Costa Rica Family Expedition: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Beaches

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, your family will be warmly greeted by a private guide and chauffeur, who will accompany you throughout your Costa Rican adventure. You’ll be driven in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle to Hotel Grano de Oro, a boutique hotel located in the capital. This charming property blends Victorian architecture with lush tropical gardens, providing a serene oasis after your travels.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Grano de Oro Restaurant, where the chef combines Costa Rican ingredients with European techniques to create a gourmet dining experience. The children can explore the beautiful garden while adults relax and unwind. Your guide will give you a briefing on the exciting adventures ahead, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey. Overnight Grano de Oro.

After breakfast, your family will depart for La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a lush nature reserve about an hour’s drive from San José. The gardens are home to five majestic waterfalls, a wildlife rescue center, and an array of fascinating creatures, from butterflies and hummingbirds to jaguars and monkeys. With your guide, you’ll stroll through the butterfly observatory and aviary, interact with the animals, and marvel at the cascading waterfalls. This immersive experience offers a fantastic introduction to Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.

After exploring La Paz, your journey continues to La Fortuna, a scenic two-hour drive through rolling hills and lush rainforests with spectacular views of the towering Arenal Volcano. Your guide will share stories about the volcanic region’s history and point out wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, check in at Nayara Gardens, a luxurious boutique hotel nestled in the rainforest, offering private casitas with sweeping views of the volcano. The children will love the spacious accommodations, while parents can unwind in the hotel’s thermal hot springs or book a spa treatment.

The evening is free for you to enjoy the hotel’s amenities, whether soaking in the natural hot springs or dining at Amor Loco, Nayara Gardens’ signature restaurant, where fresh, local ingredients are transformed into culinary delights. Relax and recharge as you prepare for the adventures that await. Overnight at Nayara Gardens.

Your day begins with a visit to one of the region’s most iconic natural wonders, the La Fortuna Waterfall. After a short drive from the hotel, you’ll descend a scenic path through lush rainforest to reach the base of the waterfall, where the powerful cascade plunges 75 meters (246 feet) into a crystal-clear pool below. The children will love exploring the rocky surroundings and dipping their feet in the cool water while your guide shares fascinating information about the area’s geological formations and local wildlife. The beauty and tranquility of the waterfall create the perfect setting for family photos and memories.

Following your waterfall adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in La Fortuna, where the rich flavors of Costa Rican cuisine, such as freshly caught fish or casados, will refuel your energy for the afternoon ahead.

In the afternoon, your family will explore the Arenal 1968 Volcano Park, named after the year of the volcano’s famous eruption. The park offers several trails that wind through old lava fields and secondary rainforest, providing stunning views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding landscapes. As you walk with your naturalist guide, you’ll learn about the history of the volcano, its impact on the region, and the fascinating process of regeneration that followed. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as coatis, toucans, and howler monkeys along the way. The kids will enjoy hearing the stories of past volcanic activity while admiring the unique landscapes formed by ancient lava flows.

Return to Nayara Gardens in the evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. Dinner can be enjoyed at the hotel’s restaurant, where the jungle setting, and peaceful ambiance offer a perfect end to the day. 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 the 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. In the afternoon, take a more relaxed approach as you explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with your guide. This famous reserve is home to a wide array of unique flora and fauna, and your naturalist guide will help your family spot creatures such as howler monkeys, resplendent quetzals, and hummingbirds as you walk through the misty trails.

After a full day of adventure, return to Monteverde Lodge & Gardens for a quiet evening. Enjoy a family dinner at the lodge and relax in the tranquil surroundings. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge and Gardens.

After a relaxed breakfast at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, your family will embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to the stunning coastal region of Manuel Antonio. As you descend from the cloud forest into the warmer tropical lowlands, your guide will share fascinating insights about the changing ecosystems and point out notable sights along the way, such as plantations, rolling hills, and charming rural towns.

Upon arriving at Arenas del Mar Beachfront Resort, a luxurious eco-friendly hotel nestled between the rainforest and the beach, your family will be welcomed to your spacious oceanview accommodations. This award-winning resort offers direct access to a private beach, and the children will love exploring the sands and shallow waters while adults enjoy the peaceful, relaxing ambiance of the resort.

After a leisurely afternoon to unwind and explore the resort’s facilities, get ready for an unforgettable evening on a sunset catamaran tour. Depart from the nearby marina in the late afternoon aboard a luxurious catamaran that sails along the stunning Pacific coastline. Your family will be treated to views of hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and the lush tropical coastline of Manuel Antonio. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and even humpback whales (if in season) swimming alongside the boat.

As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple creating a magical backdrop for your journey. You’ll enjoy a light dinner on board, featuring fresh, local ingredients and tropical drinks. The children will delight in the chance to spot marine life and feel the ocean breeze as the catamaran sails back to shore under the stars.

After disembarking, return to Arenas del Mar, where you can reflect on the day’s adventures while relaxing to the sounds of the ocean just steps away from your room. Overnight at Arenas del Mar.

Begin the day with an exciting visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most famous and biodiverse protected areas. Your naturalist guide will lead you along the park’s well-maintained trails, helping you and your children spot the incredible wildlife that calls this tropical paradise home. Monkeys swing through the trees, sloths lounge lazily on branches, and colorful birds such as toucans and parrots can often be seen darting through the canopy. The guide will share fascinating insights into the ecology of the area and help you understand the importance of conservation in preserving this unique ecosystem.

After exploring the trails, take a break at one of the park’s pristine white-sand beaches. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing while the kids play in the shallow waters. Manuel Antonio’s natural beauty is unrivaled, and its combination of jungle and beach provides the perfect setting for a family adventure.

After a morning of wildlife spotting and beach time, return to Arenas del Mar Beachfront Resort for a relaxing lunch. The resort’s eco-luxury setting, surrounded by rainforest and beachfront views, offers a peaceful retreat where you can recharge.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the amenities of the resort or explore more of the surrounding area. You may choose to stroll along the private beach, swim in the pool, or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment while the kids enjoy the natural surroundings. For families looking for more adventure, optional activities such as surf lessons, nature walks, or kayaking are available upon request.

As the evening approaches, enjoy a final dinner at El Mirador, Arenas del Mar’s oceanfront restaurant, where you can savor fresh, locally sourced cuisine while watching the sunset over the Pacific. This leisurely day offers the perfect blend of wildlife exploration and serene relaxation for your family’s final full day in Costa Rica. Overnight at Arenas del Mar.

After a final breakfast at Arenas del Mar Beachfront Resort, it’s time to bid farewell to the stunning beaches and lush rainforests of Costa Rica. Your private guide and driver will meet you at the hotel for your transfer back to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, a 3-hour drive through scenic coastal and mountain landscapes.

As you travel, reflect on the incredible experiences your family has enjoyed over the past week—from exploring volcanic landscapes and cloud forests to spotting wildlife and relaxing on pristine beaches. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will assist with check-in and ensure you’re all set for your journey back home, leaving you with cherished memories of your Costa Rican adventure. Safe travels!