Planning a Family Costa Rica Itinerary

This summer, PackThePJs is heading to Costa Rica for an 8-day self-guided adventure. And we can’t wait! I’m planning on sneaking a baby sloth home in my suitcase (joke – I think!), Millie-Mae wants to go ziplining, snorkelling and wants to see turtles, Huw wants to tour a coffee and/or cocoa farm, and Toby wants to walk over hanging bridges and relax in hot springs. That’s a lot of wishes – achievable, with a well-planned itinerary. But where to start? So, I asked the travel blogging community to suggest one single thing they’d recommend we must do. There’s been some amazing suggestions! Here they are …

Miss Canopy Tours, Nosara

There is no better way to experience the beauty of Costa Rica than from an adrenaline filled view from above its canopy!  Miss Sky Canopy Tours, located in Nosara, allows those adventurous spirits a chance to view Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific shorelines, vibrant rainforests, and the River Nosara, all while gliding effortlessly through the trees.

This tour consists of 21 separate zip lines, totaling over 11 kilometers, from a height over several hundred feet above the ground.

There are few sensations that rival the feeling of “launching” yourself from a platform and watching the earth disappear from below your feet, soaring unobstructed from a bird’s eye view while taking in the serene and untouched surroundings of Costa Rica.  Guides enable guests to have the most rewarding experience possible, from assisting with picture taking, to safety briefings, to instructing on how to successfully brake, steer, and even gain the most optimal speed possible for those true daredevils!

Kristen, Yonderlust Ramblings

Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste region

We loved every minute of our family trip to Costa Rica but our favourite place we visited was beautiful Playa Junquillal in the Guanacaste region. Junquillal is a small, unspoilt village lining a wild, pristine beach. The palm tree lined beach was perfect for beachcombing and its rock pools kept our kids engaged for hours. We regularly saw monkeys, lizards and iguanas in the lush flora around the village.

The highlight of our stay was volunteering at the locally run turtle sanctuary. Volunteers can arrive at sunset to help release newly hatched baby turtles onto the sand and then ‘guard’ them as they complete their painfully slow journey into the sea. Watching the tiny, endangered leatherback turtles enter the sea whilst enjoying a perfect Costa Rican sunset is a moment our family will never forget.

Sinead, Map Made Memories

Night Walk, Curi Cancha Reserve, Monteverde

If you want to see wildlife, be sure to add a nocturnal hike at the private Curi Cancha Reserve to your Costa Rica itinerary. Curi Cancha Reserve is said to be the best place to see wildlife in Monteverde. It’s always best to go wildlife watching with a guide as he/she has been trained to spot animals.

Our guide David was knowledgeable, fun and excellent in spotting wildlife. He also carried a huge telescope that allowed us to see small insects or illusive birds clearly. Thanks to him, we spotted a giant tarantula, a Lora viper, a rare orange-bellied trogon bird, and a stunning jewel beetle.

The night walk runs every day from 5.30 to 7.30pm for $20 per person.

Nellie, WildJunket Ltd

Cahuita National Park

The Cahuita National Park is a small national park located south to the small town of Cahuita. This is close to Puerto Viejo in the Limon province. It’s probably the biggest attraction in the Limon province and a must see attraction while traveling in Costa Rica. This is a coastal park (terrestrial and maritime) that features an incredible amount of wildlife and some amazing beaches.

The trails of the park are very well maintained and easy to follow. This makes your attempt to check the animals easier and more pleasant. While visiting the park it’s very probable that you’ll be able to see northern tamanduas, pacas, white-nosed coatis, raccoons, sloths, agoutis, mantled howlers and white-headed capuchins, besides the incredible variety of birds and insects.

The park is said to have some of the most beautiful coral reef in Costa Rica, and it’s possible to snorkel on it, but you have to be accompanied by an authorized tour guide.

Jorge, travel drafts

Thing to do in Costa Rica – Eat!

One of the best ways to experience a country is through the food – and Costa Rica is no exception. You’ll find the landscape influences the food intensely across Costa Rica – with most dishes containing rice, beans and corn. In the highlands you’ll find hearty soups, like Sopa Negra, to take the chill away, on the Caribbean coasts, there are coconut based broths, such as Rondon, loaded with the catch of the day.

Depending on where you travel you’ll find bean prepared in different ways – and I challenge you to find rice and beans that aren’t different each time! My favourite Costa Rican dish though has to be Chifrijo, a bowl of rice and beans loaded with double fried pork or chicharrones with lime juice and fried yucca. Oh, so good! Then for a little healthier meal, be sure to try the ceviche when you’re on either coast and especially in the area of Manuel Antonio, be sure to head for a Churchill – the stickiest, sweetest, ice cream sundae that Costa Rica has to offer!

