Costa Rica
Evenchen Family Vacation 2026
August 13 — August 28, 2026
🗺️ The Journey
Tap a destination to see what's planned
Fly into Costa Rica and wind through the mountains to our cloud forest hideaway.
- 8:24 AM Depart Newark (EWR) → San José (SJO) · UA 1080
- 11:38 AM Arrive at SJO Airport
- 12:00 PM Pick up Mitsubishi Montero at Avis
- ~3:00 PM Check into Flower's Paradise
- Evening Settle in, dinner in town
Walk among the treetops on hanging bridges, then ride a gondola into the misty clouds.
- 7:30 AM Depart Flower's Paradise
Historic bakery known for traditional gallo pinto, fresh pastries, and excellent coffee. The back garden is a prime spot for early morning bird watching.
- Walk-ins only — arrive before 8:00 for patio seating before tour groups head up the mountain
A 1.5 to 2.5-hour continuous loop trail crossing massive metal suspension bridges through the dense canopy ravines at Treetopia Park.
- Start time: 9:00 AM — arrive 15 min early (8:45 AM) at reception
- Fixed trail loop — leaving by 11:30 avoids clouds and rain
Epic flavors, epic views! Included with your Scenic Package booking — 4 Adventure Lunches at the park. No extra cost.
- Part of Scenic Package — no separate payment needed
Open-air gondola ride to the highest observation point on the mountain for panoramic views. Same park — no extra driving or parking.
- Bundled with Sky Walk in the Scenic Package — already confirmed
- ⛈️ Rain typically starts 1:00–1:30 PM — the covered gondola lets you experience the cloud forest mist safely as the downpour begins
- ~2:30 PM Return to Flower's Paradise
- Afternoon Heavy rainfall & thick mist (typical 2:30–6:00 PM)
- Evening Relax in balcony hot tubs watching the rain, cook dinner at the villa
A naturalist-guided trek through Curi-Cancha Reserve to spot quetzals, sloths, and howler monkeys — followed by a relaxed mountain afternoon.
- 7:00 AM Depart Flower's Paradise
Iconic local institution on the main road heading up toward the reserves. Famous for fresh-baked pastries, homemade quiches, heavy gallo pinto breakfast plates, and premium local coffee. The lush outdoor garden features bird feeders that attract brilliant toucanets and motmots right while you eat.
- Walk-ins only — arrive before 7:15 for patio seating
- 🐦 Bird feeders in the garden attract toucanets and motmots
Warm, homey terrace café known for exceptional espresso art, loaded breakfast paninis, fresh fruit crepes, and light waffles. Highly efficient for a quick, high-quality bite before the trail.
- Walk-in — cozy and quick option
Your official morning guided trek. A naturalist guide with a high-powered tripod spotting scope pulls the cloud forest's hidden canopy into clear focus. Curi-Cancha's unique geography gives the region's best statistical chance at spotting howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, coatis, and the legendary Resplendent Quetzal.
- Arrive 15 min early (7:45 AM) — guided tours require check-in with passport/ID
- Language: English · Schedule: 8:00 AM
- 🐦 Post-tour: walk to the on-site hummingbird garden for 15–20 min to watch dozens of birds zip past
- ~11:20 AM Pack up gear, load into the Montero
Massive local favorite tucked into the hillside. Renowned for ultra-fresh local avocado guacamole, incredible birria and fish tacos, loaded burritos, and fresh fruit smoothies. Hits the spot perfectly after a 3-hour hike.
- Vibrant Mexican fusion — relaxed, high-signal food
Stylish, bright, industrial-loft restaurant with a highly diverse menu: fresh falafel and hummus bowls, crispy fish and chips, artisan burgers, and vibrant green smoothies.
