Ready for a family vacation in Costa Rica where adventure and nature go hand in hand? This carefully designed 10-day journey takes your family from the powerful Arenal Volcano to the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest. It ends with a unique island glamping experience at Isla Chiquita.

This itinerary blends exploration, comfort, and meaningful moments. It works beautifully for families traveling with kids, teens, or grandparents.

Arenal Volcano: Adventure in the Heart of Costa Rica

Begin your adventure in Arenal, where excitement meets discovery. Choose between white-water rafting on the Balsa River or soaring above the rainforest canopy on a zip line. Both options deliver unforgettable views and safe, family-friendly fun.

After your adventures, unwind at your eco-glamping lodge. Wake up to volcano views. Feel the vibrant energy of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: Nature, Learning, and Exploration

Continue your family vacation in Costa Rica in Monteverde, where clouds drift through emerald forests. Walk across hanging bridges with a local naturalist guide. Discover how plants, animals, and climate connect within this magical ecosystem.

These guided experiences feel both educational and engaging. Kids stay curious. Adults gain deeper appreciation for Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity.

Isla Chiquita: Island Glamping & Bioluminescence

End your journey with four unforgettable nights at Isla Chiquita, a luxury glamping retreat surrounded by calm waters. Paddle at your own pace by kayak. Try stand-up paddleboarding during the day.

At night, relax under star-filled skies. Watch bioluminescence light up the water. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment your family will never forget.

A Perfect Balance for the Whole Famil

This family vacation in Costa Rica offers the right balance of adventure and relaxation. Parents recharge. Kids explore. Grandparents enjoy comfort and connection.

Every detail is thoughtfully planned. Your family focuses on what matters most, shared experiences and lasting memories.

Plan your family’s adventure now.

Trip Code: FMCR9-3503

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Throughout the journey, you’ll experience thrilling outdoor activities, discover rich biodiversity, and enjoy comfortable, family-friendly accommodations. Guided by the Pura Vida lifestyle, this adventure encourages connection, curiosity, and unforgettable shared moments.

Arenal Volcano & White Water Rafting

Your Costa Rica adventure begins in La Fortuna, with stunning views of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Stay at Arenal Manoa Hotel, surrounded by tropical gardens and volcanic landscapes.

Choose between an exciting white-water rafting experience or a gentle wildlife river float, both ideal for families. These activities offer excellent opportunities to spot monkeys, tropical birds, reptiles, and lush rainforest scenery while enjoying the adventure safely.

Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall

Continue exploring Arenal with a walk across the famous Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you’ll experience the rainforest canopy from above. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for families of all ages.

Later, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the region’s most impressive natural attractions. Enjoy the viewpoint or walk down for a closer look before traveling onward to Monteverde.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Adventure

In Monteverde, stay at El Establo Hotel, your base for exploring the cloud forest. Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve on a guided tour to learn about this unique ecosystem, home to hummingbirds, orchids, frogs, and the elusive resplendent quetzal.

For families seeking more excitement, the Selvatura canopy zip line offers a safe and scenic way to glide above the forest, with breathtaking views and platforms designed for comfort and security.

Playa Carrillo: Beach Time & Wildlife Encounters

End your Costa Rica adventure in Playa Carrillo, staying at Hotel Nammbu, one of Guanacaste’s most peaceful family beaches. Calm waters and soft sands make it ideal for relaxation after days of exploration.

Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, beach walks, or free time by the pool. Families can also join a turtle nesting night tour, a truly unforgettable experience where you may witness sea turtles laying their eggs. Nearby towns like Sámara offer additional dining and cultural experiences.

Why Families Love This Costa Rica Adventure

• Carefully paced itinerary for all ages
  

• Combination of rainforest, cloud forest, and beach destinations
  

• Family-friendly hotels and guided experiences
  

• Educational wildlife encounters and hands-on adventures
  

• Time to relax, explore, and reconnect as a family

Trip Code: FMCR9-3506

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Picture this: only eight exclusive tables, each perched on a deck platform above the trees, providing an idyllic setting for families to come together. The panoramic views of downtown Monteverde serve as a captivating backdrop, offering a visual feast that captivates both young and old. The all-glass deck suspended in the heart of the forest adds a touch of magic, creating an atmosphere of wonder and excitement.

