Wildlife and adventure for the whole family, Private family adventure exploring Costa Rica. From the coastline, you might spot manta rays and whales in the right season. This tropical Central American country is a paradise teeming with exotic wildlife and nature, from cloud forests to out-of-this-world beaches. Is it Easy to Travel Costa Rica with Kids? Consider G Adventures' National Geographic Family Journey which includes a visit to the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organisation supported by National Geographic. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May - November. Costa Rica uses hydro, wind and geo-thermal energy to produce electricity for a population of almost 5 million. It is definitely the most expensive country in Central America, with prices comparable to that in the United States. What To Do OUR FAMILY HOLIDAYS TO COSTA RICA Nobody offers more Costa Rica family holidays than Trailfinders. With the most stable democracy in the region, a good healthcare system and a highly educated population (most of whom speak English), Costa Rica is arguably the most child-friendly destination in Central America. Related Article: Costa Rica Family Resort Review: JW Marriott. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Also, dont miss out on a variety of twilight and night activities that let you experience the nocturnal world of the rainforest. This sushi place has excellent and fresh sushi rolls. The Andaz Papagayo Resort offers more than eye-catching design and world-class culinary experiences. The hotel has an excellent pool and spacious, comfortable rooms great for families. Aerial view of The Springs Costa Rica Resort. Learn more. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Getting closer to wildlife with guides. Most nationalities including US, UK, EU and Canada citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. At altitudes greater than 2000m, boil for three minutes. Check the latest rates here. From all-inclusive family resorts and private beaches, to eco-lodges and rainforest adventures, Costa Rica has kid-friendly hotels for every family. Your teenagers would probably want to swim and enjoy the place, rather than move around a lot and spend time commuting. Close to hot springs and Venado Caves, "Manuel Antonio was incredible. 1. Ive put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! If you like local comfort food, youll love the breakfast and dinner here. Many of them have family rooms, which are bigger and have extra beds for kids. Some routes are so popular that its wise to book your tickets in advance. Throw in the countrys pura vida way of life and its two beach-lined coasts (Caribbean and Pacific, take your pick) and youve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable Costa Rica family vacation. Day tours in Costa Rica tend to be quite expensive. Heart-pumping activities in sublime settings come hand in hand with a trip to Costa Rica. This project has last minute spaces available so book now to reserve your place. Both airports are close to popular spots for Costa Rica family vacations and also offer connecting flights to other destinations in Costa Rica. After a day of soaking with the whole family and walking the forest paths to see the waterfalls that punctuate the area, retire to your understatedly elegant, supremely quiet room set in the lush gardens that are an extension of the rain forest. . In the thick forests of the Caribbean Sea coast and northern regions, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80s year-round. We also went to Panama with our kid after Costa Rica and had a blast, though we can understand why Costa Rica family vacations are more popular. In the evening dine in one of the many restaurants before a relaxing soak in the resorts many hot springs. Come for the hot springs and stay for the service in a luxuriously tranquil setting. Visit Barrio Amn for local restaurants, interesting galleries and shops. The minimum height for ziplining is 1.20m so sadly our daughter couldnt go on it. No, it would be hard to visit all the areas I mentioned on day trips as driving distances are long. Tamarindo Beachis a surfers paradise for both experts and amateurs and whether youre 7 or 70, learning to get to your feet while riding the waves is an experience everyone should have. Luxury: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. Join the Adventure and discover big savings. There are five active volcanos in this small country and some of the best hiking, bird-watching,. The hike runs everyday from 5.30 to 7.30pm for $20 per person. Hi Nellie, You get used to rice and beans, even for breakfast! The boutique resort expands its authentic charm to families with a Kids Club program that offers unique cultural options, a large family pool, and an activities beach where guests can use kayaks and snorkel gear. Some products are sent to us for free and some visits are hosted, with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Located close to the cloud forest of Monteverde, this eco-friendly hotel offers rustic wooden cabin-style rooms surrounded by lush gardens. - recommended by Mumsnet user, sunlove. Spend an evening with conservationists on Turtuguero Beach during turtle hatching season. Travelling from the Caribbean coast. Start planning your trip Best Time to Visit Best Places to Visit 01 / Top Sights & Places Unmissable places for your itinerary Discover more Places San Jos Besides three beautiful sloths, there are also lots of toucans, butterflies and jaguars who have been rescued and rehabilitated here. Also on-site is an