- International loft vibe — satisfies everyone
- 1:30 PM+ Return to Flower's Paradise or explore downtown Santa Elena
- Afternoon Relax through the afternoon rain pattern, or walk the mountain shops in Santa Elena at your leisure
- ~5:00 PM Early family dinner at the villa — cook together & prep for the night tour
A 2-hour guided nocturnal wildlife walk through Refugio Monteverde's trails. Expert guides with flashlights and spotting scopes reveal the cloud forest's hidden night creatures — sloths, tree frogs, tarantulas, snakes, insects, and sleeping toucans.
- Start time: 6:00 PM — arrive early to check in
- Duration: 2 hours · Flashlights and spotting scopes provided
- Twilight entry catches the optimal window when nocturnal animals first wake up
- ~8:15 PM Return to Flower's Paradise
- Evening Hot tubs under the mountain mist, pack up for tomorrow's drive to La Fortuna
Drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna, stopping for breakfast views, exploring Nuevo Arenal, and enjoying a flexible evening soaking in hot springs or relaxing at the Airbnb.
- 8:30 AM Depart Flower's Paradise
- Option 1 (Scenic Views): Café y Macadamia (Google Maps) — High cliffside deck directly over Lake Arenal. Great for fresh macadamia pastries, specialty coffees, and savory wraps.
- Option 2 (Local German Bakery): Tom's Pan German Bakery (Google Maps) — A famous local institution right on the main road in Nuevo Arenal since 1997. Known for amazing European-style artisan ryes, fresh pretzels, streusels, and heavy breakfasts.
Take a relaxed cruise around the lake. You can stretch your legs in the small village of Nuevo Arenal, browse the independent surf/lake shops, or pull over safely at the grand Lake Arenal Dam to snap incredible photos of the volcano cone across the water.
- Option 1 (Gourmet Cafe): Red Frog Coffee Roasters (Google Maps) — Modern, air-conditioned town hub. Famous for giant protein bowls, gourmet steak or chicken sandwiches, and fresh smoothies.
- Option 2 (Traditional Costa Rican): Soda Stereo Restaurante (Google Maps) — An upscale twist on the local diner. Highly recommended for incredible Birria tacos, traditional casados (rice, beans, protein, and plantains), and fresh fruit batidos.
- 3:15 – 4:00 PM Town Square Stroll & Supermarket Run: Park your car around the vibrant La Fortuna Central Park. Kill 45 minutes walking the park square, checking out local chocolate shops, or boutique apparel stores. Right before 16:00, hit Super Cristian or Mega Super grocery store across from the square to grab snacks, drinks, and grilling cuts.
- 4:00 – 4:30 PM Official Airbnb Check-In: Roll up exactly at check-in time to the La Fortuna Downtown Airbnb, safely pull your luggage out of the car, unpack your groceries, and relax after the drive.
Hike the historic lava trails of Arenal Volcano, then rejuvenate in natural rainforest hot springs with a Costa Rican buffet dinner.
- 8:00 AM Depart La Fortuna Downtown Airbnb
- Option 1 (Quick & Gourmet): Red Frog Coffee Roasters (Google Maps) — Air-conditioned, cozy town favorite. Excellent breakfast wraps, fresh fruit bowls, heavy avocado toasts, and smooth house-roasted espresso.
- Option 2 (Traditional Bakery): Panadería y Repostería La Fortuna (Google Maps) — A classic local bakery right on the edge of the square. Perfect for an easy, frictionless breakfast of fresh empanadas, sweet pastries, and local coffee.
The premier volcano experience in La Fortuna, tracking the exact lava fields highlighted in this blog post. You will combine the Forest Trail loop and the Lava Flow trail into a single 4.3-mile (7 km) circuit. Walk through dense rainforest surrounding an old eruption lake, then climb straight onto the massive fields of black, hardened lava rock from the historic 1968 explosion. Standing right on the basalt ridges puts you face-to-face with the massive volcanic cone.
- ✅ NO ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED. You can seamlessly pay at the entrance gate upon arrival.