Sarah, A Social Nomad

Hot Springs and Zip-lining, Rincon de la Vieja Park, Guanacaste

If you’re looking for an unforgettable day of spills, thrills and relaxation in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, located in the province of Guanacaste, you won’t be disappointed with the Mega Combo Tour at Buena Vista Lodge and Adventure Center. This full day experience includes horseback riding through dense forest, a jungle waterslide beneath towering trees,  zip-lining between 13 platforms slung high above the treetops of the forest canopy, an introduction to Costa Rican traditional cooking, a buffet lunch and best of all, a mud bath followed by a soak in steaming thermal thermal pools heated by ancient, still-active volcanoes.

Although the outdoor adventures are guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping, another memorable highlight of a day at this attraction is the opportunity to see howler and spider monkeys, toucans, giant iguanas and other wildlife while immersing yourself in the experiences.

Michele, A Taste for Travel 

Monteverde Coffee Tour

The Monteverde region is one of Costa Rica’s most popular eco-tourism destinations. Monteverde provides the perfect climate to produce cocoa beans. The heavy rainfall is crucial to the plant, but the volcanic ash in the soil gives riches in flavor. Costa Rican coffee beans are highly regarded all over the world. You can’t visit this area and miss out on this ultimate foodie experience!

During a coffee tour, you’ll learn how the cocoa beans are grown, harvested and turned into coffee and chocolate. Most tours also teach you about native sugar cane production and processing. You’ll get to sample flavors along the way, tasting the bitter shells of the cocoa beans and the smooth aroma of their finished product. You’ll also learn how these crops have shaped, and continue to influence, Costa Rican culture and history. Cocoa beans continue to be one of the country’s largest exports, driving local economy. Don Juan Tours is recommended.

Valentina, Valentina’s Destinations 

Surfing in Playa Avellanas/Playa Negra

The Guanacaste region is one of the most popular surf destinations in Costa Rica. The majority of surfers flocking to Tamarindo. But if you venture a little further south, you’ll be in surfer’s heaven without the crazy crowds!

Just 23km (14 miles) south of Tamarindo is Playa Negra and its neighbouring beach town, Playa Avellanas, provide some of the best waves in Costa Rica.

If you consider yourself pretty adept on the board, then Playa Negra will be right up your alley with its’ world famous right-hand barrel. Playa Avellanas has equally impressive swells and off-shore waves, but it also has surf spots suitable for complete beginners.

One of the best things about these lesser known surf destinations is that they are much quieter but still attract locals and visitors alike. They are the perfect places to sit back, relax and soak up the true Pura Vida lifestyle!

Oksana & Max, Drink Tea & Travel

Visit the Bri Bri Indigenous Village

Costa Rica can feel very Westernized, especially compared to other neighboring countries in Central America. But if you make an effort, you’ll see there’s much more to the country than waterfalls, surfing, and adventure sports (though those things are all incredible!)

One of our favorite things we did in Costa Rica was visiting an indigenous village not far from Puerto Viejo. The small town near the Caribbean Coast is home to the Bri Bri people. They still practice many of the same traditions as their ancestors.

As a day trip from Puerto Viejo, you start by meeting the village shaman. We were able to ask him questions through our guide, who can speak the local tongue, and he did a small blessing for us, which was quite incredible. After meeting the shaman, we went into the village where we were shown the local process for making chocolate, and we ate a traditional lunch using banana leaves as bowls.

We then went on a small jungle walk, where one of the town elders showed us all sorts of different plants and fruits and their uses. And we saw some of the women in the village carving beautiful designs in gourds that they sell around the country.

We feel that it’s important to support communities like this if we can while traveling. It is one way to ensure these traditions stay alive!

Katie & Ben, Two Wandering Soles

Visit Puerto Viejo

When visiting Costa Rica, you should not miss Puerto Viejo, in the Caribbean province of Limon. This small town is incredibly laid back and relaxing, and you can spend days chilling at the beach or, depending on the day, catching some waves. Not far from Puerto Viejo, national parks are great places to explore to admire the local wildlife – especially the sloths. In Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge you will be able to admire the local rainforest and the thick mangroves. The Jaguar Rescue Center is a place where you can see rehabilitated cats and a variety of other animals. You can also dive: at Cahuita National Park you can see the beautiful coral reef and there is also a ship wreck.

Puerto Viejo is packed with nice places to stay, good restaurants and lots of small shops and boutiques where you can buy souvenirs.

Claudia, My Adventures Across The World

Traditional Costa Rican Food, Puerto Viejo

Costa Rica is known for incredible eco adventure activities like ziplining, hiking, surfing and yoga. But there is also incredible traditional Costa Rican food to try, and better yet, learn how to make.

