Planning a trip to Costa Rica: A Family Adventure
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? You’re in for something truly special! Our family is gearing up for an unforgettable adventure this March, and after weeks of research, I feel pretty confident that we’re about to have the time of our lives. From pristine beaches to lush rainforests and everything in between, Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
This trip is extra special for my husband and me—we actually spent our honeymoon in Costa Rica 17 years ago. Now, we’re going back with our kids, and we can’t wait to show them this incredible country. Here's a little peek into what we’ve planned so far! During my research, here are some of the key questions I needed answered so hopefully this guide will provide you tips in planning your Costa Rican family adventure. 18 Summers goes fast!
1. When’s the best time of year to plan a trip Costa Rica
Since we’re traveling at the end of March, we’ll be visiting right in the middle of Costa Rica’s dry season (December to April). This is the best time to enjoy sunny beach days and outdoor fun. Sure, it’s also peak tourist season, which means higher prices, but for us, the reliable weather is worth it.
If we were okay with a bit more rain and wanted to save a few bucks, we could have gone during the rainy season (May to November). But for this trip, we decided to stick with sunny skies.
2. Choosing the right airport
Costa Rica has two main international airports: San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR). Since we plan to explore two of the northern regions, we’re in and out of Liberia. This way, we’ll minimize long drives and maximize our time soaking in Costa Rica’s beauty.
3. Getting Around – Transportation Options
After weighing our options, we’ve decided to use car service for excursions and between resorts. You can rent a car if you are looking for more flexibility to explore at your own pace, but with two kids and zero Spanish language knowledge, it felt easier to rely on the experts to get us around the country. Everyone we talked to recommended getting a 4x4 since some of the roads in remote areas can get a little rough.
For those who’d rather not drive, shared shuttles are also an option. We hear they are comfortable, reliable, and a stress-free way to get around.
4. Activities by the regions of Costa Rica
There are a few key regions in Costa Rica, each offering something unique, so narrowing down our itinerary wasn’t easy. We wanted a mix of adventure, nature, and downtime, and after hours of research (and a few key recommendations from friends), here’s where the key regions that you should consider to add to your itinerary:
San José & Central Valley
This is the heart of Costa Rica and known as the Central Valley, surrounded by volcanoes and coffee plantations.
Top Things We’re Excited About:
Touring local coffee plantations
Visiting Poás Volcano National Park to see the massive crater.
Touring a local coffee plantation (because we can’t leave without learning about Costa Rican coffee).
Exploring the National Museum of Costa Rica for a bit of culture and history.
Arenal & La Fortuna
This region came highly recommended by friends, and it seems like the perfect place for outdoor adventures. We plan to stay in this region for 4 nights at the start of our trip.
On our list during our time in Arenal are:
Hiking the trails at Arenal Volcano National Park.
Relaxing in the region’s famous natural hot springs.
Trying out zip-lining (our kids are super excited for this one!).
Waterfall rappelling – because why not? It sounds thrilling!
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde is all about the misty cloud forests and incredible biodiversity.
What to Consider in this region:
Include sloths when planning a trip to Costa Rica
Walking across the hanging bridges and soaking in the magical views.
Taking a guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Visiting the Monteverde Butterfly Garden for a fun and educational experience.
Guanacaste
For the second half of our trip, we’ll head to the sunny beaches of Guanacaste. We’re hoping this will be the perfect balance to our more adventurous days in Arenal and Monteverde.
Fun Plans Include:
Taking surf lessons (wish us luck!) - this region is a premier destination for surfers of all skill levels. The region boasts a variety of surf spots, each offering unique wave conditions and experiences.
Snorkeling or Fishing via a boat tour - the region’s oceans are crystal clear and known for its vast array of marine life. There are a few key spots that are perfect for ocean activities.
Playa Conchal: Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and unique crushed-shell shoreline, Playa Conchal provides excellent snorkeling near the rocky areas on the beach's northern end.
Playa Ocotal: This beach features rocky formations that create habitats for various fish species, making it a favored spot for snorkelers seeking a serene experience.
