Looking for a family-friendly way to explore Costa Rica’s top highlights with a green twist? Then this trip is for you! Designed with both adventure and sustainability in mind, this Costa Rica eco tour takes you to the country’s most iconic destinations while supporting conservation projects and avoiding mass tourism.
Your adventure begins in Liberia, where you’ll journey to a charming cacao lodge in northern Costa Rica. Here, amidst stunning scenery, you’ll dive into the world of cacao, learning about its production and, best of all, crafting your own chocolate from bean to bar! This serene lodge serves as your base for exploring incredible nearby highlights. Paddle through the enchanting turquoise waters of Río Celeste by kayak or opt for a hike through its lush rainforest, then venture along scenic trails shaped by ancient lava flows from Arenal Volcano’s 1968 eruption.
Continuing your journey, you’ll make a stop at Rancho Margot, a sustainable lodge nestled in nature, offering a peaceful retreat before heading to Monteverde. Here, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy optional activities that connect you with the region’s natural beauty and local culture. In Monteverde, you’ll immerse yourself in the lush cloud forest and take in breathtaking views from the Sky Tram. Explore protected reserves both during the day and at night, searching for fascinating wildlife in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
To end your Costa Rica eco adventure tour, we take you to a secluded island in the Gulf of Nicoya for a beachfront glamping experience. With three full free days, you can choose from a variety of activities — whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply unwinding by the ocean. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this island paradise offers the perfect setting to soak up the sun, enjoy the sea, and create unforgettable family memories.
If you’re interested in even more amazing adventures, browse our full range of Costa Rica tours! And if you have any questions about this Costa Rica family trip, don’t hesitate to contact us.
This trip was designed as a road trip through Costa Rica to give travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore at their own pace, making spontaneous stops along the way. However, we understand that not everyone is comfortable driving or ready to take on Costa Rica’s adventurous roads. That’s why we offer three ways to experience the journey: as a self-drive adventure, with a rental car and dedicated driver; as a fully guided trip with private transportation; or as a combination of these options, depending on your comfort level and the regions you’re visiting.
Apart from transport, we can also offer upgraded accommodations, as well as meaningful destinations and experiences you won’t want to miss in Costa Rica. Just send us an enquiry and we’ll start designing your dream trip together.
There are many minor items that are not included in the price, either because they are optional or easier for you to pay on site. Some general exclusions on this trip are:
Read more about what’s generally not included in our Terms and Conditions.
This trip starts in Liberia airport in northern Costa Rica, for an easier access to Costa Rica’s natural wonders in the north! Please book a flight that arrives somewhere in the morning or early afternoon, so that you can still make it on time to the first accommodation at about one hour driving from the airport. Please note that it gets dark early in the jungle!
Upon arrival at Finca La Amistad Cacao Lodge, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where high-quality Trinitario cacao thrives. This lodge is not just a place to rest your head; it’s a living testament to sustainable farming and biodiversity. Here, half of the 95 hectare farm is dedicated to nurturing this premium cacao, coexisting harmoniously with the surrounding trees.
In the afternoon, dive into the fascinating Cacao Tour, a 90-minute journey through the lifecycle of cacao, from seedling to dried bean. Witness firsthand the meticulous process that goes into producing some of the finest chocolate in the region. The farm’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its crops, as it supports fair working conditions and development opportunities for its dedicated team.
End your day surrounded by nature’s tranquility, reflecting on the unique experiences and insights gained. Finca La Amistad is more than a destination; it’s a gateway to understanding the delicate balance between agriculture and nature, leaving you inspired to embrace the principles of sustainable travel.
Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the iconic Arenal Volcano! Once one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, Arenal drew crowds with its steady lava flows. While it’s quiet now, its towering peak remains a breathtaking sight to behold.
Tonight, you will be staying at Rancho Margot, a sustainable lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a variety of activities to immerse you in the natural beauty and local culture.
Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the iconic Arenal Volcano! Once one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, Arenal drew crowds with its steady lava flows. While it’s quiet now, its towering peak remains a breathtaking sight to behold. Lunch will be at your leisure—there are plenty of great options in downtown La Fortuna that you can enjoy before continuing to your next destination.
Tonight, you will be staying at Rancho Margot, a sustainable lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a variety of activities to immerse you in the natural beauty and local culture.
Today is a free day at Rancho Margot, where you can relax in nature or book a tour with the eco-lodge and regenerative farm. For adventure, you can opt for a guided walk along the Arenal Hanging Bridges, spotting wildlife in the rainforest canopy, followed by a rejuvenating soak in the Termales Fortuna hot springs. Whether you choose to unwind at the lodge or experience Arenal’s beauty, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Start your day with a scenic 2.5-hour ride to your Monteverde hotel. Enjoy a quick lunch before heading out for an unforgettable afternoon in the cloud forest! Begin with a relaxing ride up the mountain on the Sky Tram, soaking in stunning views of the Nicoya Gulf and lush forest. Then, dive into the adrenaline-packed part of the tour—zip-lining 1.7 miles through towering treetops and across canyons!
Get ready for a morning immersed in Monteverde’s cloud forest at the Santa Elena Reserve, a community-run conservation area protecting one of Central America’s rarest ecosystems. Join a naturalist guide for a walk along misty trails lined with orchids, bromeliads, and moss-covered trees. Tours run in the morning until 1 p.m., offering a great chance to spot wildlife while supporting local education and conservation.
