Highlights
- Embark on a nighttime rainforest walk to see snakes, insects, and exotic frogs
- Soak in natural hot springs after hiking around a volcano
- Snorkel around a reef off the coast of the Catalina Islands
- Explore Tamarindo Mangrove on a guided a boat tour
- Visit a scarlet macaw rehabilitation center and learn about conservation
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the Rainforest After Dark | La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Go on a Guided Rainforest Hike | La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Enjoy a Sloth and Bird Hike & Dip in Hot Springs | La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Go on a Catamaran Sailing Tour at Sunset | Tamarindo |
| Day 5 | Boat Around Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary | Tamarindo |
| Day 6 | Snorkel Around the Catalina Islands | Tamarindo |
| Day 7 | Relax on the Beach in Sámara | Sámara |
| Day 8 | Visit a Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center | Sámara |
| Day 9 | Hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve | Sámara |
| Day 10 | Depart Costa Rica |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Rainforest After Dark
Read more here about the best things to do in the area.
Day 2: Go on a Guided Rainforest Hike
Today you and the kids will venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a moderate three-hour hike beside the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. Local legend says that after God painted the sky, he washed his brushes in this river, which resulted in its famous electric-blue waters.
The family-oriented hike leads you 4 miles (7 km) along the river through a rainforest ecosystem home to exotic animals like monkeys, sloths, peccaries, and anteaters. You'll pass by the specific point where two streams merge and produce the reaction in the minerals that give the Celeste its exotic color. The hike culminates with a descent of 253 steps to reach the Catarata Río Celeste, a waterfall of such profound beauty you'll think you've found your private paradise. You'll visit a waterfall, hot springs, fumaroles of volcanic gases, and the Borbollones, where exhaust gases at the base of the river give the appearance of boiling water.
Day 3: Enjoy a Sloth and Bird Hike & Dip in Hot Springs
Go on a hiking excursion today along the so-called "Sloth Trail." This nature trail cuts through a habitat for sloths (both two-toed and three-toed) who like to hang on the branches of the trees and feed on bright green leaves. It's fun for the whole family to look for these slow-moving creatures overhead! On this two-hour guided hike, you'll see a few of these animals and perhaps even spy a mother sloth and its baby. During the walk, your bilingual guide will also point out other animals common to this area, like the famous red-eyed tree frog.
In the afternoon, discover the La Fortuna area with a hike around Arenal Volcano and other nearby nature reserves. The trails in the area are generally not strenuous—perfect for a leisurely and informative hike with the kids and a naturalist guide. Start at the entrance of the 1968 Trail, where you'll hit the well-maintained trails that skirt the base of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. This 1.5-hour route offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the park, and your naturalist guide will keep a well-trained eye out for exotic birds, monkeys, and other animals along the way.
In addition to the forested parts where you can spot wildlife, you'll also walk through sections of the park devastated by the lava flow of 1968, resulting in little to no vegetation in its surroundings. Your guide will explain the history of the area, both pre-and post-1968 eruption, while also pointing out the unique flora and fauna you will encounter. Of course, the trail also provides magnificent views of the massive Arenal Volcano, the pristine Lake Arenal, and the extinct volcano Cerro Chato. After hiking the trails, your guide will drop you off at Tabacon Hot Springs so your family can soothe your muscles with a dip in mineral-rich waters. Find out more about the hot springs experience here.
Day 4: Go on a Catamaran Sailing Tour at Sunset
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Snorkel in the bay or enjoy a stroll down the deserted white sand beach with the family. Have dinner on the boat, then sit back and listen to the waves lapping at the sides of the catamaran as you make your way back to shore, taking in gorgeous sunset views along the way. Find out more about the best things to do in Tamarindo here.
Day 5: Boat Around Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary
Estuaries play an essential role in nature, hosting important tree species and populations of birds and animals. They also serve as natural barriers to help prevent floods and protect coasts and beaches from tropical storms. The Tamarindo Estuary, part of Las Baulas National Park, is famous for being one of the nesting spots for leatherback and Pacific green turtles. The tour offers a unique opportunity for your family to observe the wildlife living in this oasis.
The boat will be ready and waiting at the mouth of the river, where you will be provided instructions for a safe take-off. You will glide along the river on this safari tour through the narrow canals. You'll see many different bird species and colorful fish jumping above the water. Above the mangrove trees, kids will also have the chance to see monkeys and iguanas. Your guide will stop in some places for a deeper explanation of the local flora and fauna, specifically the famous local Guanacaste trees, Costa Rica's national tree. Listen for the sounds of local howler monkeys, and keep an eye out for crabs and butterflies!
Day 6: Snorkel Around the Catalina Islands
The rocky islands may not look like much at first, but below the surface of the indigo waters, you'll find an underwater menagerie of exotic wildlife. You'll see quickly why the Catalina Islands are a world-famous diving location attracting divers of all experience levels. Animals you'll spot with the kids include giant manta and devil rays, sea turtles, parrotfish, moray eels, etc. In the right season, you can even hear humpback whales singing!
Day 7: Relax on the Beach in Sámara
Day 8: Visit a Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center
Upon arrival, you and the kids will take a walking tour through the tropical dry forest while your guide explains how the center rescues and rehabilitates wild macaws as well as those affected by the illegal pet trade. They also have a program where injured birds that cannot be released are kept in safe habitats for breeding purposes. Once their offspring become old enough, they are released into the wild to thrive and further populate the forests they once thrived in.
Throughout the visit, your family will meet many of the birds that the center has rescued and gain firsthand knowledge of the complex restoration work performed by the organization. The reserve is truly a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the area and meet these remarkable, charismatic birds for themselves.
Day 9: Hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
The Werner Sauter Biological Reserve paths will lead you and your family on an excellent rainforest hiking adventure today. You will be hiking in one of the Guanacaste province's only private reserves. This belt of the tropical dry forest is one of the rarest—and due to wildfires and large-scale deforestation, the most vulnerable—biomes of Central America. In this forest haven, water scarcity has caused wildlife to evolve and thrive in an environment with fewer nutrients than in other tropical forests. Your experienced guide will lead you through the reserve on a hike of approximately three hours, amazing you with information about this area's biodiversity and other wonders as you walk.
Day 10: Depart Costa Rica
More Great 10-Day Costa Rica Itineraries
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