A Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Sloths, Volcanoes and Jungle Thrills

La Fortuna & Arenal: Waking Up In The Jungle

Our adventure began in La Fortuna, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano. This region is exactly how you imagine Costa Rica: impossibly green, filled with birdsong, with Arenal Volcano rising dramatically in the background.

We stayed at Nayara Tented Camp, which felt like stepping into a luxury safari lodge tucked into the rainforest. Our tented accommodation had all the creature comforts you would expect from a high-end resort: sumptuous beds, a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, and a spacious deck looking straight into the jungle canopy.

Early mornings became one of my favourite parts of the day. I would sit out on the terrace with a cup of Costa Rican coffee, listening to the forest wake up while my husband and son kept their eyes peeled for toucans, hummingbirds and monkeys. The line between “hotel” and “nature” simply disappears here: you feel immersed, but never uncomfortable.

A Dream Come True: A Mummy Sloth With Her Baby

The moment that will stay with me forever happened here: we were walking through the grounds when one of the guides quietly called us over. High in the branches was a mummy sloth, her baby clinging to her belly.

We watched, completely silent, as she slowly, carefully began to make her way down the tree. It felt like time slowed. You could see the baby’s little face nestled into her fur, tiny claws gripping tight. For our 12‑year‑old, this was pure magic. For me, it was one of those travel moments that brings a lump to your throat: wild nature, completely un‑staged, unfolding right in front of you.

It is hard to describe that feeling to someone who has not experienced it: a mix of awe, tenderness and deep gratitude to be there at exactly that second.

 Standing On The Flanks Of A Volcano

Of course, the volcano itself is a huge part of the Arenal experience. We hiked the trails around Arenal, walking over old lava fields and through secondary forest that has grown back since previous eruptions.

Standing on the flanks of the volcano, looking out over the lake and jungle, you really appreciate the power of the landscape. The ground under your feet was once molten rock. It is a brilliant moment to bring the destination to life for children: you are not just reading about volcanoes in a book, you are standing on one.

Back at the hotel, soaking in warm thermal pools surrounded by ferns and flowers, you are reminded that the same volcanic forces that formed this scenery are now heating the waters you are relaxing in. Educational and indulgent, all at once.

 Canyoning & Rappelling: 200ft Of Pure Adrenaline

For our adventurous side, canyoning in the rainforest was a real highlight. Helmet on, harness clipped, heart pounding, we stood at the top of a 200‑foot waterfall and looked down into the canyon.

The first step backwards over the edge is the moment that separates “I wish I had done that” from “I did it”. The rush of the water, the roar in your ears, the cool spray on your face as you descend, step by careful step, is completely exhilarating.

What I loved most was how well the activity was managed for families: expert guides, clear safety briefings, and options to build confidence gradually. It was ideal for our 12‑year‑old: challenging enough to feel brave and grown‑up, but with excellent support and encouragement throughout. By the end, we were muddy, damp and grinning from ear to ear.

 Monteverde: Into The Cloud Forest & Hacienda Life

From La Fortuna we continued to Monteverde, home to Costa Rica’s famous cloud forests. The journey itself is part of the experience: as you climb in altitude, the air becomes cooler and the vegetation shifts to moss‑draped trees and dense, mysterious forest.

We stayed at Hotel Belmar, a stylish mountain hideaway that feels wonderfully in tune with its surroundings. Perched on the hillside, it looks out over rolling green valleys and the distant Gulf of Nicoya, with huge windows and wooden terraces that invite you to simply stop and take it all in.

One of the most special parts of our time here was at Belmar’s own farm, where we had our very first family horse riding adventure. Saddling up together, we rode out across the fields, past coffee plants and fruit trees, with views of the mountains all around us. It was gentle and accessible enough for our son’s first proper ride, but still felt like a real adventure: the clip‑clop of hooves, the scent of damp earth and grass, and the excitement of exploring on horseback as a family for the first time.

Back in the cloud forest, walking along hanging bridges suspended above the canopy, you feel as if you are floating through the treetops. Mist curls through the branches, birds call in the distance, and every now and then a shaft of sunlight breaks through, lighting up the leaves in vivid green.

This is a quieter kind of adventure than rappelling down waterfalls, but no less powerful. It is about slowing down, listening, and noticing the tiny details: orchids clinging to branches, the call of a distant howler monkey, or the flash of a resplendent bird if you are lucky.

Monteverde is also a wonderful place to introduce children to concepts like conservation and biodiversity. So many of the guides are passionate naturalists, and their enthusiasm is infectious, especially for curious pre‑teens.

To The Coast: Beach Time At Parador Resort & Spa

After the cool mists of Monteverde, we made our way to the Pacific coast for the final chapter of our adventure: sun, sea and sand at Parador Resort & Spa.

Set on a lush headland with panoramic ocean views, Parador blends tropical gardens with sweeping vistas of the Pacific. It felt instantly different: warmer air, the sound of waves in the distance, and that unmistakable sense of being on the coast.

Our days here slowed into an easy rhythm of pool time, exploring the nearby beaches and just enjoying being by the ocean. Our son loved the amazing waves, racing in and out of the surf and squealing as each new wave rolled in. It was the perfect contrast to our jungle and cloud forest days, and such a lovely way for everyone to unwind together.

And then came another “must see” moment to rival our mummy sloth: I finally captured the shot I had been hoping for, a scarlet macaw in full flight, wings spread wide and feathers blazing red against the blue sky. Watching these spectacular birds swoop between the trees and out over the coastline is the sort of image that stays in your mind long after you have returned home. For me, that flying red macaw picture has become one of the defining memories of the trip.

The combination of wildlife, waves and relaxed resort living made this coastal stay the ideal finale to our Costa Rican journey.

Why Costa Rica Works So Beautifully For Families

What struck me throughout this recent family adventure with my husband and 12‑year‑old son was how naturally Costa Rica lends itself to family travel:

• Adventure for every age: From gentle wildlife walks and hot springs to ziplining, canyoning, hanging bridges, horse riding and playing in the waves, you can tailor activities to suit different confidence levels and ages.
• Educational without feeling like “school”: Volcanoes, ecosystems, wildlife, conservation and local culture all come to life in the most engaging way, especially for curious pre‑teens.
• Luxury in the heart of nature: Stays such as Nayara Tented Camp, boutique mountain retreats in Monteverde and coastal resorts like Parador allow you to be fully immersed in jungle, cloud forest and ocean settings while still enjoying high‑end comfort, excellent dining and those little touches that make a holiday feel truly special.
• Pura Vida spirit: The Costa Rican “pura vida” attitude is warm, relaxed and family friendly, which sets the tone for the whole trip.

Our journey took us from the jungles around Arenal to the mists of Monteverde and finally to the Pacific coast, with unforgettable moments at every turn: a mummy sloth and her baby, the thrill of stepping over a waterfall edge, our first family horse ride on a Costa Rican farm, beach days with rolling waves and the flash of a scarlet macaw in full flight.

If you are dreaming of a family holiday that combines luxury, nature and genuine adventure, Costa Rica is a destination I would love to shape around you. Whether you imagine more time in hot springs, extra wildlife encounters, more riding or water‑based activities, or longer on the coast, it can be tailored to suit your family perfectly.

If this has sparked ideas for your next family escape, contact me and I will help you design your own Costa Rican adventure, crafted just for you.