Active Family Getaway to Costa Rica: Cloud Forests, Beaches, Waterfalls & Wildlife - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Liberia, Transfer to Tamarindo, Nighttime Turtle Nesting Excursion

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your flight lands in the city of Liberia, where you'll meet your driver and make the 1.5-hour transfer to Tamarindo, a coastal town with great beaches, national parks, and wildlife. Once you've had a chance to settle in at your hotel, your immersion into the incredible natural wonders of this region starts right away with a nighttime excursion to a turtle nesting site! 

Your tour begins with pick up from your hotel in an air-conditioned van, which will take you to Playa Minas. Upon arrival, your family will register at the ranger station, and your guide will provide a briefing on how to properly view the turtles while still respecting their space and nesting rituals, then, you'll head to the beach. You'll have a chance to witness the incredible sight of green sea turtles coming to shore, digging in the sand, and laying anywhere from 60 to 90 eggs. 

As your guide explains the turtles' life cycles and the threats, both human-made and natural, that they face as a species, you and the kids will have time to observe these fascinating creatures, coming away with a new appreciation and understanding of the importance of protecting and preserving turtle nesting areas. Afterward, your guide will drive you back to your hotel for the rest of the evening. 

Day 2: Río Celeste Family Hike, Finca Verde Nature Farm

Your day starts with a visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the Tenorio volcano and the pristine waters of the Río Celeste. Your driver will collect your family in the morning for the drive to the park, where you'll meet your guide and begin your hike along the river, considered one of the most stunning natural attractions in the region. The three-hour hike takes you through the rainforests and to a point where two streams merge to produce a chemical reaction that gives the Celeste its famous electric-blue color.

From here, you'll head to Río Celeste Waterfall. Take in the view and marvel at the sheer beauty of the cascading water. You'll also visit the hot springs, where exhaust gases at the base of the river give the appearance of boiling water. Along the way, be sure to have the kids keep an eye out for the birds, monkeys, and other wildlife that call the forest home! 

After the hike, make a visit to Finca Verde Farm, a private farm reserve located about 40 minutes from the park. Here, you'll go on an educational walk with a local guide, learning about the tropical plants that grow here, the farm's efforts to build sustainability and promote organic farming, and saying hello to the farm's resident sloths, frogs, and birds. The farm also has a beautiful butterfly garden, where the kids can see the different types of butterflies while learning about their life cycles and how the farm works to preserve and protect them.

Day 3: Surf Lessons at Playa Tamarindo, Catamaran Sailing Adventure

Make it a beach day, starting with surf lessons at Playa Tamarindo, located just a few minutes from the downtown district. Surfing here is safe and easy, with gentle waves that make it perfect for beginners. Your instructor will give you a step-by-step lesson in learning to ride, offering tips and tricks that will help you ride the waves like a pro! After your lesson, you and the kids can take to the water on your own, practicing everything you've learned.

If you've got experienced surfers in the group and want a more challenging ride after testing the waves at Tamarindo, hop a boat and head over to Playa Naranjo, nicknamed "Witch's Rock" by the locals. This beach features big surf with both left and right-breaking waves. A few miles beyond that is Ollie's Point, another great surf locale for skilled riders. 

For those families more interested in a less strenuous water adventure, consider a catamaran tour along the Gold Coast. You'll board from the local docks and head out in the morning, traveling past crystal-clear bays, white-sand beaches, and dense jungles. The adults can relax with tropical drinks while the kids spot seabirds soaring overheard, breaching whales, and curious dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Drop anchor at a quiet bay for some swimming and snorkeling, then enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch on board before returning to shore. 

Day 4: Transfer to Monteverde, Cloud Forest Horseback Riding Tour

Your next destination is Monteverde, a small town located in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range. Located approximately 3.5 hours from Tamarindo, this region is considered one of Costa Rica's main ecotourism destinations, known for its incredible cloud forests, wildlife, and endless choices in outdoor activities and adventures. Your driver will pick you up in the morning, and you'll make the scenic drive. After check-in at your lodgings, get a closer look at the flora and fauna of the cloud forest via horseback tour.

A horseback ride is a great way to experience Montverde's green and mountainous countryside. Not so long ago, horses were the most common mode of transportation in the region, and they're still the best way to see the countryside up close. Your tour starts at a private farm, where, after the kids are introduced to the horses, and you get an equipment and safety briefing, you'll all saddle up and head out on the trails. 

Your ride takes you along gorgeous views of the Gulf of Nicoya and its Pacific islands and through coffee and sugar cane plantations. Your guide will tell you about the history of coffee in Costa Rica, explain why these crops are important to the economy and culture, and share information about the cloud forest itself, the types of vegetation found here, and the animals that call it home. Travel dirt roads and trails, cross some small rivers, and as always, keep an eye out for glimpses of local wildlife—the kids might see some curious monkeys or slow-moving sloths in the trees above!

