Costa Rica is the land of Pura Vida and even in an ordinary January that’s something we could all use, this January it’s almost an essential. So take a break from remote learning for five minutes and take kids for a wander around cloud forests, meet a few smiley sloths, race down some rapids or make like a Guanacaste sabanero, only in Costa Rica.
10/10 Discover Monteverde Cloud Forest
If you want to immerse in Costa Rica’s Pura Vida, try a soul-purifying forest bath in Monteverde Cloud Forest. The entire reserve covers over 26,000 acres, it’s 90% virgin forest and contains 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, along with more than 500 different animal and bird species, 2,500 plant species, and more orchids in one place than anywhere else on earth.
For less-contemplative kids, Monteverde is a sustainable playground to soar through on zip-lines; eyeball monkeys off hanging bridges;, fly high on sky trams; or pony trek and hike in the company of local guides. Here, you can literally have your head in the clouds then go feed fruit to giant butterflies, spot scarlet-eyed tree frogs or even stand with one foot in the Pacific divide and the other in the Caribbean.
Take a closer look at Costa Rica for dream family holidays
9/10 Spot sea turtles at Tortuguero National Park
Costa Rica can claim to have several of the world’s prime turtle-nesting sites, but even here, nowhere comes close to the beaches of Tortuguero. One of the most protected areas in the entire country, the reserve can only be visited by boat, with registered tour guides, and permits are essential. Once those details are dealt with, you can breathe and just look forward to enchantment.
Green and hawksbill turtles nest from July to October, and the season’s at its peak in August. Leatherback tend to arrive later in the year, nesting from February to April.
It’s possible to see turtles year-round in Tortuguero, but sitting on the beach at night, watching these magnificent creatures ritually lay and bury their eggs, is an experience children never forget. They’ll also learn plenty, since turtle watching is only possible in the company of expert local rangers to avoid disturbing the animals. And if you’re all lucky enough to take a guided tour when tiny turtles hatch, and make their ocean-bound, mad-dash scramble, that’s the real Costa Rica jackpot.
Take a closer look at Costa Rica for dream family holidays
8/10 Explore Costa Rica’s spectacular volcanos
Out of Costa Rica’s astonishing 200-strong collection of volcanos, seven are still active. If you want to stand on the edge of a crater and gaze at astonishing views, drive up to the summit of Irazú, the tallest of the country’s volcanos, at a lofty 3,432m. The most dazzling crater lagoon lies at the dramatic heart of Poás, just a little over an hour north of San José.
But the most famous of all Costa Rican volcanos has to be Volcàn Arenal. A classic cone rising out of lush forest, this one looks incredible from all angles. Climbing it is strictly forbidden, but there’s more than enough to entertain kids round Arenal National Park instead, from immense canopy zip-lines to parks packed with hanging bridges, and sailing adventures on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake.
Take a closer look at Costa Rica for dream family holidays
7/10 Whitewater raft on the world’s greatest rivers
You might not instantly put the heart-in-the-mouth thrill of whitewater rafting together with Costa Rica. But to those in the know the country’s rapids and rivers are a constant source of delight – not least because the water’s warm here, all year.
Rio Pacuare, an hour west of Limón, is rated as one of the world’s top rafting rivers, although with class III to IV rapids, it’s definitely for the more experienced. Nearby Rio Reventazón’s combo of wild and easy going stretches, work well for all levels, even first timers. But if you’re really keen to put whitewater front and centre on holiday, think Rio Sarapiqui, north of San José. It’s the country’s longest river, and the one for once-in-a-lifetime family adventures.
Take a closer look at Costa Rica for dream family holidays
6/10 Experience the luxury of responsible travel
Costa Rica lives and breathes conservation, and manages to create unforgettable holidays at the same time. It’s a clever balance that’s the envy of the world, and another of the many reasons responsible travellers love it here. More hotels and resorts than not now hold a Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST). Eco-ratings are featured as prominently as star-ratings in accommodation guides, and designing in harmony with the natural environment is the rule: you only have to look at Costa Rica’s remarkable treehouse hotels for proof.
In several national parks, eco-lodges surround you with stunning scenery and wildlife, then let you stay with a clear conscience. They vary from charming rustic chic to opulent luxury, across a broad price range, and always with no-impact as a priority.