A Family Adventure in Costa Rica
ITINERARY: San Jose > La Fortuna & Arenal > Monteverde > Manuel Antonio
Here’s what Eve said:
San José: The Starting Point We landed in San José, the capital city, and spent a day adjusting to the tropical climate. A guided tour of the city introduced us to its vibrant culture, colourful markets, and delicious community honey – the guide made sure we had plenty of stops which meant the kids weren’t grumbling. We saw the beautiful French influenced architecture from the 1800s and learnt about the Costa Rican way of life and how honey and other natural remedies are central to their healthcare. With a hire car in tow, it was now time to adventure into Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
La Fortuna & Arenal: Hot Springs and Rio Celeste Our first stop was La Fortuna, home to the stunning Arenal Volcano. The drive itself was an adventure, with lush green landscapes and occasional wildlife sightings. One of the biggest highlights here was a visit to the natural hot springs, where we soaked in warm, mineral-rich waters while the kids splashed in shallow pools. Another magical experience was our hike to Rio Celeste, a bright turquoise river hidden deep in the rainforest. The kids were fascinated by the fairytale-like colour, a result of volcanic minerals reacting with the water. The trek was a bit challenging but completely worth it for the stunning view.
This is where we got brave and really enjoyed ourselves white water rafting. That has to be our favourite activity of the whole trip. It was SO much fun. The kids still talk about it. My top tip here is that you have to book the National Parks in advance.
Monteverde: High-Octane Adventures in the Cloud Forest Next, we journeyed to the cloud forest of Monteverde, a haven for adventure seekers. Our family loved the thrill of ziplining through the misty treetops—some of us screaming in excitement while others (okay, mostly the parents) held on for dear life. The hanging bridges provided a calmer yet striking way to take in the rich biodiversity of the region.
For a different kind of excitement, we took a walk through the jungle, spotting tree frogs, sloths, and even a toucan. It was an incredible way to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
What I hadn’t planned for was how wet this area is! Silly really in a cloud forest, but I hadn’t come prepared with waterproofs. The air is saturated. Every night I was trying to get our clothes and shoes dry for the next day. So make sure you pack wisely.
Manuel Antonio: Sun, Sand, and Wildlife The final leg of our journey took us to the stunning coastal town of Manuel Antonio. This place is truly where the jungle meets the ocean, with white sandy beaches framed by dense rainforest. The kids loved spotting monkeys, iguanas, and even a few lazy sloths lounging in the trees right by the beach.
We spent our days relaxing by the water, swimming in the warm Pacific, and exploring Manuel Antonio National Park in a kayak, which is teeming with wildlife and scenic trails. The contrast between the lush greenery and the bright blue ocean made it a picture-perfect paradise.
Back to San José and Home Again Our adventure came full circle as we made our way back to San José, taking in the final glimpses of Costa Rica’s breath-taking landscapes. The kids were already planning their next trip back before we even boarded our flight home!
Thanks to Eve Davies for sharing this wonderful family holiday.
Final Thoughts Costa Rica offered the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and nature for Eve’s family of six. Whether it was soaking in hot springs, trekking through rainforests, ziplining through cloud forests, white water rafting, kayaking through mangrove forests, or relaxing on pristine beaches, every moment was filled with discovery and joy. If you're considering a family trip that combines thrill and tranquility, Costa Rica should be at the top of your list!
Contact me on 01270 917091 to book your dream trip.