The culinary journey unfolds with a nine-course gourmet dinner, specially curated to please even the most discerning young palates. Our family-friendly menu features a fusion of locally-sourced tropical ingredients, celebrating the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica. From playful appetizers to delectable desserts, each course is a discovery of tastes and textures that engage the whole family in a gastronomic adventure.

What Families Love About This Tour:

Magical Setting: Families adore the unique treetop setting, offering a magical and immersive experience that sparks the imagination of children and adults alike.

Exclusive Atmosphere: With only eight tables available, the intimate and exclusive atmosphere ensures a personalized experience for families to create lasting memories.

Panoramic Views: The stunning views of downtown Monteverde provide a captivating backdrop, allowing families to enjoy a picturesque scene while indulging in a delightful feast.

Family-Friendly Menu: The carefully crafted menu caters to diverse tastes, making it an enjoyable experience for both adventurous eaters and those with more discerning palates.

Educational and Fun: Engage in a unique blend of culinary education and fun, as families learn about locally-sourced ingredients and Costa Rican cuisine in an interactive and enjoyable manner.

Before making a reservation, we encourage families to review our Food and Allergies section carefully, ensuring a worry-free and delightful experience for everyone. Join us for the San Lucas Gourmet Dining Tree Top Canopy Experience—a captivating fusion of family, food, and nature that promises an unforgettable adventure for all.

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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

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The Sky Trek Zipline Tour is designed for maximum excitement and is suitable for action-loving youngsters and even grandparents. With redundant cables and a unique braking system, there’s no need for you to do anything but hold on tight and enjoy the ride. Your safety is our top priority, and experienced guides are there to assist and ensure a secure and thrilling experience.

This zipline adventure offers long cables that stretch across the scenic cloud forest, providing panoramic views that will leave you in awe. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about braking as the guides take care of that for you. Simply hold onto the handlebars and let the adrenaline rush take over as you soar above the tree-top canopy.

Children who may be hesitant to go alone can ride in tandem with experienced guides, offering a sense of security and confidence. Once they feel comfortable after a few platforms, they can even try it on their own, but there’s absolutely no pressure.

All the necessary equipment will be provided, and the guides will assist you in putting on helmets and gear. They will also provide detailed instructions on safety regulations to ensure your well-being throughout the tour. Within minutes, you’ll be ready to take flight, securely tethered on the platforms for a worry-free experience.

The adventure begins with a ride on the Sky Tram, an open-air gondola that transports you from the ground to the highest point of the hillside where the first platform awaits. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the cloud forest, Arenal Volcano, and the Gulf of Nicoya.

Your experienced guides will start you off with easy short zip lines at a lower height, allowing you to become familiar with the equipment and build confidence. As you progress, the zip lines become higher and more exhilarating. By the time you reach the final platform, you’ll feel like a seasoned pro and won’t want the fun to end.

Capture the memories of this thrilling experience with professional photos available for purchase at the end of the tour.

What families love about this tour: The incredible view of the cloud forest, Arenal Volcano, and the Gulf of Nicoya. The absence of braking requirements adds to the excitement, making it a truly enjoyable adventure for the thrill-seekers in your family.

Embark on the Sky Trek Zipline Tour in Monteverde today and create unforgettable memories as you fly through the sky, taking in the stunning natural landscapes and experiencing the thrill of a lifetime.

Looking for Sky in Arenal? Check this out

Tour Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

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This provides wonderful experiences and sensations only comparable to flying through the forest. This tour not only combines the thrill of one of Costa Rica’s most safe and popular adventures but also provides a unique vantage point of the cloud forest which in the past was reserved only for certain scientists brave enough to climb up to the forest canopy.

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After being fitted for your helmet, the stable manager will pair you to your horse. Our stable manager is a skilled horse trainer and our commitment to safety starts with the quality and care of our horses. We can accommodate riders as young as 6 and as old as 100, appropriate mounts are provided for beginners and more experienced riders.

