Stay Here, Do That • Family Guide

Family Travel Guide to Arenal, Costa Rica — Volcano Views, Hot Springs & Rainforest Adventures

Welcome to La Fortuna / Arenal, where warm hot springs meet rainforest trails and volcano views. This is an easy, confidence-boosting base for families: short drives to waterfalls, suspension bridges made for curious kids, and calm, kid-approved hot springs for the perfect wind-down.

Quick Links

• 🎟️ Book Arenal tours & activities (Viator)
• ✈️ Compare flights to Costa Rica
• 🚗 Reserve a rental car (pick up at SJO/LIR)
• 🏨 Browse La Fortuna hotels & hot-springs stays
• 🌍 Flexible family travel insurance
• 🗺️ La Fortuna map pin

Why Families Love Arenal

Arenal is built for families who want a little adventure with a lot of comfort. Mornings can be mistico-magical on suspension bridges, afternoons are for splashing in calm hot-spring pools, and evenings bring volcano views and fresh smoothies. Roads are straightforward, attractions are close, and you can flex days between high energy (zip-lines!) and low-key (sloth walks, chocolate tastings).

Stay Here

Hot-springs access + volcano views = unbeatable family base.

• Explore top hot-springs resorts in La Fortuna (Booking.com)
• Compare family-friendly hotels & apartments in La Fortuna

Tip: If you’re splitting time between pools and parks, choose a stay with on-site hot springs to make nap windows easy and evenings effortless.

Things to Do Around Arenal

Arenal Volcano National Park

Gentle trails, lava fields, and classic volcano vistas. Map pin

Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges

Canopy walkways with wow-factor views — kids love spotting toucans and leaf-cutter ants. Guided bridge walks

La Fortuna Waterfall

A famous 70-meter cascade with well-maintained steps and a swimming area below (check conditions on arrival). Tickets & combos

Sloth & Wildlife Night Walks

Low-effort, high-excitement for kids — guides make it magical. Book a sloth tour

Chocolate & Coffee Experiences

Sweet, hands-on learning — from bean to bar. Reserve a tasting

Zip-lines & River Floats

Mix adrenaline with gentle wildlife floats for a balanced day. Zip-line options • Safari float

Where to Eat

• Local sodas — casual Costa Rican staples with kid-friendly plates.
• Ice cream & smoothie bars — perfect post-waterfall treat.
• Coffee roasters & cafés — pick up beans to bring home.

Family Tips

• Pack light rain jackets year-round; quick showers are common.
• Water shoes help at waterfalls and rocky pools.
• Plan “high-energy mornings, hot-springs afternoons” for happy kids.
• Driving from SJO/LIR? Book your car in advance and aim for daytime arrivals.
• For peace of mind on rentals & tours, consider travel insurance.

Sample 3-Day Family Flow

1. Day 1: Arrival → easy town stroll → early hot-spring soak.
2. Day 2: Hanging Bridges → café lunch → La Fortuna Waterfall → pool time.
3. Day 3: Sloth/Chocolate combo → volcano viewpoint → relaxed dinner.

More Family Guides You’ll Love

• Quintana Roo — Beaches & Islands
• Yucatán — Ruins & Cenotes
• Campeche — Forts & Flamingos

Explore our growing library at Stay Here, Do That — calm planning, confident trips.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search worldwide flight deals

🚗 Reserve a rental car

🏨 Compare hotels & hot-springs resorts

🎟️ Book local tours on Viator

🌍 Protect your trip with SafetyWing

Some links may be affiliate links that help support Stay Here, Do That — thank you for traveling kindly.

© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides.

#Arenal#LaFortuna#CostaRica#FamilyTravel#HotSprings#Rainforest

Stay Here, Do That • Family Guide

Family Travel Guide to Xalapa, Veracruz — Coffee Culture, Cloud Forests & Easy Day Trips

In the mountains of Veracruz, Xalapa blends lush cloud-forest parks, world-class museums, and a cozy café scene. It’s an easy base for families: stroller-friendly plazas, short nature walks, chocolate workshops in nearby towns, and waterfalls a quick drive away.

