Best places to stay in Costa Rica for families
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There aren’t many countries in the world that tick every box for a family adventure — but Costa Rica is one of them. Volcanoes, sloths, jungle hikes, beaches, and ziplines — it’s basically one giant outdoor classroom wrapped in rainforest.
We spent several unforgettable weeks travelling across Costa Rica with our two boys, staying everywhere from riverside eco-lodges to jungle igloos and infinity-pool resorts. Along the way, we learned where to splurge, where to save, and which places actually make family travel easy (because let’s be honest, not every “family-friendly” hotel really is!).
In this guide, you’ll find our personal recommendations for the best places to stay in Costa Rica for families — sorted by destination and budget. Every place on this list is somewhere we stayed ourselves or would book again in a heartbeat.
We personally stayed in or vetted each of these spots to make sure they’re genuinely family-friendly — not just ‘family-friendly’ on paper
Whether you’re planning a two-week adventure or a full family gap year, here’s exactly where to stay in Costa Rica with kids — and how to make every stop unforgettable.
Table of Contents
- Where to stay in Costa Rica with kids
- San José: Best family hotels for a relaxing stay
- La Fortuna: Best family hotels
- Manuel Antonio: Where to stay with kids
- Tamarindo: best beach resorts for families
- Nosara: Our pick of the best family stays
- Paquera: Best family options
- Cabuya: Best family-friendly hotels
- Cahuita: Hotels with Caribbean charm
- Sarapiquí: Our top eco lodge pick
- Savegre: A unique jungle stay
- 🌿 Planning Your Family Trip to Costa Rica
Where to stay in Costa Rica with kids
We’ve broken our fave places to stay in Costa Rica down by destination below. Each destination has a budget and a more expensive option, so there’s something for everyone – whatever your budget!
✈️ Planning your own Costa Rica adventure? We’ve put everything we learned from five weeks exploring the country with our kids into one easy-to-use guide — from what to budget to the best wildlife tours.
👉 Download your free Costa Rica Family Travel Guide here to make planning your trip stress-free.
San José: Best family hotels for a relaxing stay
San José might not be the highlight of your trip, but most families will spend at least one night here — either at the start or end of their adventure. A comfortable base with easy airport access makes all the difference after a long flight.
You’re likely to need a really good night’s sleep – either to recover from a long flight or to recover from all the fun you’ve had on your Costa Rica adventure!
Budget: 935 Lodge San José
🌴 Family Apartment (sleeps 4 in two double rooms): £75/US$100 per night
- Spacious family apartments with full kitchens
- Safe, central location
- Fast wifi
A great find in the capital, 935 Lodge is ideal for families who want convenience and comfort without a big price tag. The apartments are modern and roomy, with proper little kitchens (handy if you’re trying to keep costs down).
It’s walkable to restaurants and shops – we found several good value spots to eat just round the corner. Several of San Jose’s many bus stations are within walking distance too if you’re planning to travel by bus to your next destination.
It’s self check-in with a code, which is really helpful if you’re arriving late/early. The owners were super responsive and helpful.
Most importantly, the beds are incredibly comfortable, there are black out curtains and it’s really quiet. Which is EXACTLY what you need for a proper rest!
🏨 Book your stay at 935 Lodge San José here to make sure you are well rested before/after your Costa Rica adventure!
Splash Out: Gran Hotel Costa Rica
🌴 Family Room (two double beds) – £175-200/US$230-260 per night
- Historic charm with modern luxury
- Fantastic breakfast with skyline views
- Central location near museums and restaurants
This iconic heritage hotel is one of San José’s best — think colonial style meets modern comfort. It’s perfect for a final night of comfort before heading home.
The service is excellent, the location unbeatable, and the big breakfast buffet is ideal for fuelling up before your flight. If you’re only staying for one night in San Jose this is a great pick, as it’s close to all the sights so you can pack in a quick whizz round them in a short space of time.
🏨 See prices for Gran Hotel Costa Rica — a beautiful heritage hotel in the heart of San José, ideal for families wanting a comfortable, easy base before or after their adventure
La Fortuna: Best family hotels
Every trip to Costa Rica should include a stay in La Fortuna. It’s an easy base to pack in so many bucket-list Costa Rica activities in one go. There’s a ton of adrenaline related stuff on offer if that’s your thing. From flying through the rainforest canopy on a zipline to whitewater rafting down the rapids.
