Family Best of Costa Rica: Caribbean to Pacific Discovery

You’ve arrived and are ready to begin your Costa Rica adventure! Meet your driver as you exit the airport—he’ll be holding a sign with your name for a smooth welcome. You’ll receive a package with your itinerary, a country map, and useful travel info. Sit back and relax as your private driver transports you comfortably through the city to your hotel in San José.

Overnight at Presidente Hotel.

Early departure from your hotel through Braulio Carrillo National Park and banana plantations. Then board a boat to reach Tortuguero, the “Amazon of Costa Rica.” After check-in and lunch at Mawamba Lodge, visit the village, turtle museum, and beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock or by the pool before dinner. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the jungle.

Overnight at Mawamba Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D.

Breakfast at the lodge. This morning, explore the canals of Tortuguero with a naturalist guide in search of monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to hike, explore, rent a kayak, or spot wildlife on the property. Refresh with a shower before dinner.
Optional seasonal activity: Turtle Nesting Tour (Jul–Oct) or a guided hike.

Overnight at Mawamba Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D.

After breakfast, depart Tortuguero’s jungle waterways for a tropical rainforest experience near majestic Arenal Volcano. As you travel by boat, your guide will help spot wildlife along the canal banks. After lunch, meet your private driver for the journey to Arenal. In the evening, relax in the beautiful gardens and volcanically heated thermal pools at your hotel.

Overnight at Lomas del Volcán.
Meals: B, L.

Wake up to stunning views of Arenal Volcano and a fresh cup of local coffee. After breakfast, explore Costa Rica’s iconic active volcano and its natural wonders. Choose ONE thrilling experiences: White Water Rafting II – III, Hanging Bridges hike, Nature Wildlife Safari, Arenal Volcano hike, Chocolate Tour, Rainforest Night Walk, La Fortuna Waterfall, or Sloth Walk. Adventure awaits!

Overnight at Lomas del Volcán.
Meals: B. 

Enjoy a free day to explore Arenal’s natural wonders. Go white-water rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiquí River, rappel down waterfalls on a canyoning tour, or ride through rugged trails on an ATV. Prefer something calmer? Hike through Río Celeste National Park to see its blue waterfall or join a guided birdwatching tour. Whether adventure or relaxation, the day is yours to enjoy.

Overnight at Lomas del Volcán.
Meals: B. 

This morning you’ll transfer from Arenal to Monteverde without wasting time. Begin with a car ride and then a scenic boat crossing of Lake Arenal—perfect for photos! Enjoy views of the lake and rainforest. Once across, a van will take you to your Monteverde hotel. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and cloud forest calm. Monteverde is known for its Quaker roots, cheeses, and natural ice cream.

Overnight at Poco a Poco Hotel.
Meals: B.

Soar above the canopy on a thrilling zip line, enjoying panoramic views of the cloud forest. This safe and exciting adventure is perfect for all ages. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Take a guided walk through Monteverde Reserve, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With an expert guide, discover the rich wildlife and unique plants of this misty forest.

Overnight at Poco a Poco Hotel.
Meals: B.

Relax on a shared transfer to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast after leaving Monteverde. Enjoy rainforest-meets-ocean views with vast ocean vistas and lush jungle backdrops. The scenic beach of Manuel Antonio offers natural wonders, delicious seafood, world-class fishing, and plenty of fun—from surf lessons with pros to sunset sails in search of dolphins and whales.

Overnight at Si Como No Resort.
Meals: B.

Start your day with a catamaran cruise along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Enjoy ocean breezes, fresh snacks, and the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, or whales. Stop to swim and snorkel in warm Pacific waters. In the afternoon, choose a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park or explore the Damas Island Mangroves by boat—both rich in wildlife and natural beauty.

Overnight at Si Como No Resort.
Meals: B.

Enjoy a free day to explore the Manuel Antonio area at your own pace. Relax by the pool, book a surf lesson at the beach, or take a guided nature hike. This is also a great opportunity to add extra adventures. Our local experts have a wide range of tours and experiences available to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal region.

Overnight at Si Como No Resort.
Meals: B.

Your Costa Rica adventure comes to an end as you board private transportation from your hotel in Manuel Antonio to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José. Enjoy the scenic ride through mountains and countryside one last time. Depart with cherished memories of the people you’ve met, the adventures you’ve had, and the incredible natural beauty you’ve experienced throughout this unforgettable journey.

Meals: B.