In Puerto Viejo you can take a cooking class right out of someone’s home to learn traditional dishes like rice and beans, tostones and the famous Caribbean chicken. I was able to visit Elena the first day I landed in this coastal town. Not only did I have a fantastic meal but she was able to share the best places in the city to eat and what dishes I should keep an eye out for.

In a country that has a lot of vegan, gluten-free cafes replacing traditional sodas, it’s wonderful to have an experience in someone’s home. As everyone knows, the best food is never in a restaurant but in the home.

Ayngelina, Bacon is Magic

Bungee Jumping, Monteverde

Monteverde is home to the highest bungee jump in Central America. Set high up in the Costa Rican rainforest, a tram ride is required to reach the bungee jumping platform at 143 metres.

This stunning view is great for taking your mind off the jump whilst the safety checks are being done.

Bungee jumps occur three times a day (8am, 11am 2pm) but the weather in the morning is supposed to be the most predictable, so we choose 8am.

The weather that morning wasn’t great but eventually we were blessed with the largest rainbow I’ve ever seen and I decided this was the right time to jump! I was petrified but absolutely loved it and the adrenaline kick lasted the entire day!

The price of the jump with Monteverde Extremo is $75 and videos can be purchased for an extra $20. Minimum age is 18 years old and you must weigh between 50kg-113kg. Spectators are allowed at a cost of $5.

Roshni, The Wanderlust Within

Rio Celeste, Tenorio National Park

Have you ever seen a river with water that naturally looks like someone spilled an entire bucket of windshield wiper fluid in it? Rio Celeste is one of those must visit spots in Costa Rica because it is just so unique.

When I first started to plan my visit to Rio Celeste I saw a review on TripAdvisor in which a woman wrote “I literally started crying when I saw it because it was just that beautiful.” I can’t say that I started crying when I saw the river and waterfall, but I was definitely impressed.

Rio Celeste is located in Tenorio National Park about 1.5 hours north of La Fortuna. You could definitely visit as a day trip from La Fortuna, but the surrounding cloud forest is a great place to spend a night or two as well. No matter where you stay, definitely make sure you visit this gem!

Sarah, Costa Rica Vibes

LGBTQ-friendly San Jose

Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most LGBTQ friendly destinations. While many LGBTQ travelers and tourists choose to stay in or around Manuel Antonio on the beach, the best gay nightlife actually takes place in San Jose — the capital city. There are a handful of gay bars and gay clubs in San Jose. The biggest and most famous is El Bocho (called Bochinche) by the locals. Located near Plaza Viquez, it’s a truly local gay club. It plays disco music, Latino pop, and occasional electronic music across multiple dance floors

Adam, Travels of Adam

Surfing in Uvita, Dominical or Jacó

For starters, both Pacific and Caribbean coasts in Costa Rica have its pros and cons. And very different vibes. I’ve recently visited the Pacific coast and found an incredible number of great spots for surfing. Some of them include Uvita (where the transformational Envision festival takes place at the end of February every year), Dominical (stunning, in the picture) and Jacó (the most crowded one as it is literally filled with hostels and bars). So, whether you are a pro or just want to try the sport for the first time, chances are that Costa Rica Pacific coast won’t let you down. Enjoy!

Irma, A World to Travel

Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the best things you can do is visiting a wildlife sanctuary while in Costa Rica. Your visit will support the animals, you can see creatures you may not be able to see otherwise, and the experience can be very educational.

But you have to be careful when selecting the sanctuary to visit. Sadly, not every place is a good one, and some may operate more like a tourist trap than a genuine rehabilitation center for wild animals.

But the Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center in Cahuita is one of the original ones. The founders have a long history working in wild animal rehabilitation, and the place has a great atmosphere, including a fascinating botanical garden.

It showed that they really care about the animals in their care and release them back to the wild when it’s possible. Go and pay them a visit!

Piritta, Bizarre Globe Hopper

Volcan Irazu National Park

If you are in San Jose, then you have to visit Volcan Irazu. It is located only an hour and a half away from the city, and it has sparkling blue turquoise waters located inside a crater. The volcano is a pretty popular destination, so I recommend arriving when they open to avoid the massive crowds (8 am).

One of my favorite parts of going to Volcan Irazu was the actual drive to the volcano. You get to experience the beautiful countryside of Costa Rica. You will spot lush green rolling hills, horses, and cows. I recommend stopping to take pictures every once in a while because the views are out of this world.

When you finally get to the park entrance, you have to pay in cash, which is around $15.  There are two main craters that you can see in the national park. They are the main crater and Diego de la Haya Crater.  Diego de la Haya is a dry crater, but I still recommend checking it out. The main crater is where the massive crowds are, because of the beautiful turquoise colored lake. Surrounded by dark ash, the colors of the lake is astounding and should not be missed!

