Costa Rica Adventure for Active Families: Rainforests, Rivers & Beaches - 14 Days

Highlights

• Brave Class III and IV rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure
• Adventure hike through rainforests and zipline across jungle canopies
• Snorkel at Las Catalinas and surf the famous breaks at Tamarindo
• Master the art of Costa Rican chocolate and relax in natural hot springs

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in San José, Family-Friendly Foodie Tour

Welcome to Costa Rica! A Central American gem and one of the world's most biodiverse countries, Costa Rica's varied landscapes, nature, and wildlife make it a great family-friendly destination. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and take the short 45-minute drive to your hotel in San José, the country's thriving capital and home to beautiful parks, world-class museums, and colorful architecture. 

Settle in with the kids after your flight and then get your bearings with a guided food-focused tour around San José. Your first stop is the Mercado Central, where you'll learn all about the local delicacies, fruits, and herbs common in the local cuisine. It's a great way to introduce the kids to new flavors, and of course, you'll be able to sample the local produce as you go. 

After the food market, stroll down Avenida Central, where your guide will entertain you and the kids with anecdotes of the city's history before visiting one of San José's key landmarks—the Teatro Nacional (National Theater). Built in the late 1800s and a gorgeous example of neoclassical architecture, it's considered one of the city's most beautiful buildings. You'll finish the tour with a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant, popular with the locals, where you and the kids will enjoy the best in Costa Rican cuisine and toast the start of your trip. 

Day 2: Whitewater Rafting on the Río Pacuare, Transfer to Puerto Viejo

The 67-mile (108 km) Río Pacuare runs from the Talamanca Mountains to the Caribbean in the country's southwest. It's considered one of the best whitewater rafting sites in the world and passes through some of the most diverse scenery in Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the river, you'll gear up, and after a guided orientation and safety briefing, embark on today's adrenaline-pumping trip across Class II-IV rapids, including the aptly named Terciopelo Snake, Double Drop, and Pinball.

As you ride the rapids, keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife on the banks. You'll see an array of tropical birds, monkeys, ocelots, sloths, and, very occasionally, jaguars. There'll be time to enjoy the wilderness and beauty of the gorge in the serene moments between the rapids, and the kids will have a blast as you pass through a stunning canyon with cascading waterfalls. Stop for a swim in the calm waters and admire the lush jungle along the gentler Valle del Pacure.

Finish the trip in Siquirres at the private Exploration Center, where you and the kids can change into dry clothes and relax on the gardens and terrace after your adventure. Afterward, you'll transfer to Puerto Viejo in Talamanca, your base for the next few nights.

Day 3: Cultural Visit to Bribri, Chocolate Workshop, Explore Puerto Viejo

Today, you and your family are off to the Bribri Reserve, home to the largest Indigenous community in the country. Meet your guide and take the short twenty-minute drive to the village, where you'll spend the morning in the company of a multigenerational local family. As well as learning about the family's daily life, you'll have a lot of fun as you take part in a chocolate-making demonstration—a surefire way to delight kids of all ages!

End your visit with a tasty homecooked lunch prepared by your hosts before driving to one of the most spectacular cascades in the area, the Río Catarata waterfall. Cool off with a dip in the pools before your guide drops you back at your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Puerto Viejo's beaches; head to Playa Cocles for sun, swim, and surf with the locals, or Playa Chiquita for a more relaxed afternoon on the sands. Expert surfers could try their luck at Salsa Brava, the Caribbean's infamous surf break that's not for the fainthearted!

Day 4: Punta Uva Kayaking & Rainforest Hike

This morning, you and the kids will experience one of Costa Rica's most breathtaking Caribbean beaches, the Punta Uva. Known for its calm reef-protected water and white sand, you'll combine adventure with wildlife spotting as you kayak first along the forest and cave-lined coast before paddling along the Río Punta Uva. Keep your eyes peeled for the river turtles, monkeys, and iguanas that line the route before heading back to the beach for a swim and snacks. 

Then, lace up your hiking boots for a short hike to Punta Uva town through the rainforest. Hear from your guide about the forest's ecosystem and the creatures that call the jungle home. If you didn't capture any shots of the wildlife earlier, this is your chance. Return to your hotel and spend your last afternoon in Puerto Viejo at leisure before dining beachside. 

Day 5: Transfer to Arenal/La Fortuna, Family Cooking Class & Dinner

It's an early start this morning as you say goodbye to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and take a shuttle bus to the town of La Fortuna, the launch point for excursions into the Arenal National Park. It's around a six-hour drive with a pickup direct from your hotel, so pack snacks, sit back, and enjoy the view.