Day 5: Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure, Selvatura Sloth Sanctuary 

It's all about high-flying fun today as you head back into the cloud forest for a walk along the forest's hanging bridges and a zipline tour. Meet your guide in the morning and begin your nature walk, traversing the forest canopy from the bridges, which offer incredible views of the natural beauty of the reserve. Learn about the mammals, birds, and plant life that thrive here while you gain a better understanding of the importance of preserving what is one of the last tracts of cloud forest in Central America. 

After your walking tour, tackle one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica—ziplining through the forest canopy! Your guide will get the family harnessed up, and you'll take a wild ride down the mountain, flying through the density of the cloud forest. You'll also get to see and hear the natural activity of birds, insects, and other mammals as you soar across the treetops in a truly unforgettable experience.

Later today, visit the Selvatura Park Sloth Sanctuary for an up close and personal encounter with smiling, tree-dwelling sloths. The sanctuary is home to more than 20 sloths who were taken in due to poaching, habitat destruction, illness, or accidents—all of which make the sloths unable to be reintroduced into the wild. The exhibits closely replicate their natural habitat, and you'll be able to observe them roaming the trees in freedom and safety. Your guides will share information about the species, their habits, and the efforts made to protect them and their environment.

Day 6: Cloud Forest Guided Hike, Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Farm Tour

See more of the cloud forest with a guided walking tour. This four-hour walk showcases the region's incredible biodiversity, and you'll learn about the mammals, birds, and plant life that call the forest home. Birders in the family will love the more than 350 species of birds, and you're also likely to see monkeys, frogs, and other wildlife. After the hike, stop at a women's artisan cooperative, where local women sell handmade crafts and other goods, then return to town.

This afternoon, learn more about some of Costa Rica's biggest exports: coffee, chocolate, and sugar. Take a guided tour of a local farm, where after receiving an introduction to the country's coffee-growing history, working farmers will show you how coffee is grown and processed, and you and the kids will get a chance to see the "coffee cherries" as they're harvested. Visit the drying patio, where you'll see how the hot and dry climate allows the coffee beans to dry naturally, and stop in the warehouse, where the beans are stored in fiber sacks that allow them to breathe and complete their aging process. 

Next, you'll see what will probably be the favorite part of the day for kids and adults alike—the chocolate processing center! See how small cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate and learn about traditional methods used to roast and grind them. Of course, there will also be chocolate to sample. End with a visit to the sugar cane fields, where your guide will educate you on the importance of sugar cane in Costa Rica. The kids can extract sugar cane from the stalk with a traditional press, and you'll all get to try a glass of pure sugar cane juice.

Day 7: Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Family Beach Day 

Get ready for some coastal fun as you head to the beaches of Manuel Antonio. This popular resort district is located just south of Manuel Antonio National Park, offering endless expanses of sand and sea, rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Your driver will pick your family up from your hotel after check out, and you'll make the scenic 3.5-hour transfer to your accommodations in Manuel Antonio. Once you've checked in, make the most of those gorgeous sandy shores with a family beach day.

Start at Playa Espadilla, which is actually comprised of two beaches, Espadilla Norte and Espadilla Sur. Espadilla Norte is located closest to town and has equipment rentals, restaurants, lifeguards, and other amenities, while Espadilla Sur is part of the national park—you'll need to pay a fee to enter, and it's about a 30-minute walk through the jungle to get to the beach. 

If the kids are interested in beachcombing and marine life, spend some time at Playa Manuel Antonio. This is also part of the national park but is considered more easily accessible than Espadilla Sur. With pure white sand and clear waters, this is an excellent snorkeling spot, and the tidal pools around the beach are brimming with sea life. Smaller kids will love seeing the small fish, crabs, and sea urchins in the pools, and teens can snorkel with tropical fish. Tonight, relax at your hotel or take the family to dinner at a local restaurant. 

Day 8: Kayak the Mangroves of Isla Damas, Horseback Ride to Tocori Waterfall

Explore the mangrove forests of Isla Damas via kayak today. You'll be picked up from your hotel (exact departure times depend on the tides) and your guides will take you to the mangroves, where you'll don your life vests and climb into single or double kayaks. Paddle along the natural canals and forest canopy as your expert guide points out birds such as herons or ospreys, and the kids look for wildlife such as white-faced monkeys, anteaters, and iguanas. Float through the gentle currents and past Isla Damas along the way. This is a great family activity for all ages, with no kayaking experience required! 

Later, learn more about Costa Rica's exotic plants and rare wildlife with a horseback ride through the Tocari Ecological Reserve. Your guide will transport you to a ranch near the reserve, just a few minutes outside of town. After everyone receives a safety and equipment briefing, you'll mount up for a ride through the jungle. Enjoy a relaxing ride along the trails at a pace determined by your family's individual comfort and abilities.

After riding for about an hour, you'll leave the horses on the trail and continue on foot, getting a closer view of the exotic plant and animal life here and visiting the stunning waters of Tocori Waterfall. Take a dip in the pristine waters and cool off while indulging in delicious local fresh fruits and drinks. After resting and refreshing, it's back to the horses for a ride through the meandering Tocori streams, returning to the ranch in time for lunch. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican casado (plate lunch with meat, rice, and beans) at the ranch, and the kids can visit with the horses before you return to Manuel Antonio.

