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Costa Rica is the perfect destination for visitors of all ages. There’s so much to see and do on a Costa Rica family vacation that the whole gang is sure to be excited for your next big trip here! Today we’re going to share some of the top Costa Rica excursions in Guanacaste to help you plan a family-friendly adventure in Costa Rica.

Where to Stay on a Costa Rica Family Vacation

Before looking at what to do on your Costa Rica trip, you’ll want to consider the best accommodation options for your family. We always recommend staying in a vacation rental on a family trip. They offer you the space and amenities you need in order to make the most of your time in this beautiful country. No matter how many family members you are traveling with, you’ll find somewhere to suit your size of the group. Casa Alouatta is a beachfront home with five bedrooms, which offers you plenty of space for an extended family trip. It has stunning views of both the ocean and the forest, with plenty of hiking and biking opportunities nearby.

Playa Tamarindo is one of our favorite locations for a family vacation. Villa Marrakech is located here, offering families 10,000 square ft of the beachfront estate. It’s inspired by the grand palaces of Morocco, offering you a true escape from your everyday life and hosting up to 11 guests at one time. For larger groups of up to 14, we recommend the seven-bedroomed Casa Royal. It’s located in Playa Potrero and has everything your family will need for a fun yet relaxing Costa Rica vacation.

Now that you know where to stay, let’s take a look at some of the best Costa Rica excursions in Guanacaste. Our team will be happy to book excursions and ensure an adventure of a lifetime.

Buenavista Family Adventure

If you are looking for a complete day out full of active adventures, we recommend the Buenavista Family Adventure. You’ll enjoy zip-lining, hanging bridges, a jungle waterslide, natural hot springs, and other optional adventures. This tour takes you about two hours away from the beaches, where you’ll witness the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano on your journey. Children age three and above are allowed to join the tour, but you will need to be at least six years old for zip-lining and the optional horseback riding. You’ll enjoy the services of a bilingual tour guide throughout the day, ensuring you have a safe yet exciting adventure for everyone in the family.

A Day at Costa Rica’s Beautiful Beaches

No Costa Rica family vacation would be complete without at least one full day at the beautiful beaches this country is known for. The great news is that the majority of vacation rentals on our site are located within just a short walk of the beaches, some even have private walkways right onto the white sand. You’ll be able to sleep in late and then just head to the beach whenever you are ready for a day of fun. We encourage any active adventurers in your party to have a go at surfing. Lessons are available at the beaches, and they are ideal for beginners through to experienced surfers. It’s a classic activity that you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.

Coffee Tour and Guanacaste Culture

When browsing Costa Rica excursions in Guanacaste, you might want to consider a cultural tour for your family. Coffee is one of the most famous Costa Rican exports, and it’s fun learning how this product is grown in the country. In the Nicoya mountain range, you’ll find a small coffee plantation area, which you can explore on our Coffee Tour and Guanacaste Culture trip. After enjoying a traditional lunch, you’ll learn more about the local area and the stunning buildings that are found here. You’ll visit the town of Guaitil, where you can see the world-famous artisans create clay pottery. There are some great shopping opportunities on this day as well, offering you a chance to bring home gifts for your family and friends. With no age restrictions on the tour, it’s ideal for kids and teens of all ages during your next Costa Rica trip.

Rainforest and Sloth Tour

When we speak to families who stay in our vacation rentals, one of the highlights of the trip for their children is seeing the rainforests of Costa Rica. Many kids and teens have never seen anything like them before at home, so we highly recommend booking our Rainforest and Sloth Tour. You’ll head to the area nearby the Tenorio volcano, where you’ll hike through the rainforest and walk along hanging bridges. This offers you the chance to enjoy life in the treetops, and then you’ll head down to the ground to do a short nature walk. Keep your eyes peeled for tree frogs, sloths, and hummingbirds, all of which call this part of the world home. Lunch is included in the day trip as well, so you don’t have to worry about a thing while out on this family-friendly adventure.

