Family Exploration of Costa Rica: Wildlife & Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & Sámara - 14 Days

Highlights

• Tour Costa Rica's spectacular volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls
• Introduce the kids to sloths, monkeys, and cute kinkajous in Monteverde
• Zipline through the clouds in Monteverde's rainforest
• Relax, snorkel and surf on Sámara's beautiful beaches and coast

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in San José, Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

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 transfer to your hotel in San José, the country's thriving capital and cultural hub.

After settling in with the kids, meet your guide for a tour of the area and discover the city's best sights. Your first stop is the bustling Plaza de la Cultura, where you'll find the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum). The museum holds the most extensive pre-Columbian gold collection in Latin America and is a treasure trove of artifacts dating back to 500 CE that reflect the continent's ancient history, folklore, and mythology. It's the perfect place to ignite the little ones' sense of wonder for their Central American adventure. 

Day 2: Transfer to La Fortuna via La Paz Waterfall & Gardens

Today, you and your family will leave the hustle and bustle of San José behind as you meet your driver and take a 2.5-hour transfer north to the town of La Fortuna, the launch point for excursions into the Arenal Volcano National Park. Break your journey roughly midway with a visit to the La Paz Waterfall & Gardens. Stroll among the butterflies in the park's butterfly house, the largest in Chile, before heading to the aviary. Kids will delight in seeing the colorful hummingbird gallery and the various snake, frogs, and wildcat exhibits.

Feast on local fare at a delicious buffet, then stretch your legs with a guided visit to a nearby farmhouse and follow the family-friendly trails to a series of spectacular waterfalls. You'll find several viewing platforms above, below, and in front of the falls. The Magia Blanca cascade makes the perfect backdrop for a family selfie, with its torrent of water directly behind you! Afterward, continue your journey north toward your hotel in La Fortuna, taking time to admire the lush hills and verdant landscapes along the way.

Day 3: El Silencio Nature Reserve, Hike to Arenal Volcano Viewpoint

This morning, you and your family will experience one of Costa Rica's greatest natural wonders, the immense Arenal volcano that towers 5,330 feet (1,633 m) above the nearby towns and villages. You'll start at El Silencio, a nearby nature park famous for its network of hiking trails and the Mirador lookout point, which affords incredible views of the volcano. The relatively flat trails are perfect for little legs, and the viewing point is a safe place for the kids to wonder at the Arenal's many daily eruptions. 

Day 4: Day at Leisure, Family Cooking Class & Dinner

The morning is yours to spend at leisure. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with the kids and spend the day as you choose. Discover La Fortuna's easygoing vibe and play with the kids at the park and gardens in the town's central plaza, or rent some bikes and explore the Arenal Volcano National Park. The area's rainforest canopies make for a perfect ziplining adventure if you're little ones are thrill seekers, and you can also hike the lava fields from the 1968 eruption. If you're after a gentler experience, take advantage of one of the many bird-watching tours or river safaris on offer. 

However you choose to spend your day, be sure to bring your appetite to this evening's excursion. You and the kids are off to a local farm and gardens, where, under the guidance of a skilled chef, you'll learn all about Costa Rican cuisine and try your hand at mastering some of the national dishes. Start with a stroll around the gardens to pick your ingredients and learn about the plants and crops that grow in the area. 

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 5: Visit La Fortuna Waterfall & Ecotermales Hot Springs

If Arenal is the country's most famous volcano, then La Fortuna Waterfall, your destination this morning, is easily among the most famous falls. Be sure to pack your swimsuits as you take a short taxi ride to the cascades that lie at the base of the dormant Chato volcano. The waters here plunge 210 feet (70 m) into a turquoise tropical lagoon, perfect for a refreshing dip with the kids. Lunch at the nearby café and then either visit the splendid Orchid Garden or meander the wildlife trails.

Next up is a real treat for you and the kids as you make your way to the nearby Ecotermales Hot Springs. This serene oasis comprises 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. You'll enjoy a tasty lunch at the on-site restaurant before relaxing in the therapeutic waters. The dense forest gives plenty of opportunities for the kids to spot the local wildlife, and the views of the volcano create a memorable backdrop to your final afternoon in Arenal. 

Day 6: Lake Arenal Boat Trip, Transfer to Monteverde

Wave goodbye to La Fortuna today as you transfer to Costa Rica's Monteverde region. Considered one of the country's main ecotourism destinations and located in the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range, its cloud forests, cooler climate, and wildlife-drenched terrain offer plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. After a shuttle bus pickup, you'll make your way to the shores of Lake Arenal and board a boat to the Monteverde side of the lake. A shared shuttle will transfer you and your family to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to get settled and explore.

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Hanging Bridges & Ziplines

Earn major brownie points from the kids today as you and your family venture into the skies with a trip to the famous Monteverde Hanging Bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Tour the lush treetop canopy via a network of steel bridges of varying heights and lengths suspended throughout the forest. It's a beautiful way for the little ones to understand the flora, fauna, animals, and wildlife that call the rainforest home.