There’s also the spectacular Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal on your doorstep (volcano views are STUNNING from the town). And if that’s not enough to float your boat, then there’s also sloths, horse-riding adventures, hanging bridges, a Sky Train and some amazing natural hot springs.
La Fortuna has a TON of accommodation options to choose from, whatever your budget. These were our two faves.
Budget: Arenal Xilapolo
🌴 Standard room (two double beds) – £55-70/US$70-90 per night
🌴 Family Apartment (two double beds, three single beds) – £70-90/US$90-120 per night
- Spread out in the HUGE family apartments
- Book all your tours and activities through the very knowledgeable hotel staff
- Spot LOADS of birds right from the terrace
- Sit back and marvel at the spectacular volcano views
This was one of our fave budget stays anywhere in Costa Rica. Staying here made our whole time in La Fortuna just so easy. The staff are super friendly and helpful and can basically book you on to any tours or activities you fancy during your stay. If you’re not sure what might work for the kids, they can help you out with recommendations.
When we arrived I took my great big list of stuff we wanted to do to Reception. They sat with me for over an hour going through it and figuring out what would be best to do and when. And then they booked it all for us. Honestly, this took so much stress out of the planning for me!
Another big plus for us was the size of the family apartments. These had plenty of space for us to spread out. Including a small kitchen, which was great for self-catering (ie sticking to the budget!). I did yoga every morning out on the terrace, surrounded by hummingbirds.
If you’re a larger family group then the two-bed apartments (sleeping up to seven) are brilliant value.
The restaurant has fabulous, unobstructed views out to the volcano. If you pop in for breakfast (delicious, by the way) then this is also a great place for more birdwatching.
To top it all off, there’s even a little pool out by the stream that runs through the grounds. Parking is free if you have a car, and everything in La Fortuna itself is walkable from the hotel.
🏨 Check rates for Arenal Xilopalo — our favourite budget-friendly stay with huge family apartments, friendly staff, and volcano views you’ll never forget
Splash Out: Los Lagos Spa & Resort
🌴 Standard room (two double beds): £175-250/US$230-325 per night
- Chill out in the fabulous thermal pools (with swim up bar!)
- Kids will love the waterslides in the pool complex
- Spot wildlife from the trails in the grounds
If you really want to double-down on your thermal spring action (and who doesn’t?!) then this is your best bet. Located just outside La Fortuna in it’s own GORGEOUS, lush grounds the hot springs here are what sets this place apart.
We all spent HOURS in the pools here, unwinding after all the adrenaline during our packed days in La Fortuna. There are thermal pools of all shapes and sizes to explore. There’s tiny two-seater pools tucked away, then there’s much bigger pools where the kids can swim. There’s even a thermal pool with it’s own swim up bar!
The pools are open until late in the evening. Our boys LOVED hanging out here at the end of the day when the pools are all illuminated. It really is the BEST spot to relax after all the excitement of Costa Rica.
There’s also two cold water swimming pools, with a big waterslide. So plenty to keep the kids occupied!
The rooms are pretty big here (family options are two double beds). Breakfast is usually included in the price and is a buffet with tons of choice. The fresh fruit is particularly tasty.
And if you’re up and about early enough, head to the trails around the property for some wildlife spotting. We saw coatis and loads of birds just on short walks here.
🏨 See prices for Los Lagos Spa & Resort — perfect for families who want water slides for the kids and thermal pools for the grown-ups
Manuel Antonio: Where to stay with kids
The most visited National Park in Costa Rica is a dream destination with kids. The park is easily accessible for all ages, there’s SO MUCH wildlife to see and the beaches here must be some of the best in Costa Rica. There’s a reason why this is on almost every Costa Rica family travel itinerary.
This was where we saw our first sloths and that STUNNING beach inside the park is still the shot I use as the screensaver on my phone. So I can dream about those white sands and the calm crystal waters every day!