Family Floating Wildlife and Waterfall

Enjoy one of the top Costa Rica family vacation tours with our Family Floating Wildlife and Waterfall tour. It offers an easy-going day out, combining a trip along the water with wildlife watching. It’s great for family members of all ages, so no one will have to worry about being left out. You’ll spend two hours on the river before a delicious Costa Rican lunch. From there, you’ll travel to the Llanos de Cortez waterfall, where you can enjoy swimming in the water. Keep an eye out throughout the day for the wildlife that calls this part of the world home, including small crocodiles, lizards, birds, and monkeys.

A Costa Rica family vacation wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a few of the excursions we shared above. You’ll find there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy in the local area, no matter how many days or weeks you are visiting. Most of our vacation rentals are located right on the beach, offering you a great way to relax after all of the sightseeing in Costa Rica. Contact us today for more information about any of the properties we shared above. We’ll be excited to help you plan your upcoming vacation to Costa Rica this upcoming year!

As a parent, one of your top concerns when relocating to Costa Rica will be finding Costa Rica international schools to continue your children’s education. With so many families relocating from the US, Europe, and further afield, there’s no shortage of Costa Rica private schools to which you could send your child. Let’s take a look at some of the best options for schools in Guanacaste, which will help to further your child’s education no matter their age.

What are Your Costa Rica Education Options in Guanacaste?

There are a few different options when it comes to schools in Costa Rica. Depending on your child’s age and where you relocate to, you may find one of these options is better than the others. Here are a few of the most common options for individuals relocating to Costa Rica from abroad.

Public Schools

Almost every town in Costa Rica will have a public school for your child to attend. In general, this isn’t the most common option for foreigners, as they’ll be learning in Spanish. Some people don’t mind this as a temporary option, but it will depend on your personal situation and future plans. It’s a great cultural opportunity for children though and may be more affordable than Costa Rica international schools.

Costa Rica Private Schools

Families who relocate to Costa Rica usually enroll their children in a Costa Rica international school or private school. You’ll find these throughout Guanacaste and the country as a whole. Make sure you look for an accredited school that offers a bilingual education. You’ll find that these schools will vary depending on whether they teach mainly in English or Spanish, and teachers often come from across North America and Central America. Make sure you check out the qualifications and facilities the school has, as this will give you a good idea of whether it matches your expectations ahead of time.

When it comes to the fees for private schools, expect them to run somewhere from $300 to $1,000 a month. This could increase if you choose to go to one of the most prestigious schools, and you’ll also need to factor in the cost of additional fees and supplies. We’ll share some of the top options shortly, which will help you to get more of a feel of what private education is like in Costa Rica.

Home Schooling

The final option that some families consider is home schooling. Especially with the challenges of the last year, many parents are very familiar with home schooling and feel comfortable continuing this in Costa Rica. One thing to keep in mind is that Costa Rican law requires young children to be enrolled in school from the age of four to around 12. However, this doesn’t apply to secondary school students or ex-pats. If you do become residents in the future, you may need to stop homeschooling and place your child in a local school. This is one thing to keep in mind to avoid any issues or disruption to their education moving forward.

Top Costa Rica Private Schools in Guanacaste

These are just a few of the top Costa Rica international schools in Guanacaste. You’ll find that these schools all offer different facilities and educational opportunities, so make sure you fully review them before deciding which would be the best fit for your children.

costa rica education — Image copyright Andres Garcia Lachner – www.garcialachner.com

Guanacaste Waldorf School

This bilingual school offers classes for students in both English and Spanish. It’s located near Tamarindo on the northwest coast of the country, and they welcome roughly 100 students each year. They follow a full Waldorf curriculum which includes classes such as English, Spanish, Movement, Drawing, and Theater. They are very conscious of the local community and festivals, so your children will learn to understand more about life in Costa Rica during their time here. You’ll find that they also encourage parents to get involved in school life here, so it’s a great option for anyone who is looking to be heavily involved in the local community upon relocating to Costa Rica.

