Costa Rica Family Travel Itinerary: The Ultimate 2-Week Adventure
Trip Overview
- Duration: 14 Days
- Best Travel Season: Dry Season (December – April) – Sunny weather, ideal for exploring beaches and rainforests
- Ideal For: Families who love nature, adventure, and wildlife spotting
- Family-Friendliness: Excellent – Kid-friendly activities, safe destinations, and a welcoming culture
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: San José & La Fortuna
- Stay: La Fortuna – Arenal Observatory Lodge or mid-range hotel options
- Getting There: Fly into San José and drive 3 hours to La Fortuna
✅ Activities & Highlights
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens – A great introduction to Costa Rica’s wildlife
- Arenal Volcano National Park – Easy hiking trails with stunning volcano views
- Mistico Hanging Bridges – A fun jungle walk with suspended bridges
- Tabacón Hot Springs – Relax in natural thermal pools
Family Tip: Hot springs can get busy—visit in the morning or evening for a quieter experience.
Days 4-7: Monteverde
- Stay: Monteverde – Senda Monteverde Hotel or budget-friendly eco-lodges
- Getting There: A scenic 3-hour drive from La Fortuna
✅ Activities & Highlights
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds
- Selvatura Adventure Park – Zip-lining and hanging bridges
- Night Wildlife Tour – Discover nocturnal animals in the jungle
Family Tip: The weather here is cooler and misty—pack warm layers!
Days 8-11: Manuel Antonio
- Stay: Manuel Antonio – Hotel Costa Verde or beachfront villas
- Getting There: A 3.5-hour drive from Monteverde
✅ Activities & Highlights
- Manuel Antonio National Park – Family-friendly hiking with abundant wildlife
- Playa Biesanz – A calm, scenic beach ideal for kids
- Catamaran Tour – Snorkeling, dolphin watching, and ocean views
Family Tip: The national park limits daily visitors—arrive early to secure entry.
Days 12-14: Uvita & Dominical
- Stay: Uvita – Oxygen Jungle Villas or eco-lodges
- Getting There: A 1.5-hour drive from Manuel Antonio
✅ Activities & Highlights
- Marino Ballena National Park – Visit the famous Whale’s Tail beach
- Nauyaca Waterfalls – Hike or take a horseback ride to this stunning waterfall
- Surfing in Dominical – Great for beginners and experienced surfers
Family Tip: Dominical has stronger waves—head to Uvita for a gentler beach experience with kids.
Accommodation & Transport Tips
- Best Family Hotels & Airbnbs: Choose eco-lodges for immersive nature stays
- Getting Around: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Costa Rica’s remote spots
- Budget-Friendly Tip: Cook meals at rental accommodations to save on food costs
Estimated Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: $50–$200 per night (varies by location and season)
- Food: $5–$20 per meal (local sodas offer budget-friendly options)
- Transport: Car rental $40+ per day, fuel around $1.50 per liter
- Activities: $10–$80 per excursion (national park fees, tours, and adventure activities)
How to Pack for a Costa Rica Family Trip
- Light clothing for tropical heat
- Waterproof gear & rain jackets – Even in dry season, rain showers are possible
- Hiking shoes & water shoes – Essential for nature trails and waterfalls
- Swimwear & reef-safe sunscreen – Many beaches are part of protected marine parks
- Bug spray – Mosquitoes are common in jungle areas
📌 Read our Costa Rica Packing Guide for a detailed checklist!
Final Thoughts
This 2-week Costa Rica itinerary is perfect for families looking to blend adventure and relaxation. Whether spotting wildlife in the jungle, zip-lining through the cloud forest, or relaxing on the beach, this trip is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Would you add any stops to this itinerary? Let us know your must-visit places in Costa Rica!
