Costa Rica's Mountains, Waterfalls, Wildlife & Beaches for Families - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in San José, Guided City Tour & Gold Museum 

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your flight lands in San José, the country's capital and home to historic buildings, world-class museums, beautiful parks, and plenty of restaurants and shopping. The city is also very walkable and kid-friendly, making it easy to get around with little ones! After your drive drops you off at your hotel, start your immersion into Costa Rican life with a guided visit to the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) and an accompanying walking tour of some of the city's most popular cultural and historical sights. 

You'll meet with your guide and head out to the museum, which is located in a subterranean building underneath the Plaza de la Cultura. The museum has a huge collection of more than 1,600 artifacts of pre-Colombian gold dating back to 500 CE. You and the kids can see artifacts such as Costa Rica's first coin, amulets, earrings, and statuettes, while your guide shares insight into the country's history and culture. 

Continue on foot with your guide to see more city sights, including the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum), which has thousands of unique jade pieces, and Mercado Central, where you'll find local vendors selling produce, souvenirs, and delicious street foods. Visit Plaza de las Artes with its whimsical statues and installations, and the kids might enjoy a stop in Parque Central, a lovely green space with room to run and play. The Metropolitan Church is also nearby, and its gorgeous stained-glass windows are definitely worth seeing! Afterward, return to your hotel or explore more on your own tonight.

Day 2: Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Family Horseback Ride Through Tocori Reserve

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 four-hour drive to your accommodations. After hotel check-in, the real adventure begins as you explore the rainforest via horseback tour!

Your guide will collect you from your hotel and transport you to a ranch near the ecological reserve at Tocori, located just a few minutes outside of town. After the kids are introduced to the horses, and everyone receives a safety and equipment briefing, it's time to mount up and head into the Costa Rican jungle. Enjoy a relaxing ride along the trails at a pace determined by your family's individual comfort and abilities while the kids keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys and tropical birds. 

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 more with the horses before you return to Manuel Antonio.

Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike, Explore Manuel Antonio Town

The day starts early 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's 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. 

You'll meet up with your expert naturalist guide and head out along what are mostly flat, easy trails—perfect for the little ones! Along the way, you'll 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 the kids 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 run and play 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 are begging to get out on the water, you can also opt for a whale watching tour to get a closer view.

Day 4: Family Beach Time in Manuel Antonio, Mangrove Boat Tour

Make the most of the gorgeous sandy shores of Manuel Antonio this morning with some family beach time. Visit 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. Families will find Espadilla Norte very family-friendly, with gentle waves and soft, warm sands.

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 blue water, this is an excellent snorkeling spot, and the tidal pools around the beach are brimming with sea life. The kids will love seeing the small fish, crabs, and sea urchins in the pools, and older kids can snorkel with tropical fish! 

Later today, venture into the mangrove forests of Isla Damas with a guided boat tour. Budding naturalists in the family will be thrilled to visit this incredible ecosystem, which takes you on a leisurely cruise of the mangrove waterways. Your guides will share information on the flora and fauna of the region, and you're likely to see caimans, snakes, and iguanas, as well as curious monkeys and slow-moving sloths in the trees overhead. End your night with a meal at a local restaurant and a family walk along the beach. 

Day 5: Transfer to Monteverde, Cloud Forest Night Walk

Your next destination is Monteverde, a small town in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range. Located approximately 3.5 hours from Manuel Antonio, this region is considered one of Costa Rica's main ecotourism destinations, known for its cloud forests, wildlife, and endless choices in outdoor activities and adventures. Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel in the morning, and you'll make the scenic drive into the mountains. After relaxing at your hotel this afternoon, spend tonight exploring the cloud forest in a nocturnal way.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at sunset, and you'll make the drive out to the trails. Begin your walk through the forest, watching it come alive as the nocturnal animals (nearly 80% of the animals that live here are nocturnal!) start coming out. Your expert guide will share information about the forest and the different species and will be quick to point them out, giving you and the kids a chance to see frogs, bats, insects, and rare creatures like kinkajous or ocelots—none of which you'll see during the day! 

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

See the cloud forest by day on 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 thrive here. 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.

Later today, learn more about some of Costa Rica's biggest exports: coffee, chocolate, and sugar. Take a guided walking 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 kids' favorite part of the day—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. Let the kids 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: Ziplining Fun at Sky Adventures Park, Free Afternoon in Monteverde

It's all about adrenaline today with some high-flying fun at Sky Adventures Park, an aerial amusement park that offers exhilarating activities in the heart of the cloud forest. After pickup from your hotel and transport to the park, you'll board the Sky Tram gondola, enjoying the views as you ride up to the Sky Walk. Take a guided hike along trails and hanging bridges, learning about the region's flora and fauna and eventually arriving at the Sky Trek zipline. Your guide will get everyone harnessed up, and you'll take a wild ride down the mountain, soaring above the forest canopy in a truly unforgettable experience! 

Return to town, where the rest of your day is free to explore more of Monteverde at your own pace. You and the kids can take a stroll around town, checking out some of the local sights, or head to the nearby town of Santa Elena, located just a short bus ride away. Santa Elena has plenty of shops and amenities, and if the kids want to see more of the cloud forest, it also has its own reserve area, with several hiking trails worth exploring. Do keep in mind that these trails can be narrower than the ones at Monteverde, so they may be less accessible for families with younger children. 

The whole family might also enjoy a visit to Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, one of the largest butterfly gardens in the Americas. This huge domed structure has special temperature controls that make it the perfect environment to host the more than 30 different species of butterflies that reside here. You'll meet with a guide, who will share information and education on the butterflies, their life cycles, and their habits, and the kids will be able to wander the gardens while enjoying close contact with hundreds of colorful butterflies. 

