SAN JOSE
CRC
$650–$1,800 USD
Tropical wet + dry seasons
Yes — Costa Rica is one of Central America’s top family picks. It offers safe adventure, wildlife-rich rainforests, accessible beaches, and family-friendly towns like La Fortuna and Tamarindo. Plus, it’s easy to travel around and has a strong tourism infrastructure.
The Pacific side is generally more developed and has calmer conditions for families. Spots like Nosara, Samara, and Manuel Antonio are favorites for laid-back beach time, wildlife sightings, and easy accommodation options.
The dry season (December–April) is ideal for families, with sunshine and easier transport. For fewer crowds and lower prices, consider shoulder months like May or November — just be prepared for light rain.
Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America. Tourist areas are well-policed and locals are welcoming. As always, follow standard travel safety: avoid flashy valuables, stick to reputable accommodations, and research transport routes in advance.
Yes — Costa Rica is one of the safest destinations in Central America. Violent crime is rare in tourist areas, and the country has a strong tourism infrastructure. Family-friendly towns like La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio are known for their welcoming, low-stress environments. Basic precautions (like not leaving bags unattended on beaches) go a long way.
Absolutely. Costa Rica balances adventure with comfort, making it ideal for family travel. From cloud forest hikes to calm Pacific beaches, here are the most popular areas for traveling families:
La Fortuna
Home to Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and easy-access jungle walks, La Fortuna is a kid-friendly hub with options from gentle zip lines to hanging bridges.
Monteverde
This cloud forest reserve offers canopy tours, wildlife night walks, and butterfly gardens. It’s cooler up here — a nice break from beach heat.
Manuel Antonio
A compact national park where sloths, monkeys, and raccoons are easy to spot. Pair this with nearby beaches for a great base.
Tamarindo
A beach town with beginner-friendly surf schools, calm water days, and family resorts. Great for older kids who want to learn to ride waves.
Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
Colorful, relaxed, and full of nature. Puerto Viejo mixes beach time with wildlife centers and Afro-Caribbean culture.
Dry season (December to April) is the best window for family travel, with sunny skies and easier road access. However, the green season (May to November) brings lush scenery and fewer crowds — just prepare for a daily afternoon rain shower.
Pro tip: July often has a short “mini dry season,” known locally as veranillo, which is great for mid-year breaks.
Costa Rica is more expensive than many of its neighbors, but there are ways to make it work:
Local sodas (eateries) serve $5–8 meals.
Family hostels and ecolodges often include breakfast and tours.
Public buses are cheap and reliable, especially on the Pacific side.
Avoid peak season prices by traveling in May, June, or late August.
Zip-lining in Monteverde or La Fortuna
Wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio
Volcano hikes and hot springs around Arenal
Chocolate or coffee farm tours
Sloth sanctuaries in the Caribbean
River tubing in Rincón de la Vieja
Night jungle walks to spot frogs, owls, and insects
Pack light, but smart:
Quick-dry clothes and layers
Waterproof shoes or sandals
Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen
Swimwear for hot springs and beaches
Ponchos or rain jackets
Binoculars and a basic first aid kit
Reusable water bottles (tap water is safe in most areas)
For those craving a little luxury (or just an easy base with kids), Costa Rica has family-oriented resorts near beaches, rainforests, and hot springs. Look for resorts with:
Kid-friendly pools
Nature tours or on-site wildlife viewing
Family suites or connecting rooms
Free breakfast (a huge win for busy mornings)
Popular areas include:
Arenal/La Fortuna: Thermal springs + adventure parks
Guanacaste: Calm beaches + all-inclusive resorts
Manuel Antonio: Wildlife + beach in one
Yes, many families rent a car to explore more freely. Roads are generally good between major destinations, but some areas (like Monteverde or Osa Peninsula) may require 4WD.
Safety tips:
Use GPS (Waze works well).
Drive only during daylight.
Watch for sudden rain or narrow bridges.
Buckle everyone up — car seats are required for kids under 12.
Hi, we’re TravelVentureFour a not-so-ordinary family of four getting ready to swap routines for backpacks and Netflix nights for jungle hikes. We’re Sean, Tania, Atticus (7), and Aurelia (5), and in August 2025, we’re heading off on a year(ish) of slow travel through South and Central America. No trust funds here, just big dreams, small backpacks, and a whole lot of figuring it out as we go. Join us as we prep, learn, laugh, and probably get lost… a lot.
© 2025 Travel Venture Four. Inspiring family adventures across South America.