Day 9: Guided Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park, Free Afternoon in Town

You'll want to rouse the family early this morning as you set out on a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. At 1,680 acres (680 ha), this is the smallest of Costa Rica's national parks, but it is also one of the most biodiverse, with a vast range of plants and forested areas, and wildlife that includes sloths, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. The rainforest here runs all the way from the mountains to the coast, stretching across white-sand beaches and coral reefs. 

Meet up with your expert naturalist guide and head out along what are mostly flat, easy trails that are good for all fitness levels. Learn about the more than 300 species of mammals and birds that call the reserve home, and see some of them in their natural habitats. Your guide will have a spotting scope on hand so everyone can get a look at even the shyest residents. You'll also have time to walk through the rainforest to the park's expansive beaches, where the kids can take a dip in the surf. Have lunch at the park's restaurant before returning to town.

This afternoon, see some of the sights around Manuel Antonio town. In addition to glorious beaches and Manuel Antonio National Park, there are plenty of things to see and do. Stroll the city center, stopping in at one of the many local shops or treating the kids to ice cream, or visit the beach, where you might get to see some whales breaching offshore. The waters around Manuel Antonio are great for whale watching, as the migration patterns of humpback whales bring them here much of the year. If the kids want to get a closer view, you can also opt for a whale watching tour.

Day 10: Transfer to Drake Bay, Explore

You're off to Drake Bay today, a small community on the north side of the Osa Peninsula. The bay is thought to have been used by Sir Francis Drake during the Spanish raids and was a favorite spot for British pirates to hide their treasure. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you'll make the four-hour coastal drive.

Upon arrival, get checked in at your accommodations and then take the family out for a walk along the nearby trails to stretch your legs or relax on the beach and enjoy the brilliant colors of the sunset over the ocean. Sample traditional cuisine at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for the night. 

Day 11: Snorkeling Fun at Isla del Caño

Take a snorkeling excursion to Isla del Caño, an amazing marine biological reserve located just 45 minutes from Drake Bay via boat. You'll meet up with your boat captain at the docks and head out, cruising through the blue ocean waters while taking in the incredible morning views across the horizon until you arrive at Caño. While the island itself is quite beautiful, the real attraction is underwater. Once you and the kids get your equipment on, dive in and see why! 

The reefs and waters of the island are famous for snorkeling and diving, and you'll be treated to more than 15 species of coral, huge banks of colorful fishes, rays, sharks, morays, and turtles. It's also very common to see dolphins and whales. After visiting this otherworldly underwater realm, you'll go to nearby Playa San Josecito, where you'll have lunch, and the kids can snorkel some more, or you can take a family hike on the trails around the beach. 

Day 12: Corcovado National Park Boat Tour & Hike

Go deep into the far reaches of the jungle in the remote Corcovado National Park, traveling by boat and by foot to see the unspoiled wonders of the rainforest. The park is a spectacular blend of rainforest and pristine coastline, containing more than 10 different ecosystems, including lowland rainforests, palm forests, cloud forests, coastal beaches, and mangroves. As your family explores, make sure everyone keeps a lookout for some of the park's rarest and most endangered inhabitants: giant anteaters, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and jaguars, among others.

Your journey begins at Playa Agujitas, where you'll take a thrilling 30-minute boat ride along the peninsula's western shore to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, one of the park's checkpoints. As the boat comes in bow first, you'll splash the final feet to shore, evoking the experiences of early explorers to this remote region. Once on land, enjoy a guided hike through the rainforest and along the picturesque shoreline, taking in the sights and sounds of the park's diverse wildlife.

During the hike, the kids might like to stop at one of the many waterfall swimming holes scattered throughout the park, or you can all relax on the beach and watch the waves roll in. After your full day of exploration, you'll return to Agujitas by boat, taking with you the memories of what is sure to be an unforgettable family experience. 

Day 13: Fly to San José, Self-Guided City Tour

Your last full day in Costa Rica takes you from jungle to city as you depart Drake Bay and fly to bustling San José, the country's capital city. Once you've had a chance to rest and regroup, head out on a self-guided tour and explore this vibrant metropolis. Located in Costa Rica's Central Valley, San José is home to historic buildings, world-class museums, beautiful parks, and of course, plenty of restaurants and shopping. 

Start with a visit to Mercado Central, where you'll find local vendors selling produce, souvenirs, and delicious street foods. From here, head to Parque Central, a lovely green space with fun outdoor art sculptures that the kids will enjoy. Not far from the park is the Teatro Nacional, built in the late 1800s and an excellent example of neoclassical architecture. The theater also offers free guided tours, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to see more of this famous landmark.

See the Museo del Oro Precolombino (pre-Columbian Gold Museum) and the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum), where your family can learn about Costa Rica's rich history and culture. Then, walk through the historic Barrio Amón neighborhood, home to cafetalero (coffee grower) mansions built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of this area's historic buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and galleries. The district is also known for its theater, dance, and musical performances—seeing a show could be the perfect way to spend your last night in the city! 

Day 14: Depart San José

Your Costa Rican family adventure comes to an end today. At the appointed time, a driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels! 

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