Curator’s statement
Papagayo is the rare place where a family vacation actually feels like a vacation. The water is calm, the days unfold naturally, and nothing requires heroic levels of planning or stamina. Mornings are for the beach, afternoons are for the pool, and the wildlife steps in to entertain your children every time you need a moment. There is enough adventure to have fun and enough calm to feel restorative. It is Costa Rica at its most effortless.
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Day 1: Arrive & settle in
The main pool at the Four Seasons Costa Rica.
The best thing about Papagayo is how quickly you can get into it. The drive from the airport is short and smooth, which is a gift after traveling with children. Once you check in, go straight to the pool instead of trying to unpack your entire life. Everyone relaxes faster. Aim for an early dinner so the whole family can reset and start fresh the next morning.
Dinner: Brisa at Nekajui or Bahia at Four Seasons. Rhio Bongo at Andaz. These are perfect for a first night when all you want is something easy and close to your room.
Day 2: Calm-water beach morning & easy adventures
The beach at Nekajui disappears and appears with the tides and a has a beautiful mix of black and white sand.
Start the day on one of Papagayo’s protected beaches where the water is still and clear in the morning. Kids can explore without you needing to hover every second, and once everyone is warmed up, book a guided paddleboard or kayak outing. The ocean is usually at its calmest then, which makes it ideal for beginners of all ages.
Spend the afternoon by the pool with sunscreen, cold drinks, and the kind of lazy pacing that makes vacations feel like vacations.
Dinner: Nemare at the Four Seasons.
Day 3: Wildlife, kids club & a little grown-up time
The kids club at the Four Seasons is huge and there is another game and hangout area for older kids.
Begin with a nature walk. Even kids who “don’t like walks” perk up fast when monkeys swing around overhead. After lunch, drop them at the kids club for something calm and creative. It buys you the luxury of a slow hour: yoga, spa, or simply sitting somewhere breezy with a drink.
Dinner: Brisa at Nekaju
Day 4: A boat day & the most relaxing dinner you’ll have
The coast is beautiful and depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to spot whales or dolphins.
A private boat day is the moment everything clicks. You’ll explore quiet coves, snorkel in warm water, and maybe spot dolphins or turtles if luck is on your side. It feels adventurous without being exhausting, which is key.
For dinner, stay in. Order room service, sit on your balcony, and let the sunset do all the work. This is usually the night families remember most.
Day 5: Ziplining with kids & a quiet afternoon
Ziplining and an epic ropes course
If your crew is up for a little thrill, ziplining is a perfect fit. It’s smooth, safe, and gives kids a sense of brave accomplishment without testing your own nerves too much. Pair it with a small wildlife stop so everyone can learn something without realizing they’re learning.
Afterwards, return to the pool and stay there until morale peaks.
Dinner: Bahia at the Four Seasons.
Day 6: Snorkel morning & a final night to savor
Sunsets are an event in Costa Rica
Take one last snorkel outing while the water is clear and everyone still has energy. Afterwards, let each family member choose their own pace: kids club, spa time, or pool.
Dinner: Pura Vista at Nekajui or Pesce at the Four Seasons.
Day 7: A last swim & an easy trip back to LIR
The beach at the Four Seasons Costa Rica
Fit in one more swim or beach walk before you pack. These are the moments kids talk about later, usually out of nowhere. Have a slow breakfast, gather your things without rushing, and take the very short drive back to Liberia Airport.
Day 8: Optional add-on for older kids—volcano day at Rincón de la Vieja
Wildlife spotting with the naturalists from Explorers is a must.
If you have older kids who want more than beach-pool-repeat, Rincón de la Vieja is a great upgrade. It’s close enough to avoid a full-day odyssey but far enough to feel like a real adventure. Walk the Las Pailas loop to see the bubbling mud pots and steam vents, add horseback riding or tubing if you’re feeling ambitious, and finish with hot springs and a very low-commitment mud mask.
Dinner: Bahia at the Four Seasons or Brisa at Nekajui.
Need to know
Papagayo works best when you lean into its natural rhythm. Mornings are for adventures. Afternoons belong to the pool. Wildlife shows up constantly, which is great entertainment for kids and adults. The sun is strong, so early dinners aren’t a compromise. Bring sunscreen, a little flexibility, and the understanding that you don’t need to plan every minute. Papagayo rewards doing less.
The minimum height for ziplining and the ropes course is 4’2”.
Travel Advisor
Kate Van Dell
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