animal sanctuary that features big cats, monkeys, sloths, and more. Costa Rica Experts 2023. We noticed lots of Mumsnet users recommended Costa Rica as a holiday destination. Keep in mind that the weather varies by region. Costa Rica is a tropical country, so rain can be excepted at any time. In terms of food for babies, you might want to bring a few jars of puree and yogurt for the flight and stock up at the supermarkets in Costa Rica. But a large percent of Costa Ricans speak English as well, and its easy to get by in English. ROAD TRIPPING IN CHILE. It ended up being one of the trips highlights'' - recommended by Mumsnet user, cheeseismydownfall. Each beach offers a distinct personality from. It probably wont be your minds eye vision of the countrys idyllic paradise reputation, but its a fun place to spend a day or two exploring before you head off on your real holiday. Costa Rica isnt a huge country but dont let that tempt you into hiring a car and heading for the open road. Its a great natural learning experience with incredible views to boot. Why go on holiday in Costa Rica. There is usually a one-to-one ratio, that is you usually have to have at least one insured adult per traveling child to earn the free coverage. Known as the 'Rich Coast', Costa Rica is a land of immense natural beauty. Not every family member will be jumping for joy at the word canyoneering. In the thick forests of the Caribbean Sea coast and northern regions, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80s year-round. As a country, Costa Rica also provides a model of thoughtful, sustainable living thats a better souvenir than anything you could take home and frame. These gorgeous overwater bungalows make perfect dream vacation spots for families and couples. Travel insurance plans usually have a minimum (around 6 months) and a maximum age (17 to 20s) for traveling kids to qualify for the free coverage. Instead, The Gilded Iguana offers a much more . Some of our favorite family-friendly activities in Costa Rica: Costa Ricas variety of terrain guarantees that theres something fun for every young traveler. Whether youre looking foradventureor arelaxinggetaway with family in tow, Costa Rica is the perfect destination spot for everyone to enjoy. In two weeks, youll be able to also visit Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero another excellent area for wildlife-watching, and the more remote Osa Peninsula. While July and some of August does experience dry spells, families need to be prepared for the rain. Local guides will impress with their wildlife-spotting abilities and endless knowledge. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for ideas, tips, and inspiration. Feel free to check out my one-week Costa Rica itinerary. Renting a car is easily the best way to travel around Costa Rica with kids. Youll get free access to the hot springs, which on its own already costs close to $100. Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), Ive learned a thing or two about travel planning. Flights View Dates & Prices 5.0/5 from 22 reviews Family "Would strongly recommend Costa Rica. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Lots of action, nature, wildlife, mountains, jungles and coast" - recommended by Mumsnet user, dreichuplands, "It was amazing - perfect for older kids. Theres also Costa Ricas renowned coffee, chocolate and a rainbow of tropical fruit options. If you don't see what you're looking for, give us a call and speak to one of our travel experts. Come for the biodiverse landscapes of Costa Rica and stay for the fascinating wildlife lurking in the country's tropical wilderness. Head toTortuguero, where you can watch one of the worlds most amazing natural wonders the arribada, when hundreds of sea turtles come ashore in a single night to lay their eggs. A meal in a Costa Rican diner is usually around US$5-10 and a meal in an Italian/Mexican place is around US$15-20 per person. Having collated that information, we created this list to inspire your planning. Its also one of the best wildlife destinations: with unique animals like tarantulas and vipers, or sleepy-eyed sloths and howler monkeys roaming free. See our privacy policy. And up to the high mountains. We booked our walk with. 22 reviews. Itll be a great opportunity to introduce some adventure to your kids life. A single supplement is available on this trip with the exception of Day 2 at the homestay. Our guide David was knowledgable, fun and excellent in spotting wildlife. Si Como No is just 5 minutes from Playa Espadilla and the Manuel Antonio National Park ideal for families who want the beach and rainforest without changing locations. Parents main concern on a family holiday in Costa Rica will be the children nagging them to come back. . Plus, direct flights from London to San Jose take around 11 hours (you cant yet fly direct from other UK airports). If youre uncomfortable with drinking tap water in Costa Rica, vigorous boiling for one minute is the most effective means of water purification. Venture into the limestone caverns of theVenado Caves; while not for the claustrophobic, theres no denying that the rock formations, bats, and strange subterranean creatures are fascinating. We are staying in Arenal and want to do zip lines, hanging bridges, hot springs, maybe the float river ride, and some light hiking, nothing too intense. Its more comfortable than lugging your kids on public transport. Rice and beans are the staples, and youll find that Costa Ricans eat them for almost every meal. I hope this guide will help you plan an exciting adventure in Costa