Again, there’s no shortage of accommodation in Manuel Antonio village and the surrounding area. The main road that hugs the shoreline between Quepos and Manuel Antonio is dotted with great family hotels and resorts.
These are our personal recommendations in the area.
Budget: Pura Natura Lodge
🌴 Two-bed family apartment (two double beds, two sets of bunk beds): £66-80/US$86-105 per night
- Grab a cold drink and a hammock and soak up some of the most spectacular views in Costa Rica
- Catch the local bus straight down the road to the national park
- Take a wander in the evenings to the lovely local eateries (all with similar stunning views!)
We arrived here pretty exhausted, fresh from our transatlantic flight in to San Jose. But the moment we stepped out on to the terrace and saw those soaring views out over the jungle to the Pacific Ocean it felt like we’d hit the Costa Rica jackpot.
The two-bed family apartments here sleep up to eight people, making this unbelievably good value for Costa Rica. The apartments are clean, with comfy beds and good kitchen facilities for self-catering. Those with an ocean view open up on to terrace with little wooden seats and a hammock. All overlooking that spectacular view.
There’s a big communal terrace too where you can hang out (again, with the views!). There’s cold drinks and ice creams on offer from Reception, which were always a hit with the kids. Especially after a sweaty day exploring the national park!
If you’re staying in a dorm there’s also a communal kitchen and open air dining area. There’s free parking if you’ve got your own hire car, or the bus stop is about a five-minute walk away. The buses along the main road run down to Manuel Antonio village (and the entrance to the national park). The journey takes about 15mins.
But really, this place is all about soaking up THOSE views (ideally from a hammock, with a cold drink in your hand!).
🏨 Book Pura Natura Lodge now to lock in family-friendly cabins with a view before they fill up!
Splash Out: Igloo Beach Lodge
🌴 Premium Quadruple Room (two double beds): £285-350/US$375-450 per night
- Wander down to the beach and watch a stunning sunset
- The kids will love having a pool to cool off in after a day exploring the national park
- Soak up the unique quirkiness of the igloos – this is a real experience, not just another boring hotel!
If you’d prefer to be right down in the heart of Manuel Antonio (and pretty much right on the beach) then this is a great option. Plus, the igloo rooms make it a pretty fun and unique stay!
The igloos are set around a cute little pool. Perfect for cooling off in after a trip to the national park! The whole place is really green and just a lovely space to hang out in. Each igloo has it’s own little terrace space out the front for you to relax in. Our boys loved the quirkiness of this place, having never stayed in an igloo before!
It’s only a few minutes walk down to the beach, and just a few minutes too to the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. Plus all the eateries and little shops in Manuel Antonio village are right next to you as well.
Breakfast is included in the room rates and there’s free parking on-site. The wifi is a bit wobbly here (but who needs wifi when you’re living the Pura Vida!). Though one of the main perks is that you really don’t need a car – everything is walkable!
🏨 Book Igloo Beach Lodge today to grab yourself a quirky igloo room for your family’s beach days
Tamarindo: best beach resorts for families
Tamarindo is Costa Rica’s buzzy surf town — full of energy, great food, and endless beach time. It’s more developed than other stops, but that’s part of its appeal: everything you need for an easy, comfortable family stay is right on your doorstep. Think sunset walks, beginner surf lessons, souvenir shopping, and maybe a cheeky ice cream (or three if the kids are asking!).
It’s also the best base for turtle nesting tours — one of Costa Rica’s most incredible family wildlife experiences. This was our main reason for staying in Tamarindo – and it was one of the most magical things we did in Costa Rica.
Budget: Villa Alta Tamarindo
🌴 Family Apartment (three double bedrooms): £80-175/US$105-230 per night
- Great value apartments with kitchens for self-catering
- Small pool for cooling off after the beach
- Walking distance to restaurants and shops
Villa Alta offers unbeatable value for Tamarindo — especially for families. The apartments are modern, clean, and spacious, with everything you need to cook a few meals and save some colones. There’s also a tiny pool out front for a quick dip when you’ve had your fill of sand.
The apartment we stayed in had three double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a huge living and kitchen space. It was definitely the biggest space we stayed in during our time in Costa Rica.
