Finding a destination that satisfies everyone in the family can be tricky, but it isn’t impossible. Everybody who has planned a family vacation worries about unmet expectations or worse, a bored spouse or kids.
The good news is the right balance of fun, excitement and experiences for the whole family is closer than you might think.
A quick flight from the continental US, Costa Rica has long been a favorite destination for world travelers. In large part, that’s because of its unique combination of natural diversity and family-friendly activities.
Add 21-century comfort and amenities, and you have an experiential travel destination unlike anywhere else. Here’s why Costa Rica rocks for families:
There’s a wide variety of family-oriented activities available in Costa Rica, from scuba diving and mountain biking to more relaxing activities like nature walks, relaxing on the beach, and sightseeing. Here are some family friendly adventures you’re sure to love:
With mountains and tropical forests in walking distance from gorgeous beaches, few places on earth offer more for families that love the outdoors. Offshore, Costa Rica is home to world famous surfing beaches and vibrant reefs that make for spectacular scuba diving. Out on the trails, you can move at whatever speed works for you: cut edges along the hillside on a mountain bike, or take a nature walk instead. There’s something for every age group in your family.
Of course, not every moment needs to be filled with action. Many travelers come to Costa Rica to get away from the noise and pressures of modern life. If this sounds like you, finding a quiet, peaceful beach will not be a problem.
For those looking to lounge on the sand, Costa Rica has some of the finest beaches in the world.
There’s also a large community dedicated to wellness, with locations like Las Catalinas offering centering activities like yoga classes under an almendro tree.
Costa Rica is home to the kind of exotic animals that kids only ever get to see from afar – on video or in captivity– and lots of them! For example, you can canoe through Tortuguero National Park, which is full of rich mangrove forests that are home to monkeys, sea turtles, and sloths among others.
Speaking of sloths, Costa Rica is home to many natural sloth habitats like Cahuita National Park, where you and your family can see these slow moving and curious creatures in the wild. Sloths are one of the most iconic animals in Costa Rica, with a peaceful demeanor and a tendency to smile a lot, and a trip to the country offers the chance to learn more about them and contribute to their conservation.
Costa Rica is one of the most climatically and biologically diverse regions on Earth, and locals are dedicated to preserving and sharing that biodiversity with the world and future generations. Across the country, wildlife and natural ecosystems are protected in 29 national parks, 18 wildlife refuges, 8 biological reserves, and local protected areas. Even better, local businesses and government programs have put sustainable systems in place so you can immerse yourself and enjoy these climates without harming unique ecosystems.
Within these areas, a variety of excursions offer perfect opportunities to connect with nature and explore the country. In fewer than 20,000 square miles, Costa Rica is home to:
What sets Costa Rica apart from other destinations is that all of this diversity is accessible with a short car ride and, in some cases, on foot. This means far less time in planes, trains, and automobiles, and more time enjoying vacation with the family.
Any visitor to Costa Rica can tell you about the stunning beaches and vibrant rainforests of the country, which are part of the reason that it's such a popular world destination. But what you might not know is that there's also an old and lively culture in the country, one of good times, good food, and the pure life.
Thanks to a unique blend of rich local biodiversity and more than 500 years of international influences, local Costa Rican cuisine provides a direct connection to a rich Mesoamerican culture.
This diversity of recipes and flavors comes to life through fresh ingredients that are sustainably and locally grown, including ethically-sourced fruits and vegetables found nowhere else in the world.
Additionally, Costa Rica famously produces some of the world’s finest coffee and cocoa.
Don’t worry about being overwhelmed with unfamiliar and exotic dishes though: the local food culture tends to be on the mild side by Central American standards. It’s not about the spice, it’s about the flavor.
Pura vida is a Costa Rican phrase that translates roughly to "pure life", and is the country's national motto. It's a cultural concept, which means that if you ask any tico they'll have a slightly different explanation of what pura vida means to them. Some say that it's keeping a positive outlook when things go bad, others say that it's a call to enjoy the simple things in life, others say that it's a way to be grateful, and not worry too much.
It's a tremendously versatile phrase, and it can be used as a greeting or a goodbye, to describe how you're feeling, to roll with the punches, or to simply enjoy the good times.
For visitors to Costa Rica, the pura vida lifestyle is an invitation to share the beauty and good times, to embrace the simple life and enjoy the country with new friends.
Less car rentals, less public buses and trains, less hassle. All while surrounded by a lively community, rich ecological diversity, fresh food, and unique opportunities for adventure.