If you plan to visit Costa Rica with kids, here is our recommended one week Costa Rica family itinerary for San Jose International Airport (SJO).
This one week Costa Rica family itinerary fits perfectly for spring break for 7 nights, 8 days including travel days.
This one week Costa Rica family itinerary is an easy one to plan and a popular one, ideal for first time visitors. It goes to two main tourist destinations for beach, rainforest, nature and relaxation: La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.
If you have more days, we will show you how to add to this itinerary.
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How to Get Around This One Week Costa Rica Family Itinerary
First, let’s talk about how to get around this one week Costa Rica family itinerary.
Our personal recommendation is to rent a car in Costa Rica. You can also book private shuttles.
Renting a Car and Driving
Driving is the most flexible way to get around Costa Rica. You can throw all the kids stuff in the car, stop anytime and anywhere and it’s much more comfortable. Go where you want, when you want. Additionally, you have more lodging options.
The downsides are that you have to drive and figure out routes.
Furthermore, for some families, it’s just one adult who drives the whole time. This can be very tiring for them because some routes can be 3-5 hours long.
What Type of Car to Rent?
For a family with one young child, a sedan can work if you have light luggage and are going to destinations that don’t require any type of high clearance car or 4wd. This means you will have to stay near the town center and avoid vacation rentals or hotels up in the mountains or more remote areas.
However, a SUV would be best if you have two or more children. That way, you will have enough room for all the kid stuff, child seats and luggage. A 2wd high clearance SUV can work in dry season for the majority of tourist destinations.
A 4×4 would be required if you have more luggage, more kids and want to stay at more remote destinations or vacation rentals.
For large families, a van will be the best option for plenty of room. In Costa Rica, you can rent 9/11 seater vans with and without 4×4 traction.
GOOD TO KNOW: Children 12 and under are required by law to use a booster or car seat. Car rental companies in Costa Rica offer baby and booster seats for an extra cost. I recommend to ask for a photo of the seats they have so you can check it. Reconfirm with them if they provide infant seats for less than 1 year as some do not.
Read more about renting a car in Costa Rica and get our Costa Rica car rental discount and extra benefits like free baby and booster seats here!
Private Shuttles
If you do not want to drive, then private shuttle services will be your next best option for families. We do not recommend shared shuttles for families.
For private shuttle services, you don’t have to share the vehicles so no worrying about your kids crying or throwing a tantrum with other passengers.
No stress if you need to make a multiple emergency bathrooms stops either. (Shared shuttles only include one stop).
Other private shuttle advantages: Direct airport pick up, driver’s usually speak basic to intermediate English, door to door service including vacation rentals. Can make multiple or longer stops along the way.
Tip: Ask them for a photo of the child seats they have because some companies have the seats without locking seat belts or clips.
Read more about shuttles in Costa Rica here and if you’d like a quote for a private shuttle, please contact us!
How to get around when you are in your destination without a car
You should book a hotel close to the town center to be in walking distance to everything. Or you need to choose a nicer resort with full amenities and can offer local transport.
For activities, you can book tours with transportation.
One Week Costa Rica Family Itinerary: La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio Map
Below is our interactive map of our one week Costa Rica family itinerary with the driving route, hotel recommendations, destinations and things to do.
Click the left hand side bar to open the categories.
If you decide to fly into Guanacaste Airport instead, here is our Costa Rica Family Itinerary for Guanacaste Airport.
Day 1: Land in SJO, Travel to La Fortuna (3 hour drive)
After landing at San Jose International Airport, pick up your rental car or get picked up by your private driver to go to La Fortuna.
This drive takes around 3 hours without traffic but plan for at least 4 hours (more if you are landing around rush hour).
IMPORTANT: If you are landing after 5 PM during the rainy season (May through November), stay a night by the airport and then leave early the next morning. It tends to rain hard at night and it gets dark in Costa Rica at 6 PM everyday. Better to drive in the daylight the next day.
