Experience amazing adventures, beaches and wildlife
Jacada’s luxury Costa Rica family tours will lead you on a fantastic journey through the country’s diverse and stunning landscapes.
Cross hanging bridges in Arenal in search of sloths, monkeys and toucans, go on a private family hike through the rainforests of Corcovado National Park and enjoy surfing lessons along the Pacific coast.
Get your adrenaline pumping while white-water rafting in the Pacuare Reserve, before spending a candlelit evening at Pacuare Lodge. Look out for sloths in Manuel Antonio, relax on the beaches of the Guanacaste Coast and learn to surf on the shores of the Nicoya Peninsula.
One of our favourite experiences is hiking through the rainforest to admire the turquoise waters and cascading waterfall of Río Celeste. You can also immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by visiting coffee plantations in the Coffee Valley, learning how the country’s famous coffee is grown and produced.
Benefit from our extensive experience in curating Costa Rica tours for families. We know the best hotels and locations for all different age groups, and will provide an itinerary that is tailored to you and your family’s interests.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
Luxury family-friendly accommodation in Costa Rica
There are many incredible places to stay in Costa Rica. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Family expertise
We offer extensive knowledge and years of expertise in crafting family trips for all generations. Some of our travel designers have first-hand experience of travelling with their own families, providing invaluable tips and advice based on their own travels.
Tailored experiences
To ensure every family member’s passions and wishes are fulfilled, each trip we plan is tailored for families of all ages. Led by trusted guides, activities will captivate your family’s interests, while respecting the landscapes and communities you visit.
Perfect planning
Balancing activity and relaxation is key to a successful family trip. Keeping everyone engaged matters, and so does finding time to unwind. We know how to strike the perfect balance between adventure and downtime, and the best destinations to enjoy both.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Costa Rica family example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
11-Day Trip
Costa Rica Family Explorer
11-Day Trip
Costa Rica Family Explorer
11-Day Trip
Luxury Family Adventure in Costa Rica
11-Day Trip
Luxury Family Adventure in Costa Rica
Where to go
Arenal
Arenal is home to the ever-active and magnificent Arenal Volcano. When in the region, adventurous families can rappel through forest canopies, ride white water rapids, enjoy exciting hikes, zip lining, hot springs and so much more. There’s also unrivalled wildlife viewing opportunities in Arenal Volcano National Park.
Boca Tapada near San Carlos
The unspoiled region of Boca Tapada offers some of Costa Rica’s most untouched tropical rainforests. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife species like the tapir, the jaguar, the puma, the king vulture and the most popular resident - the green macaws. Families visiting can enjoy a quieter side of Costa Rica, no matter the time of year.
Cerros de Turrubares
Cerros de Turrubares is the least populated of Costa Rica’s 81 cantons and while it’s certainly off-the-beaten-track, its proximity to the Carara National Park and the central Pacific coastline is reason enough to stop by.
Corcovado and Osa Peninsula
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula enjoys an exceptional wealth of biodiversity, from primary rainforests to sandy coastlines. Remote and exciting, this is one of the best places for wildlife encounters.
Dominical
Dominical is a sleepy surf village with great access to the national park and various stunning beaches and waterfalls. Learn to ride the big waves or sit back and relax in nature watching fiery sunsets.
Jacó
In close proximity to the capital city of San Jose, the beachtown of Jacó makes for an interesting gateway to the national parks of Costa Rica. Its varied landscapes consist of rolling green hills and palm-fringed sandy beaches, making it one of the best destinations to experience activities of all kinds - ATV and zip-lining, catamaran cruises, surf lessons, and sport fishing are some of the fun experiences families can expect.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. This marine reserve consists of lush rainforest and white sand beaches. It is renowned for its wide variety of tropical plants and wildlife. Go in search of sloths, dolphins, whales, howler monkeys and kingfishers.
Nicoya Peninsula
Tangled stone cliffs and winding mangroves greet the rugged, beautiful coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. From here, visit the Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco or wander the rustic villages of Tambor and Montezuma. Active families can enjoy surfing and sport fishing.
Pacuare Reserve
A combination of beach, forest and freshwater habitats, make Pacuare Reserve one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in all Costa Rica. Extending over 800 hectares of lowland tropical rainforest, the reserve plays host to more than 20 species of mammals and reptiles. Families can enjoy the various trails in the reserve or embark on boat rides in the river.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo sits on the southern Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica. The area is replete with laid-back beaches and the waters in Limon are generally calm, making it ideal for families travelling with small kids. There’s also the incredible Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge for wildlife spotting.
