Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Our Itinerary & Tips

Costa Rica is an incredible destination for families seeking adventure, nature, and unforgettable experiences. We traveled as a family of four with our kids (ages 9 and 12), and this trip was a perfect mix of thrills, wildlife encounters, and relaxation. Here’s our itinerary, plus some tips for making the most of your trip!

Arrival in San José

We arrived late in the evening, so we kept it simple and stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton near the airport. It was an affordable and convenient option, with airport pickup and breakfast included—perfect for a quick overnight stay.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Peace Lodge (1 night)

The next morning, we headed straight to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This spot is a must-visit, offering breathtaking waterfalls, a wildlife sanctuary, and an unforgettable night frog tour. We stayed at Peace Lodge, which was a beautiful and unique experience.🔗 Waterfall Gardens

Arenal: Adventure & Hot Springs (3 nights)

On the way to Arenal, we booked a Safari Float & Waterfall Hike Combo through Desafio Adventure Company. This was a fantastic way to see wildlife up close, and the kids loved spotting monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds along the river.🔗 Desafio Costa Rica

We stayed at The Springs Resort & Spa, which was hands-down one of the most amazing family-friendly resorts we’ve experienced. The natural hot springs along the river were incredible, and Club Rio had so many fun activities, including tubing, wildlife exhibits, and rock climbing.🔗 The Springs Resort

Arenal Activities We Loved:

✔️ Zip-lining through the rainforest with Arenal Mundo Aventura (you’ll soar past La Fortuna Waterfall!)

✔️ ATV tour to the base of Arenal Volcano

✔️ Coffee & Chocolate Tour – A fun, interactive experience

✔️ Cooking Class – Perfect for kids and a great way to experience Costa Rican culture

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Monteverde: Cloud Forest & Farm-to-Table Experiences (2 nights)

Instead of heading straight to the beach, we opted for Monteverde, and it was worth it! We stayed at Hotel Belmar, a charming eco-lodge. We splurged on a larger room with a private rooftop, and it was well worth it.🔗 Hotel Belmar

Monteverde Highlights:

✔️ Horseback riding & farm-to-table experience – One of the most memorable activities of our trip!

✔️ Zip-lining & hanging bridges in the Cloud Forest – A completely different vibe from Arenal’s zip lines

Getting Around

We used Desafio Adventure Company for private transportation around Costa Rica, and they were fantastic. They also helped us book activities like the cooking class, river safari, and coffee/chocolate tour. Highly recommend!

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica was an unforgettable adventure filled with nature, wildlife, and family fun. Whether you’re zip-lining through the rainforest, soaking in hot springs, or experiencing local culture through food, this country has something for everyone.

Buen viaje! 🇨🇷✨