Tide Academy

If you are concerned about offering your child an education that’s tailored to their needs, Tide Academy might just be one of the top Costa Rica private schools for you. They offer one-on-one education where needed, and the team understands that no two children should have the same schedule. One thing we particularly like about Tide Academy is that they also offer online classes and allow students to take their work with them on trips. This might be a good option if you are planning to still spend a good amount of time in your home country.

CRIA

Another great option is CRIA, a U.S. accredited international private school in Costa Rica with a focus on college preparation with Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs. The average class size is 18 students and they teach kids aged 2 through 18. They are equipped with a gym, library, playground & swimming pool. You can contact them to take a tour and explore their facilities to see if it’s the right fit for your family!

Dolphins Academy

Students from preschool through to high school are welcome at Dolphins Academy, which is located in Playas del Coco. Local students mix with those from abroad, which means your children will be exposed to a mix of cultures and languages. You’ll find that the school celebrates global citizenship, and it offers a welcoming and friendly environment for all of its new students. As well as the typical educational opportunities, the school provides many fun activities and unique celebrations for their students. Each summer, they also offer summer camps, so your children can be looked after all year round if you are busy working.

La Paz

A well-respected school in the community, La Paz upholds high academic standards. They pride themselves on being a dual language learning experience where all cultures and socioeconomic levels are openly embraced and celebrated. Students focus at least one block per week on one particular experiential learning focus that is geared towards service-learning through environmental and community projects. They have beautiful grounds located about 1km from the Pacific Ocean on 2.8 hectares of previously cleared pasture land. The facilities are constructed to LEED Silver standards and designed to respect the rich Guanacaste culture and landscape.

Lakeside International School

Just 15 minutes away from Playas del Coco, you’ll find Lakeside International School. The campus is located on a 200-acre farm, making it one of the most tranquil places to send your children to school. There are five school buildings here, offering your kids the space they need to learn and play. Lakeside International School offers a bilingual curriculum, which is quite standard in Costa Rica international schools. The school is always highly ranked within the region, and the holistic approach to schooling helps students to reach their potential in life.

Educarte Bilingual High School

A popular choice among parents is Educarte School. At the Primary level, Educarte offers a learning process based on creativity, and the development of social skills to prepare them for the core subjects of high school. The High School program focuses on preparation for university. Bilingual proficiency in the core curriculum qualifies students for unlimited opportunities at colleges in both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking countries. Educarte also offers a long list of extracurricular activities such as theatre, painting, soccer & French.

Niños Del Sol Eco School

This unique school offers an educational system that is similar to that of Montessori schools. They offer students an experience that focuses on hands-on education and plays. Teachers will adapt the curriculum to suit the age and experience of their class, offering your child a more customized learning experience. The school focuses on Earth, Community, and the Ocean as the pillars of their teaching, and the school is located very close to the beach. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace, which ensures no one is left behind. It’s certainly a unique way of teaching, but that’s what makes it one of the top Costa Rica international schools.

Education is a very personal decision for both you and your children, but you’ll find there’s no shortage of Costa Rica private schools to choose from in Guanacaste. No matter where you relocate to in the country, you’ll find schools to fit your educational requirements and budget. We encourage you to take the time to look around a few different schools and find the option that suits your children before settling on the right one for their needs. You’ll find that your children will love attending school in Costa Rica and will continue to further their education in the same way as they would back in your home country.

When staying in one of our vacation homes in the Playa Flamingo area, there’s no shortage of fun activities to keep you busy during your stay. No matter what type of vacation you are planning, you’ll find a good combination of relaxing and adventurous activities to help you make the most of your time in Costa Rica. Let’s take a look at some of the top things to do in Playa Flamingo and our favorite Guanacaste tours. Make sure you check out our full range of tours to start planning your upcoming trip!