- 💡 Grab a free wooden walking stick at the counter—they are a lifesaver on the loose lava rock.
- Option 1 (Modern Local Diner): Soda Stereo Restaurante (Google Maps) — An upscale, modern take on traditional Costa Rican diner food. Incredibly flavorful Birria tacos, huge casado plates, and fresh fruit batidos.
- Option 2 (Volcano View Dining): Kappa Sushi Fortuna (Google Maps) — Serving fresh, high-quality sushi rolls, poke bowls, and noodle dishes right in town with giant glass windows framing the volcano.
- 1:45 – 4:30 PM Midday Down-Time at the Airbnb: Head back to the house during the peak heat and standard early-afternoon rain window. Shower off the trail dust, take a long nap, watch the clouds pass over the volcano from the villa, and recharge.
Slide into your reservation precisely as the air cools down for dusk. Soak in the mineral pools hidden in the rainforest, then head up to their beautiful open-air rancho for an elite, authentic Costa Rican buffet dinner.
- 🌿 Night Pass: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM · Dinner served 6:00–8:00 PM
- Towels & lockers included · Free parking
- ⚠️ Dietary restrictions must be notified 48h in advance — email EcoTermales if needed
- 8:45 PM Return to Accommodation: Drive 10 minutes back to the town center for a deep sleep.
Start with a peaceful horseback ride through the property, enjoy a long relaxing afternoon at the villa with the pool and grill, and finish the day at a highly authentic chocolate and coffee farm.
- 8:15 AM Gear Up for Trail Riding: Head out directly to your meeting point at the property. Slather on sunscreen and insect repellent, and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for comfort in the saddle.
Set out directly from your base for an intimate, scenic ride through the private rainforest borders, rolling pastures, and creeks surrounding the property. It's a completely peaceful morning at a gentle, slow pace looking out at the waking jungle flora.
- 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM Elite Decompression: Grilling, Pool & Nature Canopy: This is your dedicated master window to relax at the house. Fire up your cooking space, pull some cold drinks from the fridge, and grill up a fresh family feast. Spend the heavy midday heat lounging in the pool, watching the local birds fly through the yard, and relaxing in the shade while the afternoon rain shower passes over the villa.
A beautiful, deeply authentic family-run fruit, coffee, and cacao farm. You get a completely hands-on breakdown of high-grade organic chocolate production—from harvesting and crushing raw cacao pods to tasting warm, pure artisanal chocolate molds. Along the property walk, you will also sample fresh sugar cane juice, fresh-picked papaya, vanilla, and high-altitude estate coffee. Reviewers frequently note that their towering fruit canopies are a major hotspot for wild sloths.
- ⚠️ RESERVATION REQUIRED IN ADVANCE. They run their final tour of the day starting promptly at 16:00. You must pre-book this specific time slot on their official website to secure entry.
- 6:15 PM Return to Accommodation / Easy Town Dinner: Head back down to your villa to shower off the plantation dirt. Spend a quiet night in with the family or take a short walk into the town center for a late dinner under the warm jungle night breeze.
An early morning drive out to Katira to float down the neon blue waters of Rio Celeste, followed by a countryside lunch and a final celebratory evening back at the villa.
- 7:00 AM Depart La Fortuna Early: Start from the La Fortuna Downtown Airbnb. Pre-Drive Prep: Have everyone wear swimsuits, water shoes, and quick-dry shirts. Pack a wet bag with a change of dry clothes and towels for the aftermath.
- 8:35 AM Arrival & Gear Up at Headquarters: Pull into the main meeting station (look for the yellow house right next to the Katira School) (Google Maps). You will meet Milton and the local pioneer guides, grab your life jackets and helmets, and complete your safety briefing.
A jaw-droppingly beautiful float down the vibrant, sky-blue volcanic waters of Río Celeste. Expert local guides, full safety gear, and a rainforest experience that blends calm jungle pools with fun Class I-II splashes. Lunch is included!