Before the sun sets, get ready for a nocturnal walk at the Bosque Eterno de los Niños reserve, established through the collective efforts of children worldwide to protect the region’s biodiversity. The night walk offers an enchanting guided experience through the cloud forest, where visitors can spot nocturnal wildlife like frogs and kinkajous while immersing themselves in the magical sights and sounds of the vibrant ecosystem.
Leaving Monteverde behind, you’ll journey to Isla Chiquita Glamping, a unique eco-friendly resort on the private island of Isla Jesusita in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. To reach this secluded paradise, you’ll take two ferry rides—the first across the Gulf of Nicoya (booked independently), and the second, a short boat transfer to the island, which is included in your package. This one-of-a-kind retreat offers luxurious tented accommodations with stunning ocean views, blending hotel comforts with the adventure of camping. Your days here are yours to shape—choose from a variety of exciting activities, or simply relax by the beach, soak in the natural beauty, and indulge in delicious seafood.
If you’re visiting between August and October, consider embarking on a whale-watching adventure in the Gulf of Nicoya. Costa Rica’s warm Pacific waters become a stage for a breathtaking natural spectacle as humpback whales migrate in search of optimal breeding and calving locations. The tranquil gulf offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures as they leap, dance, and sing—a true celebration of marine life.
On this day, you might consider exploring the dazzling underwater landscapes of the Gulf of Nicoya. Snorkeling in these pristine waters offers a chance to discover a vibrant marine world, teeming with colorful tropical fish, fascinating octopuses, and other ocean wonders.
If you’re visiting between December and April, this experience is available with an optional boat tour that includes a delicious snack to enjoy along the way.
Today is your last morning in this unique place. In the morning, you will begin your journey back to Liberia, where you’ll spend the night before your flight the following day.
Leaving this hidden paradise behind, today you’ll embark on a long journey back to Liberia to catch your flight home. Please note that if your departure is scheduled for the same day, you’ll need to travel the day before.
We hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica again soon!
This journey isn’t just about visiting Costa Rica — it’s about experiencing its breathtaking landscapes in a way that respects and preserves them. Every destination, stay, and activity has been carefully chosen to support conservation, sustainability, and local communities while offering unforgettable adventures.
From Finca La Amistad, where cacao thrives in an agroforestry system that nurtures biodiversity, to Rancho Margot, a model of off-grid self-sufficiency, and Isla Chiquita, where luxury glamping exists in perfect harmony with nature, each accommodation embraces responsible tourism.
Exploring Costa Rica’s wild beauty becomes an active part of conservation. Hike through the protected cloud forests of Santa Elena and Bosque Eterno de los Niños, where reforestation and community-driven efforts protect crucial habitats. Paddle through mangrove forests, helping to restore these vital ecosystems, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters where marine biodiversity thrives under careful protection. Whale-watching, offered seasonally, is done ethically, ensuring these magnificent creatures are admired without harm. Even a simple guided hike on Isla Chiquita transforms into a journey of understanding the delicate balance between land and sea.
Every step of this trip fosters a deeper connection to Costa Rica’s natural wonders while actively contributing to their preservation, proving that adventure and sustainability can go hand in hand.
My name is Marco, and I’m a lover of stories—perhaps that’s why I began working in tourism over 30 years ago. Along the way, I’ve not only helped create stories, but I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing them come to life. I’ve seen families grow through small businesses—some achieving great success, and others reaching deeply meaningful milestones, like celebrating the first member of their family graduating from university. Travel has this transformative power, and I’ve seen it time and again.
As a writer, I’ve learned to craft stories with words and imagination. And when I’m in the office, negotiating with a producer or planning a new journey, I often realize I’m witnessing the beginning of another powerful narrative—one where the people involved become the heroes of their own legends.
The journey behind this program is also personal. I designed it as a way to pamper myself—a way to bring together my bohemian and romantic soul with the spirit of an explorer. The result is a journey that blends three regions that are rich in contrast and beauty: the mysterious cloud forests of Monteverde, the tranquil shores of Isla Chiquita, and the vibrant energy of the Tenorio Volcano area. Together, they offer a travel experience that is both deeply personal and universally meaningful—a balance of indulgence, discovery, and connection.
Consider flying into Liberia International Airport (LIR) in northern Costa Rica, as it is the nearest airport to your first accommodation. Arriving in the morning or early afternoon is ideal to allow ample time to reach your destination before dark. However, if needed, we can arrange private transportation to Finca La Amistad Cacao Lodge from any location in Costa Rica.
This trip is designed for all ages, offering family-friendly activities on well-maintained trails and calm waters. If needed, the itinerary can be adjusted based on the age and abilities of the travelers.
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but smaller towns and remote areas (like Rancho Quemado) may only take cash. It’s best to carry some colones for small purchases.
Self-driving can be a fun and rewarding way to explore the region, as there are many beautiful places to see along the way, and you have the freedom to stop whenever you want. However, the terrain can be challenging, with unpaved roads, river crossings, and steep sections, so a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. Prior experience with off-road driving is helpful, but as long as you plan your route carefully and stick to scheduled activities, it can be an exciting adventure.
Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations, but service may be limited or slow in remote areas. Cell service can also be weaker in rainforests and mountainous regions.
Yes! You can adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences. Let us know what changes you’d like to make, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
Yes! The cooking class and most meals can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. Just inform us in advance.
Some excursions are shared, but most can be made private upon request for an additional cost.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate that varies by region. In the rainforests and Monteverde, the weather is cooler and humid, with frequent rainfall. The Arenal and Río Celeste areas are warm and humid, while Isla Chiquita enjoys a warm and breezy climate with plenty of sunny days.