Costa Rica White Water Rafting

If you’ve researched anything about taking a Costa Rica vacation before, you’ll know that one of the best activities to do in the local area is white water rafting. You’ll find trips available for all skill levels, so even if it’s your first time trying out this activity, you’ll be taken care of every step of the way. There are multiple locations nearby to try out white water rafting, and you’ll be guided through the river with a guide during your journey. Most trips spend at least an hour on the water, but they will also include other activities such as hiking, seeing a waterfall, or enjoying a local lunch. When looking for things to do in Playa Flamingo, this is one of the most exciting adventures to book for your upcoming trip.

Wild Canyon Adventure

Head to the Colorado Canyon to enjoy a day of zip-lining, rappelling, and climbing. It is only about a 90-minute drive from most of our Playa Flamingo homes, which is why it’s one of our top Guanacaste tours. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful nature throughout the trip, and you can also enjoy cooling off at a nearby waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This is a great option for anyone who is also interested in white water rafting, as you can combine the two activities within this one tour. Staying in Playa Flamingo offers you the best of both worlds, where you can enjoy adventurous daytime tours and relaxed nights near the beach.

Guanacaste Coffee Tour

Head into the Nicoya Mountains to learn more about Costa Rica’s biggest export. Coffee is grown around the country, but the Nicoya Mountains are home to a small coffee plantation that is well worth a visit. You can enjoy touring the area and learning about how your favorite daily drink is produced. While you are in the area, make sure you check out the beautiful buildings and scenery, as it’s home to one of the oldest colonial churches in Costa Rica. A coffee tour is a great way to see more of Costa Rica during your stay in Playa Flamingo, and it’s one of the best Guanacaste tours for anyone who is looking for a more relaxing day out.

Spend the Day on Playa Flamingo

After all of the excitement of the trips we’ve shared so far, you need to make sure you take some time out to relax and enjoy your vacation. Playa Flamingo is one of the country’s top beaches, and you can’t go wrong with spending a day here sunbathing and swimming in the bay of its crystal clear waters. The great thing about this area is that it’s easily accessible on foot. Most of our properties are located within just minutes of the beach, so you can just roll out of bed in the morning and head straight to the ocean. Gift yourself an amazing hour-long massage for just $20 from the talented local ladies who set up along the beach. There are plenty of opportunities for tours and water sports here as well, but many of our guests just love taking a day off to chill out and relax on the beautiful beaches of Playa Flamingo.

Palo Verde Wildlife Boat Tour

Costa Rica is renowned for its incredible wildlife, and we highly recommend booking our Palo Verde tour to get up close and personal with some of the country’s most famous residents. This area is one of the most important wetland reserves in the region, and it’s home to birds, monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles. The best way to explore the reserve is by boat, and you’ll enjoy a two-hour tour through the local area. Make sure you have your camera and binoculars with you at all times, as you never know when you might see one of these incredible creatures. This is a great tour for teens and kids, who will be amazed at the creatures which call this part of the world home.

Take Tamarindo Surfing Lessons

Another of the top Guanacaste tours you can enjoy a little closer to your vacation home is a surfing lesson. Teens and adults will love taking part in this classic Costa Rican activity, which will give you a great challenge and adventure. The Playa Flamingo area is home to some amazing surf instructors who will be happy to guide you through the basic techniques you need to master in order to become more confident in the water. Even if it’s your first time surfing, you can join a class that aims to teach beginners to catch their first wave. For more experienced surfers, you’ll find you can enjoy coaching from some of the world’s best instructors, who will help you to improve your skills and technique during your vacation

A Sunset Cruise

For couples and adults visiting Playa Flamingo, one of the best ways to finish off your day is on a sunset cruise. It’s one of the top things to do in Playa Flamingo if you are looking for a romantic activity to help you relax after a busy vacation. While Costa Rica has so much to see and do, it’s important to remember that you are here to escape your everyday life and make the most of your time with your loved ones. You’ll find both private and group cruises available, and they run throughout the day and evening in the Playa Flamingo area.