If you hired a private driver, you can go to La Fortuna as the drivers are very familiar with the weather and roads.
You can read this post about driving from San Jose to La Fortuna for tips on this drive. You can read more about the drive to La Fortuna after landing.
Recommended hotels in San Jose for families with free airport shuttle and free hot breakfast: Hotel Aeropuerto, Adventure Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Cariari, Courtyard San Jose Airport Alajuela and Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport Costa Rica. Booking a room at the Adventure Inn? Get 10% off using the promo code “mytanfeet” on their booking page!
Why La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is one of the best destinations in Costa Rica for families. This area offers excellent tourist infrastructure, diverse accommodations, numerous restaurants, and activities for all ages and many natural attractions including a volcano, national park, surrounding rainforest.
Read our dedicated things to do in la Fortuna with kids blog post and our specific La Fortuna 3 days itinerary which also works for 2 and 4 days.
Recommended hotels in La Fortuna for families: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort, Arenal Manoa, Casa del Rio, The Springs Resort and Spa, and Arenal Springs Resort. All nice hotels with family rooms, hot breakfast included with beautiful volcano views and pools.
Day 2 La Fortuna: Safari float, guided walk, hot springs
Now begins your family adventure in La Fortuna! Also remember if you want to book any of these tours, get our discount on La Fortuna tours here!
For your first day, our recommendations for family friendly activities in La Fortuna are a river safari float, guided walk and hot springs.
Morning Walk at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges ~9 AM
For the morning, we highly recommend a walk at the Mistico Hanging Bridges (3.2 kms or 2 miles to see the rainforest canopy tops. You can do this guided or self guided.
If you have a rental car, you can purchase park tickets on their website and drive yourself for a self guided walk. Interested in a guide? Book a guided walk.
If you don’t have a rental car, you can book a tour with roundtrip transportation included.
The self guided hike takes around 2 hours.
Lunch
After the hike, head back to your hotel for lunch or stop by Restaurante Rain Forest Arenal on Route 142 for a bite to eat.
If you have some time, head to the pool for a bit with the kids to cool off before your afternoon activity.
Afternoon: Peñas Blancas Safari Float (3 hours)
This is the perfect wildlife watching tour for families. Float down a calm river for 2 hours while your guide paddles and points out animals.
The Peñas Blancas safari float is only a 25 minute drive from La Fortuna so it’s great for a half day morning activity. No walking or strenuous activity.
Pick up time: ~2 PM. Return around 5 PM.
Evening/Night Hot Springs
If you are staying at a hotel that doesn’t have its own hot springs, there are many public resorts you can visit.
Baldi, Los Lagos and the Springs are excellent for families. All of them have waterslides and Baldi has a dedicated kid section. Tabacon is another gorgeous hot springs resort, ideal for older kids. Read more about the Arenal hot springs here.
We offer a small discount for The Springs Hot Springs Day Pass, this place is awesome for families who are not on a budget. They have a water slide and riverside pools and springs.
Day 3: Zipline, La Fortuna Waterfall, Night Walk
Now it’s time for a little bit of excitement! Today you’ll go ziplining for your first activity.
10 AM Zipline
Ziplining is a must do in Costa Rica and La Fortuna has many zipline tours for all ages.
Arenal Ecoglide and Arenal Canopy Adventure are great for beginners or first time zipliners. If you go on the Arenal Canopy Adventure, don’t miss out on the exciting tarzan swing!
For the ones who love excitement and heights,, Arenal Mundo Aventura and Sky Adventures are great options. Most of them have a minimum age of 5 to zipline.
Sign up for the 10 AM zipline which takes around 1.5 hours.
Lunch
For lunch, check out Cafeteria Restuarante Rain Forest Arenal, Restaurante Garra Pata or Mercadito Arenal.