For older kids and adrenaline junkies of all ages, don't miss the breathtaking zipline adventure at the end of the tour. It's the closest you can come to experiencing flight and the thrill of flying through the clouds. Afterward, take a breather and enjoy a well-deserved lunch at the park's restaurant before returning to your accommodation. 

Day 8: Chocolate & Coffee Farm Tour, Nighttime Wildlife Walk

After breakfast, rally the kids and head out with your guide for a tour that encompasses two of Costa Rica's biggest exports and ticks the boxes for kids and adults alike—coffee and chocolate! You'll visit a local farm where you and your family will get a hands-on introduction to the coffee and chocolate-making process. Start with harvesting the red coffee berries and have a go at roasting and grinding the beans. Your efforts will be rewarded with a delicious cup of coffee and a deep appreciation of the techniques in making your morning brew.

While you enjoy the fruits of your labor, the kids will learn about making delicious, high-quality chocolate. Learn about the edible fruity pulp that covers the beans inside the pods and which is often snacked on before the bean is roasted. Of course, you and your family will have plenty of opportunities afterward to sample some of the delicious chocolate, considered among the best in the world. After the tour, you'll return to your hotel for downtime before this evening's excursion. 

Monteverde is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, and a night hike is an ideal way to see all of the nocturnal creatures that come out to play once the sun's gone down. It's an exciting adventure for the kids, who'll have a unique opportunity to spot the sloths, armadillos, and adorable kinkajous as they roam the Cloud Forest Reserve at night. Keep your eyes peeled, too, for the agoutis, porcupines, gray foxes, and frogs that come out in the dark.

Day 9: Transfer to Sámara, Relax on the Beach

Get ready for the next leg of your Costa Rica tour with a transfer to Sámara, a coastal village in the Guanacaste province known for its superb beaches and laid-back, family-friendly vibe. The drive takes around three hours, depending on traffic. Settle in at your accommodation and take the excited kids to Playa Carrillo, a vast and inviting beach 10 minutes from the town. Famous for its golden sands backed by a line of palm trees, gentle waves, and beautifully clear waters, it's perfect for little ones.

If the kids are a little older, there's still plenty to occupy them, with a variety of surf lessons, snorkeling, and water-based activities on offer. The rest of the day is yours to relax, swim, and sunbathe as you choose. If you're after a more active afternoon, there's plenty to do on land. Hike through a local mango plantation, sample the produce, spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, or take to the waves for a whale and dolphin spotting tour. When you're ready, sample the local cuisine at one of Sámara's many restaurants.

Day 10: Visit Palo Verde National Park, Surf Lessons at Playa Sámara

Wildlife experiences and a day on the water are on the list for today. First is a visit to a private wildlife reserve bordering the Palo Verde National Park. The 5,000-acre (2,023 ha) reserve protects part of the Río Tempisque and the surrounding tropical dry forest, one of the world's most important and endangered ecosystems. Home to iguanas, crocodiles, bats, and white-faced capuchin monkeys, you'll see all these creatures and more with a three-hour jungle cruise along the river.

Afterward, either grab some downtime at your hotel or head into Sámara and fuel up before this afternoon's surf lesson! You'll start with a land session on Playa Sámara, 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 11: Explore Sámara's Beaches, Sunset Cruise & Snorkeling

Today is yours to spend beachside with the family. Head back to Playa Carillo for a chilled day with the kids, or enjoy a few hours at nearby Playa Sámara, an excellent option for snorkeling thanks to its flourishing coral reef. The livelier of the two beaches, Playa Sámara, has plenty of water sports available if the kids are feeling restless. Playa Barrigona is a great option for stronger swimmers and families with older kids seeking seclusion. Considered the area's most beautiful beach, you'll need to hire a car or take a taxi as it's a 30-minute drive west of Sámara.

For active land-based adventure, you've plenty of options. Go horseback riding while taking in the glorious ocean views, explore the Río Ora and its mangroves with a standup paddleboarding tour, or hire some mountain bikes and coast down the forested hills or go for an easy pedal along Sámara's back roads. Enjoy a light lunch at the town's charming Bouticafe Bohemia, or if the kids are clamoring for pizza and you want to try the local seafood, Gusto Beach is an upscale beachside restaurant that serves both. 

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 12: Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Nature Hike, Beach Afternoon

Spend the morning hiking through and learning about one of Central America's rarest and most vulnerable biomes. After breakfast, you and the kids will meet your expert guide, who'll lead you on a tour through the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, a tropical dry forest and one of the area's most interesting and complex ecosystems. It's a great way to introduce the kids to ecology and conservation and see the rare plants and animals that have learned to adapt and thrive in an environment with fewer nutrients due to the natural scarcity of water.

Day 13: Transfer to San José

Day 14: Depart San José