There are so many great Guanacaste tours to choose from, which is why we highly recommend planning ahead for your upcoming vacation. If you are staying in the Playa Flamingo area, you’ll find that you are located in the perfect spot to visit many of the country’s top landmarks and attractions. Our team will be here to help you plan the perfect trip and advise you about where you can visit from the local area. For more information about our full range of tours, check out our tours page. You’ll find there’s really something for everyone in the Playa Flamingo area, and you can enjoy a relaxing or adventurous vacation depending on your personal preferences this year.

We lived here during the pandemic – and are so grateful for every serene, relaxed & peaceful day we were blessed to spend here.

Such a difference from the craziness & anxiety of southern California. We had never been to Costa Rica before, but it seemed like a relatively safe & beautiful place to “vacation in place” & “remote work”.

We were in such a dash to get out of dodge, that we didn’t stop to consider what it would be like spending 3 ½ months in a home, city & country we’d never been to before.
Needless to say, the ride from the airport gave us lots of time to consider that. (It was a long drive)

Note from Tropical Homes of Costa Rica: Guest refers to the international Airport San Jose, not to the international Airport in Liberia which is closest from here.

However, when we entered the front door, saw the lovely new home & the breathtaking view, we knew we made the perfect decision.

Thank you to CASA DEL MAR for the literal refuge in the storm!

Can’t think of a more magical way to spend an otherwise difficult time (when life gives you lemons…)

Our Visa here is up, so we’re headed on to Bermuda, after this. We are sad to leave, but do prefer the lush costa-rican winter to the hot, dry spring anyway!
So, it’s off to new adventures!

One thing I was able to accomplish from all our “extra time” was that I finally started the travel blog I’ve been meaning to do for years. If you want to see our journey please check it out…

TheLuxuryTravelReview.com
Instagram: @TheLuxuryTravelReview

A word to the property managers:

Pam & Bladimir of Tropical Homes of Costa Rica were amazing & went above & beyond (call them for anything house related).

Hope you & your family have safe, happy & fun adventures during your stay here, in Casa del Mar, too!

Greetings, Sara & Jim

In Guanacaste, you’ll find there’s no shortage of stunning places to explore. When traveling to Costa Rica, you won’t want to miss out on hiking to one of the top Guanacaste waterfalls or relaxing on one of the area’s best beaches. To help you plan your next stay in one of our vacation rentals, keep reading as we share our top picks for the most spectacular waterfalls and best beaches in Guanacaste to visit.

1. Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

Located near Bagaces in Guanacaste, you’ll find the Llanos de Cortez waterfall. It involves a short out and back trail to reach the waterfall, which is just 0.3 kilometers in length. The area is ideal for hiking and nature trips, and you can take dogs on leashes here as well. It’s only a short thirty-minute drive from the Liberia International Airport, so it’s convenient for anyone staying in one of our rental properties in the local area.

Llanos de Cortez waterfall is one of the most beautiful Guanacaste waterfalls, and it offers visitors a nice pool at the base for swimming or paddling. There’s also a sandy area where you can relax, and there are usually lifeguards present here as well. While you’re here, take a walk to the river to see some of the local wildlife, such as lizards, fish, and frogs. Parking here is free with admission, so it’s a great spot to visit if you’ve hired a rental car for your Costa Rica trip.

2. Tamarindo Beach

One of the best beaches in Guanacaste is without a doubt Tamarindo Beach. The local area is one of our favorite places to stay, and it’s packed with great restaurants and shops for you to explore. It’s also the ideal spot for anyone who wants to enjoy some of the local nightlife on their trip. However, the main reason that people come to Tamarindo Beach is its fantastic surfing beaches.