Rincon de la Vieja
Bubbling hotsprings and active volcanoes make up the varied landscapes of Rincon de la Vieja, making it one of the best destinations in Costa Rica for adventure and nature lovers. The national park has an abundance of wildlife species ranging from sloths, exotic birds, pumas, jaguars and spider monkeys.
Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural wonders. Its many habitats converge to attract hundreds of bird species, making birdwatching an absolute must-do. Families can enjoy floating on the azure blue river and meeting the Maleku Indigenous Tribe for an enriching experience.
San Gerardo de Dota
Costa Rica’s birdwatching capital is none other than San Gerardo de Dota. Nature loving families can enjoy private expeditions to spot some of the 200 bird species that reside here including hummingbirds, woodpeckers, tanagers, peccaries and more.
San Jose
San Jose is Costa Rica’s cosmopolitan capital city and makes for a great gateway to access other regions of the country. Wander its colonial quarters, visit historical buildings and world-class museums. Local coffee shops make sure to celebrate the country’s coffee beans - don’t miss on trying some for yourself.
Sarapiquí
Sarapiquí is known to be Costa Rica’s leader in sustainable tourism. The region lies on the northern borders of Costa Rica’s biggest national park, Braulio-Carrillo. For unlimited fun, families can enjoy white-water rafting along the Rio Sarapiquí or go chasing waterfalls on horseback.
The Central Cloud Forests
Costa Rica’s central highlands are dotted with a number of exquisite and captivatingly biodiverse cloud forests, of which Monteverde, Bajos del Toro, the Bosque de Paz Biological Preserve, San Ramon and many more. To make the most of the region’s natural beauty, families can set off on exciting adventures such as horseback riding.
The Coffee Valley
Fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate make Costa Rica one of the best places in the world for growing delicious coffee beans. Take the whole family to Costa Rica’s Coffee Valley and embark on an educational tour to learn about the culture connected with the land. In the region, you can also enjoy hiking, horseback riding and so much more.
The Guanacaste Coast
Known for wide, long stretches of coastline and consistent sunshine, The Guanacaste Coast has long been a surfers’ paradise. Hop on a board and try it for yourself with a surf lesson. Families can also enjoy land activities to discover the region's wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Tortuguero
Tortuguero is Costa Rica’s ‘Land of The Turtles’. It is an important nesting site for green sea turtles, leatherbacks, hawkbills and loggerheads. Nature-loving families will enjoy exploring this region on foot or by boat, discovering its many lagoons, canals and rivers.
Turrialba
Active families looking for an action-packed holiday will enjoy the region of Turrialba. This small farming city offers experiences of all kinds, from thrilling mountain biking to relaxing river kayaking. Embark on a hiking trail to the crater of Turrialba Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes.
Meet your Latin America team
When to visit
The best time to visit Costa Rica with family is during the green season, from May to July or in November. During this time of the year, there are fewer crowds and the national parks are quieter. In July specifically, the country can experience a weather phenomenon called veranillo or ‘little summer’. This brings weeks of sunny days and warm temperatures.
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
September - March
Birdwatching
Year round
Whale watching
August - October
Plan your family trip to Costa Rica
Whatever you want from your family adventure in Costa Rica, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Ask our experts
What are the best destinations for families in Costa Rica?
Some of the best destinations for families in Costa Rica include Manuel Antonio National Park for wildlife spotting, including monkeys, the central cloud forests for ziplines and canopy walks, Arenal for hot springs and Tortugero to watch sea turtle nesting and hatching. All these destinations offer family-friendly active and nature based activities which can be adapted to suit families of all ages.
Are there lots of long road journeys on Costa Rica family trips?
While some transfers between destinations on your Costa Rica family trip are unavoidable, our expert travel designers will ensure your route is as seamless as possible in order to minimise journey time. That said, drives between certain destinations may take several hours. Transfers will be done by a professional driver guide, in comfortable and luxurious vehicles, and with stops for food, drink and services factored in.
What is the best age for kids to visit Costa Rica?
The best age for kids to visit Costa Rica is aged eight and over, as from this age they will be able to fully participate in most activities, including hikes, zip lines, wildlife spotting and white water rafting. However, Costa Rica can also be a good destination for families with younger children. Your travel designer will adapt your schedule and activities to engage all ages.
Is Costa Rica good for multi-generational family groups?
Yes, Costa Rica is great for multi-generational family groups because it offers a wide range of outdoor adventure and nature focussed activities which can be tailored to different levels of activity. Gentle hikes, canopy walks and wildlife spotting can be paired with rafting, zip lining and surfing. Family-friendly hotels and lodges also offer multi-bedroom suites for family groups.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
