155 – $4,050 / person
Casual Accommodations: $2,170 – $2,940 / person

8-Day Itinerary Summary:

Day #1: Arrival – Night in Central Valley
Day #2: Morning Flight to Drake Bay – Afternoon to Explore or Relax
Day #3: Corcovado National Park Hiking Tour
Day #4: Isla del Caño Snorkeling Tour
Day #5: Flight to San Jose & Transfer to Turrialba
Day #6: White-water Rafting on Pacuare River to Jungle Lodge – Day #1
Day #7: White-water Rafting on Pacuare River – Day #2 – Transfer to Central Valley
Day #8: Transfer to Airport for Flight Home

11-Day Remote Family Adventure Vacation Itinerary