It’s a 10-minute walk to the main beach, and even closer to grocery stores and restaurants. We found that eating out in Tamarindo was pricey (even more so than the rest of Costa Rica!). If you’re on a budget then the very well-equipped kitchen here is a lifesaver. Plus the nearest grocery store is right down the street.
Perfect for families who want the Tamarindo experience without the resort price tag.
🏨 See prices for Villa Alta Tamarindo — a relaxed, spacious base just minutes from the beach, ideal for easy family days in the sun
Splash Out: Diria Beach Resort
🌴 Family Room (two double beds): £275–355/US$360–465 per night
- Right on the beach — perfect for sunset strolls
- Huge pool complex with swim-up bar and kids’ pool
- Fantastic breakfast buffet with ocean views
Diria Beach Resort is a Tamarindo icon — and for good reason. If you want to be in the middle of the action with every comfort at your fingertips, this is the place. The pools are a big hit with kids, and parents will love being able to sit with a cocktail while watching the waves.
The resort has direct beach access, a range of restaurants on-site, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The breakfast buffet (included) has loads of tropical fruit and fresh pancakes.
The family rooms overlook the pool and are a decent size with a terrace/balcony. They’re nothing to write home about – everything works, the beds are good and the bathrooms are spacious. But it’s the location and the whole resort that’s the winner here!
This is a great big, fun family resort. Less independent backpacker vibes but definitely a full-blown family holiday kind of place. If you’re looking for a real, splash out family vacation then this is the one for you!
🏨 Check rates for Diria Beach Resort — right on the sand with family-sized pools, beach views, and everything within walking distance
Nosara: Our pick of the best family stays
Whilst Tamarindo is the big, glitzy resort town in Costa Rica, Nosara is more like it’s chilled-out, surfer dude type cousin. If you want beaches and GLORIOUS sunsets but without *quite* so many crowds, then opt for Nosara.
There’s a really chilled out vibe – there ARE plenty of restaurants and places to stay still. But it’s much more beach-shack, cocktails in hammocks style.
Plus it’s a great family stay. The beaches seem to be endless and there’s plenty of space for sandcastle building, tidal pool exploring and a bit of body-boarding in the sea.
Note that Nosara IS on the pricier side for Costa Rica, and this is reflected in accommodation and in the eateries there.
Budget: Villa Mango B&B
🌴 Family Room (two double beds) – £120/US$155 per night
- Cosy, family-run B&B with a stunning view
- Incredible homemade breakfasts
- Warm, welcoming hosts
Villa Mango is a small guesthouse with big heart. The owners here – Agnes and Jo – are wonderful and make you feel really at home.
Crucially, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach. So fine even for tired little legs at the end of a day on the sand! If even that feels like too much effort you can hang out instead at the saltwater swimming pool on-site.
Breakfast is packed with fresh fruit and other delicious goodies (and even better, is included in the rate).
The view out across to sea is wonderful, and it is surrounded by lush greenery – with the odd monkey popping in to say hello!
🏨 Check current rates for Villa Mango B&B — a family-run gem with sea views, tropical gardens, and breakfasts the kids will love
Splash Out: Olas Verdes Hotel
🌴 Two-Bedroom Apartment (two double beds) – £500-650/US$650-850 per night
- Steps from the beach but surrounded by jungle
- On-site surf school and free bodyboards for kids
- Spacious, eco-friendly suites with full kitchens
Olas Verdes is one of the best family-friendly eco-hotels in Costa Rica. It’s close to the action yet peaceful, with thoughtful touches like reusable water bottles, sustainable design, and friendly staff who know the local area inside out.
The pools here are fab with loads of space even when it’s busy. Plus the beach is only a 5-minute walk, down a little trail through the jungle that comes straight out on to the sands.
The kids can take surf lessons while you relax by the pool — it’s that kind of place. They even have free boogie boards that you can borrow for the beach. Plus free bikes if you fancy a cycle round the area. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
The whole place is completely geared up towards families so is perfect for a stay with kids. It is pricey (as Nosara is in general) but it’s a real gem of a family stay. A great balance of kid-friendly resort fun but immersed in the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature.
