Family Adventure: Discovering Costa Rica Together
- San José
- Sarapiquí
- Boca Tapada
- La Fortuna
- Monteverde
- Rincón de la Vieja
- Samara
- San José
Introduction:
There is no better way to discover the essence of Costa Rica than by sharing every experience with those you love most. This itinerary has been specially designed for families wishing to combine adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation into a trip filled with memorable experiences.
Throughout the journey, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, activities for all ages, and the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality. Every detail has been carefully planned to ensure comfort, safety, and flexibility, allowing every family member to enjoy an authentic experience while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
More than just a vacation, this trip is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, share new adventures, and discover the extraordinary natural and cultural beauty of Costa Rica together.
Accommodation:
- 3 nights at Hotel Palma Real or similar; breakfast included (Standard Room)
- 2 nights at Finca Sura; full board (private cabin with private bathroom)
- 2 nights at Boca Tapada Lodge or similar; breakfast included (Standard Room)
- 2 nights at Arenal Paraíso or similar; breakfast included (Standard Room)
- 1 night at Rancho Makena; breakfast included (Standard Room)
- 2 nights at Hacienda Guachipelín or similar; breakfast included (Standard Room)
- 2 nights at Samara Beach; breakfast included (Standard Room)
- 1 night in San José at Hotel Palma Real; breakfast included (Standard Room)
Tours:
- Quitirrisi Indigenous Community tour.
- Lunch with *Mascaradas* (traditional mask performance) in Ciudad Colón.
- Irazú Volcano tour and city tour.
- Farm tour and cooking classes at Finca Sura.
- Boat tour and horseback riding in Boca Tapada.
- Arenal 1968 Observation Point tour.
- Admission to hot springs in La Fortuna.
- Chorotega pottery class at La Cuchara de la Abuela, Guaitil.
Transfers:
- Airport-to-hotel transfer on arrival day.
- Private tour transportation throughout the itinerary.
- Hotel-to-airport transfer on departure day







Itinerary
- Day 1: Welcome to the natural paradise of Costa Rica!
- Day 2: Visit to the Quitirrisi Indigenous Reserve – Masquerade Masks
- Day 3: Irazú Volcano and San José Cultural Tour
- Day 4: San José – Sarapiquí
- Day 5 Tirimbina Experience
- Day 6: Sarapiquí – Boca Tapada
- Day 7: Boca Tapada Adventure
- Day 8: Boca Tapada – La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
- Day 9: Mirador 1968 and Hot Springs Relaxation
- Day 10: La Fortuna – Monteverde
- Day 11: Monteverde – Rincón de la Vieja
- Day 12 | Free Day in Rincón de la Vieja
- Day 13: Rincón de la Vieja – Guaitil – Playa Sámara
- Day 14: Free Day at Playa Sámara
- Day 15 Sámara Beach – San José
- Day 16 Return home
Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a MARO Experiences representative will give you a warm welcome and accompany you on your private transfer to your hotel in San José. During the journey, you will receive general information about the trip and have the opportunity to ask any questions before embarking on this unique adventure.
The first night is the perfect time to rest and prepare to discover the authentic essence of Costa Rica.
Accommodation: Hotel Palma Rea (standard room) or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
A private tour to the Quitirrisi Indigenous Reserve, located just one hour from San José. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the reserve and learn about its history; activities include archery practice, learning how to make natural dyes, and discovering the cultural significance of the eagle, among other things. After a delicious snack, you will continue to Ciudad Colón to the home of siblings Melissa and Tonny. They will welcome you and explain the tradition of Costa Rican masquerade masks, accompanied by *cimarrona* folk music. Lunch is included. A bilingual guide and private transportation are provided for the day.
Accommodation: San José (Hotel Palma Real or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will depart for the majestic Irazú Volcano—Costa Rica’s highest volcano—where you can admire its stunning landscapes and, on clear days, enjoy exceptional panoramic views.
Afterwards, you will return to the city for a tour through the heart of San José, visiting key cultural and historical landmarks such as the National Theatre, major museums, and the traditional Central Market—an ideal spot to experience local cuisine and the everyday life of Costa Ricans.
Throughout the experience, you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide and have private transportation, ensuring a comfortable, enriching, and personalized tour.
Accommodation: Hotel Palma Real or similar, San José.
Meals included: Full board
After breakfast, at 8:30 a.m., you will pick up your rental vehicle at the hotel and begin the journey to the lush Sarapiquí region.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the Gómez family at Finca Sura, an authentic family-run organic farm where you can experience the Costa Rican rural lifestyle firsthand. During this visit, you will tour the farm with your hosts, who will share their traditions and the daily work involved in farming.
Throughout the tour, you will enjoy a tasting of seasonal fruits, learn about the cultivation and processing of cacao and coffee, and discover how pineapples are grown—concluding with a delicious tasting of this sweet, freshly harvested tropical fruit.
At the end of the day, you can relax in the peaceful natural setting of Finca Sura, where a delicious dinner awaits, followed by a night surrounded by the biodiversity characteristic of Sarapiquí.
Accommodation at Finca Sura
Meals included: Full board
After breakfast, you will enjoy an experience at Tirimbina—a site dedicated to conservation and environmental education—where you can venture into the tropical forests of Sarapiquí and discover the region’s incredible biodiversity.
