At a Glance
Click each day for more details.
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Day 1: San José - Arrival - San José’s warm welcome
Arrive in Costa Rica’s lively capital and settle into Grano de Oro, a charming boutique hotel tucked inside a restored Victorian mansion. Family suites blend classic elegance with cozy comfort, perfect for shaking off travel fatigue. Kids can explore the lush inner courtyard, while parents soak in the rooftop Jacuzzi beneath the city sky. Let the adventure begin—tomorrow’s breakfast is included.
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Day 2: San José to Tortuguero - Trade concrete jungle for the real one
Embark on your journey to the wild northeast, where the road ends and the rivers begin. Mawamba Lodge’s shared transfer whisks you from San José to La Pavona, then glides you into Tortuguero by boat—an unforgettable ride through rainforest-lined canals. Check into Mawamba Lodge, where your family cabin sits just steps from the water. Kids can jump into the pool while you relax with the jungle soundtrack. Enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included at the lodge.
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Day 3: Tortuguero - Rainforest wildlife & sea turtle encounters
Rise with the sun for a guided canal safari—your boat winds through mirror-like waters as monkeys leap overhead and toucans call from the treetops. After lunch, explore the lodge’s butterfly garden or relax poolside. From July to October, the evening brings something magical: a turtle nesting tour under the stars, where your family might witness hatchlings racing to the sea. A memory that lingers long after the lights go out.
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Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal - To Costa Rica's volcanic heart
Leave the jungle behind and head toward Costa Rica’s volcanic heart. A boat and private transfer carry you to Arenal, where Lomas del Volcán awaits—a hillside hideaway with wooden bungalows and sweeping volcano views. Unwind with a dip in the pool or explore the lodge’s nature trail, where sloths and toucans often make surprise appearances. Wake tomorrow to birdsong.
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Day 5: Arenal - Hanging bridges & hot springs
Step into the treetops with a guided hike across Arenal’s famed hanging bridges—a 2-mile loop with sweeping rainforest views and thrilling canopy crossings. Your guide will help spot sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans hidden in the mist. In the afternoon, unwind in the thermal waters of Ecotermales, soaking in natural hot springs beneath the jungle canopy. Dinner is included here, featuring local grilled favorites and fresh tropical treats.
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Day 6: Arenal - Choose your adventure
Today is yours to shape. Paddle across Lake Arenal on a tranquil kayak tour, volcano rising in the distance, or visit Proyecto Asis, where rescued wildlife await curious little hands and big hearts. Or simply laze by the pool, letting the rhythm of the forest slow your pace. Meals are on your own—La Fortuna’s town center offers plenty of flavorful options for the whole family.
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Day 7: Arenal to Nosara - Off to Nosara's coastal chill
Leave inland wonders behind as you fly west to Nosara, where the jungle meets the sea. Your home base here is Lagarta Lodge, perched above Playa Pelada with sweeping ocean views and elegant family suites. Walk the lodge’s private trail down to the beach for sandcastles and tidepools, or sink into the infinity pool with a smoothie in hand.
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Day 8: Nosara - Ride the waves on Nosara's sublime surf beaches
Catch the morning waves with a family surf lesson on Playa Guiones—soft sand, gentle swells, and expert instructors make it perfect for beginners. Afterward, spend your afternoon beachcombing, lounging, or hiking the lodge’s reserve trails. Iguanas, crabs, and parrots add a splash of wild to every wander.
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Day 9: Nosara - Blissful beach time
Start the day with a complimentary beachfront yoga class or sleep in and let the day unfold slowly. The lodge’s nature reserve offers shaded trails for spotting macaws and monkeys, or just stay poolside while the kids sculpt sandcastles on Playa Pelada. For lunch or dinner, Nosara’s eclectic culinary scene awaits—tacos at Harmony Hotel are a local favorite.
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Day 10: Nosara - A Pacific sunset & shoreline stories
End your journey on a high note with a private beach bonfire arranged by Lagarta Lodge. As the sun dips low, gather around the flames for roasted marshmallows and Costa Rican folktales told under the stars. It’s a magical, family-only moment—just the waves, the fire, and memories made in golden light. The day is yours to relax, wander, or play.
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Day 11: Nosara to Liberia - Departure - Adiós, Costa Rica
After one final breakfast overlooking the ocean, your private driver will take you to Liberia for your flight home. Volcanoes, turtles, and tides may be behind you, but the memories you’ve made will travel with you—every laugh, every splash, every spark of wonder. Pura vida.
