Costa Rica Family Vacation | Pacific & Caribbean Coast to Coast
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Best of Costa Rica: Caribbean to Pacific Discovery

San José, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio – 12 Days

This isn’t just a vacation—it’s a journey your family will remember forever.

Your Costa Rica family vacation starts in San José and takes you across the country—from the Caribbean to the Pacific. This isn’t just a getaway; it’s a journey your family will remember forever.

On this 12-day adventure, you’ll discover waterfalls, volcanoes, cloud forests, and beaches, all carefully chosen for travelers of every age.

First, explore the vibrant capital of San José to enjoy a taste of Costa Rican culture. Then, head to the charming village of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast. There, you’ll cruise jungle-lined canals, watch for monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles, and stroll through a colorful town known for sea turtle conservation.

Next, journey to Arenal, home to the country’s legendary volcano. Here, your family can go whitewater rafting, hike hanging bridges, relax in natural hot springs, or spot sloths in the rainforest. You’ll also learn how chocolate is made—from bean to bar.

Afterward, continue to Monteverde. Trade volcanoes for misty mountains and fresh air. Fly through the treetops on a thrilling zipline or walk the cloud forest trails with a local naturalist guide.

Finally, end your  Costa Rica family vacation on the Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio. Sail on a catamaran to spot dolphins and snorkel in calm waters. To finish, enjoy a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park or paddle through the mangroves of Damas Island.

This Costa Rica coast-to-coast itinerary blends wildlife, adventure, and connection—crafted to fit every member of your family.

Trip Code: FMCR11-2465

Per person from
$2539
CR4K Adult discount
$ 2379
Per child from
$1485
CR4K Child discount
$ 1405

• Based on quadruple occupancy.
• Single Supplement and Family Pricing Available
• Travel Window: 01/May/2026 to 30/Jun/2026, 01/Sep/2026 to 31/Oct/2026

Rates may vary according to the travel season, please contact us to check availability and provide the correct price according to your travel dates.

12 Days 11 Nights
Trip Designed by Travel Expert Vanessa Willing
View Vanessa Willing's profile

Pre-Departure InformationTo visit our country there are some requirements See details

Included services

  • Visit the quaint village of Tortuguero
  • Explore the canals of Tortuguero
  • Choice of Arenal Adventures (1 option): White Water Rafting II - III, Hanging Bridges Guided Hike, Nature Wildlife Safari, Arenal Volcano Hike, Bean to Bar Chocolate Tour, Rainforest Night Walk, La Fortuna Waterfall, Sloth Walk.
  • Choice of one (1) Monteverde Adventure: Canopy Zip Line or Guided Cloud Forest walk.
  • Catamaran Ocean Cruise.
  • Choice one adventure: Manuel Antonio National Park Hike or Damas Island by Boat.
  • Lake Crossing from Arenal to Monteverde.
  • All transportation services are included.
  • Overnight San José | 1 Night | Breakfast Included.
  • Overnight Tortuguero | 2 Nights |All meals Included.
  • Overnight Arenal | 3 Nights | Breakfast Included.
  • Overnight Monteverde| 2 Nights | Breakfast Included.
  • Overnight Manuel Antonio| 3 Nights | Breakfast Included.

Expert opinions

Trip Designed by Travel Expert Vanessa Willing
View Vanessa Willing's profile

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Tortuguero, the “Amazon” of Costa Rica’s waterways
  • Lots of beach to enjoy
  • Soak in natural hot springs with volcano views in Arenal
  • You want the freedom to explore more? A Rental Car can be substituted for the private transfers for an adjusted rate

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Arrive in San José Costa Rica – Check-In at Presidente Hotel

  • Arrival to San José, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
  • Private Ground Transfer to your San José Hotel.
  • Free time for sightseeing

DAY 2:

Transfer to Mawamba Lodge | Tortuguero

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Early morning departure from the hotel.
  • Boat ride into "The Amazon of Costa Rica" - Tortuguero
  • Check in at your ecolodge located on the waterway canals
  • Enjoying a delicious dinner
  • Schedules may be reversed or modified, depending upon your day of arrival

DAY 3:

Boat Tour in the Tortuguero Canals

  • Breakfast at the ecolodge
  • Explore the canals of Tortuguero in search of wildlife
  • This afternoon you will be free to hike, explore, rent a kayak or get out the binoculars for some great wildlife viewing on the property.
  • Enjoying a delicious dinner

