When Two Passions for Family Travel Met: The Story Behind Costa Rica for Kids & Pura Vida Moms 

Sometimes the best partnerships happen naturally. They start with a conversation.

That’s exactly what happened when Costa Rica for Kids and Pura Vida Moms came together.

At the heart of both brands was the same mission: helping families experience the magic of Costa Rica in a way that feels easy, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Because planning a trip with kids should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

Christa’s Passion for Helping Families

For years, Christa has been a trusted voice for families traveling to Costa Rica. Not because she read about it, but because she lives it.

 Through her life here, living in the country, raising a family and being deeply connected to the culture, she built deep firsthand knowledge of what families really need when visiting.

Things like:

• What destinations actually work with kids
• How long drives really feel with a family
• Which experiences are worth it, and which ones are not

Her approach has always been honest, practical, and reassuring. Families walk away feeling like they finally have a plan that makes sense.

Vanessa, founder of Costa Rica for Kids, first came to Costa Rica in 2001. She originally built a whitewater rafting company with her Tico husband @waverafting, embracing the adventure and beauty the country is known for.

Over time, her background in event planning and tourism naturally led her toward helping families create memorable vacations designed specifically with kids in mind.

As a mother of two boys who were born and raised in Costa Rica , Vanessa knows firsthand what Kids and Familes love here.

“I love where we are — the macaws and toucans visit us daily, and we even have a resident sloth who usually hangs around. I keep telling my kids how good they have it here!”

That local, real-life family perspective became the heart of Costa Rica for Kids.

Vanessa had followed Christa and Pura Vida Moms for years and was always impressed by the incredible work she was doing for families.

Then, a few years ago, they finally met in person.

From the very first conversation, there was an instant connection: one of those rare moments when two people realize they share the same values, energy, and vision.

What was meant to be a quick meeting turned into hours of conversation about life in Costa Rica, raising families here, travel, and all the ways they could help others.

It quickly became clear: this was a collaboration meant to happen.

Since that first meeting, they have worked together to create something truly special for traveling families.

Instead of choosing between doing everything yourself or handing everything off completely, this collaboration gives families options.

A more flexible way to plan, based on what feels right for you.

If you enjoy researching and organizing your own trip, but want to avoid costly mistakes, working with Christa is a great place to start.

Christa and Pura Vida Moms offer invaluable consulting sessions and insider guidance for families who want to plan their own trip with expert support.

You get:

• Clear guidance
• Realistic itineraries
• Trusted recommendations

If your goal is to enjoy the experience without managing every detail, the team at Costa Rica for Kids takes care of everything. 

Vanessa and the Costa Rica for Kids team offer personalized, kid-tested itineraries, custom vacation design, and seamless planning for families who want a more hands-off, stress-free experience.  (And yes,many ideas come with the approval of Vanessa’s own kids.)

That includes:

• Family-friendly hotels
• Transportation planning
• Activities that truly work for kids

Some families want to research every detail. Others want experts to handle everything. Many want something in between.

That is what makes this collaboration so special.

Together, Costa Rica for Kids and Pura Vida Moms combine trusted advice, real local knowledge, family-tested experiences, and personalized planning to help families travel Costa Rica with confidence.

This powerhouse partnership is helping redefine what family travel in Costa Rica can be:  authentic, exciting, smooth, and unforgettable.

Created by Christa & Vanessa to balance wildlife, adventure, and rest.

To give you a head start, here is a glimpse of a “perfect flow” itinerary that avoids burnout and maximizes fun.

• Day 1: Arrival & Settle In (San José) – Stay near the airport. No stress, just a good meal and a comfortable bed.

• Day 2–4: Wildlife & Waves (Manuel Antonio) – Drive south with a stop at the famous “Crocodile Bridge.” Spend your days spotting sloths in the National Park and enjoying gentle Pacific waves.

• Day 5–7: Volcanoes & Rainforest (La Fortuna) – Head north to the land of the Arenal Volcano.

  • Must-Dos: Hanging bridges, a night tour (kids love the frogs!), and soaking in natural hot springs.

• Day 8: Easy Departure – A smooth drive back to San José for your flight home.

Expert Tip: We always plan travel days with “buffer zones” stops at local sodas (eateries) or scenic viewpoints—so the transit feels like part of the vacation.

Whether you want a 1-on-1 consultation with Christa or a custom-designed trip by Vanessa, we are here to make sure your family experiences the real Costa Rica.

What kind of planner are you? Let us help you find the right path.