Afternoon: La Fortuna Waterfall
In the afternoon, you’ll see one of La Fortuna’s most popular natural wonders: the La Fortuna waterfall. It’s only a 10 minute drive from downtown and offers gorgeous views of a waterfall dropping into a tropical rainforest.
This will be a great activity for older kids who have a lot of energy as it requires 400 steps to walk down to the waterfall. Then they can cool off in the refreshing waters. *Do not let kids swim unsupervised. The current can get strong.*
For babies/infants, strollers are not allowed. You must bring them in a carrier.
Aim for about 1.5 hours at the waterfall. There is a small cafeteria and store if you need to buy any snacks or supplies.
After the waterfall, head back to your hotel.
Night: Twilight Night Walk (530 – 730 PM)
Then for the night, a La Fortuna night walk is a fantastic option for kids who love critters.
La Fortuna is an excellent place for night walks as it is the tropical rainforest. Kids can see animals like snakes, scorpions, spiders, frogs, sleeping birds and other insects in a safe environment.
The walk is around 1.5 hours. The guide will give everyone flashlights so kids can participate in spotting animals.
Dinner
After the night walk, head into town for some dinner. Bamboo Gardens and Tierra Mia are decent options.
For more ideas, check our blog post Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids.
Day 4: Travel to Manuel Antonio (5 hour drive)
Today you will travel to Manuel Antonio. La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio is a 5 hour drive so this will be a long driving day. Stop at Jaco (big surfing beach town) for lunch and the Crocodile Bridge to walk on the bridge to see the giant crocodiles.
You can leave at check out, which is normally 11 AM. If your kids are early risers, you can enjoy the pool a bit in the morning after breakfast.
Once you arrive and check in to your place in Manuel Antonio, relax and get ready for tomorrow!
Why Manuel Antonio
It is another top destination in Costa Rica with lots of hotels and restaurants and good tourist infrastructure. It is home to a gorgeous national park and beautiful beaches.
You can check out blog post “things to do in Manuel Antonio with kids” for more tips.
Recommended hotels in Manuel Antonio for families: Tulemar, Si Como No, Parador and Arenas del Mar. All these hotels offer family rooms and breakfast included. Manuel Antonio tends to have more high end, expensive hotels. There are also many vacation rentals in Manuel Antonio.
Day 5: Manuel Antonio Antonio National Park (All Day)
Today you will visit one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Manuel Antonio National Park. Home to many animals, it is a great place to see sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and other animals.
It is not absolutely necessary to do a guided walk in this park. You can perfectly go to the national park on your own.
IMPORTANT: The park is closed on Tuesdays so make sure to plan your days in Manuel Antonio accordingly. Park tickets must be purchased on the SINAC website. They do not sell tickets at the door.
Do You Need a Tour?
If you would like to book a tour that includes roundtrip transportation, park tickets and a bilingual guide, we offer a Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour discount!
In this case, the national park tour will be a half day activity. Morning pick up is around 730 AM, return around 12 PM. Afternoon pick up is around 1230 PM, return around 4 PM.
We would recommend a tour for older kids. For young kids, babies or infants, the tour operator has to stay on a very strict time schedule and cannot accommodate if the kids need to leave, are fussy or don’t want to stay with the group.
Going On Your Own
You can purchase your own park tickets, drive to the national park, call an Uber or take the public bus from Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park (super easy) and enjoy the park on your own.
With kids, this may be a better option as you won’t be on a time schedule as you would be if you booked a tour. You will be able to stay as long as you want in the park and take your time on the trails.
If you still want a guide, you can hire one at the park entrance for a 1 hour guided walk. Then spend the rest of the time on your own after the guiding part is over.
The kids will love walking through the rainforest and playing in the sand at the beautiful white sand beaches. There is a ton of wildlife in this park with lots of monkeys!
We recommend to aim to get to the park around 10 AM and if possible, earlier during the rainy season as it tends to start raining in the afternoon.
