Costa Rica Family Adventure
This family-friendly Costa Rica itinerary is the perfect mix of soft adventure, nature, and relaxation—designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s highlights in a fun and meaningful way. Begin in Arenal. Here, the whole family can enjoy the thrill of a whitewater rafting tour on the Balsa River, a safe and exciting activity with the perfect balance of adrenaline and fun for kids and adults. In the evening, unwind in Arenal’s famous hot springs surrounded by tropical gardens. Continue to the volcanic region of Rincón de la Vieja, where you'll visit the national park and witness bubbling mud pools, steam vents, and unique volcanic formations. The trails here offer incredible opportunities to see wildlife and learn about Costa Rica’s geothermal wonders. Your journey then takes you to the magical cloud forests of Monteverde, where you’ll walk among the treetops on a thrilling canopy (zipline) tour—a highlight for children and grown-ups alike. Monteverde is also ideal for spotting birds like the resplendent quetzal and enjoying night walks in search of nocturnal animals. Finally, head to the Central Pacific coast and unwind in Manuel Antonio, home to one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Discover white-sand beaches, walk easy trails through rainforest filled with monkeys and sloths, and enjoy the laid-back beach atmosphere that makes this place a favorite for families.
Summary
Places to Visit:
➣ Arenal
➣ Rincon de la Vieja
➣ Monteverde
➣ Manuel Antonio
Main attractions:
➣ Lots of wildlife (flora and fauna)
➣ White Water Rafting Tour
➣ Hanging bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest
➣ Arenal Volcano & hot springs
➣ Manuel Antonio National Park and beaches
Price: US $ 1,397 per adult person (price includes one child younger than 11 years old).
Could change depending on seasons.
This tour includes:
✓ Airport transfer - hotel and assistance
✓ 1 night at San Jose hotel
✓ 2 nights at Arenal hotel
✓ 2 nights at Rincón de la Vieja hotel
✓ 2 nights at Monteverde hotel
✓ 3 nights at Manuel Antonio hotel
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ 4x4 Rented car
✓ White Water Rafting Tour
✓ Canopy Tour in Monteverde
✓ Service and hotel taxes
✓ Price US $ 1,397 per adult person (price includes one child younger than 11 years old). Could change depending on seasons.
This tour DOESN'T includes:
➣Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
➣Optional Tours
➣Local and international calls
➣Personal medical expenses
➣Departure taxes (US$29 per person)
➣Air tickets from and to Costa Rica
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO COSTA RICA
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel in San José. Accommodation.
DAY 2: SAN JOSE – ARENAL
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Arenal. Accommodation.
DAY 3: WHITE WATER RAFTING TOUR CLASS II & III
This is one of the safest and most exciting adventures to enjoy with the whole family. Departing from La Fortuna, the experience begins with a scenic ride to the Balsa River, where your rafting journey begins. Once at the river, you'll be outfitted with all the necessary gear, including a life jacket, helmet, and paddle. Before getting on the water, professional guides will provide a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure everyone feels confident and ready to have fun. Our guides are bilingual, certified and with a minimum of 10 years of experience. After the talk we do a little practice and start the descent of the rapids with 2 hours to down a section of 10 kilometers with an average of 25 rapids, full of fun waves and big splashes. On the way, we stop to enjoy some seasonal fruit like pineapples, watermelons or mangos, and rest at a nice spot on the river side. During the tour you can see a diversity of wildlife, as well as wonderful scenes of dense vegetation and landscapes also the water temperature is perfect for swimming. At the end of the tour, we wait for you with the bus, water and towels, and then return to La Fortuna, where we offer a delicious traditional lunch and coffee, also you will be able to observe the funny photographs of yourself in the rapids.
DAY 4: ARENAL - RINCON DE LA VIEJA
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Rincon de la Vieja in the North Pacific. Accommodation.
DAY 5: RINCON DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK
Discover the natural wonders of Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a self-guided hike through one of Costa Rica’s most geologically active areas. Follow clearly marked trails that wind through tropical dry forest, leading you to steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and miniature geysers—evidence of the powerful volcano that dominates the region. Along the way, enjoy the chance to spot wildlife such as monkeys, coatis, and tropical birds. This flexible experience allows you to explore at your own pace, take in the sights, and connect with nature in a unique volcanic setting. Other optional activities: Horseback riding tour, visit to the hot springs and pailas, visit to the different waterfalls such as the Chorreras Waterfalls, Oropéndola Waterfall, La Victoria Waterfall, Río Negro Hot Springs, or adventure tours such as Canyoning, River Tubing, Rock Climbing and Rappelling Tours or a Relaxation Tour. Accommodation.
DAY 6: RINCON DE LA VIEJA – MONTEVERDE
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Monteverde. Accommodation.
DAY 7: CANOPY TOUR
Our unique zipline is built entirely within the cloud forest allowing intrepid visitors to soar through the forest canopy at exciting speeds. This state-of-the-art course of suspended high-weight-capacity cables zig-zag among the treetops with sweeping views of the forest and beyond providing thrill-seekers the ride of their lives. With specialized climbing gear, your flight through the forest is truly a breathtaking experience. It also provides a unique vantage point of the cloud forest that was once reserved for birds and scientists. It is now available for all ages with few restrictions including pregnancy and excessive weight. With 13 cables, including a 1 km cable, 15 platforms, and one Tarzan Swing, this means you will be soaring through the cloud forest canopy for a total of 2.2 miles of pure fun. This tour includes some special add-ons including the optional Tarzan Swing for some additional adrenaline. Accommodation.
DAY 8: MONTEVERDE - MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Manuel Antonio in the Central Pacific. Accommodation.
DAY 9 - 10: MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast at the hotel. Optional activities: Guided or self-guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, white-water rafting tour, sailing tour, boat ride to Damas Island, kayaking tour in the Damas Island estuary or the ocean, dolphin-watching tour, parasailing over the ocean, nighttime forest hike, canopy tour, or simply enjoy the beautiful beaches in the area, among other activities available in the region. (Please note that the National Park is closed on Tuesdays). Accommodation.
DAY 11: RETURN
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Juan Santamaria International Airport.
Much to explore
