Costa Rica Family Adventure: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Beaches

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, your family will be warmly greeted by your expert naturalist guide and private chauffeur, who will accompany you throughout your Costa Rican adventure. You’ll be transferred in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel, a beautiful colonial-style property surrounded by lush coffee plantations. The hotel offers ample space for relaxation, a refreshing pool, and excellent dining options. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on your upcoming adventure, offering insights into Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Enjoy a relaxed evening and a delicious dinner at the hotel, preparing for the exciting days ahead. Overnight at Costa Rica Marriott.

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Arenal, a region renowned for its imposing volcano, lush rainforests, and adventure-filled activities. Along the way, your guide will unveil hidden gems, pointing out wildlife, sharing fascinating stories about the country’s natural history, and revealing secret trails that make Costa Rica extraordinary. Upon arrival at Nayara Gardens, check into your luxurious casita, surrounded by vibrant rainforest and featuring stunning volcano views. In the afternoon, enjoy an immersive Pura Vida Cooking Class, where your family will learn to prepare authentic Costa Rican dishes using fresh local ingredients. Kids and adults alike will love this hands-on experience, guided by expert chefs who will introduce you to the country’s rich culinary traditions. The rest of the day is flexible, and your guide will help you choose between options like relaxing in the thermal hot springs, exploring local trails, or spotting exotic wildlife in the surrounding jungle. Overnight at Nayara Gardens.

Your expert naturalist guide will tailor today’s experiences based on your family’s preferences and energy levels. Optional activities, among others:

• Arenal Volcano National Park: Hike through old lava fields and learn about the region’s volcanic history.
• La Fortuna Waterfall: Descend a scenic trail to a stunning 75-meter cascade where you can swim in crystal-clear waters.
• Hanging Bridges Walk: Experience the rainforest from above, spotting monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.
• Kayaking or Biking: Enjoy an active adventure on Lake Arenal or explore the lush countryside on two wheels.

Throughout the day, your guide’s expertise will elevate each experience, ensuring that you not only see but truly understand the natural wonders around you. Enjoy a relaxing evening at Nayara Gardens, soaking in the hot springs or savoring a gourmet meal. Overnight at Nayara Gardens.

After breakfast, your family will depart the Arenal region and embark on a scenic journey to Monteverde, renowned for its cloud forests and rich biodiversity. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, following the winding roads around Lake Arenal before ascending into the misty mountains. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the local culture, point out interesting wildlife, and explain the unique ecosystems that make this area so special. As you climb higher into the mountains, the landscape changes from tropical lowlands to the cooler, lush greenery of the cloud forest. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, a luxurious eco-lodge nestled in the cloud forest. The lodge offers comfortable and spacious family rooms, along with tranquil gardens and a heated pool for your family to enjoy. After some relaxation, your evening will be dedicated to an exclusive experience in the Bosque Eterno de los Niños (Children’s Eternal Forest), the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. This evening tour offers a chance to experience the cloud forest at night, when many of the forest’s creatures become more active. Your expert guide will lead you on a quiet walk through the misty forest, helping you spot nocturnal animals such as frogs, armadillos, tarantulas, and possibly elusive olingo. The Children’s Eternal Forest is known for its incredible biodiversity, and this unique nighttime adventure allows your family to witness the forest’s magical transformation as the sun sets. This tour provides not only a thrilling wildlife experience but also a deeper understanding of the conservation efforts behind this special reserve, which was created through donations from children all around the world. After your night walk, return to Monteverde Lodge & Gardens for a late dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, El Jardín, where you can relax and reflect on the enchanting evening adventure. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge and Gardens.

Start the day with an adrenaline-pumping zipline adventure at Sky Adventures Monteverde. Your family will soar through the cloud forest canopy, taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The children will love the excitement of flying through the treetops, and the experience is a true highlight for thrill-seekers of all ages. After your morning ziplining adventure, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the nearby town of Santa Elena. The afternoon offers a variety of options based on your interests:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Hike through one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
• The Bat Jungle or Frog Pond: Fascinating experiences perfect for young explorers.
• Coffee & Chocolate Tour: Learn about Costa Rica’s most famous crops in an interactive, family-friendly setting.

Your naturalist guide will help tailor the day to your family’s curiosity, ensuring a rich and immersive experience. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens.

Bid farewell to the misty cloud forest as you make your way toward Costa Rica’s breathtaking Pacific Coast. Along the scenic drive to Manuel Antonio, your guide will point out fascinating highlights—from crocodile-inhabited rivers to charming local villages brimming with culture. Upon arrival, check in at Arenas del Mar, an eco-luxury beachfront resort offering direct access to a pristine private beach. Spend your afternoon unwinding by the ocean, exploring the surrounding rainforest trails, or immersing yourself in Manuel Antonio’s vibrant culinary scene. This upscale beach town exudes an enchanting, almost storybook-like ambiance, where tales of tropical escapes come to life. Food and drink play a central role in the local culture, with a diverse gastronomic scene that ranges from traditional Costa Rican staples like gallo pinto, plantains, and fresh seafood to world-class fusion cuisine. As the sun begins to set, indulge in a gourmet seaside dinner with panoramic ocean views, capping off a day of relaxation and indulgence. Overnight at Arenas del Mar.

Today’s included adventure is a kayaking tour through Isla Damas Mangroves, a unique ecosystem teeming with monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. Paddle through the serene waterways as your guide shares insights into the delicate balance of this coastal habitat. The rest of the day is yours to customize with a variety of options:

• Manuel Antonio National Park: Spot monkeys, iguanas, and sloths along scenic trails leading to pristine beaches.
• Kids Saving the Rainforest: Visit a wildlife rescue center where children can learn about conservation efforts.
• Surf Lessons: Enjoy a fun-filled session with expert instructors on Manuel Antonio’s famous waves.
• Horseback Riding: Explore hidden beaches and jungle trails on a guided horseback adventure.
• Leisure Time: Simply relax and soak up the sun at the resort’s private beach.

Your guide will ensure the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, making the most of your last full day in Costa Rica. Overnight at Arenas del Mar.

After a final breakfast overlooking the ocean, your guide will transfer you back to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, a 3-hour drive through scenic coastal and mountain landscapes. for your international flight home. Reflect on a week of unforgettable memories, from ziplining through the cloud forest to kayaking in mangroves and witnessing Costa Rica’s spectacular wildlife up close. Your expert naturalist guide has not only enriched your journey with knowledge and storytelling but also provided access to secret trails, hidden gems, and unique experiences beyond the ordinary. This personalized adventure has given your family a deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

Hasta pronto, Costa Rica!