San Juanillo: Located further south, San Juanillo is celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity, including vibrant blue and yellow fish, making it a top snorkeling destination in the area.
Exploring Rincon de la Vieja National Park—another spot our friends highly recommended.
Manuel Antonio
Though we won’t be visiting Manuel Antonio this time, I wanted to include it because it’s such a popular destination for families. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth considering! You can hike the trails of the renowned Manuel Antonio National park, spot monkeys and sloths, relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the country or take a trip out to Damas Island, known for its mangrove ecosystem.
5. Lodging Types
We love variety when it comes to accommodations, and Costa Rica has so many options to consider. When we where planning a trip to Costa Rica, our goal was to find a combination of eco-lodge and a bit of luxury but I have friends that are spending their time in an AirBnb right on the beach to soak up all the surfing they can.
Westin Costa Rica
Eco-Lodges: there are many eco-lodges in Costa Rica ranging from luxury accommodations to more rustic retreats.
Vacation Rentals: For a little more space (and a kitchen—so handy when traveling with kids).
Beach Resorts: Because sometimes you just want to lounge by the pool while the kids splash around.
6. Must-Bring Essentials
With days full of activities and with a variety of climates, packing will be interesting but here are the must-haves on our list:
Lightweight clothes for the warm weather and layers for cool evenings.
Rain jackets and waterproof shoes – the mix of regions come with a mix of weather. Being prepared with rain gear will be perfect for an afternoon shower or chasing waterfalls.
Hiking shoes for the trails and sandals for the beach.
Lots of swimsuits (we’ll practically live in them).
Bug spray and sunscreen – definitely essentials!
Passport and booked transportation - to enter Costa Rica a valid passport and a pre-paid airline (or bus) ticket exiting the country is mandatory
Cash for Exit Fees - There is a $31 fee to exit Costa Rica. It may be included in your airline fee. If not you will need to have this cash available /per person, when leaving the country.
Other Questions I wanted answered while planning a trip to Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica Safe?
Costa Rica is known for being safe and family-friendly, but we’re still taking a few precautions:
Costa Rica is an Adventure
Travel Insurance: Just in case something unexpected happens.
Vaccinations: No special vaccines are needed, but we’re up-to-date on our regular ones.
General Safety: I have been told to keep a close eye on your belongings, especially at the beach.
Water Safety: Water is safe to drink throughout Costa Rica. However, if you are in a remote area it is suggested you use you drink bottled water (and no ice!).
What is the local culture like?
Costa Ricans, known as “Ticos”, are warm and welcoming. The phrase “Pura Vida” is everywhere—it means “pure life” and reflects the laid-back, happy vibe of the country. The food! We’re looking forward to trying gallo pinto, casado, and tons of fresh fruit.
What currency is used in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, both US dollars and local colones are accepted, but it's essential to know when to use each currency for a smoother experience. For tourist-related expenses like tours, shuttles, hotels, and other high-end services quoted in USD, it's best to pay in US dollars. To be safe, have a mix of both currencies and 2 credit card options available. Visa and Mastercard is most widely accepted. American Express is limited and Discover is not accepted.
How much does a trip to Costa Rica Cost?
This is always a difficult question because the range of accommodations, food choices, activities and transportation can range drastically but we want to share with you our experience to give you a guideline of what you can expect:
Airfare: $600 - $850/ person (great spot to use points if this is something you do!)
3-Star Eco Lodging: $380/night
All-Inclusive: $600 - $800/night
Excursions: $50 - $200/person
Final Thoughts on planning a trip to Costa Rica
We can’t wait for our Spring Break trip to Costa Rica. We loved our time there years ago and it has always been on my bucket list to go back with our children. I know they are going to LOVE the zip lining, water repelling, sloth spotting and all the things Costa Rica has to offer. This feels like the perfect destination for a family adventure—plenty of excitement for the kids and relaxation for us. If you’re planning your own trip, I hope our experience and tips help you out.
Here’s to making memories for 18 Summers and beyond! Pura Vida!