- ⏰ Arrive 8:45 AM — 15 min before start time for check-in
- 🍽️ Lunch included with the tour
- 🐌 Chance to spot a sloth during the journey!
- 👟 Wear closed-toe or water shoes, comfortable clothes, and bring a change of clothes
- 11:00 – 11:30 AM Change & Decompress: Head back to the Onca Tours facility, use the changing rooms to get into warm, dry clothes, and pack up the car.
A highly rated, rustic, open-air spot right down the road in Katira. Known for massive, authentic wood-fired casados, fresh local trout, fried plantains, and massive pitchers of fresh fruit juice. Perfect way to refuel after being on the water.
- 3:00 PM Onwards Last Night in Arenal Celebration: Arrive back at the villa to pack up your suitcases for your big move down to the Guanacaste coast tomorrow morning. Spend the evening relaxing at the house or head into town for a final celebratory toast to the mountains!
Leave the jungle behind and head to the Pacific coast — ~4 hours of stunning scenery, wild cats, and a cliffside coffee stop before your first Tamarindo sunset.
- 9:00 AM Pack Up & Head West: Say goodbye to Arenal, load the luggage into the Montero, and set GPS for Route 142 along the northern Lake Arenal shoreline.
An open-air cliffside café with massive wooden decks directly overlooking Lake Arenal and the volcano cone behind it. One of the most scenic pit stops in all of Costa Rica.
- Famous for fresh house-baked macadamia nut rolls, artisan banana bread, rich iced espresso, and fresh fruit smoothies
- Stretch your legs, use the clean restrooms, and fuel up for the second half of the drive
A quiet, beautifully managed wildlife sanctuary shaded by a dry forest canopy — one of the best spots in Central America to view native wild cats up close. Self-guided shaded loop paths lead past rescued jaguars, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis, and margays, alongside majestic macaws and spider monkeys.
- ✅ No advance booking needed — walk-in ~$17/adult · 45–60 min shaded loop
- 🐒 Rescued animals: jaguars · pumas · ocelots · jaguarundis · margays · macaws · spider monkeys
- 1:15 – 2:15 PM Local Roadside Lunch (Cañas Center): Quick traditional casado at a local soda right off the highway — keep the driving momentum going before the final push to the coast.
- 3:30 PM Arrive & Check In: Pull straight up to Diria Matapalo Condo, drop the bags, open the house, and jump straight into the private pool.
- Dusk Walk down to the sand for your very first classic, fiery Tamarindo sunset over the Pacific!
Surf, sand, and sunsets — two full days to soak up Tamarindo's laid-back beach town energy.
- All Day Beach, pool, relaxation at Playa Tamarindo
- Surfing lessons — one of the best beginner spots in Costa Rica
- Sunsets on the beach strip
Short drive to the Westin all-inclusive resort — time to be pampered at Playa Conchal.
- Morning Checkout Diria Matapalo by 10:00 AM
- ~11:00 AM Check into Westin Reserva Conchal — 5-star all-inclusive
- Afternoon Explore the resort — pool, beach, restaurants
- Evening First all-inclusive dinner — everything included!
Three days of unlimited food, pools, golf, and the pristine white sand of Playa Conchal.
- All Day Beach, pool, all-inclusive relaxation
- All meals at resort restaurants — included
- Drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) — included
- Non-motorized water sports — included
- Run on the hard-packed sand at low tide
- Bikes and activities — included
Our last full day — drive back to San José and soak in every final moment of Costa Rica.
