Day 1 · Arrive
San José- Morning
- Land, private transfer north.
- Afternoon
- Settle at the lodge, hot springs.
- Evening
- Lodge dinner, early night.
All itineraries
Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Cloud Forest to Coast
Volcano mornings, canopy afternoons, and a beach that earns the second half.
8 nights Balanced pace Best: December–AprilFamily & adventure
Why this trip works
- —Two bases, one transfer — no daily repacking
- —Wildlife guided properly, so you actually see something
- —Adventure calibrated to the least-thrilled person in the group
Day by day
Day 2 · Volcano
La Fortuna- Morning
- Hanging bridges at dawn.
- Afternoon
- Lava-field walk and a waterfall swim.
- Evening
- Night rainforest walk.
Day 3 · Water day
Río Celeste- Morning
- Río Celeste hike to the blue lagoon.
- Afternoon
- Slow lunch, springs again.
- Evening
- Soda dinner in town.
Day 4 · Choose your speed
La Fortuna- Morning
- Canopy zip line or a horseback ride.
- Afternoon
- Free afternoon.
- Evening
- Pack for the coast.
Day 5 · Cross country
Transfer- Morning
- Drive south with a lake stop.
- Afternoon
- Arrive Manuel Antonio, first swim.
- Evening
- Cliffside seafood at sunset.
Day 6 · Park day
Manuel Antonio- Morning
- Guided park walk with a scope.
- Afternoon
- Beach and shade in equal parts.
- Evening
- Farm-to-table dinner in Quepos.
Day 7 · On the water
Pacific coast- Morning
- Slow start, breakfast on the deck.
- Afternoon
- Catamaran and snorkel.
- Evening
- Beach barbecue.
Day 8 · Last swim
Manuel Antonio- Morning
- Final swim and pack.
- Afternoon
- Transfer to the airport.
- Evening
- Evening flight.
Where to stay
Volcano-view lodge
La Fortuna
Hot springs on site; sloths in the grounds at dusk.
from $290
Beachfront eco-hotel
Manuel Antonio
Rainforest to the sand in four minutes.
from $340
Tables to book
Soda for the real casado
La Fortuna
Family kitchen, half the resort price.
Cliffside seafood
Manuel Antonio
Sunset table, book by noon.
Farm-to-table dinner
Quepos
Wednesday market menu is the best night.
Worth the day
Arenal hanging bridges at dawn
La Fortuna
Wildlife is out before the heat.
from $85
Night rainforest walk
La Fortuna
Frogs, snakes and the kids' favourite hour.
from $60
Manuel Antonio guided park walk
Quepos
A guide with a scope changes the whole visit.
from $95
Catamaran and snorkel afternoon
Pacific coast
Calm water, easy for mixed ages.
from $130
What it costs
Indicative per person, based on current market rates for the season shown. Long-haul airfare is quoted separately once your dates are set.
- Stay — 8 nights
- Two lodges, family room configuration
- $2,520
- Dining
- Mix of lodge, sodas and two special dinners
- $960
- Experiences & guides
- Bridges, night walk, park guide, catamaran
- $740
- Private transfers
- Airport, cross-country, local runs
- $620
- Trip total
- $4,840
Make it yours
Sallie can rebuild this around your dates, your budget and the people coming — then price the real flights, rooms and tables.
