Family Travel: Costa Rica

Costa Rica, with its beautiful beaches, exotic animals, rich culture, mouthwatering foods, and mesmerizing landscapes, is an ideal destination for families. Why should families consider Costa Rica for their next vacation? The country is best known for its rainforests and unique animals and birds like sloths, toucans, monkeys, and sea turtles, but there is so much more for families to enjoy. Costa Rica offers zip lining, hiking, and ATV tours through its biodiverse jungles or kayaking, surfing, and boating on its two coastlines: the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Whether you decide to stay on the west coast or east coast, there are plenty of activities for your family to enjoy.

West Coast Costa Rica

Arriving either in Liberia or San Jose airports, families can choose one of many beaches along the west coast of Costa Rica along the Pacific Ocean. This side of the country is more developed and populated, and is best known for its spectacular beaches with fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and various water sports. If you’re looking for adventure, there are numerous tour companies that provide ziplining or ATV excursions through the jungles of the country where you’re sure to find howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, exotic birds, and reptiles. Within a short three-hour drive, your family can hike up the mountain range that runs across the center of the country and includes 5 volcanoes, 2 of which are active. While there, families can zip line through the canopies of tropical trees or go rafting down one of the many rivers. 

East Coast Costa Rica

On the Caribbean side of the country, you’ll find less people and less luxury. However, if your family is looking for a more rural, naturalistic experience, then the east coast of Costa Rica is your spot. Many families opt to stay on the beach while taking a day or two to explore the rainforests on the interior part. This is the only area where you can observe and even get up close and personal with the country’s best known animal: the sloth. There is a sloth sanctuary if you don’t happen to see one while touring the rainforests. The Caribbean has a very chill vibe, and is really the perfect place to relax, destress, and refresh on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Of course, there are plenty of watersports to enjoy like boating, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. While in the water, you may run across sting rays, sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and more!

Is Costa Rica Safe?

Yes, Costa Rica is a safe place for families to vacation. The country only has 5 million people, and over 2 million live in the concentrated area of San Jose, the capital. You will most likely be staying on one of the two coastlines and therefore away from the majority of the population. Even so, the Costa Rican people are helpful, polite, kind, and happy to welcome you to their beautiful country. Most people speak English although their native language is Spanish. The employees working at tourist accommodations and excursions are knowledgeable and make you feel comfortable and safe at all times. Overall, Costa Rica is a safe destination for families.

I highly recommend considering Costa Rica for your next family vacation. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, refreshing time away from the daily grind or an adventure-filled experience in nature’s exotic paradise, Costa Rica can give you what you need. Have you vacationed in Costa Rica? What are some of your favorite experiences? We’d love to hear your advice or tips for families considering Costa Rica as their next vacation destination. Connect with us on Twitter @MapsCookingKids or on Instagram @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind, and happy parenting!