- Morning Final all-inclusive breakfast at Westin
- ~4:30 PM Arrive at Hacienda Belen
- Evening Coffee plantation walk, stress-free final dinner
Hasta luego, Costa Rica! Early morning flight home with memories for a lifetime. 🇨🇷
- 10:30 AM Leave Hacienda Belen — return Avis Montero
- 10:45 AM Arrive SJO Airport (15-min shuttle)
- 12:44 PM Depart SJO → EWR · UA 1560
- 8:00 PM Arrive Newark 🏠
🗺️ Trip Route
✈️ Flights
Outbound — Thursday, Aug 13
UA 1080Return — Friday, Aug 28
UA 1560🚗 Rental Car
Avis — Mitsubishi Montero
Confirmed1. Physical Credit Card in the main driver's name (for the $2,260 deposit).
2. Physical Driver's License.
3. Passport / National ID.
🚐 Shuttle Instructions: Please proceed to the Avis meeting point located directly in front of the airport terminal for the shuttle bus service. Do not be late for the 12:00 PM pick-up or the reservation may not be held.
🏡 Accommodations
Flower's Paradise — Monteverde
Airbnb
🚫 Rules: 6 guests max · No pets · No parties. Cancel free before Aug 8.
Paraíso del Ogro — La Fortuna
Airbnb
🏡 Property: Treehouse villa, volcanic pool & waterfall, 2 bedrooms (king beds). ~12 min from La Fortuna.
Diria Matapalo — Tamarindo
Airbnb
👩💼 Concierge (Liz): conciergecr@ohanavacations.com · +506 6104-6739 — day trips, fishing, massages, chef, grocery delivery. Mon–Sat 9am–3pm CR time.
Westin Reserva Conchal — All-Inclusive
5-Star
⚠️ Cancel: Before Aug 21 to avoid penalties. Non-smoking.
💰 Pricing: Adults $1,417.72 · Children $513.70 · Promo -$193.14
🎟️ Activities & Tours
Scenic Package — SkyWalk + TreeTram
Confirmed📞 Reschedule: Call +506 4000 7292 or email info@grupo415.com
⚠️ Cancellation: 100% refund if cancelled 48+ hours before. No refund within 48 hours or no-shows.
Reserva Curi-Cancha — Natural History Tour
Confirmed⏰ Arrival: Arrive 15 min early (7:45 AM) for guided tour check-in.
🆔 ID Required: Present passport, driver's license, or country ID at check-in (insurance policy requirement).
📍 Meeting Point: Reserva Curi-Cancha entrance 📍
Refugio Monteverde — Night Tour
ConfirmedAdmission Ticket
B-VNJPNV4
📍 Meeting Point: Refugio Monteverde 📍
🔦 What to wear: Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a jacket/windbreaker/sweater. Guides provide flashlights and scopes.
⚠️ Cancellation: Free cancellation due to weather, or up to 3 hours before start time.
📞 Contact: WhatsApp +506 8591 6162
EcoTermales Fortuna — Hot Springs
Confirmed👔 What to bring: Bathing suit, sunglasses, sunscreen, change of clothes, sandals or water shoes, reusable water bottle.
🎏 Included: Towels, lockers, dinner, and free parking.
🥵 Health tip: Take a 15-min break every session to avoid dehydration or dizziness. Alternate with natural cold pools.
🍱 Dietary note: All dietary restrictions must be notified at least 48 hours in advance to info@ecotermalesfortuna.cr.
⚠️ Cancellation: Free cancellation 4+ days before. No refund for no-shows or late cancellations.
📞 Contact: +506 2479-8787 · info@ecotermalesfortuna.cr
Río Celeste Tubing — Onca Tours
Confirmed📍 Meeting Point: Onca Tours Meeting Location 📍
🍽️ Included: Lunch, full insurance, expert local guides, easy parking, restrooms.
👟 What to bring: Closed-toe or water shoes, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothes.
⚠️ Cancellation: 7+ days in advance: full refund. Within 7 days: 50% penalty. Less than 24h: 100% charged.
📞 Contact: odirrg5@hotmail.com · WhatsApp +506 8399 2757
👨👩👧👦 Travelers & Seats
SJO→EWR: 31A
SJO→EWR: 29D
SJO→EWR: 31B
SJO→EWR: 31C