Tamarindo Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag Award for many years, showcasing how clean and tidy the beach is kept for visitors to the local area. It does get a little more crowded here in the afternoon, so we recommend enjoying a swim here first thing in the morning. There isn’t that much shade here, so be careful if you aren’t used to sitting outdoors all day long when you first start your vacation.

3. Samara Beach

The bay at Samara Beach is about 4 kilometers long and offers a white sand beach and gentle waves. It’s one of the best beaches in Guanacaste and is known for being a safe beach for families. In the distance, you’ll see Chora Island, which is a great location for diving and snorkeling. It’s another Blue Flag Award beach in the area and is committed to protecting the local environment. You’ll find there are plenty of great water activities to enjoy during a day here, including surfing, fishing, and diving.

4. Las Chorreras and La Oropéndola Waterfalls

These sister waterfalls are located within Hacienda Guachipelin, which is found just outside of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. You’ll be able to enjoy a great day in nature at these Guanacaste waterfalls, which involve just a short walk to reach them both. We recommend beginning your day with Las Chorreras, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the hotel. It has a refreshing pool for a hot day and is surrounded by large rocks.

After visiting the first of the two waterfalls, take the 45-minute trail to La Oropéndola Waterfall. This has a stunning turquoise pool and is ideal for swimming and taking some great Instagram photos. You’ll travel through the tropical dry forest to reach this waterfall within the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, but it’s well worth the effort when you get to the waterfall in the end.

5. Rio Celeste Waterfall

No list of attractions in Guanacaste is complete without mentioning the Rio Celeste waterfall. It’s named after the river that flows into it and is well known for its bright blue color. You’ll find the Rio Celeste waterfall located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, and it will take you about an hour to reach the waterfall after entering the park. The best thing about this day out is the wildlife you’ll see on the way to one of the best Guanacaste waterfalls. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, butterflies, and frogs. While swimming isn’t allowed at the base of the waterfall, make sure you enjoy a dip in the hot springs. The best time to visit here is between December and April, as the blue water doesn’t always look so vibrant in the rainy season.

6. Flamingo Beach

Flamingo Beach is home to many of our luxury vacation rentals, and it’s located near the popular town of Conchal. It’s another fantastic white sand beach and is ideal for visitors who are looking for a luxury vacation. There are some great condos in this area, which benefit from being only minutes away from the beach. It has stunning clear blue water, making it a great option for families traveling with children. The Playa Flamingo area also offers many secluded beaches, which are ideal for couples looking to escape it all on vacation. You’ll find there’s no shortage of things to do in this area, including water sports and great restaurants. We think that you could easily spend your whole vacation here at Flamingo Beach, which is why it’s one of the best beaches in Guanacaste.

7. Playas del Coco

If you are looking for somewhere which is popular with the locals, head to Playas del Coco. It gets pretty busy here at the weekends and holidays, as it’s one of the most popular beach towns with residents. For this reason, it’s a great option for families, and it offers everything you might need for a great day out. There’s a park for families to enjoy a picnic lunch, and kids will appreciate the children’s playground here.

One of the things that families love about Playas del Coco is that the waves are usually quite gentle, making it safe for kids and teens to swim. The beach is quite long here, so you won’t struggle to find a spot to put down your towels or chairs, even on the most crowded days. We always recommend visiting a few different beaches on a Costa Rica trip, and this is another great one to add to your next family vacation.

There’s no shortage of Guanacaste waterfalls and beaches to visit on your next stay in the region. Many of our rental villas are located within minutes of the best beaches in Guanacaste, which is why families return here year after year for their vacations. We highly recommend staying in this region on your next trip, as there’s so much to see and do for visitors of all ages. If you are looking for inspiration for your upcoming trip to Guanacaste in Costa Rica, take a look through our wide selection of vacation rentals. Our team at Tropical Homes of Costa Rica will be happy to discuss any questions you might have and help you to plan your next Costa Rica vacation.

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