Costa Rica, a land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, offers an ideal destination for a family adventure. Join us as we share our unforgettable week-long journey through this tropical paradise with our kids. From thrilling hot springs to stunning waterfalls and immersive cultural experiences, Costa Rica has something for everyone.
A Taste of Costa Rica
Despite a late night, our family was up at the crack of dawn, eager to explore. Our Airbnb host treated us to a home-cooked Costa Rican breakfast featuring eggs, rice, beans, chicken sausage, cheese, and fried plantains. A delightful introduction to local cuisine!
Check out this lovely 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom Airbnb in La Fortuna – with 24-hour service & a pool!
Soaking in Natural Wonders
We kicked off our adventure with a visit to the renowned Tabacon Resort hot springs, a natural wonder heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, the resort offers a variety of pools with temperatures ranging from 72 to 105°F. A perfect day of relaxation for both parents and kids. After much research, we chose Tabacon, though one of the priciest options, for our hot springs experience. Once you dig in, you’ll notice there are plenty of variety when it comes to your hot springs experience. Tabacon gave us the natural experience with the lush surroundings of local flora – we thought it was well worth it. *Pro Tip: leave the jewelry at home. We did lose a precious heirloom in the waters, so if you find it – let us know ;)
Exploring Cafes and Unexpected Adventures
A quick coffee stop at Raul Castano Coffee provided us with beautiful views of Arenal Volcano right from the balcony and a glimpse of Costa Rican cafe culture. Later, a Google Maps misadventure led us to Parque de la Fortuna, where the kids had ample space to run around. Dinner at Restaurant Tierra Mia and gelato provided the perfect ending to our evening. There are dozens of restaurants in La Fortuna, all with a casual vibe. Don’t be afraid to take your kids, we felt right at home to everyone we ate at throughout the week.
Chasing Waterfalls at La Fortuna
Taking little ones to an awe-inspiring visit to La Fortuna Waterfall a must, a 75-meter cascade at the base of Chato Volcano. Adventurous souls that we are trekked down 506 steps with both kids in tow, to get up close. Water shoes and swimming skills were essential for those who took the plunge. If you are traveling with kids, note the steps are heavy on the way up but also definitely worth it. Lucius (4.5) walked the whole way up and down, while Jabari (2) needed a bit of assistance. The water was cool but made for a very refreshing dip.
Arenal Volcano National Park
We ventured to Arenal Volcano National Park, where a steep entrance fee granted access to spectacular viewpoints. Lucky to witness the clouds clearing, we marveled at the volcano and its smoking crater. Pro Tip: Raul Castano Coffee offers an amazing alternative view, without the exorbitant park fee. Other than hanging out a viewpoint there was not much else to see. There were also driving paths instead of walking paths so there also wasn’t a hike I could recommend to make the entrance fee worth it.
Mysterious Hanging Bridges
Exploration continued at Mistico Park's hanging bridges, offering breathtaking views of the jungle canopy. The kids spotted various wildlife, including bats, coatis, and monkeys. The challenging path was worth every step, and we rewarded ourselves with ice cream. Pro Tip: bring water along your journey, it takes roughly 1.5-2 hrs. to do the entire Park.
Local Cuisine and Co-working
We often go around the world fully anticipating taking a few days to catch up on work. With a breakfast filled with savory Argentinian empanadas, we had a productive day at a local co-working space at Selina Fortuna. For $12 a day, you could get a desk in an air-conditioned space filled with open desks, cable plugs, a coffee maker, and private phone booths. If you are in La Fortuna looking for a place to get some work done, definitely check out Selina.
While we worked, the kids went through hours of pool playback at the Airbnb with the grandparents. After everyone refreshed for the night, we found a delightful restaurant and had a delectable and authentic Indian feast at Sunny's Indian.
Return to San Jose
We made the journey from La Fortuna back to San Jose, driving through winding mountain roads. *Pro Tip: Drive to and from La Fortuna during the day. The fog sets in at night and it takes a lot longer and ups the danger. We booked an Airbnb in San Jose, but a mishap with our Airbnb led us to the AC Marriott in Belen, where we enjoyed food trucks right outside and a playground for the kids.
Starbucks Coffee Farm Tour
An early start took us to Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks' only public coffee farm in the world. We toured the farm, learned about coffee cultivation, and sampled freshly picked coffee cherries. There are English and Spanish speaking tours you can book directly on their website.
The kids were fascinated at all of the steps to coffee farming, Lucius asked some great questions and really enjoyed the freedom to join in the coffee tasting. We let him believe that our caramel cream coffee at home tasted as tart as the black coffee from his sample :P
Culinary Finale
With the kids under the grandparents' care, we savored a romantic dinner at Furca. The exquisite menu, including lamb and entrecote, along with creative cocktails, made it a memorable birthday celebration.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Family Adventure
Costa Rica, with its majestic landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, left an indelible mark on our family. From the relaxing hot springs to the thrilling waterfall adventures and coffee farm tours, every moment was filled with wonder. Our kids may be too young to fully grasp the beauty of Costa Rica, but this family journey will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Until next time, Pura Vida! 🌴🌋🌺