Costa Rica: Volcano, Cloud Forest, Pacific

Arenal Volcano National Park

Hike Sendero 1968 (the lava trail) for crunchy black rock. Doable for kids 6+. Bring water, the forest is humid even when dry.

Tabacón Hot Springs

Naturally heated thermal river through gardens at the volcano base. Day pass cheaper than staying. Water shoes a must.

Don Rufino

Best dinner in La Fortuna town. Grilled fish, plantains, rice and beans done right.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

3-km loop with 16 bridges, six suspended above the canopy. Sloths, toucans, howler monkeys. Morning slot for active animals.

Trio Restaurant

Casual Costa Rican-Italian after the long drive in. Wood-fired pizza, fish ceviche, kids portions available.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Mist rolls through 30,000 acres at 4,500 feet. 400 bird species. Wear long sleeves and pants, mosquitos love the wet shade.

Selvatura Park

Zip line through the canopy, 13 cables. Allows kids 4+ tandem with a guide. Hummingbird garden is a win even for non-zip-liners.

Tárcoles River Bridge

Pull over to look down at wild crocodiles from the bridge. Free, 10-min stop, kids love it.

Playa Espadilla Norte

Public beach next to the national park. Calm bay, soft sand, sodas serving fish tacos. Watch your bags, monkeys unzip backpacks.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Smallest national park, most concentrated wildlife. Hire a park guide ($25 person, 2 hours). They have telescopes and they actually find the animals.

El Avión Restaurant

Restaurant built around a 1954 Fairchild C-123 cargo plane. Cliffside view over the Pacific. Kids can sit inside the cockpit.

Doka Estate Coffee Tour

Working coffee plantation roasting since 1940. 90-min bilingual tour. Kids grind beans and try a chocolate-coffee combo.

Soda Tapia

Family-run lunch counter near the airport. Casados, gallo pinto, fresh fruit batidos. Final taste before the flight.