Going to Costa Rica with teenagers? Right here’s our itinerary, what I’m glad we did, and what I’d do in another way subsequent time.
Is Costa Rica in your bucket record? It was on mine for a very long time. So after two years with little journey, I used to be able to go huge and eventually make it occur.
I’m completely happy to report that Costa Rica was all the things I’d hoped it will be: lush, attractive, and full of recent wildlife, flavors, and tradition. Main as much as our journey, I promised/warned my household, “It’s going to be an journey!” and it completely was.
We spent per week in Costa Rica with our children, ages 13 and 17, and I wished to share our itinerary, in addition to what I’m glad we did AND what I’d do in another way subsequent time. I hope that is useful to you.
What I’m Glad We Did
I’m glad we…rented a automotive
You may get round Costa Rica with non-public shuttles or public transportation. However I liked having the liberty to discover on our personal, stopping at overlooks or markets alongside the way in which. Our journey company booked our automotive by means of Mapache, and we had no issues. It was a newish Suzuki 4X4, a should for the bumpy, unpaved roads. It was small however comfy for our household of 4.
Understand that lots of the roads in Costa Rica are slender and windy, so it’s essential be a assured driver. Since I deliberate the journey, my husband did all of the driving. That was a aid to me.
We did all of our driving in daylight and gave ourselves loads of time. Velocity limits are low to account for the twisty roads, so quick distances can take for much longer than you assume (a 100-mile journey from Manuel Antonio to the San Jose airport took almost three hours).
For navigation, we used Google Maps offline since we didn’t have knowledge outdoors the inns. We made just a few incorrect turns alongside the way in which however by no means obtained utterly misplaced.
I’m glad we…went off the overwhelmed path
My favourite a part of the journey was driving round as a household, stopping at small eating places, scenic overlooks, small markets to purchase popsicles and tortilla chips, and fruit stands for recent mango and watermelon. We additionally drove by means of many small cities and delightful rural areas. If we had stayed put at inns and resorts with different vacationers, we wouldn’t have skilled that.
I’m glad we…used guides
You don’t technically want guides when visiting the rainforest and nationwide park. However I’m glad we did as a result of we’d by no means have seen the wildlife on our personal. The guides know how you can spot sloths hanging in timber, which gap the tarantula resides in (yep!), and what leaf the poison dart frog is perching on. They’re additionally a wealth of information in regards to the vegetation and historical past of the realm.
I’m glad we…obtained assist from a journey agent
Even armed with recommendation from pals who had traveled to Costa Rica, I nonetheless felt overwhelmed planning the journey. So I used a journey company a pal advisable referred to as Pacific Commerce Winds. They had been so affected person with the majillion emails I despatched and all of my questions and last-minute worries. They answered each message promptly, and every step of our itinerary went off with no hitch.
We had been additionally upgraded at two of the inns to suites and given rooms with particularly beautiful views (we had one of many few rooms at Tabacon with a volcano view), which I’ve heard can occur if you guide by means of an company.
For journey planning, I additionally extremely suggest the Fb group Costa Rica Journey. You may ask questions, seek for subjects, and get itineraries, suggestions, and inspiration there.
What I Would Do In another way
I want we had…been extra strategic about meals
Youngsters are ALWAYS HUNGRY, which may be particularly tough if you’re touring. We spent some huge cash on meals, and I believe we might’ve been smarter about it. My recommendation:
- For those who’re reserving a resort, examine the menus upfront to make sure the meals is family-friendly and inexpensive.
- Fill up on meals at a grocery retailer to maintain in your room (we stopped at a Wal-Mart close to the Liberia airport). See our record on the backside for concepts.
- Go to one of many many fruit stands to purchase recent fruit and native baked items like Rosaquillas. Preserve the recent fruit in your resort or Airbnb fridge.
- Analysis eating places forward of time so you will have choices when everyone seems to be drained and hungry and needs to eat RIGHT NOW! Scroll down for 2 locations I like to recommend.
- Eat on the “sodas”, that are small, locally-owned eating places with easy meals and good costs.
I want we had…scheduled extra actions
Each child is totally different, however I discovered that mine loved having one thing to do daily of our journey. Some downtime to relaxation and recharge was mandatory, however my youngsters had been bored once we had a day with out plans.
