Costa Rica is the perfect destination for families seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. Our recent trip to this stunning country was a memorable experience for our family of four, including our 4- and 5-year-old boys. If you’re considering Costa Rica with kids, let me assure you—it’s a fantastic choice! Below, I’m sharing our full itinerary, tips, and highlights to help you plan your own unforgettable trip.
Arrival in San José and Car Rental Tips
We flew into San José, where we rented a car through Alamo. Over the years, Alamo has been a reliable and affordable choice for us, and our experience in Costa Rica was a positive one.
Tips for Driving in Costa Rica:
1. Choose a 4×4 vehicle. Many roads in Costa Rica, especially in rural areas, require all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
2. Drive during daylight hours. Navigating unfamiliar roads is much less stressful when the sun is up. Aim to land early enough to reach your destination before dark.
3. Download Waze. This is the best navigation app for Costa Rica, and we regretted not having it. Without it, we got turned around more than once!
Stop #1: Garabito Jungle Retreat
After picking up our rental car, we drove about 1.5 hours to our first Airbnb in Garabito. To break up the travel day, we opted to stay inland for two nights before heading to the coast.
Pro Tip: Stop at a supermercado for groceries before heading to a more remote location like this one.
Stay: Airbnb in Garabito
This stunning all-glass house featured indoor-outdoor living, a massive pool, and incredible jungle views. While we didn’t spot monkeys, the bright-colored parrots flying around made up for it. A highlight of this stay was the visits from Cookie, the friendly property manager’s dog.
Activities:
We spent the full day swimming, relaxing, and exploring the property. With wildlife all around, it felt like stepping into a nature documentary! and the evening sunsets were stunning.
Stop #2: Uvita Coastline & Jungle Hideaway
On day three, we set off early for the coastal town of Uvita. Along the way, we made a stop at the iconic Crocodile Bridge to see wild crocodiles sunbathing along the riverbanks—a must-see with kids.
After stocking up on groceries and wine, we arrived at our second Airbnb, a charming tiny home tucked in the jungle near Playa Hermosa.
Stay: Airbnb in Uvita
This cozy house had a private pool and was within walking distance of Playa Hermosa (we drove with the kids). The driveway was steep and required careful maneuvering, so keep that in mind if you book this spot.
Beach Days:
We spent every day at Playa Hermosa, playing in the waves and boogie boarding (courtesy of the Airbnb). The beach is a popular surf spot, so while the waves can get intense, it’s fun to watch the surfers ride them.
Waterfalls & Wildlife
Costa Rica’s waterfalls are magical, and we explored two during our stay:
1. Catarata Uvita:
• A thrilling spot where you can climb a ladder and slide down the main waterfall (we skipped this due to heavy rain and strong water flow). Instead, we enjoyed jumping into the lower swimming area.
2. Nauyaca Waterfalls:
• These felt straight out of a movie. The lower falls had a strong current, so we stuck to the upper falls, which were perfect for swimming with kids. The highlight? Spotting a mama sloth and her baby hanging in the trees.
Dining & Wildlife Encounters
While we cooked most of our meals at the Airbnbs, we treated ourselves to one dinner out at La Cusinga Lodge and here is why we loved it:
• Eco-friendly with stunning ocean views.
• Trails for daytime exploration, where we spotted monkeys.
• A family-friendly atmosphere with incredible food and toucans flying overhead as you dine.
Final Night: San José Convenience
For our last night, we stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott near the San José airport. This was the perfect way to end the trip stress-free.
Amenities:
• Pool and restaurant for relaxing.
• Free shuttle service to the airport, which made our early morning flight a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Our Costa Rica trip was exactly what we hoped for—relaxing, safe, and full of unforgettable moments. It’s an excellent destination for families, even with young kids. From breathtaking waterfalls to serene beaches, every part of our trip offered something special.
If you’re on the fence about traveling to Costa Rica with little ones, my advice is: go for it. You’ll come back with amazing memories, feeling refreshed and inspired.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own Costa Rican adventure! For more travel tips and inspiration, follow me on Instagram at @shellysharestravel