Upon arrival, take time to get settled, and if bellies are starting to rumble and the kids are clamoring for food, tonight's excursion ticks all the boxes. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Arenal Vida Campesina, a local organic farm and gardens, where, under the guidance of a skilled chef, you'll cook (and eat) some authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Stretch your legs after a day of driving and stroll the gardens to pick your ingredients. You and the kids will learn about the crops grown in the area and the principles behind Costa Rican cooking. 

Then, head to the kitchen and, cocktail in hand, learn the art of picadillos (vegetable hash), pollo guisado (chicken stew), and homemade tortillas. It's a great way to introduce the kids to new flavors and get them excited about cooking. When you're done, sit down with your fellow chefs and enjoy your culinary creations alongside a few extra treats and beverages. 

Day 6: Chocolate Farm Visit & Workshop, Arenal Hike, Ecotermales Hot Springs

You'll have no trouble rousing the kids for this morning's excursion—a hands-on chocolate tour where you'll get to grips with chocolate production and, of course, plenty of tasting along the way! Meet your guide and drive to a local farm where you'll kick things off by joining in the cacao harvest. Learn about the delicious fruity pulp that covers the beans while they're still in their pods and makes a tasty snack to nibble on as the beans are roasted. Then, the moment the kids have been waiting for a chance to enjoy plenty of samples of the finished product.

After lunch, it's time to experience one of Costa Rica's most incredible natural wonders, the cone-shaped Arenal volcano that towers 5,330 feet (1,633 m) above the nearby towns and villages. You'll hike through trails around the base, marked with the remains of the lava flows from the catastrophic 1968 eruption. Hear from your guide about the volcano's history and activity, and get the kids to keep an eye out for the exotic birds and monkeys you'll likely see along the route. You'll want to keep your camera close at hand for the magnificent views of the volcano and the pristine Lake Arenal. 

When you're done hiking, finish your day in style with a visit to the nearby Ecotermales Hot Springs. A serene oasis comprising five mineral-rich pools heated by the volcano, the spa is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. It's the perfect spot to while away a few hours with the family and soak up the view. You'll enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the on-site restaurant before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna. 

Day 7: Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk

You'll get to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Costa Rica today as you and the kids spend the day adventuring high above the rainforest. Kick things off with a relaxing, scenic ride up the mountain by an open-air gondola. If ever there was a moment for a family selfie, this is it! Admire the panoramic views as you reach the top, where the observation platform gives 360-degree views of the Arenal landscape and the volcano's southern face. 

Next, it's time for an adrenaline-pumping zipline tour through the rainforest. Fly like a bird for miles as you soar from tree to tree and through lush canyons. You'll journey above the canopies at 660 feet (201 m), a great opportunity to spot the tropical birds as they soar through the sky. 

For a closer look at the incredible wildlife that lives in the jungle, you'll finish with a canopy tour through the rainforest. Your expert guide will lead you through a network of steel bridges of varying heights and lengths suspended through the forest and will point out the many intriguing plants and creatures along the way. It's a beautiful way for youngsters to learn about and experience the flora, fauna, animals, and wildlife that call the forest home. At the end of the tour, you'll return to your hotel for some leisure time. 

Day 8: Transfer to Rincón de la Vieja, Las Pailas Horseback Ride & Hike

Wave goodbye to La Fortuna this morning as you meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Encompassing over 34,000 acres (14,000 ha), the park is home to two volcanoes and plenty of volcanic features, including hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and steam vents. There's a large variety of wildlife here, too, with over 300 species of birds, including white-fronted parrots and several wildcat species. While it's rare to see jaguars and pumas, keep your camera close, as spider monkeys, coatimundis, and hummingbirds are common. 

Settle in after your journey, and after lunch, rally the kids for this afternoon's excursion into the park. You'll start with a 45-minute horseback ride through a cool forest trail to the park's aptly named Las Pailas (The Cauldrons). There's plenty to fascinate the kids here, with an array of geothermal activity, thanks to the incredible power of the active Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Watch as the clay and coffee-colored pools boil with hot volcanic water and see the steam and sulfur pour out of the yellow and rust-colored ground at natural fumaroles. 