On this tour your family will learn about the history of the area, local culture and traditions all while being guided through some of the most spectacular ranch country in Costa Rica. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the wonderful landscape with open unobstructed views of the countryside and the Gulf of Nicoya. The horse ride is within a family estate of 65 hectares. Guides keep their eyes open to observe wildlife on the trip and will stop at any time to take photographs of wildlife like sloths or toucans.

Tour can be offered in the afternoon to see the Sunset. Saddles and helmets for children are available. The trip is fully insured and only experienced local guides are used.

What families love about this tour! Families love this slow-paced, relaxing horseback ride with majestic unobstructed views of the countryside and a dream sunset falling into Gulf of Nicoya. A family tour for beginners to advanced riders. Pure enjoyment for every rider!

Tour Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

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On this COSTA RICA FOR KIDS tour of Curi-Cancha Reserve, you’ll see more wildlife and fewer crowds along the trails. Your family will be picked up at your hotel and make your way to the reserve with our driver and expert naturalist guide. The Curi-Cancha Reserve is superior to others in the area for birdwatching. The reserve also limits the number of visitors each day therefore your family will experience fewer crowds along the trails, and more abundant wildlife while at the same time lessening the impact on the ecosystem. The reserve is relatively small, with 205 acres of cloud forest, with about 3.25 miles (5.2 km)of walking trails.
Experience some of the highest elevations in Monteverde, between 4,750 and5,300 feet. Your naturalist guide will talk about the difference between primary and secondary forests, show your family various flowering and fruiting plants as well as locate and identify a variety of bird species within the reserve. There are nine short trails within the Curi-Cancha Reserve. The longest is about 1 mile (1.5km). The trails lead into one another so you can combine several and hike for about a half-day. There are also many cut-through paths that allow you to quickly go from one area to the next without having to hike the whole trail. This makes navigating the hike ideal for families with young kids who may want to cut through from one trail to the next. At the cross-section of several trails, there are resting gardens with hummingbird feeders and flowering hedges.
This is a great place for families to see wildlife up close and experience hands-on learning. Below the garden is a long tunnel of thicket that your kids will love walking through and taking photos with. After the half-day hike, your family will return to your hotel with a newfound love for the various species of colorful birds that inhabit the cloud forests of Monteverde.

What families love about this tour! Families love this easy to moderate hike through the cloud forest. An ideal place to spot numerous species of birds and with fewer crowds, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an intimate hike with your family

Tour Duration: Approx. 3 hours

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Then, a zip-line adventure is waiting for you.  The only zip-line tour built entirely inside the cloud forest. In this tour, visitors cross through the unique cloud forest canopy suspended over the forest while attached to high-weight-capacity cables and using specialized climbing gear. This provides wonderful experiences and sensations only comparable to flying through the forest. This tour not only combines the thrill of one of Costa Rica’s most safe and popular adventures but also provides a unique vantage point of the cloud forest which in the past was reserved only for certain scientists brave enough to climb up to the forest canopy.

Tour Duration: Approx. 4.5 hours

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Let our driver pick your family at your hotel and amp you up for this experience of a lifetime enroute to the park. Once suited up in your safety gear, a helmet and strong safety cable, an aerial tram will take you up in the air to a platform between two mountains in the jungle. From there, you will be attached to a bungee rope and 3, 2, 1… FLY!!!!!!!!!!!! Off you go soaring down from 143-meter height (just a little less than 500 feet, imagine that!). Let your wings flap and your voice sing as you enjoy the views of the forest below!

Once your feet are back on the ground, head over to the park restaurant for some much needed hydration. Relive your adrenaline rushing experience by viewing photos and videos of your bungee jump! Photos and videos are available for purchase after your tour.

What families love about this tour! Free falling into the forest below, soaring through the air like a scarlet macaw. This tour gives families an immense adrenaline rush by jumping off the highest bungee jumping spot in the entire country!

Tour Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

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