Destination Guides

7 reasons to go on a Costa Rica family vacation

Recently updated on July 11th, 2023 at 04:14 pm

Travellers rub their eyes in disbelief on entry into Costa Rica. Colourful toucans peek out of dense cloud forests. Waterfalls crash. Exotic birds chirp. And a calming ‘Pure Vida’ atmosphere fills the air. From hiking around a volcano to wallowing in thermal springs – there’s a perfect blend of bucket-list adventure and blissful downtime on a Costa Rica family vacation. Discover the role of the environment for the locals and support conservation efforts. Spend quality time together in a peaceful technology-free setting. Read on to discover the reasons Costa Rica is calling.

Bucket-list adventures in Arenal

Costa Rica hanging bridges

Mother nature was showing off when she created Costa Rica. Sweeping bright green scenery, lush rainforests and national parks make it a playground for the whole family. Say yes to zip-lining through cloud forest at Arenal Nature National Park, or tightening up your hiking boots to trek around the Arenal volcano. Take the opportunity to walk along Arenal Hanging Bridges to get close to monkeys, sloths and chattering birds living in the high trees. If the water is more your style, you can kayak or snorkel in the dazzling Arenal Lake – the largest lake in Costa Rica at 85 square km. Welcome to paradise.

GET INSPIRED BY: Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes Costa Rica family tour

Witness wonderful wildlife

white-faced monkey in Costa Rica

Costa Rica covers just 0.03 percent of the world’s surface, but contains 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Half a million species live here and over ¼ of Costa Rica is protected areas. The result? You can spot a staggering range of wildlife here. Hop on our Monkey Jungles and Volcanoes family tour for the chance to spot six species of sea turtles, monkeys (howler, agile and white-faced types), caimans, exotic birds, endangered ocelots, sea otters, manatees, sloths, green iguanas, crocodiles, toucans, frogs, ant eaters and snakes. Caught your breathe yet? The animals here will take yours away.

Blissful downtime in nature’s paradise

Pacific waters on Costa Rica's coast

Costa Rica will take your breath away, but it’ll also half your heart rate. Why not cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, taking in beautiful wildlife on route? Or slide yourself into a hot thermal spring and let life’s troubles ooze away. Wake up to the sounds of monkeys stirring. Enjoy an open-air buffet dinner serenaded by the chirping of birds. Float in the crystal clear, warm Pacific waters and feel the sun kiss your face. Turn off that TV and come to Costa Rica – because the great outdoors is a wonderful resting place.

RELATED CONTENT: Why a holiday is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family

Learn about the local environment

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

On this tour, you’ll learn about endangered animals like the ocelot – and discover how precious the environment is for the ‘Ticos’ (Costa Rican locals). Take a night-walk (between July and September) to spot turtles nesting and learn about their habits. Discover the science between past volcanic eruptions at Arenal from a local guide. Visit a Tico’s palm plantation where you can taste and hear what’s special about this local food. The wonderful thing about Costa Rica is you can experience paradise – and learn about it – all in one!

Support local conservation efforts

Want to do good for the local community and spend time with the family at the same time? You’ve come to the right place. Our tour takes you to Sarapiquí’s Snake Garden Wildlife Center, which rehabilitates animals that can no longer live in the wild. Also, you’ll be able to stop the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center in Tortuguero National Park to learn about turtle conversation efforts.

RELATED CONTENT: Costa Rica’s Sustainability Utopia

Feel the ‘Pura Vida’ life

Tortuguero Costa Rica

The infamous local saying “Pura Vida” (Spanish) translates to ‘pure life’ or ‘simple life’. And once you enter Costa Rica, you can instantly feel the whole country lives by this philosophy. A natural happiness and relaxed atmosphere runs through local life. They are grateful for what they have and avoid ruminating on the negative. And after some time here – you may start to feel the same. Perhaps you’ll use “Pura Vida” in conversation like locals to mean ‘hello’, ‘bye’ or/and ‘everything’s great’. Only one way to find out.

RELATED CONTENT: 11 fun facts about Costa Rica, one of the happiest countries in the world

Past Trafalgar families give Costa Rica their vote

‘Here are what some of our past Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes travellers have had to say.’

‘There’s something for everyone on this trip –  from a “safari” by boat looking for sloths, iguana, crocodiles, monkeys – to watching a sea turtle lay her eggs, to hiking a volcanic lava flow, to zip lining and suspension bridges, to swimming in the Pacific Ocean. It was terrific – and enough time for relaxing as well!’ – Trafalgar Guest

‘Be ready to learn a lot about nature and see some beautiful scenery.’ – Trafalgar Guest

‘I highly recommend this tour for the wildlife lover. It was a great opportunity to see all the Costa Rican greats.’ – Trafalgar Guest

‘It was wonderful sharing this trip with a coach full of fun loving and very diverse family groups. It provided Costa Rican experiences that all generations could enjoy! If you’re looking for the perfect mix of exposure to the natural world and adventure, along with some resort style pampering at the end of the day, this trip is for you!’ – Trafalgar Guest

GET INSPIRED BY: Family Tours with Trafalgar

Ready to immerse yourself in Costa Rica with the family? Tell us what you’re most excited about in the comments below!

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