Rica with kids. What could be better for young travellers than watching monkeys swinging through the trees, sloths in their natural habitat and - for those visiting Tortuguero at the right time of year - sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach at night". Its great value for money, plus the view of the cloud forest from the second-floor guest room is fantastic. You can't miss a chance to see the stunning Guanacaste beaches, but don't forget that Costa Rica is the adventure capital of the world! Kids can learn about reforestation projects before getting their hands dirty in the tree nursery. Its easy to see why Costa Rica was named one of the happiest countries in the world. Theres seriously so much you can do here without leaving the lodge. Rising dramatically from the land and ringed by rivers, rainforests, and waterfalls, Arenal Volcano looks like it was plucked straight from a childrens fairy tale. $4,889 per adult, double occupancy Or$13,967 total for family of 4 in 1 room$15,363 total for family of 5 in 1 room. About an hour south of Manuel Antonio National Park is a national park that celebrates the sea. And its just so easy and convenient to travel Costa Rica. We also hired a guide to take us birdwatching in Monteverde and we saw Resplendent Quetzals and lots of other beautiful birds" - recommended by Mumsnet user, HoldMyLobster. Sabor Tico, Monteverde Possibly the best place in Monteverde to try traditional Costa Rican food! Here, your family can go horseback riding, kayaking, white water rafting down the Pacuare River and waterfall rappelling. There are plenty of luxurious but sensitive ecolodges where youll stay in the heart of nature. By The minimum age for kids is 6 years old. Its also a water sports paradise, with beaches optimal for snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking. Our kids only 4 so we just rented a boogie board. Ive made lifelong friendships on my trips with them. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We stayed at this family-run lodge just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Santa Elena town. Our guide David was knowledgable, fun and excellent in spotting wildlife. Some also have kids clubs and surfing camps perfect for Costa Rica family vacations. Next to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, Oceanfront ecolodge in Puerto Viejo Malaria is only present in the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica (south of Limon) and dengue cases have only been found in Limon and Central Pacific areas. 1. 7. The white sands, seaside towns and barefoot atmosphere on the Pacific side are much. This is more than just a chance to see the tropics. To prevent these diseases, its important to use a good insect repellent and wear long sleeves at night to avoid getting bitten. Curi Cancha Reserve is said to be the best place to see wildlife in Monteverde. Inquire for pricing. Alternatively, carry a SteriPen that destroys most bacteria, viruses and protozoa with UV light. Kathryn Sarkis is a parent and traveler who has lived in France and the U.S. Being less than an hour from the airport is a plus for families who want to cut down on in-country travel. $3475 per adult double occupancy$950 per child 11 & under *Max 2*Single Adult supplement add $2925Over four total travelers will require two rooms. Explore Rio Perdido Thermal River and indulge on the white sand beaches of the luxurious new W Resort set in the Reserva Conchal resort community. Ziplining, night walks, horse riding and more, Family Highlights Tour inc meals, hotels and tours Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! The Springs Resort and Spa is designed to offer a one-stop shop of hot springs, adventure, fine dining, and relaxation. This remote rainforest region on the northern Atlantic coast allows families to explore exotic jungle canals by boat, eliminating the hassle of taking young ones on long hikes. Possibly the best place in Monteverde to try traditional Costa Rican food! Green energy. San Jose International Airport is the main gateway to Costa Rica. Rainforest and wild animals like sloths, monkeys, coati, geckos, toucans etc. Tailor-made getaways, incredible road trips, and amazing family adventures, off the beaten track. From Beaches to Cloud Forests, Heres Where to Go for an Unforgettable Costa Rica Family Vacation, Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest (Photo: Shutterstock), 10 Tips for Keeping Your Family Healthy on Vacation, Kids Sail Free: 6 Cruise Lines Letting Kids Cruise Free in 2023, Summer is almost here! Younger families will be well looked after in Tortuguero and Monteverde, while older kids will thrive on the rafting, zip lining, hiking and tubing, all graded by age and ability. Smaller quakes and tremors happen quite often, cracking roads and knocking down telephone lines. Heres a look at some of the best options for Costa Rica vacations. You can get around Costa Rica by car rental, arranging private transportation, or booking a shuttle. Youre literally surrounded by restaurants and shops so your kids wont have to walk too much. Heres our guide to travelling with teens and other family adventure holidays. By planning your complete customized family vacation with Costa Rica Experts, you leave the worry up to us! $3650 per adult double occupancy$1750 per teen ages 13-17$1275 per child 12 and under. Learn how your comment data is processed. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the top school visits in Costa Rica so the educational tours and activities are brilliantly engaging for kids. Costa Rica is an accessible and thrilling choice for families who want a little bit of everything. The minimum height for ziplining is 1.20m so sadly our daughter couldnt go on it. There are outdoor adventures in every shape and size from the squeal-inducing rush of a canopy zipline to hiking up volcanoes. For more travel inspiration, consider our guide to the best long-haul holiday destinations for families, or for something a little closer to home, we've got a roundup of destinations within a 3-hour flight of the UK. Just an hour north of San Jose, this is a great way to begin or end any family vacation. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Tortuga Lodge is accessed by a combination of ground and boat transfers, though families may prefer to take a short domestic flight from San Jose to minimize time in transit. Costa Rica is a rising contender for the title of Best Family Vacation Destination. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, though you can get bottled water from supermarkets if you want to be more cautious with infants. The main operator isInterbus, with comprehensive routes across the country. 5 stars 9 Pool 86 18 Luxury 24 Property types Resorts 95 All-inclusives 28 B&Bs & Inns 6 Specialty lodgings 2 Show more Amenities Free Wifi 65 Breakfast included56 Pool 86 Free parking 90 Show all Traveler rating 18 & up 83 & up 95 & up 95 Hotel class 5 stars 9 At theArenal Volcano, ziplines and canopy tours are perfect for the thrill-seekers, and the nearbyPacuare Riveris well-known for incomparable whitewater rafting trips. Look for rainforest lodges and tree houses, family farm stays, eco-ranches and independent beach hotels on the Nicoya Peninsula. One of themost beautiful and most exclusive resorts in Costa Rica is Hacienda AltaGracia, an experience-driven luxury property in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, where you and your family can ride horses, hike through the rain forest to see raging waterfalls, learn firsthand how to process sugarcane, or even milk a cow. Costa Rica. Sabor Tico is a fixture in town and its popular with both locals and tourists. But of course, that means quite a lot of moving and youll need to rent a car. You can easily hike the national park in one day. Family holidays in Costa Rica in 2023 & 2024 Parents' main concern on a family holiday in Costa Rica will be the children nagging them to come back. Whether your dream getaway is a white sand beach, a week-long whitewater rafting trip, or a visit to a mangrove jungle, there's something for everyone! Local eco-lodges in Monteverde town and Santa Elena are great for families and just over three kilometres from the reserve. It was easy to get quesadillas, spaghetti, traditional Costa Rican rice, and noodles everywhere we went. Check the latest rates here. To see some interesting creepy-crawlies in the forest, be sure to sign up for a nocturnal hike in the private. During June and July, rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Ricas forests burst with green foliage. For those averse to long drives, the Peace Lodge and La Paz Waterfall Gardens are an all-in-one experience, similar to its sister hotel and fellow family resort The Springs. The best time for a family holiday in Costa Rica with a temperature chart, month by month weather information as well as recommendations from Responsible Travel. To see some interesting creepy-crawlies in the forest, be sure to sign up for a nocturnal hike in the private Curi Cancha Reserve. Maximum 4 total per room. Make the most of your vacation in Costa Rica by staying at The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa. hi Annie, thanks for dropping by! Your family will be wowed by not only the activities on offer, but the spectacular landscapes around you. I would go back there in a heartbeat" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Chemenger. Guests of Monteverde Country Lodge enjoy free access to facilities at Hotel Poco a Poco, including an indoor pool, gym, hot tub and kids club. There are so many options when it comes to visiting Costa Rica, and its tough knowing where to start. San Jose and the Central Valley is the perfect place to start a holiday in Costa Rica. Renting a 4WD will cost around US$300 for one week. View from the fire pit at Hacienda AltaGracia. If we go for 10 days to two weeks, how many days would you recommend spending in each place for a relaxing vacation. A canopy zipline tour is usually around US$50-100, while a snorkeling and sailing trip is around US$80-100. With our expertly-planned, award-winning sustainable holidays, you'll discover nature's playground at its finest. Tortuguero covers an area of 19,000ha mostly made up of waterways, creeks and lagoons. Costa Rica is a family travel playground, specializing in big adventures for the little ones. Explore Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall. Costa Rica is famous for its lush coasts, biodiverse jungles, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic volcanoes - not to mention a mix of eco-resorts and urban attractions like museums and gardens. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A walk on the bridges, along with ziplining and sky tram, costs US$120 per adult and $60 for kids. Its a 100% yes! However, it is possible to go on a budget family trip to Costa Rica if you eat at local eateries and stay at simple guesthouses or hostels. 1. Join the clouds on a zipline adventure or soak up the views at a slower pace as you cross the series of spectacular hanging bridges with a guide. Costa Rica uses hydro, wind and geo-thermal energy to produce electricity for a population of almost 5 million. JW Adventure Kids Club (for ages 4 to 12) offers foosball, a sand playground, and excellently trained staff to supervise both indoor and outdoor activities. Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste. There are beaches geared up for relaxation - like Santa Teresa with its glorious sunsets, best enjoyed with a happy hour cocktail in hand - and some perfect for surfing like laid-back Playa Samara, which offers teen surf lessons. The intriguing wildlife and picturesque beaches are just a 3-hour flight from major hubs like Miami and Houston, with direct flights now offered from Newark, Chicago, and more. Our team in Costa Rica are looking for volunteers to help care for animals at a tropical wildlife sanctuary in the next few months. Costa Rica Family Packages: Give the Gift of Travel to your family. Costa Rica is most famous for having some of the highest and coolest ziplines in the world. and there are coffee tours if you need a pick-me-up. Kids of all ages, especially boys, would love this! For example, Grayline and, If youre not confident traveling Costa Rica independently, check out this, There are also lots of family-friendly resorts and ecolodges in Costa Rica. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica Book your entrance tickets here! Family vacation with 6 adults and two kids, 5 and 7. hi Terrie, you can actually do quite a bit in 1 week in Costa Rica! Explore the tide pools together, start a beach volleyball match, or take a family day trip to nearby Tamarindo to watch a surfing competition and eat in a local restaurant. Driving a rental car can be a rewarding adventure as well because the roads are lined with beautiful views, and roadside sodas are a fun way to break up a drive while sampling the signature snacks and tropical fruits of Costa Rica. Its location in Central America makes it a fairly easy getaway coming from the United States. If youre heading to the Pacific coast, Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a great spot for families who want to see sloths up close and personal. It offers canopy-high zip lines that connect with 12 platforms, high above the Guanacaste mountain range. Will fly into San Jose. Nearby Espadilla Beach has waves great for both aspiring surfers and experts, along with surf shops that offer rentals and lessons. Visitors come to marvel at the towering trees, draping vines, and the hundreds of mammal and bird species, including the majestic yet elusive Resplendent Quetzal. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. It depends on what your family likes, I think if they like nature then Costa Rica is more accessible. And, this is it! 01273 823 700. For example, Grayline andInterbusoffer shared shuttles from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo for around $50. The hotel sits in an elevated position, giving spectacular views of the massive Arenal volcano from just about every inch of the sprawling property. Wildlife spotting is not the only adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park. Self driving is simple, and safe, and lodges are well equipped with . At The Springs, you can ride horses, go tubing on the river, and hike through rugged mountain terrain without leaving the resort. Located close to the town of La Fortuna, this resort may be for backpackers but it also welcomes families. Tulemar Resortin Manuel Antonio offers direct access to a private beach and complimentary use of the hotels boogie boards and beach equipment. A meal in a Costa Rican diner is usually around US$5-10 and a meal in an Italian/Mexican place is around US$15-20 per person. This story was written in collaboration with. As one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, its home to half a million species. KEEN footwear is perfect for both hikes and water activities (like walking on corals or waterfalls) as theyre waterproof. Combine this with beachside lunch service and youve got a whole day of family fun without ever leaving the hotel. There is so much wildlife to see from the boat trips - howler monkeys, sloths, snakes, birds, caimans etc. Stay in a tree house, bungalow or villa, Bungalows with forest or volcano views To secure a spot, either arrive early and purchase tickets at a Coopealianza office before getting in line for the entrance, or book with one of the tour groups that have access to advance tickets. Situated in Arenal Volcano National Park, this resort is the ultimate choice for families who want to be as close as possible to the natural world. You can download a comprehensive timetable here. We flew over from Panama City and our flights cost only US$200 return, even though I booked it at the last minute. Travel Style. The lodge also hasan on-site lake, a swimming pool, a sun terrace and games room. There are two branches in town, one next to the football field and the other at the bus terminal. Over the years, a number of areas in Costa Rica have become world-renowned for their adventures. Toggle navigation. Best Mountain Resorts For Families In Costa Rica. If you have the time, I recommend spending at least, Traveling by bus is by far the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica if you dont want to drive. Thank you so much for the read. Its perfect for families who want to explore San Jose and be right in the action. DREAM TRIPS: 10 Caribbean Family Resorts That Belong on Your Bucket List. Thanks Aleksandra for the kind words! For instance, the government rewards hotels and operators for their eco-friendly efforts, so I definitely recommend staying at eco-lodges in Costa Rica.