🏨 See prices for Olas Verdes Hotel — eco-luxury at its best with surf lessons for the kids and beachside jungle views for you
Paquera: Best family options
Budget: Donde Chalo
🌴 Quadruple room (double bed and bunk beds): £70-80/US$92-105 per night
- Enjoy the wonderful Costa Rican hospitality from the owners, Glenda and Chalo
- Hang out in the open air communal kitchen and chat to fellow travellers
- Sink in to the peace and quiet, away from it all
This place feels more like a homestay than just another run-of-the-mill guest house. This is mostly down to the incredible owners, who go out of their way to make your stay as good as possible.
The rooms here are fairly basic but are clean and comfortable. It’s the whole wider space though that makes this a real gem. The little pool and the surrounding terrace are fab for chilling out in.
There’s a little river running next to the property and the whole place is really lush and green. Grab one of the hammocks that are dotted around the place, or hang out in the big communal kitchen area. We used to stay in a lot of hostels pre-kids and this has that same lovely communal feel (but with private rooms!).
I would really recommend having a hire car for a stay here. There’s very little in walking distance and public transport is not really available.
🏨 Book Donde Chalo now to secure an affordable, family-friendly base with local insight
Splash Out: Eco Boutique Hotel Vista Las Islas
🌴 Family Room (two double beds): £148-158/US$193-206 per night
- Swim in the gorgeous infinity pool whilst looking out across the ocean
- Chat to staff to book your tours to see the bioluminescence and Tortuga Island
- Soak up the jungle surroundings and do some wildlife spotting right at the resort
If stunning ocean views + infinity pools are your thing, this is the place for you. Set in the lush jungle, Vista Las Islas is a brilliant family resort. We spotted howler monkeys and coatis in the surroundings during our stay – the boys were so excited!
The super friendly staff genuinely make you feel right at home. Plus they make it SUPER EASY to sort out any tours you want to do from here. Including the amazing bioluminescence night trips and boat tours to La Tortuga island to see the turtles.
The rooms are a good size and the beds are REALLY comfortable. We spent ages just hanging out on the balcony admiring the slightly unbelievable view out across the rainforest and the ocean.
Breakfast is included in the rate and is buffet style, so you can fill up for the day. All the food here was pretty good (which is a good thing, as it is in an isolated spot). Note that you really do need a car for Vista Las Islas – it’s a pretty remote kind of place.
You can easily spend a few days here surrounded by nature, soaking up spectacular views while the kids play in the pool. This combo must put this up there as one of the best family vacations in Costa Rica.
🏨 Book Eco Boutique Hotel Vistas La Islas today to experience a family-friendly eco-stay with stunning views
Cabuya: Best family-friendly hotels
This tiny, tucked-away coastal village at the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. It’s the kind of place where howler monkeys wake you in the morning, scarlet macaws fly overhead, and the kids can wander along quiet, dusty tracks spotting iguanas in the trees.
It’s also perfectly located for visiting Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve — Costa Rica’s oldest protected area — and for experiencing the region’s magical bioluminescence.
If you’re looking for a slower pace after all the adrenaline of La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio, this is the perfect spot to breathe out and just relax.
Budget: Villas Cabuya Beach & Jungle
🌴 Family Room (double bed, bunk beds plus sofa bed): £60-65/US$78-85 per night
- Wake up to the sound of the jungle and the chatter of monkeys
- Relax by the pool or play table tennis in the communal games area
- Enjoy freshly cooked breakfasts made to order each morning
This small, quirky spot is pure Costa Rican charm. The wooden A-frame rooms are dotted through lush greenery just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Every morning we woke up to the sound of howler monkeys echoing through the trees — it never got old (although it is also VERY loud!)
The pool and communal area are perfect for meeting other families or just hanging out after a day exploring Cabo Blanco. Breakfasts are freshly prepared and huge, usually featuring the Costa Rican eggs and beans, plus there’s strong Costa Rican coffee too.
There’s a couple of bigger villas that have a double bed, bunks AND a sofa bed. Which is great value for bigger families/groups.
If you want a comfortable, peaceful stay surrounded by nature — without spending a fortune — this is a fantastic choice.
