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7 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean

Costa Rica: As Seen on Families Love Travel

A fabulous trip for the whole family, especially the little ones, who will have the opportunity to experience the tropical forest first-hand, watching playful monkeys jump from tree to tree, slow-moving sloths feeding, and hundreds of colorful birds. And for the adults; you will wake up with wonder... Read More

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VeronikaStefan

By Veronika and Stefan

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

San José

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Food & Drink

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Natural hot springs from the Arenal Volcano

2

Hanging bridges walk through the treetops and Río Fortuna Waterfall expedition

3

Conchal Beach: Enjoy of your relaxing dabys by the beach

4

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge: Perfect for the curious of the family

Itinerary

Family Room expand_more

Day 1

place Welcome to Costa Rica

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport, our representative will be waiting for you in the departures area to welcome you and take you to Poas, The luxurious mountain lodge is only 1 hour away from the International Airport and offers a calm and relaxing alternative to the city hostels. Located at the ground of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens National Park it is only 20 minutes away from the Volcano Poás. All rooms have their own Jacuzzi tub, a waterfall shower, and a stone fireplace. Besides, the lodge offers free Wi-Fi and the substantial breakfast buffet promises a good start to the day.

Accommodation:

  • Family Room: Peace Lodge
Day 2

place Arenal Volcano

It's time to explore the Arenal Volcano! Today you can use the morning to explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens is one of the most visited privately owned ecological attractions in Costa Rica featuring the best hiking near San José, the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, an animal sanctuary with over 100 species of animals, and an environmental education program. Five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, safe hiking trails, an aviary with numerous species of birds, toucan feeding demonstration time, insect exhibit, butterfly observatory, capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys, hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, hummingbird hand-feeding demonstration time in the mornings and afternoons, serpentarium (snake exhibit), jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, tica house with a petting zoo and ox cart, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid exhibit, heliconia exhibit. All of these offered in one place makes it one of the best eco park in Costa Rica. Then your private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to continue your expedition toward La Fortuna Usually known simply as La Fortuna, the village of La Fortuna de San Carlos is the entrance to the magnificent Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna de San Carlos is located in the province of Alajuela, this is a charming and quiet village that offers spectacular scenery of the Arenal, the most beautiful volcanoes in Costa Rica. The Springs Resort and Spa is a beautiful location, with an incredible view of the Arenal Volcano. Also, the natural hot springs of the hotel will be part of the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Family Room: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Day 3

place Hanging bridges and Río Fortuna Waterfall expedition

Today will be a day full of adventure! You will walk through the treetops and have a swim in the Río Fortuna waterfall. It's time to discover the wonderful secrets of the Rain Forest and get immersed in the density of its biodiversity, along the trails you will admire mammals such as sloths and birds such as Toucans. Get ready for the refreshing experience of the waterfall, you will visit La Fortuna Waterfall. After downward steps, you will reach the viewpoint and lagoon formed by this enormous flow of water. The lunch will be the perfect way to close this day full of experiences.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Family Room: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Day 4

place The North Pacific of Costa Rica

Beach family time! Considered to be one of the most exotic beaches on the Costa Rican Gold Coast, Playa Conchal is situated in the north of Guanacaste province on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Two kilometers from Playa Brasilito, this marvelous beach is also a stone’s throw away from the famous Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo. Together with Playa Brasilito, this beach is separated by a rocky headland known as Punta Conchal, which gets its name from the sand found here that is composed of hundreds of millions of tiny crushed shells. With some of the clearest waters on the Gold Coast, snorkeling is a must-indulge activity for anyone who knows how to swim. With a fantastic array of marine life on display, you can swim with the many tropical fish that dwell here, and even catch a glimpse of stingrays that swim in the area. For the more adventurous, deep seas fishing, scuba diving, and other water sports are offered as well. If you get tired of the beach, Playa Conchal is also close to a few national parks and nature reserves. Nearby is a small estuary as well. Surrounded by a number of cattle ranches, Playa Conchal also has quite a few areas where one can camp out and sleep under the stars. For the avid golfer, the ‘Garra de Leon Golf Course is just a few paces away from the beach. This championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is considered to be one of the best golf courses in Central America with its breathtaking scenic beauty on the Pacific coast. Bordered by a forest on one side, you can often catch sight of howler monkeys that live there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Family Room: The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Day 5

place Enjoy your free day by the beach

Conchal Beach is one of the most beautiful places in Guanacaste, this white sand beach is the best option for taking some time and do snorkeling in its pristine waters full of colorful fish. To close your vacation you will have relaxing days in the beach resort, you can decide to enjoy the hotel facilities, and the pool or take morning walks at the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Family Room: The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Day 6

place Keep enjoying...

Conchal Beach is one of the most beautiful places in Guanacaste, this white sand beach is the best option for taking some time and do snorkeling in its pristine waters full of colorful fish. To close your vacation you will have relaxing days in the beach resort, you can decide to enjoy the hotel facilities, and the pool or take morning walks at the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

Accommodation:

  • Family Room: The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Day 7

place Goodbye and Hasta Pronto

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the airport. We hope you've had an amazing time in Costa Rica and look forward to seeing you again soon! Hasta Pronto Familia! Note: This hotel is 5 hours away from SJO Juan Santamaria Airport, we recommend booking only this flight from LIR airport which is only 45 minutes away.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Peace Lodge
  • The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
  • The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (6)
  • Lunch (5)
  • Dinner (3)
  • Snacks (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Private transportation Juan Santamaria Airport to Peace Lodge
  • Private transportation from Peace Lodge to La Fortuna - The Springs Resort
  • Private transportation from La Fortuna to Conchal Beach
  • Private transportation form Conchal Beach to SJO Juan Santamaria or LIR Daniel Oduber Airport

Activities expand_less

  • La Paz Waterfall Garden Entrance
  • Hanging bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall expedition, includes: transportation, lunch and guide

Not Included expand_less

  • Optional tours are not included.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service, etc.)
  • Personal expenses, Gratuities.
  • National Park Entrance fees are not included in the itinerary.

About Veronika

TEAM LEAD

+1 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 4.83 (6 reviews)

Expertise: 

Cycling

Kayaking

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Yoga

Meditation

Wellness retreat

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Food & Drink

Travel with Purpose

Beach & Sea

I am originally from Austria but have been living for almost 20 years in Costa Rica. I have been creating memorable trips for many years, efficiency and experience describe my work style best! I love being part of the amazing travel industry!

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