Central Pacific & Arenal Family Adventure
Quick Snapshot
• Manuel Antonio + Arenal
• 9 Days / 8 Nights
• Best for all ages
• Volcano + beach combination
• Wildlife, adventure & downtime
• Private transportation included
Starting from $1995 per adult
Children from $699 (ages 5–11)
You can’t book this trip anywhere else.
Created in partnership with Christa from Pura Vida Moms, Costa Rica travel expert and American mom of two, this itinerary is based on the exact style of trip her own family loves most, right down to the hotels, restaurants, routes, and adventures.
Every detail is handled from beginning to end, including accommodations, transportation, tours, and even a private driver throughout the trip, so you and your family can simply arrive in Costa Rica and enjoy the experience together.
Why Christa Loves This Trip (Arenal/Samara)
Arenal is my favorite place in Costa Rica for families, thanks to the mix of hot springs, wildlife, incredible excursions, and fun, family-friendly restaurants. Samara is my ideal beach town for families because the beach is calm and swimmable, the town is easy to explore on foot, and the whole area has that laid-back Costa Rica vibe that makes it easy to truly relax.
Ready to Start Planning?
$1995
$ 0
$697
$ 0
Child rates apply for ages 5–11 (sharing accommodations with parents)
Children ages 0–4 stay free (sharing accommodations with parents)
Exclusive Pura Vida Moms + Costa Rica for Kids Family Bonus
Every family booking one of Christa’s Recommended Trips will receive a complimentary Costa Rica for Kids Welcome Pack filled with fun goodies and treats for the whole family.
Kids will also receive a custom Costa Rica for Kids Travel Passport to track the wildlife they spot, places they explore, and favorite memories along the way.
Family Hotel Options
- Comfort Collection – 3 Star Hotels
Great value / pools / family friendly - Premium Collection – 4 Star Hotels
Enhanced views / upgraded amenities - Luxury Collection – 4+ & 5 Star Hotels
Top-tier boutique family stays
Final hotel selections are personalized based on your family’s travel style, dates, and availability.
Trip Designed by Travel Expert Christa Jimenez
Pre-Departure Information. To visit our country there are some requirements See details
Itinerary
DAY 1:
Welcome to Costa Rica
- Arrival at San José International Airport (SJO)
- Private Transfer In - Meet and Greet
- Overnight at San Jose Hotel
- Meals included - On own
DAY 2:
Head to the Beach: Manuel Antonio
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Overnight Manuel Antonio Hotel
DAY 3:
Manuel Antonio National Park Adventure
- Included Private guided Manuel Antonio National Park tour
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Overnight Manuel Antonio Hotel
DAY 4:
Family Choice Day
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Activity of your choice
- Overnight Manuel Antonio Hotel
DAY 5:
Journey to La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to La Fortuna ( Included Lunch stop near San Ramon)
- Afternoon Free
- Overnight La Fortuna Hotel
DAY 6:
Arenal Highlights
- Overnight La Fortuna Hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Hanging Bridges experience
- Waterfall visit + swim time
- Local lunch
DAY 7:
Adventure Day
- Overnight La Fortuna Hotel
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Activity of your choice
DAY 8:
Day at Leisure
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Private transfer back to San José Airport for departure
DAY 1:
Welcome to Costa Rica
Once you land in San José, your Costa Rica family adventure begins right away. Your private driver will be waiting at arrivals just look for the sign with your last name. From there, it’s a smooth, easy transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Settle in, grab a bite to eat, and soak up your first glimpse of Costa Rica. Tonight is yours to relax before the adventure begins.
DAY 2:
Head to the Beach: Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a relaxed morning before heading toward Costa Rica’s beautiful Central Pacific coast. Along the way, you’ll stop to spot Costa Rica’s famous crocodiles before continuing south toward Manuel Antonio. Arrive mid-afternoon with time to settle in, enjoy the pool, or head to the beach for sunset.
Overnight Manuel Antonio Hotel
Meals included – Breakfast and Lunc
DAY 3:
Manuel Antonio National Park Adventure
Today you’ll explore Manuel Antonio National Park with your private naturalist guide. Walk easy rainforest trails while spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and tropical wildlife before spending the afternoon enjoying the park’s beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and beach time for families.
Included:
- Private guided Manuel Antonio National Park tour
- Entrance fees
Overnight Manuel Antonio Hotel
Meals included – Breakfast and Lunc
DAY 4:
Family Choice Day
Choose the experience that best fits your family:
- Kids Saving the Rainforest, wildlife encounter experience
- Rainmaker Park hanging bridges and waterfalls
- Beginner surf lessons for kids + adults
Overnight Manuel Antonio Hotel
Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5:
Journey to La Fortuna / Arenal Volcano
Today you’ll head inland toward La Fortuna, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Enjoy scenic countryside views and a relaxed local lunch along the way at one of Christas favorite spots before arriving at your family-friendly hotel with time to enjoy the pool or hot springs.
Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight La Fortuna Hotel
DAY 6:
Arenal Highlights
Spend the day exploring some of Arenal’s most beautiful rainforest scenery. Walk through the jungle canopy on the famous hanging bridges before cooling off at a nearby waterfall with natural swimming pools. After a local lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your hotel or hot springs.
Included:
- Hanging Bridges experience
- Waterfall visit + swim time
- Local lunch
Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight La Fortuna Hotel
DAY 7:
Adventure Day
Today is all about choosing your family’s style of adventure.
Options may include:
- White water rafting
- Zip lining
- Wildlife safari float
- Río Celeste rainforest hike
No matter which experience you choose, this tends to be one of the trip highlights for families.
Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight La Fortuna Hotel
DAY 8:
Day at Leisure
Today you have a free day to relax by the pool or add on another amazing family adventure.
Meals included – Breakfast
Overnight La Fortuna Hotel
DAY 9:
Departure Day
- Meals included – Breakfast
- Private transfer back to San José Airport for departure.(Alternate Liberia departure possible upon request)
Manuel Antonio National Park Family Tour
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on a family-friendly hike filled with monkeys, sloths, and colorful wildlife. With an expert naturalist guide and spotting scope, you’ll enjoy easy trails, stunning scenery, and unforgettable animal encounters.
View more- Transportation to/from Manuel Antonio area
- Bilingual certified guide
- Snacks
- Water
- Entrances Fee
- Come dressed ready for an easy hike
- Bathing Suit & Towel
- Please bring a hat or visor
- Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Walking shoes
Manuel Antonio National Park Family Tour
What’s included
What to bring
Hanging Bridges Family Tour
Arenal Hanging Bridges offer an amazing view of the rainforest. This easy, guided hike is wonderful for nature lovers of all ages.
View moreHanging Bridges Family Tour
What’s included
- Transportation
- Bilingual guide
- Entrance fees
- Water
What to bring
- Camera
- Long pants
- Binoculars
- Bug repellent
- Hiking or tennis shoes
Included Services
- 8 nights family accommodations
- Private airport transfers
- Private transfers between destinations
- Daily breakfast, Lunches (3)
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour
- Mistico Hanging Bridges tour and La Fortuna Waterfall
- One customizable adventure day - Choice of Tour
- Onsite Hot Springs at your Arenal Hotel
- Costa Rica for Kids planning support and In-country assistance during travel
Trip Highlights
- Christa Approved Family Journey
- Family-tested. Mom-approved.
- Itinerary for families who want to keep things simple
- Stress-free planning tailored for families
- Volcano, rainforest, hot springs, and beach
Wow! Look at
these pictures