🏨 See availability for Villas Cabuya Beach & Jungle — and wake up to the sounds of monkeys in the trees!
Splash Out: Calala Lodge
🌴 Family Bungalow (double and two single beds): £105-125/US$135-160 per night
- Stay right on the beach – walk out straight on to the sand!
- Watch the sunset from your terrace or take a dip in the beautiful pool
- Enjoy the excellent on-site restaurant serving fresh, local ingredients
Calala Lodge is a slice of paradise for families looking for that perfect blend of comfort and nature. The open-air bungalows sit just steps from the sand, and the sunsets here are out of this world.
We loved that everything felt so relaxed and natural — barefoot luxury at its best. There’s a lovely pool surrounded by tropical gardens – the whole place feels really lush, like a mini rainforest. The beach here feels really remote and wild too – so you feel completely immersed in nature at it’s finest!
The friendly staff can also help arrange boat tours to nearby islands or bioluminescence experiences from Montezuma. Our trip to see the bioluminescence from Montezuma was one of the highlights of our time in Costa Rica – highly recommended!
Cabuya in general is pretty off-the-beaten track, so ideally you’d have a hire car if you’re planning to include this on your Costa Rica itinerary.
If you can, pay a smidge more for a Family Bungalow rather than the cheapest garden view versions. The Family Bungalows have actual kitchenettes in them – the extra facilities are definitely worth the few extra colones!
🏨 Check rates for Calala Lodge — our top pick for families who want remote beachside luxury and unforgettable moments
Cahuita: Hotels with Caribbean charm
Cahuita, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, has a totally different vibe from the Pacific side — slower, friendlier, and full of colour. The small town sits right beside Cahuita National Park, where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and raccoons along the trails or snorkel on the coral reef just offshore.
It’s an amazing destination for families who want to mix beach time with wildlife and authentic Caribbean culture.
There’s a little local bus service runs up and down the coast between Cahuita and Manzanillo. This makes it easy and cheap to visit several other sights in the area. We loved Gandoca-Manzanillo National Park and the Jaguar Rescue Centre just down the road.
Budget: Cabinas Cahuita
🌴 Two Triple Rooms (sleeps 6 in total, sharing a bathroom between) – £70-80/US$92–105 per night
- Super friendly spot just minutes from the park entrance.
- Great communal kitchen for self-catering
- Easy walk to beaches, restaurants, and bakeries.
Cabinas Cahuita is all about location and charm. The rooms are simple but comfortable, surrounded by lush gardens full of birds and butterflies. There’s even a small pool for cooling off after exploring the park trails. Our boys loved the giant iguanas in the little tree in the courtyard too!
The owners are incredibly welcoming and always happy to share local tips — from the best snorkel guides to where to grab authentic Caribbean rice and beans.
The communal kitchen here is a real gem. Definitely one of the best-equipped kitchens we had during our time in Costa Rica. Plus the owners keep it stocked with all the basics (think beans, rice, pasta, herbs and spices) which are free to use. This was SUCH a treat for us!
The triple rooms are cosy but really comfortable with a double bed and a single in each. There is a great shared bathroom between the two rooms (which was totally fine as it was right next door). Both these rooms open up on to the communal area (instead of outside) so it’s safe and easy to move between them.
🏨 Book Cabinas Cahuita now to grab a great-value base just minutes from the sand and wildlife trails
Splash Out: Hotel El Encanto
🌴 Family Room (two double beds): £145-155/US$190-200 per night
- Perfectly located between the National Park and Playa Negra beach
- Lovely pool and lush tropical gardens
- Spot sloths and monkeys from your room!
Hotel El Encanto is a peaceful escape with a bit of Caribbean flair thrown in. The gardens are full of tropical flowers and hummingbirds which makes it feel like a real slice of paradise. It’s like a little oasis tucked away from the real world!
The family rooms have plenty of space and comfy beds, and the pool area is perfect for downtime after a (likely very sweaty!) morning in the national park.
A good breakfast is included, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot sloths and monkeys right outside your room. The short 5-10min walk to Playa Negra beach also makes it a top pick.
