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Slow down in a landscape alive with wonder

Costa Rica family vacations

Wildlife, beaches and zip-lines: everything arranged, nothing left for you to plan.

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Cloud forests draped in mist, volcanoes rising from emerald valleys, and beaches where howler monkeys call from the treetops

Costa Rica is where wild adventure meets effortless luxury. From emerald rainforests and cloud forests to smoking volcanoes and untouched beaches, the landscape feels alive at every turn. Its wildlife is so extraordinary that the Osa Peninsula was named “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” Add the pura vida spirit, warm and welcoming, and every moment feels elevated.

We want your vacation to be perfect and stress-free. That's where Osaviva comes in. We're not an online booking site; every trip enquiry is answered by an experienced trip planner who will work together with you and your partner to design a Costa Rica getaway package custom-built around your interests and ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

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Natural hot springs and volcanic experiences

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Outdoor adventure everywhere

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Sustainability and responsible travel leadership

Yellow-throated toucan perched among rainforest branches in Costa Rica

A starting point for your perfect escape

Get inspired: Costa Rica family & group trips

Why travel with Osaviva?

White-faced capuchins resting together on a tree branch

Rich wildlife and biodiversity

Sloths, monkeys, macaws, sea turtles, whales, and hundreds of bird species make Costa Rica one of the most wildlife-rich countries on Earth.

Three-toed sloth hanging from a vine in Costa Rica.
Parents and children playing on the beach in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Aerial view of Arenal volcano beneath clouds in Costa Rica.

Diverse landscapes in a small, easy-to-travel country

Volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforests, mangroves, and two distinct coasts all within a few hours of each other.

Río Celeste waterfall and turquoise pool surrounded by rainforest, Costa Rica.
Visitor crossing a red-railed rainforest bridge

Don't take our word for it

What our clients say

“Osaviva was wonderful in listening to what we were interested in doing and suggesting an amazing itinerary. Both resorts we stayed at were fabulous and our planned activities and tours were all top notch as well. … Use of WhatsApp while in country was great for any day to day questions and a response was always within minutes.”

CharlotteMD

United States

Every detail organized

★★★★★

We had an incredible experience with [Osaviva]! Adrienne and her team planned an amazing trip to Costa Rica, ensuring every detail was perfectly organized. The hotels were great, transportation was always on time, and the entire itinerary ran smoothly. Communication with Adrienne was seamless both before and during the trip, making everything stress-free. We truly appreciated the personalized service and attention to detail. Highly recommend [Osaviva] for a well-planned and hassle-free adventure!

Chloé Karen Abboud

Canada

The best room

★★★★★

We always seemed to have the best room in the resort, with one being on the second level in front of a tree where a family of monkeys climbed up everyday, right off our balcony!

Curt & Mitsy Atkinson

Canada

The experience effortless

★★★★★

We went on a family vacation with grandparents and grandchildren. Everything was scheduled perfectly and the local hotels were more than willing to accommodate any changes in our scheduled outings for the day based on personal preferences. [Osaviva] made the experience effortless, everything was handled wonderfully.

Jessica

United States

Our picks for families

Where to stay in Costa Rica

Nayara Tented Camp

La Fortuna

Nayara Tented Camp overlooks the rainforest with elevated platforms and sweeping views of Arenal Volcano. Spacious tents feature private pools and quiet decks washed in birdsong. Highlights are excellent onsite dining & the award-winning spa.

Costa Rica

Arenas del Mar

Manuel Antonio

Arenas del Mar occupies one of the few rainforest properties in Manuel Antonio with direct access to two beaches. Rooms are set among the trees where monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws are regular visitors. Trails link the accommodations to the shoreline, allowing guests to alternate between the forest and the Pacific.

Costa Rica

Tulemar Resort

Manuel Antonio

Thirty-three acres of forested hillside descend to Tulemar's private beach, one of the few in Manuel Antonio reserved exclusively for resort guests. Villas, bungalows, and private residences are set in the canopy, where monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws are seen almost daily. The variety of accommodations also makes Tulemar one of the area's most flexible choices for families and multi-generational groups.

Costa Rica

Senda Monteverde

Monteverde

Just outside the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Senda is a 28-room mountain lodge surrounded by gardens and native forest. Operated by the Cayuga Collection, the experience combines boutique hospitality with the conservation-minded approach that has made the group one of Central America's most respected hotel operators. Private trails begin on the property, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is only a short drive away.

Costa Rica

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Tortuguero

Tortuga Lodge has welcomed travelers to Tortuguero for more than four decades and is now part of the Costa Rican-owned Boena collection. Spacious rooms and suites overlook the river from tropical gardens, while experienced naturalist guides lead daily excursions through Tortuguero National Park. Guests come for the wildlife, the guiding, and the setting rather than elaborate resort facilities.

