Is the tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in most parts of Costa Rica, including La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.

Do I need a car seat for the shuttle?

Yes, if your children require them, bring your own. Most private shuttle companies do not provide high-quality, sanitized car seats.

Planning a family-friendly trip to Costa Rica

Stick to two hubs—La Fortuna for adventure and Manuel Antonio for beaches—to minimize travel time with kids. Use private shuttle transfers between these points to avoid the stress of driving on mountain roads with tired children.

Limit your hub-and-spoke strategy. Don't try to see the whole country. With children, choose two locations maximum for a 10-day trip. La Fortuna offers easy volcano access and hot springs, while Manuel Antonio provides calm swimming beaches and guaranteed monkey sightings.
Book private ground transfers. Public buses are unreliable for families, and rental car driving can be exhausting due to narrow, winding roads. Hire a private driver or book shared tourist shuttles (like Interbus or RideCR) to move between locations.
Schedule excursions for early mornings. Wildlife is most active at dawn, and kids are usually fresh. Book your guided nature walks for 7:00 AM, allowing for afternoon pool or beach time when the heat peaks.
Verify 'kid-friendly' activity ages. Many zipline and whitewater rafting operators have strict age minimums (often 6-8 years old). Call the operators directly before booking to confirm the age and weight limits for your specific children.

Is the tap water safe to drink?: Yes, tap water is safe to drink in most parts of Costa Rica, including La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.
Do I need a car seat for the shuttle?: Yes, if your children require them, bring your own. Most private shuttle companies do not provide high-quality, sanitized car seats.