Costa Rica Family Vacation Itinerary – Arenal & Guanacaste
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Family Holidays Getaway in Costa Rica – Arenal Rainforest & Guanacaste Bliss (8 Days)

La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano & Guanacaste Beaches

Ready for a family escape filled with nature, comfort, and kid-friendly fun?This 8-day Costa Rica family trip combines the rainforest of La Fortuna with the warm beaches of Guanacaste. It is a gentle, flexible itinerary designed for families who want adventure and easy moments of relaxation.

Your journey begins in La Fortuna, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. The area is known for wildlife, scenic trails, and safe outdoor activities for all ages. You will walk through lush rainforest on the famous hanging bridges, where kids love looking for birds, monkeys, and butterflies. With a naturalist guide, your family can also spot sloths in their natural habitat. These slow and adorable animals are often the highlight of the day.

After exploring, you can slow down at the Ecotermales Hot Springs. Warm pools, quiet corners, and beautiful views make this a perfect way to relax together. The atmosphere is calm and friendly, which is ideal for families with young children or teens.

Next, your Costa Rica family trip continues in Guanacaste. Playa Hermosa welcomes you with soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space to unwind. The beach is known for peace, safety, and beautiful sunsets. For adventure, you can try a family-friendly zip line tour through the forest. This activity is exciting but still accessible for beginners and younger travelers.

The itinerary also includes free days. You can rest by the pool, enjoy beach time, or explore the nearby coastline. Optional tours, like boat rides or wildlife walks, are easy to add.

As your vacation comes to an end, you will head back to Liberia Airport with unforgettable memories. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of nature, adventure, and rest. It is a wonderful way to enjoy Costa Rica as a family.

Start planning your Costa Rica family trip today

Trip Code: FMCR7-3505

Per person from
$1515
CR4K Adult discount
$ 0
Per child from
$870
CR4K Child discount
$ 0

• Rate based on Quadruple Occupancy.
Travel Window: 01/May/2026 to 30/Jun/2026, 01/Sep/2026 to 31/Oct/2026.
* Children rate from 6-12 years old.

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

8 Days / 7 Nights
Trip Designed by Travel Expert Vanessa Willing
View Vanessa Willing's profile

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Included services

  • Sloth and Rainforest.
  • Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk.
  • Arenal Volcano Hike + Ecotermales Hot Springs with dinner.
  • Original Zip Line Canopy.
  • All transportation services are included.
  • Overnight Arenal | 4 Nights | Breakfast Included.
  • Overnight Guanacaste| 3 Nights | Breakfast Included.

Expert opinions

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

Trip Highlights

  • Arenal Hanging Bridges with a naturalist guide
  • Free days for beach time, pool time, or optional tours
  • Original Zip Line Canopy Tour in Playa Hermosa
  • Stress-free planning tailored for families

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Welcome to Costa Rica

  • Arrival to Liberia Airport (LIR)
  • Private transfer to your La Fortuna Hotel
  • Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel

DAY 2:

Arenal

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Sloth and Rainforest
  • Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel

DAY 3:

Arenal

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Don Juan Coffee and Chocolate Tour
  • Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel

DAY 4:

Arenal

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Arenal Volcano Hike, Ecotermales Hot Springs with dinner on-site
  • Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel

DAY 5:

Arenal to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Private transfer from Arenal to your Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Hotel
  • Overnight a Bosque del Mar Hotel

DAY 6:

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Zip Line Canopy
  • Overnight a Bosque del Mar Hotel

DAY 7:

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Your day - your choice
  • Overnight a Bosque del Mar Hotel

DAY 8:

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste - Departure!

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Transfer from Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste to the Liberia Airport
  • Flight home, at this point, you should know the meaning of "Pura Vida" very well

DAY 1:

Welcome to Costa Rica!!

Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Arenal Volcano

Greetings from Costa Rica! We’ll pick you up at the International Liberia Airport and transport you to the Arenal Manoa Hotel in the stunning La Fortuna region, where you’ll spend the next three days in comfort. Make yourself comfortable after checking in. Feel free to unwind and rest in the verdant surroundings or take a swim in one of the hotel’s lovely pools because you might be exhausted after the travel. You’ll be able to forget about the pressures of daily life in the tranquil environment.

Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel.

DAY 2:

Arenal

Happy morning! We’re going on a half-day expedition today to visit the fascinating rainforests and get to know some cute sloths. You will go on an enchanted tour of Costa Rica’s natural beauties with our sloth and rainforest adventure. After the tour, you may spend the remainder of the day taking use of all the hotel’s wonderful amenities. You have a choice of relaxing by the pool, treating yourself to a spa treatment, or just taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel. 

DAY 3:

Arenal

Embark on a delightful journey through the rich flavors of Costa Rica’s finest offerings with the Don Juan Coffee and Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of coffee and chocolate production, all while surrounded by the lush beauty of the Costa Rican countryside. This engaging day tour promises an unforgettable experience for all your senses.

Set off on a trip that will stimulate your senses and enhance your understanding of the craftsmanship involved in producing coffee and chocolate.

Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel. 

DAY 4:

Arenal

We have an exciting excursion in store for you this afternoon. We’ll go out on an Arenal Volcano Hike so you can see this famous volcano’s spectacular grandeur up close. Following that, we’ll reward you to an evening of relaxation at the Ecotermales Hot Springs, where you may bathe in the revitalizing waters and have a delectable meal. Prior doing proceeding, though, you may have a leisurely morning while enjoying breakfast with a view or taking a leisurely stroll through the hotel grounds.

Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel. 

DAY 5:

Arenal to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

As we go on to our next stop, the Hotel Bosque del Mar in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, it’s time to bid the Arenal Manoa Hotel a fond farewell. We’ve got all of your transportation needs handled, so don’t worry! As soon as you arrive, settle in to your new “home away from home” and become familiar with Playa Hermosa’s laid-back atmosphere. You have the remainder of the day to relax as you choose—whether that be on the beach, in the water, or by taking a tour of the hotel’s amenities.

Overnight at Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar Hotel, Guanacaste.

DAY 6:

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Good morning, adventurer! Today, CongoTrails is taking us on a thrilling Original Zip Line Canopy Tour. Views of the tropical wonderland below are magnificent as you soar over the treetops like a bird. After the surge of excitement, you may relax in the afternoon by taking a nap in a hammock or sipping a cool drink at the seaside bar.

Overnight at Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar Hotel, Guanacaste.

DAY 7:

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

You have the day to do whatever you want! Everything depends on you and your choices. Feel free to spend the day at the hotel unwinding by the pool or enjoying lengthy strolls down the coast if you wish to unwind. Alternately, if you’re feeling daring, you may check out the local landmarks, sample some regional cuisine, or partake in some aquatic activities. Your decision is totally up to you!

Overnight at Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar Hotel, Guanacaste.

DAY 8:

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste to Liberia Airport - Departure

Regrettably, it’s time to bid farewell to the lovely Hotel Bosque del Mar. Take one more stroll on the beach before we drive you to the international airport in Liberia for your departure, and treasure the memories of your vacation. We really hope you had a wonderful time in Costa Rica, and if you decide to come back, we’ll be waiting for you with open arms. Travel safely!

At this point, you should know the meaning of “Pura Vida” very well.

  • Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs

    Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Costa Rica countryside at Hotel Arenal Manoa. Stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, warm, friendly hospitality and fresh, seasonal and local cuisine come together to create one of Costa Rica’s most relaxing resorts.

    View more
  • Bosque del Mar

    Hotel Bosque del Mar

    Let yourself be captivated by the enchantment of the hotel and be surrounded by a natural paradise that captures the tranquility of the forest and merges it with the fervency of the beach is an experience of perfect harmony. Enjoy the luxury accommodations and relax.

    View more

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Per person from
$1515
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