Costa Rica

Lagarta Lodge

Nosara

River, mangrove, forest, and ocean all meet below Lagarta Lodge, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes in Nosara. Rooms and suites overlook the protected reserve, with wildlife frequently spotted from the restaurant, pool, and surrounding trails. It's a very different side of Nosara from the surf beaches, with nature taking center stage.

Costa Rica

Nantipa Resort

Santa Teresa

Nantipa sits directly on Santa Teresa's broad beach, where contemporary bungalows and villas are only steps from the sand. Mornings bring surfers, long beach walks, and quiet swims before the afternoon heat arrives. As the sun sets, the beachfront restaurant becomes one of the liveliest gathering places on this stretch of coast.

Costa Rica

Moments that define the journey

Costa Rica experiences we love

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Cloud forest trails in Monteverde

Explore Monteverde’s iconic cloud forest, where hanging bridges stretch across mist-filled canopy and the air hums with hummingbirds and butterflies. Soft light filters through towering trees, offering one of the most atmospheric nature experiences in Costa Rica. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and quiet immersion.

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Pacific sunsets on the Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is known for some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, with long stretches of sand in Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Playa Guiones. Evenings here slow into golden light as surfers ride warm Pacific waves and the sky turns coral. It’s an idyllic region for beach lovers, wellness travelers, and anyone seeking sun-soaked simplicity.

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Arenal’s hot springs and volcanic landscapes

Arenal brings hanging bridges, rainforest trails and hot springs into the same stop. A guide can help children spot wildlife along the way, with walks and waterfall visits chosen for their ages. Leave an afternoon for the thermal pools, where warm water runs through gardens beneath the volcano.

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Wildlife encounters in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio brings together white-sand beaches, calm turquoise bays, and rainforest alive with sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. The national park offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Costa Rica, with trails that lead from lush jungle to pristine shoreline. It’s an easy-to-reach destination perfect for first-time visitors.

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The untouched Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and a sanctuary for travelers seeking remote, wild Costa Rica. Scarlet macaws fly overhead, dolphins and whales move along the coast, and primary rainforest shelters elusive creatures like tapirs and pumas. It’s a rare chance to experience nature at its most untouched.

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Waterfall swimming and river days in the highlands

Costa Rica’s highland regions, including Bajos del Toro and Pérez Zeledón, offer hidden waterfalls, cool rivers, and lush valleys far from the crowds. Trails lead through thick forest to crystal pools perfect for a refreshing swim. It’s a quieter, more intimate side of the country ideal for nature-focused travelers and wellness escapes.

What sets us apart

Why travel with Osaviva?

Regional expertise

We help you choose between Arenal, Monteverde and the coast, with honest advice on wildlife, weather and how much driving each route involves.

Your family’s pace

We plan around your children’s ages, activity limits and downtime, with transfer days that leave room for lunch, breaks and a swim.

Responsible travel

We choose local guides and lodges with conservation work to explain, and recommend wildlife experiences that respect the animals and their habitat.

Rooms for everyone

We compare bedrooms, beds and shared spaces, so you know whether you’re booking one room, adjoining tents or a villa for the whole family.

How it works
FAQ

Questions, answered

Questions about planning a family trip in Costa Rica? Here are a few things we discuss when choosing your route, rooms and experiences.

More FAQ
Which regions should we include in a first family trip?

Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and the Nicoya Peninsula offer different combinations of wildlife, forest activities and beach time. Tortuguero adds travel by water. We choose a manageable route around your trip length and children's ages.

How do you choose hotels for families?

We compare room layouts, sleeping arrangements, pools and the distance to activities before recommending a stay. Options include the family tents at Nayara Tented Camp, Arenas del Mar, Tulemar’s villas, Senda Monteverde, Tortuga Lodge, Lagarta Lodge and Nantipa. The right room depends on your children’s ages and who needs a separate bedroom.

Can we include surfing, rafting or zip lining?

Yes, where the activity requirements and conditions suit your family. We check those details before booking and can arrange gentler alternatives, such as guided nature walks or hanging bridges.

Where can we see wildlife?

We recommend Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula for wildlife and forest experiences. A guide helps you spot animals and understand their habitat, although wild sightings are never guaranteed.

Can we travel during school holidays?

Yes. We work with your school calendar and compare regions, weather and hotel availability for those dates. Popular holiday periods are worth discussing early so we can check the rooms your family needs.

Can you plan for several generations?

Yes. We account for mobility, room arrangements, transfer times and different interests. Not everyone needs to do the same activity every day, and we leave time for meals and less scheduled days together.

Let’s plan your trip

Tell us your dates, who’s coming and what you have in mind.

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