Costa Rica - 10 DAYS
A Costa Rica Family Adventure
Rainforests, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Pacific Coast Adventures
Imagine a family vacation filled with rainforest adventures, incredible wildlife encounters, cascading waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities to relax and reconnect.
This 10-day Costa Rica journey brings together some of the country's most memorable experiences. Explore the rainforest canopy, raft along a tropical river, discover wildlife with expert local guides, and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Coast.
Along the way, stay in thoughtfully selected lodges and resorts where the surroundings are just as memorable as the adventures. From natural hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano to the peaceful cloud forests of the Central Highlands, every stop offers something special for the whole family.
Your Costa Rica Adventure at a Glance
DURATION
10 Days / 9 Nights
DESTINATIONS
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Arenal, Manuel Antonio & Bajos del Toro
TRAVEL STYLE
Upscale Family Adventure
EXPERIENCES
Wildlife encounters, hanging bridges, ziplining, rafting, waterfalls, local cooking, hot springs & Pacific Coast cruising
Your Costa Rica Itinerary: Day by Day
DAY 1
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Arrival in Paradise
Your Costa Rica family adventure begins when you arrive at San José International Airport, where your private driver will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your first rainforest retreat.
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the sounds of nature, this beautiful lodge is the perfect place to settle in after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, explore the grounds, discover some of the resident wildlife, or simply relax and take in your surroundings.
Overnight: La Paz Waterfall Gardens Area
DAY 2
Waterfalls & Volcano Country
Discovering La Paz and Journeying to Arenal
Begin your morning exploring the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where scenic rainforest trails lead past cascading waterfalls and opportunities to discover Costa Rica's incredible wildlife.
After your visit, meet your private driver for the journey to the Arenal region, home to the impressive Arenal Volcano. Settle into your resort, surrounded by tropical gardens and spectacular natural scenery.
Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Take a dip in the resort's natural hot springs, enjoy the swimming pools, or simply relax and take in the views as your family prepares for the adventures ahead.
Overnight: Arenal
DAY 3
Above the Rainforest Canopy
Hanging Bridges & Ziplining Adventures
Today, experience the rainforest from two very different perspectives! Begin with a guided walk along scenic rainforest trails and suspended hanging bridges, where you'll have opportunities to spot tropical birds, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way.
Then, get ready for an adrenaline rush as you soar through the treetops on an exciting ziplining adventure, enjoying incredible views of the lush forest canopy.
Return to your resort for a relaxing afternoon. Unwind in the natural hot springs, enjoy the swimming pools, or take advantage of the activities and amenities available at your resort.
Overnight: Arenal
DAY 4
River Rapids & Rainforest After Dark
White-Water Rafting & Nocturnal Wildlife
Start your day with an exciting white-water rafting adventure along a beautiful tropical river. Navigate a series of fun rapids with your experienced guide as you paddle through lush rainforest scenery, with opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings along the way.
After your adventure, return to the resort for some well-deserved downtime. Relax by the pool, soak in the hot springs, or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon together.
As evening falls, venture into the rainforest with a naturalist guide to discover a completely different side of Costa Rica. Listen to the sounds of the forest and search for colorful frogs, fascinating insects, and other nocturnal creatures that become active after dark.
Overnight: Arenal
DAY 5
Waterfalls & Costa Rican Traditions
La Fortuna Waterfall & Cooking with a Local Family
This morning, visit the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, where water plunges into a beautiful pool surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Follow the scenic trail down to the base of the falls, where you can admire the breathtaking scenery and, conditions permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim in a designated swimming area.
Return to your resort for a leisurely afternoon. Relax in the hot springs, enjoy the pool, or simply take in the beautiful surroundings before your evening experience.
Tonight, enjoy a hands-on Costa Rican cooking experience with a local family. Learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients, discover a little about everyday life in Costa Rica, and sit down together to enjoy the delicious meal you've helped create.
Overnight: Arenal
DAY 6
From Volcanoes to the Pacific Coast
Journey to Manuel Antonio
After breakfast, say goodbye to the Arenal region as your private driver takes you toward Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific Coast. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through lush countryside and tropical landscapes.
Arrive in Manuel Antonio, where rainforest-covered hills meet beautiful beaches and sparkling ocean waters. Settle into your resort and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Take a dip in the pool, enjoy the coastal views, or keep an eye out for monkeys and other wildlife that may visit the surrounding trees. It's the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a change of scenery before the next adventures begin.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio
DAY 7
Wildlife Wonders of Manuel Antonio
Exploring the National Park
This morning, explore the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park with an expert naturalist guide. Follow scenic rainforest trails as you search for sloths, playful monkeys, colorful birds, and other fascinating wildlife hidden among the trees. Your guide will help you spot creatures you might otherwise miss and share insights into the park's incredible biodiversity.
Along the way, discover the stunning coastal scenery that makes Manuel Antonio so special, where lush tropical rainforest meets pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Relax at your resort, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy some time at the beach.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio
DAY 8
Sailing the Pacific Coast
A Catamaran Adventure
Today, head out onto the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean for a memorable catamaran cruise along Costa Rica's beautiful coastline. Take in the views of rainforest-covered hills, secluded coves, and dramatic coastal scenery as you sail through the tropical waters.
Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life along the way. Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities to snorkel, swim, and discover the colorful underwater world of the Pacific.
Return to your resort for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy the pool, spend some time at the beach, or simply soak up the beautiful coastal atmosphere on your final full day in Manuel Antonio.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio
DAY 9
A Peaceful Cloud Forest Retreat
Journey to Costa Rica's Central Highlands
After breakfast, say goodbye to the Pacific Coast as your private driver takes you into Costa Rica's beautiful Central Highlands. Along the way, watch the scenery change from tropical coastline to lush mountain landscapes and mist-covered forests.
Arrive at your secluded cloud forest retreat, surrounded by pristine nature, flowing rivers, and beautiful waterfalls. Depending on your arrival time, explore the lodge's scenic trails, enjoy a nature-focused activity, or simply relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Spend your final evening enjoying the tranquility of the cloud forest, a wonderful contrast to the adventures and excitement of the past several days.
Overnight: Bajos del Toro
DAY 10
Until Next Time, Costa Rica
Departure Day
Enjoy a final breakfast surrounded by the beauty of Costa Rica's cloud forest before meeting your private driver for the transfer to San José International Airport.
As your family heads home, take with you wonderful memories of rainforest adventures, incredible wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches, and the special moments you've shared along the way.
Where You'll Stay
Thoughtfully Selected Accommodations
In Costa Rica, where you stay is part of the adventure. From intimate rainforest lodges to beautiful tropical resorts, each property offers its own special connection to the country's incredible natural beauty, with opportunities to relax, explore, and spend quality time together.
LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS
A rainforest hideaway
An intimate lodge surrounded by lush tropical scenery offers a memorable introduction to Costa Rica, with waterfalls, gardens, and abundant natural beauty just outside your door.
ARENAL
Volcano Views & Natural Hot Springs
A beautiful resort surrounded by tropical gardens provides a relaxing home base for rainforest adventures, with natural hot springs and views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.
MANUEL ANTONIO
A Tropical Coastal Escape
A welcoming resort near the Pacific coast offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, with beautiful beaches, tropical surroundings, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
BAJOS DEL TORO
A Peaceful Cloud Forest Retreat
A secluded luxury lodge nestled in the cloud forest offers a tranquil conclusion to your journey, surrounded by misty mountains, lush gardens, and beautiful natural scenery.
Inspired by Costa Rica?
This family adventure is just one example of what a Costa Rica vacation can look like. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches, or simply spending time together in extraordinary surroundings, your journey can be tailored to your interests, travel style, and pace.
At Vacations by Jillian, every itinerary is thoughtfully designed around you. From selecting the right accommodations to creating a balance of exciting experiences and time to relax, we'll help bring your family's Costa Rica adventure to life.
Ready to start planning? Let's Talk!
Let's create a Costa Rica vacation your family will always remember!