Michelle, The Wandering Queen 

Jaguar Rescue Center in Playa Chiquita

From the very first time that we visited the Jaguar Rescue Center we knew we had found something special. Located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, the Center is a shining example of what an effort dedicated to the conservation of indigenous species should look like. They take in injured and orphaned species of birds, reptiles, and mammals — in particular juvenile howler monkeys — or those that are seriously ill, with the intent of rehabilitating and reintroducing them back into the wild. Since their beginning they have also rescued animals that were kept illegally in captivity. A tour will allow you to see their efforts first hand as they concentrate on educating visitors as well as the local residents on the importance of conservation of the native species.

If you visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, make a point of taking a tour of their facility and contributing to the very important work that they do.

Lori, Travlinmad.com

Llanos de Cortes Waterfall

Llanos de Cortes is one of the best somewhat-hidden gems in Costa Rica. Although located just a short distance off a main highway in the Guanacaste region, the picturesque waterfall isn’t the easiest attraction to find. With just a small hand-painted sign identifying the turnoff, many people may drive right passed it, not knowing the beauty located just 10 minutes down a bumpy dirt road. The waterfall itself cascades down into a shallow swimming hole.

The brisk water is calm enough for even kids to swim. Swimming underneath the waterfall and feeling the mist on your face is a memorable experience. And for just a small donation at the parking lot, it is worth the detour to see Llanos de Cortes. Pay close attention to the trees overhead, as well. It is a popular place to spot monkeys hanging out in the canopy above the small beach area and the walkway down to the waterfall.

Melissa, Parenthood and Passports

Ziplining, Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica is a zip line paradise. There are many options, from zip lining around volcanoes, on the beach, or in the jungle.

Well, we were in Manuel Antonio and decided to have our first family zip line in the middle of the jungle. I’m going to tell you: it was great!

We did it with Titi Canopy and have no regrets. We saw so many animals so close! From poisonous frogs to colorful birds, to quincayu and monkeys! Some were spotted while walking from one line to the other, and others mid-fly!

The kids loved zip lining alone but the highlight was definitely the Tarzan swing at the end.

The whole course takes around 3 hours, it’s full of stairs, ladders, and the most amazing lines. Most of the companies offer a pick-up and drop off for free.

Don’t forget your camera, wear comfortable clothes, and have fun!

Thais, World Trip Diaries

San José de la Montaña

While looking for things to do in Costa Rica forget about beaches and tropical jungles for a second. If you find yourself in San José, one thing you must do is escape the city and head up to San José de la Montaña. It is a small mountain town located in the Heredia province. Known by locals for its crisp mountain air, expansive walking trails and rich ecosystems. Here you’ll find hundreds of species of birds and other rare animals that inhibit the lush vegetation.

You’ll immediately feel like you’re somewhere in the Swiss Alps. Feel free to roam around some of the open land and hiking trails. The climate is different from the downtown area. The weather gets very cool and it rains a lot. So make sure you carry some decent hiking shoes to keep yourself on the tracks and to be able to move around with ease. All in all, San José de la Montaña is a perfect off the beaten track location for those who can appreciate the tranquillity of a forest and the scenery of a sleepy mountain village.

Daniel, Layer Culture

Waterfall Rappelling in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to beautiful beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Which is why it is one of the most visited countries in Central America and has become a tourist hot spot in recent years. With such varying landscapes across this gorgeous country, Costa Rica has so much to offer. It can cater to any type of traveler – especially the adventurous ones!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Costa Rica, waterfall rappelling is a must! It’s a high adrenaline activity for those who want a little adventure during their vacation. You’ll rappel down 150 foot high waterfalls and hike through the lush rainforest. If you’re based in Arenal, you’ll find several tour companies that offer waterfall rappelling for around $100 per person. It’s definitely a unique activity that isn’t something you can do just anywhere. If you’re a fan of chasing waterfalls and pumping adrenaline, this adventurous activity in Costa Rica is just for you!

Julia, The Freckled Tourist

Corcovada National Park, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica is all about nature and there are plenty of spectacular National Parks in the country showcasing its natural heritage. But if it is wildlife you are looking for, then head to Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsular.
Heralded by the National Geographic “the most biologically intense place on earth in terms of biodiversity”, Corcovado is home to all 4 species of Costa Rica’s primates, the endangered Baird’s tapir, 5 species of wild cats and countless other species of wildlife.

The best way to explore Corcovado is on a 2 or 3-day tour with a base at Sirena Ranger station. The station is surrounded by a network of hiking trails that take you into the jungle in search of wildlife. And the best thing is – the animals in Corcovado have been protected since 1975 and no longer fear humans, so you will be ready for some up-close and personal encounters.

Margarita, The Wildlife Diaries

Wow … so many ideas! We can’t wait for our adventures in Costa Rica to begin. (Though I hope I don’t see that large spider on my travels!)