Plan for about 3-4 hours at the national park. There are bathrooms and changing rooms. There is a cafeteria inside the park that sells snacks and drinks (you are not allowed to bring in your own food to the national park).
After you’re done at the national park, head back to the hotel to relax, shower and freshen up. Go play in the pool with the kids and have dinner at the hotel.
If the kiddos are really hungry after the park, have lunch at the restaurant right outside the entrance called Restaurante El Chante del Parque.
Day 6: Catamaran Adventure
Today is a relaxing day. You can enjoy the pool, go to the Espadilla beach or go shopping.
During the dry season month (December through April), go on a Manuel Antonio catamaran cruise that departs around 1 PM.
This is really fun for families as they have water slides and a nice lunch spread. Kids can swim, snorkel and see marine wildlife.
If you are visiting during the rainy season, the catamarans do not run in the afternoon. You will need to do the catamaran adventure in the morning (~8 AM, return a bit past noon) instead.
Then in the afternoon, you can enjoy the hotel pool or go back to the beach to take a surf lesson or go parasailing.
If you can, we highly recommend lunch or dinner at Emilio’s Cafe for great food and better food.
Don’t forget to get our Manuel Antonio/Quepos tours discount here!
Day 7: Travel to Your San Jose International Airport Hotel
Today you’ll travel back to San Jose. Sleep in and enjoy the last few hours in Manuel Antonio before checking out.
Book a hotel by San Jose International Airport and spend your last night getting ready to go home. Read our recommendations for hotels near SJO Airport with free shuttle (or without shuttle).
Day 8: Fly Home
If your flight leaves in the evening, you can stay Day 7 in Manuel Antonio to enjoy one more night at the beach.
Depart Manuel Antonio with plenty of time to return your rental car and get to the airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight. I would leave at a time to give yourself at least 4 hours for the drive.
If You Have More Days…How to Add to Your One Week Costa Rica Family Itinerary
For those who have a bit more time, you can add more days to the existing destinations. Usually with kids, even 3 full days don’t feel like enough.
If you have even more time, add more destinations to this one week Costa Rica family itinerary. Here are some ideas.
- Option1: After landing in San Jose, stay two nights at the Peace Lodge in Vara Blanca before heading to La Fortuna. The family can see the waterfalls and animal sanctuary at La Paz Waterfall Gardens (about 1 hour from San Jose, 2 to La Fortuna).
- Option 2: After La Fortuna, you can stay a couple nights in Monteverde before heading to Manuel Antonio. (3 hours driving from La Fortuna, then 3.5 hours to Manuel Antonio). Monteverde has cloud forest, birdwatching and good hikes. We have written an itinerary with exactly those destinations: 11 day Costa Rica itinerary.
Important Things to Know About Traveling with Kids in Costa Rica
- For children with food or medicine allergies, document their allergies in English and Spanish, including medication names and active ingredients.
- Bring all necessary prescribed medications and their prescriptions. Write down the Spanish translation of the active ingredients.
- Purchase a prepaid SIM card to obtain a local Costa Rican phone number for emergencies.
- During peak holiday seasons like Christmas and New Year’s, book accommodations and transportation at least 3-4 months out.
For more tips, read our post for things to do in Costa Rica with kids.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica. Get 10% off your Airalo eSIM package with our promo code “mytanfeet”
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels. Save more money with our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Mary says
We are visiting Costa Rica for the first time for 8 days in early August. We are considering this itinerary (La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio). Would you please confirm that the first week of August is a good time to follow this itinerary? Thank you!! P.S. Love your blog and these itineraries are amazing!
Sammi says
August in Costa Rica is a great time for this itinerary, just come prepared for rain as August is in the middle of the Rainy Season
Katie says
Hi! Thank you for this itinerary and for all of the useful information on your website! We are planning on doing both Mistico Hanging Bridges and Manual Antonio National Park but will do one of them self-guided. If you had to choose, for which park would you hire a guide? Our kids are older, so tour schedule is not an issue. Thanks!