Quick Links

• Museo de Antropología de Xalapa (MAX)
• Ayuntamiento de Xalapa — events & parks
• Jardín Botánico Francisco Javier Clavijero
• Museo Interactivo de Xalapa (MIX) — hands-on kids museum
• Compare flights to Veracruz / Xalapa
• Reserve a rental car
• Book Xalapa & Veracruz tours (Viator)
• Flexible family travel insurance
• Xalapa map pin (backup)

Explore More Veracruz Family Guides

• Veracruz City — Seaside History & Family Adventures
• Boca del Río — Beaches, Food, and Family Strolls
• Orizaba — Cable Cars & Waterfalls
• Jalcomulco — River Rafting & Nature Escapes
• Costa Esmeralda — Beaches & Turtle Season
• Catemaco & Los Tuxtlas — Jungle Lakes & Eco Spas

Explore more family-friendly destinations across Veracruz — all part of our growing Mexico collection at Stay Here, Do That.

Why Families Love Xalapa

Xalapa feels calm and creative: leafy neighborhoods, pocket parks with streams, and a café every block. Start with the Museo de Antropología de Xalapa to see colossal Olmec heads and Gulf-Coast treasures, then wander to Clavijero Botanical Garden for shaded walks among cloud-forest plants. Little legs get breaks at the Museo Interactivo and streams of Parque Los Tecajetes.

Day trips are easy: coffee towns like Coatepec, waterfalls near Xico, and panoramic drives toward Cofre de Perote. Even rainy days work here — just trade trails for cocoa and a museum.

Stay Here

Choose a family-ready place near parks and cafés to keep logistics simple. Browse highly-rated homes and apartments on Airbnb’s Xalapa map, then build your days around the MAX museum, botanical garden, and coffee routes.

Things to Do Around Xalapa

Museo de Antropología de Xalapa (MAX)

One of Mexico’s finest regional collections. Wide galleries and gentle pacing make it easy with kids. Check current exhibits on the MAX website.

Jardín Botánico Clavijero

Shady pathways, orchids, and cloud-forest plants. Great stroller walk; look for butterflies after a rain. Visitor info at the official site.

Parque Los Tecajetes

Springs, canals, and bridges right in the city. Pack snacks and let kids explore the paths. See park updates via the city site.

Museo Interactivo de Xalapa

A hands-on science stop that breaks up museum days. Exhibitions and tickets on the MIX site.

Day Trip: Coatepec Coffee Route

Tour a coffee finca, taste fresh roasts, and stroll the colonial center. Start with state info for Coatepec, then book a guide through Viator.

Day Trip: Xico Waterfalls

Short forest walks to photogenic cascades and lunch in town. Confirm conditions via Xico tourism; consider a driver on rainy days.

Where to Eat & Sip

• Italo Caffè — beloved local roaster; pastries and slow mornings.
• Cafetal La Primavera — coffee tastings and beans to take home.
• La Parroquia Xalapa — classic Veracruzano breakfasts; kid-friendly.
• Doña Lucha — regional plates near the center.

Family Tips

• Bring light rain jackets — cloud-forest mist is common.
• Early starts for parks; museum afternoons when showers roll in.
• Carry cash for small cafés and parking attendants.
• Keep travel insurance active for rentals and day trips.

Sample 3-Day Flow

1. Day 1: MAX museum → lunch in the center → sunset stroll at Los Tecajetes.
2. Day 2: Botanical Garden morning → café crawl → Museo Interactivo.
3. Day 3: Coatepec coffee tour or Xico waterfalls; easy dinner back in Xalapa.

For Hosts & Local Businesses

Want your Airbnb or tour featured in a future “Stay Here, Do That” family guide? Email stayheredothat@gmail.com with your property link and location.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search worldwide flight deals

🚗 Find the best car rentals

🏨 Compare hotels & stays

🎟️ Book local tours on Viator

🌍 Protect your trip with SafetyWing

Some links may be affiliate links that help support Stay Here, Do That — thank you for traveling kindly.

© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides. Calm planning, confident trips.

#Xalapa#Veracruz#FamilyTravel#MexicoWithKids#CoffeeTowns#Waterfalls

Stay Here, Do That • Family Guide

Family Travel Guide to Catemaco & Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz — Jungle Lake, Eco-Spas & Waterfalls

Where rainforest meets a mirror-calm lake. Base in lakeside Catemaco for boat rides, monkey-island sightings, kid-friendly eco-spas, and day trips to thundering waterfalls and biosphere trails. Slow mornings, hammock afternoons, and pink-gold sunsets included.