Then swap horse reins for hiking boots as you follow a loop trail through 2.5 miles (3.5 km) of dry tropical forest to see the best views of the volcano. You'll pass several small waterfalls and rivers as you hike through scenery laden with monkeys, iguanas, birds, and armadillos. Eventually, you'll reach the Oropéndola Waterfall, which plunges an impressive 82 feet (25 m) into an inviting turquoise pool. Make your way down to the river bottom and cool off with a dip before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Day 9: Adventure Hike to La Leona Waterfall

Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking natural wonders, and today, you'll make lifelong family memories as you embark on one of the country's best adventure hikes. You'll need to pack hiking boots and waterproof footwear for today's excursion, which starts with a 45-minute hike through the forest and along the aquamarine waters of the Río Blanco. It won't be long before you and the kids traverse rivers, climb rope ladders, and swim through a series of natural pools before using a rope to reach one of the country's most spectacular waterfalls—La Leona.

Nestled within a cave, the cascade flows deep into the canyon, forming a beautiful blue pool at its base. You'll navigate a series of rock formations as you wade through the water and use a rope to enter the canyon, but it's worth it when you reach the waterfall and see the light streaming through the top into the solitude of the cave. Afterward, you'll return to the farm and enjoy a well-deserved lunch before returning to your hotel. 

Day 10: Transfer to Tamarindo

Get ready for the final leg of your Costa Rica tour with a transfer to Tamarindo, a coastal town in the Guanacaste province known for its idyllic setting, white-sand beaches, and opportunities for active water-based adventures. With a reputation for some of the best breaks in the world, people come here from all over to surf, kayak, snorkel, and scuba dive. There's plenty of wildlife, too, and the mangrove-lined estuary of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.

Day 11: Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Rainforest Hike & Zipline

Lace up your hiking boots for this morning's adventure. You and your family will venture into the Tenorio Volcano National Park for a guided three-hour hike through the rainforest and along the electric blue waters of the Río Celeste. Considered one of Costa Rica's most stunning natural attractions, the river owes its vivid color to a mineral reaction at the point where two streams converge. You'll pass this point as you follow a 4-mile (7 km) trail that culminates with a descent of 253 steps to reach a beautiful waterfall with an ethereal turquoise pool.

After a break for lunch, the kids will be thrilled when they realize they'll be hitting the treetops once again with an afternoon of adventure at the Hacienda Guachipelín Adventure Center. Swing like Tarzan through the trees on two swings, cross a river canyon by hanging bridge, and soar through the canopies on seven ziplines. You'll also encounter a natural rock-climbing wall and a thrilling abseil across the Río Blanco Canyon. 

Day 12: Free Morning, Catamaran Sailing Tour & Snorkeling

Today is yours to relax with the family. Spend the day beachside and play with the kids, take a surf lesson, or enjoy a laid-back morning under the palms after yesterday's adrenaline-fueled day. The area has several beaches to choose from, and Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo, and Potrero are all worth a visit. Otherwise, combine wildlife and relaxation with a two-hour safari float down the Río Corobicí, where you and the kids can crocodile spot from the safety of your boat. 

Toward the end of the afternoon, you and your family will board a catamaran for a four-hour cruise around the bay. When the captain drops anchor, snorkel with the kids and keep your eyes peeled for the sea turtles that inhabit the area, or simply relax on deck. As the sun starts to dip, you'll make treasured memories, helping the kids to spot the dolphins and humpback whales that can often be seen in the area. Then, enjoy the sundowners and snacks provided by your crew as you and your family watch the sunset over the horizon. 

Day 13: Snorkeling at Islas Las Catalinas, Private Surfing Lesson

Rise and shine early this morning as you and the kids are off to the Islas Catalinas—a group of 20 volcanic islands and rock formations that rise above the ocean surface in front of Playa Flamingo. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to a local dive shop, where you'll be kitted out with snorkeling gear. Board your boat, and it's a 45-minute journey to one of the world's best places for diving and snorkeling.

Throughout the morning, you and the kids can snorkel at a couple of different sites. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, your crew will introduce you to the best spots. Take advantage of the excellent visibility and discover an incredible selection of marine life, including giant manta and devil rays, sea turtles, parrotfish, lobsters, and pufferfish. In the right season, it's even possible to hear humpback whales singing! Back on the boat, you'll enjoy a snack of tropical fruits and soft drinks before returning to Playa Tamarindo.

Grab a few hours of rest and a relaxed lunch, then in the afternoon, end your last day in Costa Rica with a private family surf lesson. You'll start with a land session on Playa Tamarindo, where you'll learn all the basics and a safety briefing to give you a solid base before hitting the waves. Whatever your level of experience; surf pro or complete beginner— your instructors will tailor the lesson to your family's needs. Once you've mastered the basics, it's time for a personalized coaching session on the water, where you'll learn how to paddle, catch waves, and "hang ten."

Day 14: Transfer to Liberia, Depart

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 in time for your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great Costa Rica Itineraries