Playa Negra was one of our fave beaches in Costa Rica – we spent SO MUCH time hanging out here. There’s a long stretch of beach, swimming in tidal pools, little juice stands and sloths hanging from the trees.
🏨 Check rates for Hotel El Encanto — spacious family rooms, lush gardens full of birds, and a peaceful atmosphere close to the beach
Sarapiquí: Our top eco lodge pick
If you want a true off-the-beaten-path experience, Sarapiquí is a gem. This lush region in northern Costa Rica is full of rivers, wildlife, and rural charm. It’s also home to some of the country’s best eco-lodges — including one of our favourites.
Chilamate Eco Retreat
🌴 Family Room with Private Bathroom (sleeps 5) – £145/US$190 per night
- Stay right in the rainforest with wildlife all around
- Learn about sustainability, working with the community and conservation
- Incredible home-cooked food and family-friendly atmosphere
Chilamate Eco Retreat is a true labour of love run by a local family. The rooms dotted around the grounds, surrounded by rainforest and filled with the sounds of nature.
Our kids were mesmerized by the wildlife right outside our room, and we loved how passionate the owners are about community tourism. They can set up all kinds of tours and activities run by the local community that are a really unique, truly Costa Rican experience.
You can read our full, in-depth review of our time at Chilamate here for all the details.
🏨 Book Chilamate Eco Retreat today to lock in an eco-conscious stay that’s great for curious kids
Savegre: A unique jungle stay
Rafiki Safari Lodge
🌴 Family Safari Tent (double bed plus two singles): £195-250/US$255–325 per night
- Sleep under canvas in the jungle — without sacrificing comfort
- Amazing waterslide and natural pool the kids will adore
- Horse-riding and white-water rafting right on your doorstep
Rafiki Safari Lodge is one of the most unique stays in Costa Rica and an absolute winner with families. The luxury tents feel adventurous yet cosy, with private bathrooms and decks overlooking the jungle. We all spent hours sitting out on the private deck watching the wildlife.
The kids will never forget the giant waterslide, and you’ll love relaxing in the pool surrounded by nature. The great big communal area is warm and welcoming, and an amazing spot for dinner or just a drink whilst looking out across the valley.
It’s remote, but that’s part of the magic.
This is one of the places we decided to push the budget for in Costa Rica – and it was totally worth it!
For all the insider info, check out our review of our stay at Rafiki Safari Lodge here.
🏨 Book Rafiki Safari Lodge now to secure spots on the family-friendly wildlife experiences you won’t want to miss
🌿 Planning Your Family Trip to Costa Rica
Whether you’re dreaming of sloth-spotting in La Fortuna, chasing sunsets on the Nicoya Peninsula, or exploring the wild rainforests of Sarapiquí, Costa Rica has everything a family could wish for — adventure, wildlife, beaches, and a big dose of Pura Vida.
Choosing where to stay can completely shape your trip. The right hotel or lodge isn’t just a bed for the night — it’s where you’ll sip that first morning coffee while listening to howler monkeys, where your kids will make friends in the pool, and where you’ll wind down after a long, joy-filled day exploring.
If you’re still finalizing your plans, here’s what we’d suggest:
✅ Start in La Fortuna for volcano views, sloths, and hot springs.
🏖 Add a beach stay — Manuel Antonio for wildlife or the Nicoya Peninsula for laid-back family time.
🌿 Include one eco-lodge experience like Rafiki Safari Lodge or Chilamate Eco Retreat — they’re the kind of stays you’ll talk about for years.
🏡 Mix budgets — balance a couple of splurge nights with some great-value local stays to keep things affordable.
And if you want to skip the hours of research, we’ve made planning simple. Check out our drafted itinerary here, or download your free Costa Rica Family Travel guide below.
✈️ Download Your Free Costa Rica Family Travel Guide
We’ve pulled together everything we learned from weeks of traveling Costa Rica with our two boys — including:
- Honest budget breakdowns
- Family-friendly activities and tours
- Packing lists, safety tips, and more
👇 Grab your free Costa Rica Family Travel Guide here and start planning your own Pura Vida adventure!
Whether you’re heading to Costa Rica for two weeks or two months, this incredible country has something for every family.