Day 8: Transfer to Sámara, Swim, Surf & Play at Playa Sámara 

After breakfast, a driver will collect you from your hotel, and you'll make the approximately 3.5-hour drive to the town of Sámara. Located in the Guanacaste province, this coastal village is known for its gorgeous beaches, reefs full of marine life, and mangroves that are home to diverse wildlife. Once you've checked in at your accommodations, make it a beach day with a visit to Playa Sámara. 

The beach sits right in the center of town, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shopping, and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The gentle surf makes it perfect for the little ones to practice their swimming, and older kids can try their hand at surfing or paddleboarding. Adults can relax with a beverage while the kids play, and after sunset, enjoy an easy walk back to your hotel. 

Day 9: Family Nature Hike on Sámara Trails, Nighttime Sea Turtle Excursion

Immerse your family in Sámara's natural beauty today, starting with a hiking tour through Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, one of the only private reserves in Guanacaste. You'll meet with your guide and head into the tropical dry forest, which is considered one of the most vulnerable and rare biomes of Central America. Learn all about this complex ecosystem as your guide shares information about how the natural scarcity of water has caused wildlife to evolve and thrive despite being in an environment with fewer nutrients than other tropical forests, and you may even see some of that wildlife yourself! 

Later this evening, take a guided nighttime tour for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see turtles nesting and hatching along the Costa Rican coast! Together with your expert guide, your family will visit either Corozalito or Camaronal Beach, both excellent spots for turtle-watching. You'll get a safety briefing on how to properly view the turtles while still respecting their space and nesting rituals, then your guide will walk you along the beach in search of them.

Along the way, they'll explain the turtles' life cycles and the threats, both human-made and natural, that they face as a species. You and the kids will have plenty of time to observe these fascinating creatures, coming away with a new appreciation and understanding of the importance of protecting and preserving turtle nesting areas. 

Day 10: Free Morning at Playa Sámara, Catamaran Safari & Snorkeling Tour

Enjoy more beach time this morning on Playa Sámara, letting the kids burn some energy and maybe grabbing breakfast or coffee at one of the local restaurants. After that, it's time for an ocean adventure, as your family takes to the seas via a catamaran cruise!

Board a comfortable and roomy catamaran, then head out on the inviting blue waters, taking in the picturesque coastline and lush greenery. Make sure the kids keep their eyes peeled for cavorting bottlenose and spotted dolphins, and during migration season, you're also likely to see majestic humpback whales swimming nearby. Your guides will share information about the various species of fish and sea turtles that call these waters home, and you'll learn more about the region's ecosystem.

Once you've fully explored the waters from the comfort of the boat, it's time to jump in and get a closer look at the underwater world. Your guides will offer a safety and equipment briefing, then you'll don snorkeling gear and take the plunge into the crystal-clear waters. Swim among colorful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and other marine life, including sea turtles, if you're lucky. Back on board, refresh with a light snack and beverages, then return to shore for the rest of the afternoon.

Day 11: Transfer to Rincón de la Vieja National Park & Explore

You're off to Rincón de la Vieja National Park today! Encompassing more than 34,000 acres (14,000 ha), the park is home to a wealth of natural wonders, which include the impressive Rincón de la Vieja volcano, rich vegetation, hot springs, waterfalls, and of course, wildlife. Your driver will collect you from your hotel in the morning, and you'll make the scenic drive, making a few stops along the way to let the kids stretch their legs and grab a bite to eat. After hotel check-in, the rest of your day is free to explore as you wish. 

If the kids are clamoring for outside time after the long drive, there are several hiking trails worth exploring, all with varying degrees of difficulty, and you're likely to spot iguanas and snakes along the way or even catch a glimpse of a puma or ocelot! There are also more than 300 species of bird that have been identified in the park, including crested guans, spectacled owls, blue-crowned motmots, oropendolas, white-fronted parrots, and more. 

Day 12: Guided Trek Through Las Pailas, Río Negro Hot Springs & Mud Baths

See more of Rincón de la Vieja National Park on a guided nature walk. You'll meet with your guide and set out on the 2-mile (3.2 km) Las Pailas trail, a loop that takes you through the dry forest and the best views of the volcano. Your guide will regale the kids with the legends and history surrounding the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the largest volcano in Guanacaste and the most active, while also pointing out glimpses of wildlife. Walk by fumaroles, geysers, and bubbling mud pots as you take in the breathtaking image of the massive volcano against the blue skies. 

If your family is interested in pure relaxation, be sure to make a visit to Río Negro Hot Springs. Located in the heart of the park and part of the Hacienda Guachipelín hotel, these thermal waters are naturally heated by the Rincón de la Vieja volcano and are purported to have therapeutic and healing properties. There are 10 different pools to choose from, and you and the kids can have fun applying the rich volcanic mud as facial and body masks! The facility also has dressing rooms, restrooms, and storage lockers, and there's a restaurant at the hotel if you'd like to grab dinner afterward. 

Day 13: Tenorio Volcano National Park Hike, Trail Hikes in Rincón de la Vieja Park

Visit Tenorio Volcano National Park today, 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, which is considered one of the most stunning natural attractions in the region. Marvel at the electric-blue waters, green forests, and the rising volcano in the distance, then stop at the Río Celeste Waterfall and visit the nearby natural hot springs. As always, be on the lookout for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife that might be hanging out in the trees above! 

This afternoon, make the most of your remaining time in Costa Rica by heading back into Rincón de la Vieja Park and exploring some of the other trails, such as the La Cangreja or Escondia Waterfall trails, or the Río Blanco Spring trail. You can also take a guided hike to Victoria Waterfall and let the kids swim in the crystal-clear waters at its base. Relax at your hotel tonight in anticipation of tomorrow's departure.

Day 14: Depart Rincón de la Vieja

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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