Quick Links

• Stay Here: Lakeside Family Base (Airbnb, Catemaco)
• Tours & Day Trips: Catemaco & Los Tuxtlas (Viator)
• Compare Flights to Veracruz / Minatitlán
• Reserve a Family-Size Rental Car
• Travel Insurance — Flexible Family Coverage

Why Families Love Catemaco & Los Tuxtlas

Catemaco feels like a lake-town time capsule: walkable malecón, easy boat access, friendly cafés, and rainforest all around. Kids get wildlife and waterfalls; parents get spa-calm and short drive times. Most days can be built around a simple rhythm — late lake start → eco-reserve adventure → hammock hour → sunset stroll.

Pro tip: book at least one guided day via Viator to streamline logistics for grandparents or little travelers.

Stay Here: Lakeside Family Base

This family-ready Airbnb keeps you minutes from the malecón and boat piers. Ask the host about crib/high chair availability, AC in bedrooms, filtered water, and secure parking. Grocery stops and panaderías are close, and day trips to waterfalls/eco-reserves are straightforward.

Things to Do with Kids

Lake Boat Tour & Monkey Island

Arrange a short, calm-water cruise to Isla de los Monos for howler-monkey sightings and lake views. Bring hats and snacks.

Start: Catemaco Pier (Maps) • Options on Viator

Nanciyaga Eco-Reserve: Trails & Spa

Gentle jungle trails, mineral-clay masks, temazcal options, and lakefront hammocks. Great for mixed ages — you can dip in for a couple of hours or linger all afternoon.

Official: Nanciyaga Ecological Reserve • Pin: Maps

Salto de Eyipantla Waterfall

A powerful, photogenic cascade near San Andrés Tuxtla. Steps can be wet — hold smaller kiddos’ hands and wear grippy shoes.

Info: Waterfall Pin (Maps) • Compare rides/tours on Viator

Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve

Low-effort rainforest walks and birding in one of Mexico’s most biodiverse corners. Check weather/trail status and pack lightweight layers.

Official: CONANP • Area Pin: Maps

Malecón & Evening Treats

Stroller-friendly sunsets, paletas, and cafés along the lakefront. Kids can burn off steam before bedtime while you collect pastel-sky photos.

Malecón de Catemaco (Maps)

San Andrés Tuxtla + Cigar Heritage

A short hop for plaza time, local sweets, and a peek at the region’s tobacco tradition. Keep it flexible — an easy half-day add-on.

Town Center (Maps)

Where to Eat

• La Ola Mariscos — lakeside seafood classics. Maps
• Restaurante Nanciyaga (inside the eco-reserve) — simple, fresh plates post-spa. Official
• Palapas on the Lake — casual family lunches with a view. Maps
• Heladerías & Panaderías — easy dessert runs near the plaza. Bakery Pins

Heading to waterfalls? Pack fruit, sandwich fixings, and extra water — options thin out beyond town.

Family Tips & Local Know-How

• Best daily rhythm: Lake/eco-reserve mornings, hammock siesta, malecón at golden hour.
• Gear: Water shoes (for docks), quick-dry towels, hats, microfiber blanket for picnics.
• Wheels: A rental car makes waterfalls and reserves easy.
• Peace of mind: Keep flexible coverage active with SafetyWing.
• Weather: The jungle can shift fast — pack a light rain shell and protect cameras/phones.

5-Day Family Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive & Lakefront Evening

Settle into your Airbnb, stroll the malecón, and grab a simple lakeside dinner.

Day 2 — Boat Tour & Eco-Spa

Morning boat to Isla de los Monos, then an afternoon of trails and clay masks at Nanciyaga. Hammock hour mandatory.

Day 3 — Eyipantla Waterfall + San Andrés

Chase mist at Salto de Eyipantla. Lunch in San Andrés Tuxtla.

Day 4 — Biosphere Walks

Short rainforest trails in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere. Consider a guided option via Viator.

Day 5 — Choose-Your-Own

Repeat your favorite — another eco-spa afternoon, longer lake cruise, or a slow bakery run before the drive out.

Flying in? Compare routes to VER (Veracruz) or MTY/VSA with connections; then pick up a rental car for max flexibility.

More Guides You May Like

• Ultimate Family Guide: Quintana Roo
• Ultimate Guide: Yucatán (State)
• Veracruz City — Family Adventure
• Boca del Río — Beaches & Food
• Orizaba — Cable Cars & Waterfalls
• Jalcomulco — River & Nature
• Coatepec & Xico — Coffee & Waterfalls
• Ultimate Family Guide: Campeche

For Hosts: Get Your Listing Featured

Want your Airbnb, boutique stay, or family-friendly tour featured in a “Stay Here, Do That” guide? I create evergreen features + family-first optimization that keeps sending traffic long-term (limited monthly slots).

