Costa Rica Family Vacation

After a hearty breakfast, we'll meet our river guide and take a short drive to the Balsa River, where a fun whitewater rafting adventure awaits! This thrilling experience is perfect for all ages, combining excitement and gentle rapids on a beautiful tropical river.

After our time on the river, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch before heading out on an afternoon hike to the stunning Fortuna River waterfall. Located within Arenal Volcano National Park, this waterfall cascades through a lush, 210-acre biological reserve filled with tropical forest. Formed by ancient lava from Cerro Chato volcano, the 70-meter-high waterfall offers a perfect spot for families to cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear natural pools.

We’ll return to the lodge with plenty of time to relax in the soothing hot springs before gathering for dinner.
Accommodation: Volcano Lodge & Springs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 216 feet (65 meters) ascent, 216 feet (65 meters) descent

Kick off the day with an optional early morning bird walk through the surrounding forest, where you and the kids might spot colorful tanagers, parrots, toucans, honeycreepers, and Oropendolas. After breakfast back at the hotel, we’ll take a short drive to the Arenal Conservation Area for our next adventure – horseback riding! We'll saddle up and ride through the scenic hills of Arenal Volcano, passing cattle fields and lush forests. Along the way, we’ll visit a lagoon crater and take in stunning views of Arenal Volcano, the surrounding forests, and Arenal Lake. Afterward, we’ll stop for a tasty lunch at a local restaurant.

The fun continues with an exciting zip-lining adventure through the Arenal Conservation Area. The whole family will love flying high through the treetops, soaring over canyons, mountains, and rainforests on ten different cables. Plus, we’ll make a stop at the thrilling Tarzan Swing for an extra dose of excitement!

After a day full of adventure, we’ll head back to the lodge to unwind and enjoy the hot springs before dinner together.
Accommodation: Volcano Lodge & Springs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get ready for a fun-filled morning as we explore the Danaus Nature Reserve on a guided nature hike the whole family will enjoy! The reserve is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and colorful birds. As we stroll through the lush trails, we’ll take in the sweet scents of orchids and ferns while keeping an eye out for sloths, iguanas, basilisks, bats, frogs, and beautiful butterflies.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Hermosa Beach on the Pacific Coast, stopping for lunch along the way. Afterward, we’ll check into Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel, our home for the next two nights, nestled between tropical forests and ocean waves. For dinner tonight, you’re free to choose your own adventure – ask your guide for some great family-friendly restaurant recommendations!
Accommodation: Fuego del Sol, Playa Hermosa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 2 hours

This morning, we’ll set off on a fun hike through a private reserve, following a river trail that leads us to waterfalls and plenty of spots for the whole family to take a refreshing swim! The trail is full of wildlife, and our adventure takes us to the top of El Encanto Waterfall, which cascades 180 feet (55 meters) down into the rainforest canyon below.

Next up is an exciting zip line tour where we’ll soar above the rainforest canopies, rivers, and valleys. With over 1.2 miles (2,000 meters) of zip line and eight platforms, we’ll enjoy amazing views of the mountains and ocean that the kids will love!

After a hearty lunch, it’s time for more fun on the coast as we hop into Outrigger Canoes at Playa Agujas. These canoes are faster and easier to paddle than kayaks, and we’ll glide past stunning cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans. Back on the beach, you can choose to snorkel in the calm waters or relax and keep an eye out for monkeys and birds.

After a day full of excitement, we’ll return to the hotel just in time to enjoy a sunset dinner together.
Accommodation: Fuego del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 2 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a two-hour drive to the San Jose airport, where you’ll either catch your flight home or continue your exciting Costa Rica adventure!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast