10-Day Costa Rica Adventure for a Family of 4 Itinerary

Travel from San José to La Fortuna (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and get ready for an exciting day ahead. Start with a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park. Here you can hike through lush forests and witness stunning views of the active volcano.

For lunch, head to Restaurante Don Rufino, which offers delicious local dishes with a modern twist. Afterward, embark on an exhilarating zip-lining tour with Arenal Canopy Adventure. Soar above the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views of the rainforest and Arenal Lake.

In the evening, relax at Thermales Los Laureles, where you can soak in natural hot springs surrounded by tropical gardens. Enjoy dinner at their on-site restaurant before heading back to your hotel.

Begin your day with a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall. This impressive waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers opportunities for swimming in its refreshing pool. The hike down is steep but well worth it for the stunning views.

Have lunch at Chifa La Familia Feliz, known for its fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine. Afterward, visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, where you can walk across suspension bridges high above the forest floor and spot various wildlife species.

For dinner, dine at Nene's Restaurant, which serves hearty Costa Rican meals in a cozy setting. End your day with a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore La Fortuna town center.

Travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde (approx. 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for a day of adventure. Start with a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. This reserve is known for its incredible biodiversity and offers numerous trails where you can spot exotic birds, mammals, and plants.

For lunch, head to Sabor Tico, a local favorite that serves traditional Costa Rican dishes. Afterward, embark on an exciting zip-lining tour with Sky Adventures Monteverde Park. Experience the thrill of soaring above the cloud forest canopy and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In the evening, dine at Treetop Restaurant, which offers a unique dining experience high up in the trees. After dinner, take a guided night walk through the cloud forest with Kinkajou Night Walk. This tour allows you to see nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat.

Travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio (approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head straight to Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend your morning exploring the park's beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife.

El Avion is a must-visit for lunch; this restaurant is built around an old airplane and offers stunning ocean views along with delicious food. After lunch, relax on Playa Espadilla or take a surfing lesson with Manuel Antonio Surf School. The gentle waves make it an ideal spot for beginners.

Cafe Milagro is perfect for dinner; this charming café serves fresh seafood and other local specialties. End your day with a sunset walk along the beach or enjoy some live music at one of the nearby bars.

Damas Island Mangrove Boat Tour is an excellent way to start your day. This guided boat tour takes you through mangrove forests where you can spot various bird species, monkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Mar Luna is great for lunch; this restaurant offers panoramic views of the ocean and serves delicious Costa Rican cuisine. Afterward, visit Manuel Antonio Butterfly Gardens, where you can learn about different butterfly species and see them up close in their natural environment.

For dinner, head to Ronny's Place, known for its stunning sunset views and mouthwatering dishes. After dinner, consider taking a night walk tour in Manuel Antonio National Park to experience the park's nocturnal wildlife.

Travel from Manuel Antonio to Dominical (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and start your day with a visit to Nauyaca Waterfalls. These stunning waterfalls are perfect for a refreshing swim and offer beautiful photo opportunities. The hike to the falls is moderate and takes you through lush jungle scenery.

For lunch, head to Restaurante El Pescado Loco, known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy some beach time at Playa Dominical, a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers alike. You can also take a surfing lesson with Dominical Surf School if you're feeling adventurous.

Café Mono Congo is an excellent choice for dinner; this café offers a variety of healthy dishes and delicious smoothies. End your day with a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore the local nightlife in Dominical.

Travel from Dominical to Uvita (approx. 30 minutes). Start your day with a visit to Marino Ballena National Park. This park is famous for its whale tail-shaped sandbar and is an excellent spot for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the marine life.

Sabor Español is perfect for lunch; this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a cozy setting. After lunch, embark on an exciting whale watching tour with Uvita Whale Watching Tours. Depending on the season, you may see humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures.

The Bamboo Room offers live music and delicious food, making it an ideal spot for dinner. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere before heading back to your hotel for a restful night.

Travel from Uvita to Corcovado National Park (approx. 2 hours). Start your day early with a guided tour of Corcovado National Park. This park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and offers opportunities to see exotic wildlife such as tapirs, jaguars, monkeys, and countless bird species.

La Leona Eco Lodge provides an excellent lunch option within the park; enjoy fresh local dishes surrounded by nature. After lunch, continue exploring the park's trails or relax on one of its pristine beaches.

For dinner, dine at Drake Bay Café, known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of Drake Bay. End your day with a peaceful evening at your eco-lodge or take part in a night tour to experience Corcovado's nocturnal wildlife.

Travel from Corcovado National Park to Puerto Jiménez (approx. 1.5 hours). Start your day with a visit to Osa Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. You can learn about the various species they care for and even interact with some of the animals.

For lunch, head to Pearl of the Osa, known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. Afterward, spend some time at Playa Platanares, a beautiful beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing under the shade of palm trees.

In the evening, dine at La Perla de Osa, which offers delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting. After dinner, take a guided night tour with Discover Osa Night Tour to experience the region's nocturnal wildlife and enjoy your last night in Costa Rica.