For Families

While Costa Rica is not a particularly kid-friendly destination, it isn't especially unfriendly either. So far, there are few attractions or activities geared for the very young and very few resorts with well-developed children's programs. However, youngsters and teens, especially those with strong adventurous and inquisitive traits, will do great here. The biggest challenges to families traveling with children are travel distances and the logistical challenges of moving around within the country, which is why I recommend flying in and out of Liberia and basing yourself in Guanacaste.

Day 1: Arrive in Guanacaste

Fly directly into Liberia. From here it's a drive of 30 to 45 minutes to any of the area's many beach resorts, especially around the Papagayo Peninsula. I recommend either the Four Seasons Resort or the Allegro Papagayo Resort. Both have excellent children's programs and tons of activity and tour options.

Day 2: Get Your Bearings & Enjoy Your Resort

Get to know and enjoy the facilities and activities offered up at your hotel or resort. Spend some time on the beach or at the pool. Enjoy the resort's on-hand watersports equipment and activities. Check out the children's program and any scheduled activities or tours that particularly appeal to anyone in the family. Feel free to adapt the following days' suggestions accordingly.

Day 3: Rafting on the Corobicí River

The whole family will enjoy a rafting tour on the gentle Corobicí River. Safaris Corobicí offers leisurely trips that are appropriate for all ages, except infants. In addition to the slow float and occasional mellow rapids, there'll be plenty of opportunities to watch birds and other wildlife along the way. If you're here between late September and late February, book a turtle tour at nearby Playa Grande for the evening. The whole family will be awestruck by the amazing spectacle of a giant leatherback turtle digging a nest and laying its eggs.

Day 4: Parent's Day Off

Drop the kids off with the children's program for at least 1 full day and treat yourselves to a sailboat cruise. You'll spend some time cruising the coast, take a break or two to snorkel, and probably stop for lunch at a deserted beach. If you really want to pamper yourself, also schedule in some spa services.

Day 5: Hacienda Guachipelin

It's time to head for the hills, which are mostly volcanoes in this neck of the woods. Book a full-day outing to Hacienda Guachipelin, near the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Older and more adventurous children can sign up for a horseback ride or canopy tour. Younger children should get a kick out of visiting this working farm and cattle ranch.

Day 6: Learn to Surf

Head to Tamarindo and arrange for the whole family to take surf- or boogie-board lessons. Hopefully you will have already booked a class with Tamarindo Surf School or Witch's Rock Surf Camp. Be sure to rent your boards for a full day, so that you can practice after the lesson is over.

Day 7: Leaving Liberia

Use any spare time you have before your flight out of Liberia to buy last-minute souvenirs and gifts, or just laze on the beach or by the pool.