Sammi says
It depends on what you want your experience like…because at Manuel Antonio National Park, there is more to do than at Mistico Hanging Bridges because there are many beaches, different hiking trails and view points. If you do a guided walk at Manuel Antonio National Park, they normally last 2 hours and only in one section of the park. Then you’re off to enjoy the rest of the park on your own or leave. At Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, it is just hiking. You can do Mistico on your own or with a guide but if you want to see animals, then you should get a guide and they’ll be with you for the entire trail.
Shreya says
Hi, thank you for this great itinerary. Is it possible to fly in and out of Liberia and see Arenal and the Guancaste area? Just a google search shows the Liberia airport is slightly closer to Arenal area but not sure if the drive is easier from the airport. have some nights booked at the Hyatt there the first week of January. Thank you for your time.
Sammi says
Hi, yes for sure! We have an itinerary exactly like that: Costa Rica 1 week
Shreya says
Thank you! That’s perfect. Just so I can compare the costs effectively, do you think flying into San Jose is easier and then driving to Arsenal or Liberia? Or about the same for both in terms of customs and times etc
Sammi says
They are both about the same time, I’d say Liberia is easier to drive though but LIR to La Fortuna does have a very windy section around Lake Arenal. SJO-La Fortuna via San Ramon is windy/curvy and also foggy usually up in a section of the route. Driving out of LIR is easier than driving out of SJO though but if you’re visiting in high season, LIR now gets pretty backed up.
Katie says
Hi there, I’m considering a trip to CR and we’re tied to Easter holidays next year. We’re travelling with 2 children (aged 8 and 6) and a baby, plus my parents (early 70’s). My thought was, flight into Liberia, transfer to Bijagua. Stay 3 nights. Then onto Arenal stay 3 nights, Monte Verde 2 nights then onto beach, possible Playa Hermosa 7 nights, then return to Liberia airport. In your opinion would this be a good itinerary for our family of mixed ages, or any advice? Thank you
Sammi says
Hi Katie, yes that’s fine, just make sure it’s Playa Hermosa Guanacaste, there are many other Playa Hermosas throughout the country.
Grana says
Will be traveling with a 2YO, so trying to avoid too many long drives. Any suggestions for a great place to spend a night between MA and returning to SJO
(we are currently thinking SJO>La Paz>La Fortuna>MA>SJO – we have 1 week.)
Thank you!
Sammi says
La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio is about a 5 hour drive, so that’s quite long, in case you want to stay a night in between or find a closer destination
Camila says
Hello, we are a brazilian family of 3, my husband, our son 6 years old (almost 7) and myself. We are planning a July trip, and thinking about Tortuga + La fortuna + Papagayo or Tamarindo + Monteverde. Do you think this itinerary is good for us? And for the time of the year? And we need to rent a car to do so, right? Or is it possible to arrenge private shuttle from one place to another? But what about in the city, taxi? Thank you
Sammi says
Hello Camila, we have sent you an email with more information
Fang says
Hi,
We are visiting CR next Easter for a week(7 and half day technically). We would like to spend most of the time in La Fortuna/Monteverde, but do not want to miss Manuel Antonio. Do you think if it makes sense if we rent a car in the morning in SJO(we will arrive late in the evening), drive to MA, visit the national park and beach before it closes, and leave for Monteverde on the same afternoon? I know it is about 4-hour drive so can we stay the night somewhere in the middle to avoid driving in the evening, and will still be able to arrive Monteverde at around 9am?
Sammi says
I don’t honestly recommend it…Easter is the second busiest time (just as busy as Christmas actually) and traffic is pretty horrendous going in and out of SJO and to the coasts. You will spend more time driving in the car than actually in the park and the park will be very busy and crowded during Easter Week. We also do not recommend to drive to Monteverde at night because the last stretch of 15 kilometers or so is the road going up the mountain without full guard rails or any streetlights and it is a very curvy, narrow road. It gets dark by 6 PM everyday so even if you leave the national park by 3 PM which you do, you will be driving the mountain section in the dark.
