Family Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rainforest, and Animals with Kids
Family adventure in Costa Rica with accessible volcanoes, animal reserves, calm beaches, and safe canopy for ages 5 to 80.
Description
A 7-day route designed for families with members of all ages who want to experience tropical nature without physical demands. It begins in San José with an adaptation day and a visit to INBioparque, where children can touch frogs and butterflies. Then it goes up to Arenal with volcanic hot springs perfect for grandparents and children, followed by immersion in the Monteverde rainforest with a canopy tour adapted to ages and hanging bridges. It ends in Manuel Antonio with calm-water beaches where white-faced monkeys come close to the shore and the national park has accessible paved trails. Every activity is suitable for a 5-year-old child and an 80-year-old grandparent: no exhausting trekking, no extreme altitude, no significant physical risk.
Health & safety
- Tap water is drinkable throughout Costa Rica: the only country in the region
- Sunscreen is mandatory in the tropics even on cloudy days
- Dengue on the Pacific coast: pediatric repellent necessary
- Snakes in Monteverde are shy: the guide points them out with confidence
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in San José and INBioparque
San José
Arrival in San José and INBioparque
Adaptation to the tropics with interactive activities
INBioparque with touch stations for children
nature3hTypical Costa Rican dinner at a local soda
food1.5hArenal Volcano and hot springs
Arenal
Arenal Volcano and hot springs
Accessible volcano and volcanic pools for all ages
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges
nature2.5hEcoTermales Hot Springs
rest3hSafari float on the Peñas Blancas River and chocolate workshop
Arenal
Safari float on the Peñas Blancas River and chocolate workshop
Calm float with animals and chocolate workshop
Safari float on the Peñas Blancas River
nature2.5hFarm-to-bar chocolate workshop at Don Olivo
food2hTransfer to Monteverde and Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde
Transfer to Monteverde and Cloud Forest Reserve
Cloud forest and hanging bridges
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
nature3hMonteverde frog workshop
nature1.5hSky Trek Canopy and Insect Gallery
Monteverde
Sky Trek Canopy and Insect Gallery
Family ziplining and cloud forest insects
Sky Trek canopy tour with a kids' line
sport2.5hMonteverde Insect Museum
culture1.5hTransfer to Manuel Antonio and National Park
Manuel Antonio
Transfer to Manuel Antonio and National Park
Beach and rainforest where monkeys come close
Manuel Antonio National Park
nature3.5hBeach inside the national park
rest2hBeach and Departure
Manuel Antonio
Beach and Departure
Beach morning and transfer to the airport
Free morning at Espadilla Beach
rest3hTransfer to San José for departure flight
rest3hNew destinations and itineraries, by email
Subscribe to receive newly published destinations and itineraries, plus seasonal travel ideas. One email, only when there is news.