Costa Rica is a top-choice for family travel for many reasons not least because the culture is family orientated and Costa Ricans genuinely love kids.
Children are welcomed at almost every restaurant and event, as Costa Ricans tend to socialize with their immediate and extended families, as much or more so than with friends. Perfect strangers will coo over your baby and it is easy to have a friendly exchange with other families enjoying the same beach or hiking trail. They are curious and interested in other cultures and welcome the chance to practice English. Costa Rica offers lots of choices for both accommodation and activities for all ages and a genuine immersion into a natural world that kids love.
Monteverde
This tiny town was settled by Quakers in the 1940s and is 1, 440m above sea level. While the sun breaks through the clouds during the day, a sweater and long pants may be needed for the chilly mountain nights. This altitude means a steady supply of clouds and the moisture they bring which support an incredible bio-diversity. 400 species of birds, 100 species of animals, 2,500 species of plants including over 420 different types of orchids populate this incredible eco-system. Here are several ways to explore this diverse area:
Zipline through the canopy and walk on suspended bridges in Selvatura Park to experience the wondrous flora and fauna in this verdant 850 acre protected area. Stroll through the Butterfly Garden which contains four unique spaces including the “rearing chamber” where caterpillars turn into butterflies. Other insects are also on display including an extensive “leaf-cutter” ant colony and a spider exhibit. Learn about snakes at the Serpentarium which displays 40 species of venomous and non-venomous snakes as well as frogs, toads, turtles and lizards. Watch brightly colored hummingbirds dart and fly past with their aerial manuvers at lightning speeds. The Hummingbird Garden contains over 100 hummingbirds and 40 species. There is something for the whole family to enjoy here!
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to four distinct ecological zones (two types of wet forest and two types of rainforest) that protect birds, including the Quetzal, plants, insects and mammals. There are over 3,021 known species inhabiting the reserve including 755 species of trees, 161species of amphibians and reptiles, including the “Golden Toad”. This is a great learning opportunity for your young naturalist!
The Santa Elena Reserve is blanketed in a mysterious veil of clouds in which much elusive wildlife resides. Quetzals, which birdwatchers come worldwide to see can be spotted here as well as monkeys, wild cats and over a 1,000 species of amphibians and reptiles. On a clear day, it is possible to see views of both the Pacific and Caribbean and species from both regions can be seen in this delicate habitat. Climate change and is a real threat to these protected lands which have become for many endangered species. The well-kept trails make the reserve accessible to hikers of all sizes.
Strap on your headlight to begin the Night Walk with your guide to discover the nocturnal animals that begin their day after dusk: frogs, bats and maybe even a wild cat. There is a whole world of animals that only emerge in the night and as dusk falls the forest comes alive with the croaks of frogs. The tour begins at dusk so won’t mean little ones missing bedtime.
On the Quaker Cheese Tour, visitors will learn about dairy farming and the cheese making process started by the Quakers as well as the environmentally friendly waste disposal system that protects the ecosystem. Tour ends with homemade ice cream and cheese tasting!
Getting there from San Jose:
Leave San Jose on Highway 27 heading to Caldera Puntarenas. Pass 4 tolls and follow signs to Liberia/Peñas Blancas for about 30 minutes until you reach Rancho Grande Gas Station and turn right for Route 606 to Santa Elena/Monteverde. From Route 606 the drive is about an hour(36km).
Getting there from Liberia: Just follow Route 1 for 115km about 2 ½ hours.
Costa Rica is a top-choice for family travel for many reasons not least because the culture is family orientated and Costa Ricans genuinely love kids. Children are welcomed at almost every restaurant and event, as Costa Ricans tend to socialize with their immediate and extended families, as much or more so than with friends. Perfect strangers will coo over your baby and it is easy to have a friendly exchange with other families enjoying the same beach or hiking trail. They are curious and interested in other cultures and welcome the chance to practice English. Costa Rica offers lots of choices for both accommodation and activities for all ages and a genuine immersion into a natural world that kids love.
Monteverde
This tiny town was settled by Quakers in the 1940s and is 1, 440m above sea level. While the sun breaks through the clouds during the day, a sweater and long pants may be needed for the chilly mountain nights. This altitude means a steady supply of clouds and the moisture they bring which support an incredible bio-diversity. 400 species of birds, 100 species of animals, 2,500 species of plants including over 420 different types of orchids populate this incredible eco-system. Here are several ways to explore this diverse area:
Zipline through the canopy and walk on suspended bridges in Selvatura Park to experience the wondrous flora and fauna in this verdant 850 acre protected area.
Stroll through the Butterfly Garden which contains four unique spaces including the “rearing chamber” where caterpillars turn into butterflies. Other insects are also on display including an extensive “leaf-cutter” ant colony and a spider exhibit. Learn about snakes at the Serpentarium which displays 40 species of venomous and non-venomous snakes as well as frogs, toads, turtles and lizards. Watch brightly colored hummingbirds dart and fly past with their aerial manuvers at lightning speeds. The Hummingbird Garden contains over 100 hummingbirds and 40 species. There is something for the whole family to enjoy here!
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to four distinct ecological zones (two types of wet forest and two types of rainforest) that protect birds, including the Quetzal, plants, insects and mammals. There are over 3,021 known species inhabiting the reserve including 755 species of trees, 161species of amphibians and reptiles, including the “Golden Toad”. This is a great learning opportunity for your young naturalist!
The Santa Elena Reserve is blanketed in a mysterious veil of clouds in which much elusive wildlife resides. Quetzals, which birdwatchers come worldwide to see can be spotted here as well as monkeys, wild cats and over a 1,000 species of amphibians and reptiles. On a clear day, it is possible to see views of both the Pacific and Caribbean and species from both regions can be seen in this delicate habitat. Climate change and is a real threat to these protected lands which have become for many endangered species. The well-kept trails make the reserve accessible to hikers of all sizes.
Strap on your headlight to begin the Night Walk with your guide to discover the nocturnal animals that begin their day after dusk: frogs, bats and maybe even a wild cat. There is a whole world of animals that only emerge in the night and as dusk falls the forest comes alive with the croaks of frogs. The tour begins at dusk so won’t mean little ones missing bedtime.
On the Quaker Cheese Tour, visitors will learn about dairy farming and the cheese making process started by the Quakers as well as the environmentally friendly waste disposal system that protects the ecosystem. Tour ends with homemade ice cream and cheese tasting!
Getting there from San Jose: Leave San Jose on Highway 27 heading to Caldera Puntarenas. Pass 4 tolls and follow signs to Liberia/Peñas Blancas for about 30 minutes until you reach Rancho Grande Gas Station and turn right for Route 606 to Santa Elena/Monteverde. From Route 606 the drive is about an hour(36km).
Getting there from Liberia: Just follow Route 1 for 115km about 2 ½ hours.