It is also important to note that you must park tickets in advance which I recommend to do weeks in advance for Easter week and the Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If you stay somewhere halfway, there is not really much on the route but you might be able to find an interesting Airbnb or simple hotel along the route.
Nathan says
Hi – We’re going to Costa Rica in October for 7 days with 4 kids (3, 8, 11 and 13). Would you still recommend San Jose – La Fortuna – Manuel Antonio? I’ve read there is more rain in October than other months.
Sammi says
October is our rainiest month in Costa Rica for most of the country, you can still visit but there may be big rains in those areas particularly and may not be able to do as much as you would during drier months. If you can only visit in October, the Caribbean is a better option as it’s their summer month (Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica)
Colleen Palte says
In La Fortunate do you recommend Spring Resort over Baldi. We are here for 2 full days (not counting our travel days) and we’re looking for hot springs, water slides and volcanoes hikes.
Sammi says
I personally like Springs over Baldi but it is much more expensive!
Colleen Palte says
Hi!
Love your blog!
We are planning to visit in late June 2024 and we want to see a volcano hike and hotsprings in La Fortuna then Head to MA. What do you recommend? And I listened to your podcast on Amateur Traveler (amazing) Sam talked about hikes in MA National park but I wasn’t able to write down the names. What are her favorites? We are traveling with 4 teenage boys myself and my husband.
Sammi says
Hi Colleen, for the volcano hike you can visit Arenal Volcano National Park or Arenal 1968 and then in Manuel Antonio National Park you can hike the trails to Playa Gemelas and Punto Cuchillo or around the Punta Catedral (both if you’re a good hiker)
Melody says
Hi! I have 2 children aged 5 & 8. I would love to do the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges with my kids and am seeing mixed comments on the age limit. Are there any restrictions to age limit for the Arenal hanging bridges?
Sammi says
Hi Melody, with our partner the minimum age is 5 (we also sent an email with more information to book the tour)
Alanna says
Hello! We will be in CR for a month. Starting with La Fortuna then Samara then Manuel Antonio. We know the drive from Samara to MA will be long and we’re thinking of breaking it up staying overnight somewhere, can you recommend a good place to stop for the night? Is Jaco about half way? Thanks!
Sammi says
Hello Alanna, we have sent you an email
Susie hollingsworth says
We are staying in playa del coco for the week. Do you know if there is a zip lining place that will allow a 7 year old that is only 50 pounds?
Also what is closest mud bath/hot spring. Want my three kids to experience that
Thank u so much love your blog
Sammi says
Yes you can go to Diamante Eco Adventure Park if your child weights at least 66 lbs (30 kilos),
Katie says
We are coming this summer with our 5, 9 and 11 year old kids. We’ll be there for 23 days, flying in and out of Liberia. What are your recommendations for that length of trip?
Sammi says
Hi Katie, you can check all our itineraries for various options: Costa Rica itinerary ideas
Celia says
Great website! I booked an 11 night trip next July. We will fly into SJO and out of LIR. I am speaking with a few travel agencies but am wondering if I should plan the trip myself since I have time. I would love to visit Arenal, debating on visiting Monteverde, and trying to figure out what beach I would like to end my trip. I would love to go to Manuel Antonio but it appears to be a 5 hour drive from LIR. Any other suggestions? My kids will be 11 and 7 and adventurous! Also, do you recommend booking excursions prior to the trip?
Sammi says
Hi Celia, I recommend to take a look at this itinerary as its pretty much exactly what you’re looking for, just choose one beach destination instead of two: 2 week Costa Rica itinerary
Barb says
Hi! We are thinking about 8 days with kids (10 and 7) in October
I am reading that this is rainy season.
Would you alter your 7/8 day itinerary in October or would you keep The itinerary the same?
Thank you!