DAY 4:

Transfer to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica – Stay at Lomas del Volcán

  • Breakfast at the lodge
  • Leave Tortuguero's jungle waterways and head to Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna)
  • Relax in thermal waters

DAY 5:

Arenal Adventure

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Choose Your Arenal Adventure
  • During the evening you will have some time to explore the town

DAY 6:

Free day in Arenal - La Fortuna

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Your day- your choice! Free time to explore
  • Time to relax around the pool

DAY 7:

Travel to Monteverde Costa Rica – Check-In at Poco a Poco Hotel

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde including a boat trip across the beautiful Lake Arenal
  • Visit to a local coffee and cacao plantation

DAY 8:

Monteverde Adventure

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Choose Your Monteverde Adventure

DAY 9:

Transfer to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – Stay at Si Como No Resort

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Relax on a shared transfer to Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast after leaving Monteverde

DAY 10:

Manuel Antonio Adventure

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Catamaran & Snorkeling + Manuel Antonio Park or Mangrove Tour

DAY 11:

Free Day in Manuel Antonio

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Your day- your choice! Free time to explore
  • Time to relax around the pool

DAY 12:

End of Your Costa Rica Itinerary – Depart from San José Airport

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Private transfer to the airport

DAY 1:

Arrive in San José Costa Rica – Check-In at Presidente Hotel

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.

DAY 2:

Transfer to Mawamba Lodge | Tortuguero

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.

DAY 3:

Boat Tour in the Tortuguero Canals

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.

DAY 4:

Transfer to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica – Stay at Lomas del Volcán

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.

DAY 5:

Choose Your Arenal Adventure

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. 

DAY 6:

Free day in Arenal - La Fortuna

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. 

DAY 7:

Travel to Monteverde Costa Rica – Check-In at Poco a Poco Hotel

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.

DAY 8:

Choose Your Monteverde Adventure

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.

DAY 9:

Transfer to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – Stay at Si Como No Resort

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.

DAY 10:

Catamaran & Snorkeling + Manuel Antonio Park or Mangrove Tour

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.

DAY 11:

Free Day in Manuel Antonio

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.

DAY 12:

End of Your Costa Rica Itinerary – Depart from San José Airport

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.

  • Presidente

    Discover Hotel Presidente in downtown San José—steps from museums, parks, and restaurants. Enjoy warm hospitality, stylish rooms, daily breakfast, and sunset drinks at the rooftop bar.

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  • Mawamba Lodge

    Experience Mawamba’s Caribbean-style adventures—from relaxing boat tours to thrilling kayaks and night explorations. Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers of all ages.

    View more
  • Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

    Discover Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge in Central Pacific, Costa Rica, the perfect destination for those seeking, comfort, and natural beauty.

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  • Poco a Poco

    Eco-friendly comfort meets modern style at Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco. Enjoy cozy rooms, a soothing spa, warm hospitality, and easy access to Monteverde’s cloud forest adventures.

    View more

All you need to know about
Costa Rica, before your travel.

General information about Costa Rica.

Why travel with Costa Rica 4 kids?

We create family FUN trips for all family types. Whether you are traveling with toddlers, tweens, or teens we are your go-to tour operator for all things KIDS in Costa Rica. With over 20 years of experience, we take ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY, creating your dream itinerary in Costa Rica´s tropical playground. Let our destination experts plan every detail and our guides lead you on a magical journey of PURA VIDA here in COSTA RICA.

Our Team of Experts

Our destination experts are passionate family travelers who have a high level of knowledge of family-friendly tours and accommodations. Their first-hand experiences lead to the creation of all Costa Rica for Kids itineraries. Our experts are here to answer your every question about traveling with kids in Costa Rica.

Everything Kids in Costa Rica

Over 20 years of experience has built a strong foundation for creating trips for every age and stage. We work closely with tour operators to ensure all trips are created through the eyes of children. It is our top priority to ensure the safety of your family while traveling in Costa Rica. The best part? We live here, we are the experts, we are here to create your dream family vacation!

Book with Confidence

Traveling with your family can be stressful. We know there are many important details when traveling with kids. We are here to remind you that with our help, traveling will be a fun, seamless adventure from start to finish. We have relaxed our policies and any of our trips can be booked with just a $100 deposit! Let´s get planning!

Per person from
$2539
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