Highlights
- Spot monkeys and coatis on a guided hike through Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Soak in warm volcanic mud baths then cool off with a swim in the Río Negro
- Learn to ride the waves with a family surfing lesson at Playa Tamarindo
- Sail along the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste, then drop anchor for a barbecue lunch
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Liberia, Transfer to Rincón De La Vieja, Hot Springs & Mud Baths | Rincón de la Vieja |
| Day 2 | Guided Volcano & Waterfall Hike in Rincón de la Vieja National Park | Rincón de la Vieja |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Tamarindo, Evening Turtle Nesting Experience | Tamarindo |
| Day 4 | Take a Family Surf Lesson at Playa Tamarindo | Tamarindo |
| Day 5 | Free Morning in Tamarindo, Catamaran Sailing Adventure & Barbecue | Tamarindo |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Liberia, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Liberia, Transfer to Rincón De La Vieja, Hot Springs & Mud Baths
Welcome to Costa Rica! You'll touch down in Liberia, the northern hub of Guanacaste Province, an area famous for both its Pacific beaches and inland mountainous regions. Upon arrival, meet your driver and set off on a private transfer about 40 minutes north to the edge of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, home to the massive volcano of the same name.
On the drive up the Pan-American Highway, you can take in the beautiful scenery, including the flatlands of the Guanacaste savanna. Eventually, you'll pass the sleepy village of Curubandé before reaching the secluded eco-hotel where you'll spend the next two nights. If the kids have energy to burn this afternoon, you could head to the nearby hot springs on the Río Negro, where you'll find thermal pools, soothing volcanic mud baths, suspension bridges, and waterfall trails.
Day 2: Guided Volcano & Waterfall Hike in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and make sure the whole family is outfitted in their comfortable hiking shoes—you're off on a guided nature trek through the lush Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Start with a transfer from your hotel to the park's outskirts, then begin with a brisk 45-minute walk along a scenic forest trail to the entrance. Pause to enjoy views of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano as your guide points out the steaming fumaroles, mini-geysers, and bubbling volcanic mud pits of this geothermally active area.
Your hike continues along the Las Pailas loop trail for over 2.5 miles (4 km) through tropical forest. Young animal lovers will be thrilled to spot the plentiful wildlife that abounds near the trail, including tropical birds, armadillos, collared peccaries, iguanas, white-nosed coatis, and various types of monkeys. At the end of the hike, cool off with a refreshing swim in the Oropendola Waterfall, which plunges an impressive 82 feet (25 m) down to a bright turquoise pool. A transfer will take you back to your hotel in time for lunch, and you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax or head back to the hot springs.
Day 3: Transfer to Tamarindo, Evening Turtle Nesting Experience
It's time to leave the volcanoes and forests behind and head to the coast! Your private driver will take you on a journey southwest today, past the tropical dry forest and vast savannas of Guanacaste Province and onto paved and dirt roads that lead toward the Nicoya Peninsula. After about two hours, you'll arrive at the ocean and the popular surf haven of Tamarindo. This is a small community teeming with activity, famous for its sunny beaches and world-class surf. After checking in at your hotel, the kids might want to head straight for the sand, where you'll also find plenty of dining options to suit all ages.
If the whole family feels like staying up a little later this evening and you happen to be visiting during the turtle nesting season (November through March), join a four-hour, small-group experience at nearby Playa Minas. Settle in as evening falls and listen as your naturalist guide shares fascinating facts about the region's endangered green sea turtles. As the sun sets over the Pacific, you'll observe the mothers coming ashore and digging nests to lay their eggs—a remarkable spectacle that's sure to delight nature-loving kids and adults alike.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Take a Family Surf Lesson at Playa Tamarindo
Grab your sunscreen and swimwear this morning as you meet your instructors on Playa Tamarindo and learn to ride the waves with a two-hour private family surf lesson. You'll stop by the surf shop to get outfitted with a rash guard and board, then head to the sand to practice the basics. When it's time to hit the water, the gentle waves of Playa Tamarindo are a perfect setting to work on learning how to paddle and stand on your own.
The rest of the day is free to soak up the relaxed, beach town vibes of Tamarindo at your own pace. The kids might want to continue practicing the surfing skills they learned this morning at another local beach, or try their hand at other watersports with a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure. Book a family horseback ride along the beach, or take things easy with a yoga class at one of Tamarindo's many studios.
Day 5: Free Morning in Tamarindo, Catamaran Sailing Adventure & Barbecue
Today can be as relaxing or adventurous as you like. If you've had enough beach time, you could opt for a gentle boat trip through the area's biodiverse Tamarindo Estuary, home to lush wetlands and mangrove swamps. Sit back and enjoy cruising through narrow canals and tranquil lagoons as the kids spot howler monkeys, crocodiles, and storks while learning about the importance of this unique ecosystem to the area's wildlife. Later on, you'll celebrate the penultimate day of your family vacation with a memorable sailing excursion along Costa Rica's pristine Gold Coast.
Meet your experienced skipper and crew at Playa Tamarindo, step aboard a spacious catamaran, and cast off for a four-hour cruise past quiet bays, lush forests, and white-sand beaches. Sip a refreshing tropical drink while the kids spot dolphins, sea turtles, and breaching whales from the boat's comfy hammock nets, then drop anchor in a sheltered spot while your crew prepares a barbecue meal of traditional Costa Rican dishes like chicken, yellow rice, and pico de gallo. There'll be plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters before you sail back to the starting point as the sun sets.
Day 6: Transfer to Liberia, Depart
More Great Costa Rica Itineraries
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