We did 4 excursions in all–Mistico Hanging Bridges, Espresso & Chocolate Tour, Forest Evening Hike, and Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park Tour–however I want I had booked some lively, adventurous excursions as effectively, like waterfall rappelling, kayaking, or pedal-boarding on Lake Arenal, which a pal advisable.
I want we had…stayed in an Airbnb or Vrbo
Frankly, I used to be nervous about being in a new-to-me nation, so I wished to stay with inns. However now that I’ve visited, I’d really feel nice about renting a well-rated Airbnb or Vrbo to economize, have an entire kitchen, and get extra room to unfold out.
For instance, a pal of mine stayed on this Vrbo in Monteverde along with her household, and the proprietor organized to have an area prepare dinner put together a conventional dinner for them!
I want we had…spent extra time in fewer locations
I scheduled lots for one week, and I believe I pushed us a bit an excessive amount of. If I might do it over, I’d keep at simply two locations as an alternative of 4, so we might spend extra time in every spot. Right here was our itinerary:
- Fly into Liberia Airport and get shuttle to Lodge Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar (one night time): This was an anticipated additional day, after Southwest randomly canceled our flights and rebooked us a day early. It was wonderful for our bonus day, however there are probably prettier seashores within the space.
- Get rental automotive and drive to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa (two nights)–the swankiest resort we’ve stayed in as a household, with entry to their in depth thermal springs. I’d keep within the La Fortuna space longer subsequent time. Whereas there, we additionally did:
- Drive to Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Lodge (two nights)–lovely and distant however I don’t suggest it for many who get carsick, because the highway as much as the resort is lengthy, bumpy, and unpaved. I arrived sick with meals poisoning, so sadly I didn’t get to take pleasure in this resort. They despatched tea and rooster broth to our casita for me.
- Guided Evening Hike for my husband and youngsters, the place they noticed quite a lot of frogs, snakes, spiders and loved being within the forest at night time.
- Drive to La Vela Boutique Lodge in Manuel Antonio (two nights)–a five-minute stroll to the Nationwide Park, which was a handy location however in a really touristy space. I want we’d had extra time at these seashores. Mapache additionally picked up our rental automotive right here.
- Nationwide Park Tour: As a result of we didn’t get tickets to the park in time, doing a proper tour was the one technique to get in–however you might merely get park tickets and benefit from the park and seashores by yourself.
- Shuttle to San Jose Airport for our flight dwelling.
Highlights From Our Journey to Costa Rica with Teenagers
Cafe y Macademia: We stopped right here for frosty fruit drinks, pizza, superior views of Lake Arenal, plus enjoyable souvenirs on the way in which out. It’s well worth the lengthy, windy drive.
La Vendanita: A reader advisable this small, family-owned restaurant close to La Fortuna, and my 17 12 months outdated declared it “the best restaurant he’s ever been to”. Owned by an ex-pat from California and his Costa Rican spouse, it’s obtained recent, inexpensive meals with superb views of the volcano.
Espresso & Chocolate Tour: I used to be anxious my youngsters could be bored studying about espresso, however all of us preferred this tour, which begins in a small farm and ends with tastings of espresso and chocolate. My youngsters additionally obtained to press juice from uncooked sugarcane. We discovered lots!
Our journey agent booked this tour by means of Canoa Aventura. however I’ve learn nice issues in regards to the Don Olivio Chocolate Tour too.
Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour: We traversed six hanging bridges with our information, who identified monkeys, sloths, spiders, tarantulas, snakes, and frogs alongside the way in which.
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park Seashores: I want we had extra time at these lovely seashores, which appear like slices of paradise. These seashores are contained in the nationwide park, and tickets to the park promote out, so guide yours upfront.
FAQ About Costa Rica
Did we really feel protected in Costa Rica?
Sure! We didn’t expertise something that felt harmful. That being mentioned, it’s essential to know that automotive break-ins are frequent. After we stopped at a Wal-Mart, safety guards patrolled the tons, and at Cafe y Macademia, you tip the car parking zone attendants to regulate your automotive. We additionally stashed our passports and valuables within the resort safes when out of our room, which is smart regardless of the place you journey.
Is it okay to drink the water?
Sure. I did loads of analysis earlier than going, and the consensus was that the water is protected to drink. Nonetheless, I did come down with some form of meals poisoning that landed me in mattress for about 36 hours in the course of our journey. It’s inconceivable to know what prompted it, however no one else within the household obtained sick whereas we had been there though all of us ate and drank the identical issues.