Sammi says
you can definitely still do it but it does rain quite a bit in October so you’d need to plan your activities in the morning and be flexible with activities in case they get cancelled due to rain. It may be better to go to Puerto Viejo instead as its the summer month on the Caribbean coast. You could do SJO – Puerto Viejo – Fortuna
Me Linh says
Hi,
Our family arrive in Liberia at 1pm after a 5 hour flight.
We plan to rent a car to drive to Arenal (3+ hour).
Do you recommend we stay overnight in Liberia the first night and leave the next morning or do you think it is safe to plan to rent a car immediately and drive to arenal on the same day? one of your post suggested NOT to drive long distance if we arrive in afternoon… Trying to plan our itinerary for hotel and car rental based on this decision. Thank you so much! Your blog is the most helpful! it is amazing
Sammi says
It gets dark by 6 PM everyday and we’re in rainy season now so you could still technically make it there in the daylight if immigration/customs isn’t too long (Right now May is not a very busy month) but make sure you use a GPS and get a SIM card as well as download your Google Maps offline just in case. Also just a warning that route to La Fortuna gets really really curvy at one point so if you are concerned about driving that in the dark because there are no street lights in that section, I’d stay somewhere halfway instead the night you land. Make sure to take anti nausea medicine to prevent car sickness for this route
Marina Temkin says
We are doing la Fortuna, Samara and then have three more nights before flying out of Liberia in the morning. What do you recommend for those three nights? Our kids are 3 and 6.
Sammi says
You can check our post for an itinerary idea with Samara, the one that goes to Bijagua.
Marci Mange says
Hi! Which of these two itineraries would be best in July? We have 11 and 21 year old daughters. They’d love zip lining, whitewater rafting, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife. Hikes are good, but nothing too strenuous.
Sammi says
I would go with the San Jose – La Fortuna – Manuel Antonio one.
elizabeth maher says
Hi. We are trying to plan our Spring Break trip to Costa Rica and are completely dazed and confused. Unfortunately we only have 6 full days. We would like to spend a couple of days in the rainforest and a few days at a nice beach. We do not know if we should go to Arenal or Monte Verde for the rain forest part. Which one would you recommend? Then we were thinking of heading up to Playa Conchal Beach and staying in a VRBO at the Westin as a lot of the websites I have looked at says that it one of the most beautiful beaches and it is close to Flamingo Beach and Tamarindo if we wanted to go to one of those beaches for the day. My daughter loves a great pool and a beautiful beach but we really want to take her to the rainforest for some ziplining and waterfalls. We are so lost I’m about ready to throw in the towel. Is there any help you can give us or any recommendations. kindly, beth
Sammi says
You can check our post Arenal vs Monteverde to help you learn more and decide (Arenal would be better for short itineraries. Flamingo and Conchal are both nice places, the Westin is super nice and that beach is gorgeous. You can read our guides below.
Playa Conchal
Flamingo beach Costa Rica
Tamarindo Costa Rica
For 6 days, a lot of people will do 3 nights Arenal, 3 nights Guanacaste.
Greta says
Hi! We are planning a two week trip to Costa Rica, we are visiting La Fortuna, Monteverde And Manuel Antonio. What else can you recommend for us? Our kids are 12, 9 And 6.
Thanks
Sammi says
Hi Greta, there is a section with recommendations of what else to add if you have more days (Peace Lodge, Jaco, San Jose, more days in those destinations, etc.)
Vicky says
Hi
This is great. We went to Costa Rica last year and did LA Fortuna, Monteverde, Montezuma and Uvita. We are looking to go next year, flying in and out of Liberia for 2 weeks, so the second itinerary is great but is there any areas you can recommend for snorkeling?
Many thanks
Vicky
Sammi says
Snorkeling is best up in the Gulf of Papagayo area, Samara doesn’t have that great of snorkeling but we did the kayaking to the island and did some very easy, simple snorkeling there.