1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Outdoor Family Adventure in Costa Rica 

Explore the best of Costa Rica's landscapes and wildlife habitats on this seven-day journey through La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve, the Monteverde cloud forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

The adventure begins in La Fortuna with a trip to a cocoa bean farm, where you will learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar. On Day 2, look for sloths hanging from the trees during a guided hike through the rainforest, followed by a refreshing dip in natural hot springs. 

Continue to Monteverde cloud forest. You'll get to know the Children's Eternal Forest, the largest private reserve in the country, before finishing your journey with a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park. During a catamaran cruise, you'll have the chance to snorkel in the bay, looking for starfish, parrotfish, and possibly even dolphins. Learn more

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park for more information.

Itinerary #2: Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure

On this thrilling week-long trip, you'll see a range of Costa Rica's top natural highlights, including the volcano in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, the surf hub of Tamarindo, and the sun-kissed beaches and unspoiled rainforests of the Nicoya Peninsula.

After touching down in Liberia, you'll spend a day hiking around volcanoes, rivers, and waterfalls in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. By Day 3, you'll be making your way to the Nicoya Peninsula and the surf town of Tamarindo. Learn to catch a wave during a private surf lesson on the beach and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the village.

On Day 5, kayak to Capitán Island through the clear waters of Tamarindo Bay. Snorkeling with tropical fish is an optional activity here. You'll choose your adventure on Day 6, opting for a jungle hike, a safari-style boat trip, or whitewater rafting on the Tenorio River. Learn more

Read about the Best Things to Do on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Itinerary #3: Family Tour of Wetlands & Caribbean Beaches

White sand beaches, river canals, jungle trails, and bright blue waterfalls await on this action-packed seven-day itinerary around Costa Rica that's perfect for families. Highlights include historic San José and a pair of national parks for wildlife viewing, boating, and night hikes.

Spend a full day exploring historic downtown San José on the first day of the trip. On a self-guided tour, you will see the city's bustling markets, grand cathedrals, and fascinating museums, including the Jade Museum. Then move on to Tortuguero National Park, where you will go on a nighttime rainforest hike with a knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a boat ride through the park's canals before traveling to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Take some time to enjoy the region's black, golden, and white sand beaches. You will drive a short distance to Cahuita National Park on Day 5. This is a great place to try snorkeling, with tropical fish, stingrays, and octopuses native to the area. On the last full day of the trip, you will learn about the rehabilitation of wild animals when you visit the Jaguar Animal Rescue Center. Learn more

Find out more about visiting the rescue center here.

Itinerary #4: Family Adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park & La Fortuna

Focus your time on two destinations—beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park and the region around Arenal—on this weeklong trip that includes waterfall hikes, wildlife viewing, and soaks in hot springs.

Enjoy the tropical beaches and pristine rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park on the first day of the trip, where you'll have the option to try snorkeling or parasailing over the ocean. Then discover the mangrove ecosystem of Damas Island Estuary during a boat tour that doubles as a bird-watching opportunity. You'll go on a family-friendly guided hike around the park on Day 3.

Transfer to Arenal and the town of La Fortuna on Day 4. Over the next few days, you will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, hike to Arenal Volcano, and go for a dip in the Tabacon Hot Springs. On the last full day of the adventure, you will tour a rehabilitation center for local animals and have the chance to interact with monkeys, parrots, and sloths. Learn more

This article has more information about hiking around Arenal Volcano.

Itinerary #5: Hike, Snorkel & Sail Family Adventure

This seven-day adventure through Costa Rica is all about outdoor excursions, from hiking through the rainforest to boating through an estuary to snorkeling with tropical fish off the coast of the Catalina Islands.

Your tour begins in La Fortuna. You will go on a guided nighttime hike to a private ecological reserve to look for insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. On Day 2, you will hike along the bright blue waters of one of Costa Rica's most stunning natural attractions, the Río Celeste. Look for sloths and colorful birds during a morning hike on Day 3, then enjoy an afternoon excursion trekking around the base of Arenal Volcano.

Continue to the surf town of Tamarindo. In the late afternoon, set sail on a catamaran cruise that culminates with unforgettable sunset views. Day 5 brings another boat tour around the Tamarindo Estuary, a nesting spot for leatherback and Pacific green turtles. Finally, you'll go on a snorkeling excursion around the Catalina Islands on Day 6. Keep your eyes open for giant manta rays! Learn more

Read more about snorkeling around the Catalina Islands.

Itinerary #6: Family Trip to Volcanoes, Waterfalls & Coral Reefs

Venture to dramatic mountainscapes and the ocean's depths on this action-packed seven-day trip plan around Costa Rica's spectacular natural attractions, including Papagayo Bay and Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

The adventure begins with a relaxing experience soaking in the Río Negro Hot Springs, a series of thermal pools heated by the nearby Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. You'll set out on a hike in the national park on Day 2, finishing with a refreshing swim in a waterfall. Take in the stunning blue hues of the Río Celeste as you hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park on Day 3.

Spend the second part of the trip exploring the Gulf of Papagayo and its surroundings. You'll begin with a sailing trip at sunset on Day 4, then cruise around the Tamarindo Estuary on Day 5. An underwater world awaits you on the last day of the trip when you go snorkeling off the volcanic island chain known as the Catalina islands. Learn more

Discover more about the Best Things to Do in the Gulf of Papagayo.

More Great Costa Rica Itineraries