13 nights in Costa Rica Itinerary
 

Hi Everyone -

We plan on taking our first trip to Costa Rica with our 10 and 12 year olds. I would like to cover the following areas but not sure if it is too much. I am concern about all the driving around. Please let me know your thoughts. Any input is much appreciated!

1 San Jose
3 Manuel Antoni
4 Guanacaste
2 Monteverde
3 Arenal

Was thinking of adding tortuguero to this but I think it may be too mcuh. Thank you.

It all depends on what you want. I would limit yourself to 4 places, with maybe 1 night in San Jose if you have a late arriving flight or early departing flight.

There's no reason you need to see any of the destinations on your list. You could have a great time at only 2-3 of them, or at 3-4 other destinations not on your list.

No way to really know what's appropriate for you unless we know what's important for you.

RAC - Thank you for your response.
We are really open to anything. But we definitely want to have some time on a nice beach to relax, snorkel and do nearby excursions. The rest of the time, we would like our kids to learn about Costa Rica, explore its natural habitat, stay at an interesting/unique hotel that is memorable to them.

My husband and I have been to over 30+ countries and most of it backpacking. But our kids have only had exposure to western Europe.

The above itinerary was just something we put together as first timers in Central America. Do you have your favorite places? Thanks again.

Manuel Antonio is great for young families, but I would skip snorkeling in Costa Rica; for the most part it isn't great due to sediment in the water. Arenal and Manuel Antonio is the most popular combo for a first trip and will give you beach time as well as volcano time (no current lava flow). Tons to do in both areas.

If you want interesting and unique, check out the Arenal Observatory Lodge. Best volcano views in the country, former scientific research station, loads of wildlife, great on-site hiking.

I think AOL is a great suggestion if you're okay with being that far from town. We also like the Lost Iguana, out by the lake and also away from town. You may want to have a car if you stay at one of these spots. Being further from town gives you a better chance at seeing wildlife. We love Tulemar Bungalows in Manuel Antonio - they have their own beach and lots of wildlife like monkeys and sloths right on site. Lots of nearby restaurants you can walk to. I would pick either Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste with such a short trip since they're both beach destinations.

Thank you both very much!