Exploring the outdoors will be at the top of your list when you choose a family vacation in Costa Rica. There is so much to see and do in the great outdoors in this destination. Imagine seeing the extraordinary wildlife and capturing it all in photographs. Then relaxing on the sandy beaches. Or keeping the adventures going with a hike to a volcano or through a rainforest. Opportunities abound to make memories with the people you cherish the most, as you experience the beauty of Costa Rica. Today, I am sharing a sample itinerary for a family vacation in Costa Rica. I can easily personalize an itinerary for your family, so you can experience this destination in your own way. Or you may want to consider one of the other once in a lifetime vacation destinations! 

10 Days Experiencing the Beauty of Costa Rica with Your Family 

Day One: San Jose to Arenal 

Upon arriving at the airport in San Jose, you will go through customs, pick up your luggage, and meet your private driver. Your driver will take you to your hotel in Arenal to check in.  

This drive will take approximately three hours. So, if you were not able to nap on the plane, this is an excellent chance to get a little sleep.  

After check-in, you will have ample time to explore the grounds of the hotel. This is a wonderful time to utilize the amenities that are included with your stay.  

Day Two: Arenal 

You will probably be up early on day two of your family vacation in Costa Rica. Every family member will be excited about heading out to see a local wildlife center.  

Your morning will be spent at the wildlife center, as you see the native wildlife undergoing rehabilitation. You will receive a tour of the facility too.  

Afterwards, you can choose to take a cooking class with a Chachagua woman. She will teach you how to make homemade tortillas, as you sip on a delicious tropical drink. Don’t worry, you get to taste your tortillas during lunch.  

Day Three: Arenal 

It will be another beautiful day outside on day three of your Costa Rica vacation. Only today’s adventures will take you into the jungle. Your journey will begin at the hanging bridges. Walking along these bridges will allow your family to see the different levels of the rainforest.  

Then it will be time to take a guided walk through what’s called the sloth territory. This is an excellent chance to learn why these animals move so slowly. While it is not guaranteed you will see a sloth, the guides are pros at finding them. So, chances are usually high during this time in the great outdoors.  

Day Four: Arenal to Monteverde 

Today brings a day of riding in a car, as you are driven from Arenal to Monteverde. During this adventure, you will stop at Lake Arenal to check out the Arenal Volcano. Your stop will include a motorboat ride across the lake. This will ensure you have the best views.  

After your boat ride, you will get back in the car for the remainder of the journey.  

Day Five: Monteverde 

Today’s fun will take your family to the Monteverde Cloudforest! Between the Skytram and suspended bridges, your family will be in for a treat. And magnificent views!  

You will begin by taking the Skytram up over the Cloudforest. Then a walk along the suspended bridges will allow you to see nature up close.  

Day Six: Monteverde 

At this point in your trip, everyone may be tired and need a slight break. This is why you get to enjoy a leisurely day doing whatever you want. This is an excellent day to relax at the hotel. Or head out on your own to do a little shopping if you wish.  

Day Seven: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio 

After a day of rest, your family should be more than ready to tackle the drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. This is a five-hour drive. So, if you didn’t sleep enough the day before, you all have time for a nap.  

Once you arrive in Manuel Antonio, you can check into your hotel before having the rest of the day to yourselves. Take this time to go through pictures you have taken already and relive some of the memories you are all making together.  

Day Eight: Manuel Antonio 

It’s going to be all about the monkeys on day eight of your vacation to see the beauty of Costa Rica. Your guide will take you to Manuel Antonio National Park. You will tour the mangroves, rainforest, and woodlands. Of course, the highlight will be the monkeys that live amongst the trees.  

After your tour, you can choose to head back to your hotel or relax on the beach inside the park.  

Day Nine: Manuel Antonio 

A visit to the Butterfly Garden at one of the hotels is only one of your options for this next to last day seeing the beauty of Costa Rica. If you decide to skip the butterflies, you can head to the beach or the pool for the day.  

Day Ten: Manuel Antonio to San Jose 

Today will be the day you say goodbye to Costa Rica and head home. Your family will have had ten fun-filled days exploring the beauty of Costa Rica. You will leave your hotel early to make the drive back to San Jose. And then it will be time to board your plane back to reality. Thankfully, you will have the memories you all made during this trip to relive numerous times in the future.  

This itinerary is only a sample of what is possible when you choose to take a family vacation in Costa Rica. There are so many other things you can see and do in this beautiful country. All you need to do is let me know what your family is interested in, and I will make sure to personalize your vacation itinerary accordingly.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Costa Rica or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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