What’s the meals like in Costa Rica?
At inns and resorts, you’ll be able to simply discover acquainted fare. On the small native eating places (referred to as sodas), you’ll discover menu gadgets like gallo pinto (rice and beans), arroz con pollo (rooster and rice), casado (rice, beans, greens, and plantains), and plenty of recent fruit juices. And the pineapple! Oh the pineapple! It’s in every single place and it’s FABULOUS.
We additionally ate loads of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. My youngsters had no drawback discovering gadgets on each menu that they preferred.
What forex do they use?
The forex of Costa Rica is the colon. After we arrived, we exchanged $200 for colones and introduced $200 price of {dollars} in small payments for suggestions. We paid in colones, {dollars}, and with our Visa (there’s a small payment for utilizing Visa).
Presently, the alternate charge is about 660 colones per $1. Don’t alternate your cash on the airport like we did–their charge was a lot decrease!
Is it true they don’t flush bathroom paper?
Sure, in some locations they ask you to position used bathroom paper in a can beside the bathroom.
Do I would like to talk Spanish?
The general public we encountered working in tourism spoke English. However we additionally met many “Ticos” (that’s what Costa Ricans name themselves) who didn’t converse a lot or any English in any respect, just like the proprietors on the fruit stands and markets we visited and the cashier at Wal-Mart. However by means of hand gestures and the Google Translate app, we had been in a position to work it out!
I believe it’s respectful to attempt to converse the native language, so we used easy Spanish phrases wherever we went, and my youngsters obtained to follow the Spanish they’ve discovered at school, translating menu gadgets and highway indicators. Fundamental phrases & phrases we used:
- Hola: Good day
- Gracias: Thanks
- Buenos días = Good morning
- Buenas noches = Good night
- Mucho gusto = Good to satisfy you
- Adiós = Goodbye
- Por favor = Please
- Lo siento = Sorry
- ¿Dónde? = The place?
- Sí = Sure
What does “Pura Vida” imply?
You’ll see and listen to this expression in Costa Rica. The literal translation is “pure life” or “easy life” and it embodies the laid-back vibe of the nation. As considered one of our tour guides defined to me, it may be used for all the things from a greeting, a goodbye, a solution to “how are you?” and even a “no worries” when one thing goes incorrect.
Since returning dwelling, we’ve tried to maintain the relaxed, worry-less “Pura Vida” vibe going!
What to Pack for Costa Rica with Teenagers
We stuffed lots into these form of compression packing cubes. They function a “compression zipper”, so that you save much more house. For those who’re flying, right here’s my favourite extremely light-weight suitcase you’ll be able to both examine or stick with it.
- T-shirts (no less than one per day if no entry to laundry since you’ll get sizzling and sweaty), shorts, climbing pants or joggers, hoodie
- Additional socks (in case you get moist)
- Raincoat
- Bathing fits and rash guard
- Sun shades
- Reusable water bottles
- Day packs for everybody: On excursions, have every individual carry a pack with their very own swimsuit, towel, water bottle, and anything they want.
- Strolling or climbing sneakers
- Sandals or slides
- Hat
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen (the solar is powerful!)
- Bug spray (you may also purchase this there)
- Imodium anti-diarrhea drugs. A reader suggested me to pack this simply in case. So glad I did as a result of we had been distant from a pharmacy after I wanted it.
- Bonine movement illness chewable tablets. The roads are windy, so it’s simple to get carsick. Even in case you don’t hire a automotive, chances are you’ll want it for the shuttles to inns and resorts.
- Band-aids and antibiotic ointment
- Advil or different ache reliever
- Enjoying playing cards or Uno
- Telephone charger for the automotive
- Many $1, $5, and $10 payments for tipping
Groceries We Purchased in Costa Rica
- Chips and different salty snacks
- Cookies (good for dessert again within the room)
- Granola bars
- Bottled water
- Gatorade (I used to be so completely happy to have this after I was dehydrated from meals poisoning!)
- Laborious sweet (nice for lengthy hikes)
- Peppermints (to assuage carsickness)
- Crackers
- Nuts
- SIM card (we had been suggested to get this however by no means discovered how you can use it!)
Extra Journey Itineraries
I’m a participant within the Amazon Companies LLC Associates Program, an affiliate promoting program designed to supply a way for me to earn charges by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.