Email: stayheredothat@gmail.com — include your city, property link, and one standout detail (crib, pool, sunrise deck, etc.).

Did this help?

Share it with your travel group, save it to Pinterest, and drop a comment with your favorite Catemaco tip so other families can find it.

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Some links may be affiliate links that support this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you for traveling kindly and helping “Stay Here, Do That” grow.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Flights: Search worldwide flight deals

🚗 Car Rentals: Find the best local rentals

🏨 Hotels: Compare hotel stays worldwide

🎟️ Tours & Experiences: Book authentic Viator experiences

🌍 Travel Insurance: Protect your trip with SafetyWing

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© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides. Calm planning, confident trips.

Stay Here, Do That • Family Guide

Family Travel Guide to Coatepec & Xico, Veracruz - Coffee Towns, Waterfalls, and Chocolate Workshops

In the cool highlands above Veracruz City, the sister towns of Coatepec and Xico blend misty coffee fincas, cobblestone streets, and rainforest waterfalls. This family guide gives you the best parks, kid-friendly eats, hands-on farm visits, and an easy 3-day plan.

Quick Links

• Stay Here: Cozy family Airbnb in Coatepec
• Book tours around Coatepec & Xico (Viator)
• Compare flights to Veracruz
• Reserve a rental car
• Browse hotels if you split nights
• Flexible family travel insurance
• Coatepec Historic Center (Maps)
• Xico Historic Center (Maps)

Why Families Love Coatepec & Xico

Elevation brings cooler weather and green hills. Streets are calm for stroller loops, plazas have room to run, and local farms welcome kids. Coffee is king, chocolate is close behind, and waterfalls are the reward for short rainforest walks.

Base in Coatepec for groceries, bakeries, and parks. Hop to neighboring Xico for the famous mole xiqueño, traditional festivals, and the lush canyon leading to Cascada de Texolo.

Things to Do

Visit a Coffee Finca

Many farms offer short tours where kids can see beans on the plant and taste fresh hot chocolate. Ask around the Parque Miguel Hidalgo kiosks for daily options.

Walk to Texolo Waterfall

Drive or taxi to the Texolo viewpoint, then take the easy path to the bridge. Mist, rainbows, and photo spots make this a kid favorite. Wear grippy shoes.

Chocolate & Mole Workshops

Small kitchens in Xico host hands-on tastings. Look for “clases de mole” signs around Santa María Magdalena or pre-book via Viator.

Plaza Time & Bakeries

Grab pan dulce from a local panadería near Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón, then let little ones roam the plaza while parents enjoy a slow coffee.

Where to Eat

• Central cafés in Coatepec - espresso for adults, hot chocolate for kids.
• Traditional kitchens in Xico - try mole xiqueño and beef stews.
• Coatepec Market - fruit, snacks, and fast local plates.

Your Base

This cozy family Airbnb in Coatepec keeps you close to plazas, coffee, and an easy road to Xico. After waterfall walks, settle in for cocoa night and board games.

Family Tips

• Mornings are best for waterfalls. Bring a light rain jacket and grippy shoes.
• Cash is handy for small workshops and farm gates.
• Always carry water. Highland weather is cooler but humid.
• Consider travel insurance for peace of mind.

3-Day Family Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Coatepec, plaza stroll, café time, bakery treats. Optional evening chocolate tasting.
2. Day 2: Morning coffee finca tour, lunch in Xico, Texolo Waterfall walk.
3. Day 3: Market snacks, quick park time, then drive toward your next Veracruz stop.

More From Our Mexico Library

Explore nearby regions and connect your route: Quintana Roo Family Guide • Ultimate Yucatán Guide • Veracruz City • Boca del Río • Orizaba • Jalcomulco Rafting

For Hosts & Local Businesses

Want your Airbnb or tour featured in a future Stay Here, Do That family guide? Email stayheredothat@gmail.com with your property link and location.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search worldwide flight deals

🚗 Find the best car rentals

🏨 Compare hotels and stays

🎟️ Book local tours on Viator

🌍 Protect your trip with SafetyWing

Some links may be affiliate links that help support Stay Here, Do That. Thanks for traveling kindly.

© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides. Calm planning, confident trips.