During the tour, accompanied by local guides, you will learn about the importance of tropical ecosystems, observe the local flora and fauna, and enjoy a walk surrounded by nature. It is an ideal experience for families, combining adventure, learning, and a connection with the natural environment.
After the activity, you will return to continue enjoying the tranquility of Sarapiquí.
Accommodation at Finca Sura or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Boca Tapada, a hidden gem in northern Costa Rica renowned for its extraordinary natural richness and tranquil atmosphere.
This destination is ideal for nature-loving families, offering the chance to observe a wide variety of birds, mammals, and plants in their natural habitat. Surrounded by lush landscapes and tropical forests, you can enjoy the perfect setting to unplug and experience authentic ecotourism.
Upon arrival, you will have time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, immersed in the serenity that defines this region.
Accommodation at Boca Tapada Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, enjoy a morning immersed in nature with a boat tour along the tranquil canals of Boca Tapada, accompanied by a bilingual local guide. As you navigate this natural paradise, you will have the chance to observe an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including colorful birds, monkeys, caimans, and other species inhabiting this lush region.
In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a guided horseback ride—an ideal family experience—traversing trails surrounded by forests, rivers, and rural landscapes. Accompanied by a bilingual local guide, you will learn more about the nature and traditions of this beautiful area in northern Costa Rica.
At the end of the day, you will return to the hotel to rest and enjoy another night surrounded by nature.
Accommodation at Boca Tapada Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will set off for La Fortuna, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano and one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural destinations.
Upon arrival, you can check into your hotel and enjoy the spectacular surroundings, characterized by lush vegetation and stunning views of the volcano. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, make use of the hotel facilities, or simply rest before continuing with the adventures awaiting you in the coming days.
Accommodation at Hotel Arenal Paraíso or similar.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, you will head to Mirador 1968, one of the best spots to admire the majestic Arenal Volcano. During the visit, you will enjoy nature-filled trails and spectacular panoramic views that—weather permitting—will allow you to see the volcano in all its glory and capture unforgettable photos.
After a morning of exploration, it will be time to relax in the area’s famous hot springs. Soaking in these warm, volcanic pools surrounded by lush vegetation is the perfect way to unwind and share a special moment with your family.
At the end of the day, you will return to the hotel for a restful night.
Accommodation at Hotel Arenal Paraíso or similar.
After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Monteverde, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic nature destinations, renowned for its stunning cloud forest and extraordinary biodiversity.
The drive offers the chance to enjoy beautiful rural and mountainous scenery before arriving at this charming destination. Once in Monteverde, you can settle into your hotel and enjoy the area’s cool, peaceful atmosphere—perfect for resting and preparing for the experiences awaiting you the next day.
Accommodation at Hotel Rancho Makena or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will travel to Rincón de la Vieja, a region renowned for its impressive volcanic activity, natural landscapes, and relaxing hot springs.
This destination offers a perfect blend of adventure and wellness; it is famous for its volcanic mud treatments—a natural experience ideal for revitalizing the skin and enjoying a relaxing moment with the family. Additionally, the area is characterized by tropical forests, hiking trails, and a wealth of flora and fauna, making it the perfect place to connect with nature.
Upon arrival, you can check into your hotel and enjoy the surroundings before continuing with the activities scheduled for the coming days.
Accommodation at Hacienda Guachipelín or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, you will enjoy a free day to discover Rincón de la Vieja at your own pace. You can relax at the hotel facilities, enjoy the hot springs or volcanic mud baths, hike along nature trails, or participate in optional activities offered in the area. This destination provides the perfect setting to combine relaxation, nature, and adventure, allowing every family member to enjoy the experience according to their preferences.
At the end of the day, you will return to the hotel to rest and enjoy another night surrounded by the region’s natural beauty.
Accommodation at Hacienda Guachipelín or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, you will continue your journey toward the beautiful beaches of Sámara in the Guanacaste province, enjoying the landscapes characteristic of this region.
En route, you will stop at the community of Guaitil, a village with deep Chorotega roots known for its artisan traditions. Here, you will interact with local artisans and enjoy a unique cultural experience through a hands-on class, learning about the creation of Chorotega handicrafts—an ancestral tradition passed down through generations.
Following this enriching experience, you will enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to Playa Sámara, a destination ideal for families thanks to its calm waters, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere.
Upon arrival, you can check into your hotel and begin enjoying the charm of the Costa Rican Pacific coast.
Accommodation at Hotel Sámara Beach or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will enjoy a free day to relax and discover the beauty of Playa Sámara at your own pace.
This charming Pacific coast beach is ideal for families, thanks to its calm waters, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful tropical scenery. You can relax by the sea, enjoy water activities, explore the surrounding area, or simply savor a peaceful moment surrounded by nature.
It is the perfect day to unplug, spend time with family, and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the Guanacaste coast.
Accommodation at Hotel Sámara Beach or similar.
Meal included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, you will begin the return journey to San José, leaving behind the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste while continuing to enjoy the final landscapes of your Costa Rica tour.
Upon arrival in the capital, you can check into your hotel and rest after this incredible adventure filled with nature, culture, and special family moments.
Accommodation at Hotel Palma Real or similar.
Meal included: Breakfast.
After breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and begin the journey home.