Pura Vida: The Perfect 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary for Families

You’ll land at Liberia International Airport (LIR), a small and efficient airport on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast—ideal for families ready to hit the beach without hours of travel. A short drive takes you to Playa Panama in the Guanacaste region, where you’ll settle into the Mangrove Hotel. Surrounded by lush greenery and just steps from the sea, this peaceful resort offers a warm welcome to the pura vida life.

Start your mornings with the sound of howler monkeys making their rounds through the trees just beside the hotel, and keep an eye out for vibrant parrots perched overhead. Over the next two days, dive into the thrill of Costa Rica with a ziplining adventure through the treetops and a horseback ride along the beach at sunset—an unforgettable experience for all ages. Then spend a full day aboard a catamaran sailing along the Pacific, where you can snorkel, swim, and soak in the breathtaking coastal views.

 It’s time to trade the beach for the rainforest. On your way to La Fortuna, break up the drive with a river safari tour near Tenorio, where you can spot crocodiles, birds, and monkeys from the comfort of a boat. It’s a peaceful, scenic stretch that adds a touch of wild beauty to the journey. If you are more of a thrill seeker and have older children, consider switching the safari tour for a white-water rafting adventure. You will see less wildlife, but get an adrenaline boost instead!

 Nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna offers a completely different kind of magic. As the gateway to the mighty volcano and the surrounding rainforest, it’s a dream destination for outdoor thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike. With countless activities to fill your days, La Fortuna invites exploration at every turn. Start with a guided hike across the famous hanging bridges—where we spotted monkeys swinging above us and even a snake hidden beneath a leaf. A night hike brought the forest alive in a whole new way: glowing frogs, busy leaf cutter ants, and a sleepy sloth hanging low in the trees, just a few feet away.

Dedicate a full day to unwinding at the Tabacón Hot Springs, one of the most unique natural wonders in Costa Rica. Fed by thermal waters heated by the Arenal Volcano, these springs wind through a lush garden landscape with cascading waterfalls and hidden pools. It’s more than a spa experience—it’s an immersion into nature’s own therapy. Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by rainforest feels almost otherworldly. The heat soothes tired muscles, calms the mind, and slows everything down to the rhythm of pura vida.

 As your Costa Rican adventure winds down, make your way back to Liberia for your departing flight. Along the way, stop at the Las Pumas Rescue Center, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating native wildlife. It’s a heartwarming and educational detour, where you can see big cats like pumas and jaguars up close, as well as monkeys, toucans, and other animals that call Costa Rica home. It’s a fitting final chapter—connecting with the wildlife one more time before saying goodbye.