This accessible cloud forest reserve is Costa Rica’s leading eco-tourist experience and covers an area of 10,500ha in the north west of the country. Made up of 90% virgin forest the reserve’s home to 500 bird and mammal species, over 100 reptile species and 2500 different species of plants.

• Local eco-lodges in Monteverde town and Santa Elena are great for families and just over three kilometres from the reserve.
• The reserve’s explored on a 13km network of marked walking trails along with skywalks, zip-lines, suspension bridges, towers and ropes through the tree canopy.
• Themed tours of the reserve with local volunteer guides are the best way to explore the complex and wildlife-rich forest.
• In the Monteverde and Santa Elena area don’t miss: the Bat Jungle; Butterfly Garden; Frog Pond; Orchid Garden; Monteverde Friend’s School; Serpentarium; San Luis Ecolodge and Research Station.
• Visit January to March or July to September. December’s dry and warm but it’s also the busiest and most expensive month of the year.

Tortuguero translates as Turtle Catcher and the nesting population of Green Sea Turtles, Leatherback and Hawksbill Turtles on Playa Tortuguero is one of the main reasons to visit this stunning conservation area.

• July to October is Green Sea and Hawksbill nesting season. Leatherbacks nest between February and April. But turtles can be seen on the beach all year round and accompanied evening visits are magical experiences with kids.
• Tortuguero covers an area of 19,000ha mostly made up of waterways, creeks and lagoons. It’s almost always explored by boat as part of an organised private or group tour.
• Tortuguero village has a choice of three and four-star family hotels, guesthouses and lodges. Puerto Limon is the nearest city for a wider range of accommodation and tours of Tortuguero can be arranged from both here and Tortuguero village.
• Tortuguero’s wild population includes: Spider, Howler and Capuchin monkeys; Spectacled Caiman; River Otters; Green Macaw; Toucans; Amazon Kingfishers and over 50 species of freshwater fish.

Contrary to its name, Costa Rica’s Caribbean east coast isn’t the best choice for beach holidays. The white sands, seaside towns and barefoot atmosphere on the Pacific side are much. And the surf-ready, crowd-free and beachy Nicoya Peninsula is the best area of all, to catch your breath after the awe-inspiring natural drama almost everywhere else.

• Choose Sámara for Sámara Playa, laid-back beach hotels, cute guesthouses, friendly town, good local restaurants and complete escapism.
• Playas Ostional and Camaronal are two of the world’s top beaches for turtle nesting and they’re both on the Nicoya Peninsula.
• Santa Teresa and Montezuma on the southern tip of the peninsula are livelier alternatives to Sámara for older kids and teenagers.

Costa Rica’s capital is where most UK families arrive. It probably won’t be your mind’s eye vision of the country’s idyllic paradise reputation, but it’s a fun place to spend a day or two exploring before you head off on your real holiday.

• Visit Barrio Amón for local restaurants, interesting galleries and shops.
• Take a few hours to browse the Museo de Oro and Museo Nacional de Costa Rica or spend an afternoon people watching and listening to music in La Sabana park.

Costa Rica’s most northerly city’s an interesting day out if you’re heading Rincón de la Vieja National Park or down to the beautiful beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s the traditional heartland of the Guanacastle ranching industry and there are intriguing glimpses of El Sabanero culture which little cowhands will like.