Itinerary for 17 day trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and plenty of adventure activities. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 17-day itinerary that balances relaxation, exploration, and a bit of adventure. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in San José

Morning: Arrive at .
Afternoon: Check into your hotel in San José. Consider staying at a family-friendly hotel like the Holiday Inn or the Radisson.
Evening: Explore the local area, grab dinner at a nearby restaurant, and rest up for your adventure!

Day 2: San José to Arenal

Morning: After breakfast, visit the or the for some fun.
Afternoon: Drive or take a shuttle to Arenal (about 3 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Evening: Check into your hotel in Arenal. Relax in the hot springs at Tabacón or .

Day 3:

Morning: Hike the trails in . Look for wildlife and enjoy the views of the volcano.
Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch and then visit . Don’t forget your swimsuits for a refreshing dip!
Evening: Dinner in La Fortuna. Try a local soda (small restaurant) for authentic Costa Rican food.

Day 4: Adventure Day in Arenal

Morning: Go zip-lining through the rainforest canopy! Companies like Sky Adventures offer family-friendly options.
Afternoon: Visit the for a unique perspective of the forest.
Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a family game night.

Day 5: Arenal to Monteverde

Morning: Depart for Monteverde (about 3.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the . Look for the famous quetzal bird!
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try the cheese fondue at the !

Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Morning: Take a guided tour of the cloud forest. Kids will love spotting sloths and colorful birds!
Afternoon: Visit the or the .
Evening: Enjoy a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife.

Day 7: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

Morning: Depart for Manuel Antonio (about 3.5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at the beach.
Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Enjoy the sunset!

Day 8:

Morning: Explore . Hike the trails and look for monkeys and iguanas.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at the beach. The kids can play in the sand while you relax.
Evening: Dinner in , the nearby town.

Day 9: Beach Day in Manuel Antonio

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then head back to the beach for some fun in the sun.
Afternoon: Consider renting kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for some family fun on the water.
Evening: Have a family movie night at your hotel or enjoy a local ice cream shop.

Day 10: Manuel Antonio to

Morning: Depart for the (about 4 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your eco-lodge. Explore the area around your lodge.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge or a nearby restaurant.

Day 11:

Morning: Take a guided tour of . This is a great place to see diverse wildlife.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring.
Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and share stories about your day.

Day 12: to Dominical

Morning: Depart for Dominical (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at the beach.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try some fresh seafood!

Day 13: Waterfall and Beach Day

Morning: Visit the . You can hike or take a horseback ride to get there.
Afternoon: Swim in the waterfall pools and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Evening: Return to Dominical for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 14: Dominical to

Morning: Depart for (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your lodge and explore the area. This is a great spot for birdwatching!
Evening: Dinner at your lodge. Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Day 15: Birdwatching and Nature Walks

Morning: Go on a guided birdwatching tour. Look for the resplendent quetzal!
Afternoon: Enjoy a nature walk or relax at your lodge.
Evening: Have a cozy family dinner and share your favorite moments from the trip.

Day 16: to San José

Morning: Depart for San José (about 2.5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Central Market for some last-minute shopping and local snacks.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in San José.

Day 17: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a final stroll around San José or a visit to a local café.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!

This itinerary offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, perfect for a family trip. Make sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure! Enjoy your time in beautiful Costa Rica! 🌴🌺