Guide

Tour leader throughout The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities. Our local guides are careful to explain that any souvenirs on sale over the duration of the trip which are made from animal parts, shells or local hardwoods should not be purchased.

Accommodation

We stay in four hotels during this tour for a total of seven nights. In San Jose, we stay at the modern four-star Studio Hotel, conveniently located near the airport for an easy arrival transfer at the start of the adventure. In Arenal, our accommodation is normally the Arenal Paraiso Hotel. This property is close to Arenal Volcano and has large natural grounds with wonderful views of Arenal Volcano. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped. There are several natural pools fed by spring water. In Monteverde, we stay at the Monteverde Country Lodge, a three-star property providing cosy, comfortable and warm accommodation. This property doesn’t have a swimming pool or air conditioning as it’s in an area of Costa Rica that is typically much cooler. By the Pacific Coast, we stay at either Nammbu Hotel or the Leyenda. Both are by Carrillo Beach and have a swimming pool. Worth knowing While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you will be put.

Meals

All breakfasts and two lunches are included in the price of the tour, allowing you plenty of flexibility for non-included meals to be taken as a family or with the group. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish considered a staple part of the local diet. Soups, stews and fresh fish are also common, and most hotels offer international menus. There is a lot of fresh fruit in the tropics – you may need to share your bananas with monkeys from the hotel gardens! Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

Transport

Most of our travel is in an air-conditioned 16-seater minibus, but we also use small motorboats for some activities such as the Lake Arenal crossing and the boat excursion to see dolphins. Due to the type of vehicles we use, it’s common for luggage to be transported on the roof, covered by a tarpaulin.

Others

Adventure lovers will enjoy trying the included zip-lining and whitewater rafting excursions! Join a night walk in Monteverde to see the cloud forest come alive at night Relax on Carrillo beach and enjoy the Pacific coastline Snorkelling and boat excursion to see dolphins Experience the beauty and vibrancy of tropical Costa Rica

Not included:

Optional

Monteverde: Don Juan Coffee Tour: USD35 Trapiche Tour (Sugar cane mill): USD71 Frog pond tour: USD45 Monteverde Orchid Garden: USD45 Samara/Carrillo: SUP (stand-up-paddle) Mangrove tour: USD49 Wildlife and Mangrove Kayak: USD49 Turtle nesting tour (night time): USD49 (visits Camaronal, Corozalito or Ostional beach depending on season)

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Flights

International flights are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start San José
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start San José

Welcome to San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2. A free transfer is available to take you to our hotel in San José. Read the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information on booking your seat. Accommodation: Studio Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: To Arenal; La Fortuna Waterfall Walk (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: To Arenal; La Fortuna Waterfall Walk (Breakfast)

We drive to the area surrounding Arenal Volcano. Following a large eruption in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until recently when it entered a resting phase. There is a lot of geothermal activity in this area, with natural hot springs, waterfalls and Lake Arenal waiting to be discovered. Today we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to a steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to exit – this takes around 20-30 minutes and is rewarded with a swim in the emerald pool. It is possible to visit the lookout point and wait for the group if you prefer. There is plenty of time to see what animals you can spot in the forest along the way; keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the trees! Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Try Grade Ii And Iii White-Water Rafting On The Balsa River (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Try Grade Ii And Iii White-Water Rafting On The Balsa River (Breakfast,Lunch)

After breakfast, we head to the Balsa River for an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion. The rapids here are graded II and III and have nicknames such as Magnetic Rock and Dredges – prepare to get wet and wild! No experience of this activity is needed as a full safety briefing and instruction is given before getting into the rafts. Tropical scenery flanks the river and we may spot monkeys, toucans or other animals in the forest. There is also a stop for drinks and tropical fruits along the way. On our return to La Fortuna, we stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at Vida Campesina, a traditional country estate that allows visitors to experience typical country life in Costa Rica. Lunch is made with ingredients harvested on the property and prepared on a wood stove in traditional style. Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains; Night Walk To Experience The Cloud Forest In The Dark (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains; Night Walk To Experience The Cloud Forest In The Dark (Breakfast)

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran mountain range in the Central Highlands for a taste of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Reaching Monteverde involves a fast boat across Lake Arenal, which is incredibly scenic and takes roughly 30 minutes. We then complete our journey by shared land transfer, climbing into the hills towards Monteverde, whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude in this Central Highlands region supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here. Our journey takes about 3hr 30min in total, including the lake crossing. Around 6pm, we have a night walk to experience the forest in the dark. This gives an entirely new perspective on the cloud forest habitat, with many pairs of eyes staring back at you! We may see sloths, armadillos, porcupines, possums and coatis and will surely hear a cacophony of insects and amphibians. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Zip-Line Adventure Through The Treetops; Visit The Hanging Bridges And Butterfly Garden (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Zip-Line Adventure Through The Treetops; Visit The Hanging Bridges And Butterfly Garden (Breakfast,Lunch)

Today we visit Selvatura Park, where 850 acres (345ha) of protected land are dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with the hanging bridges excursion, a system of treetop walkways through the forest designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe its many inhabitants. We also visit the butterfly garden, which has one of the largest exhibitions of butterflies in the world. After, it’s time to try aerial manoeuvres on a zip-line adventure through the treetops! Before you fly, guides teach you the proper technique, including how to position yourself and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely embark on this adrenaline-pumping adventure above the trees. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: To The Pacific Coast; Afternoon At Leisure To Enjoy Carrillo Beach (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: To The Pacific Coast; Afternoon At Leisure To Enjoy Carrillo Beach (Breakfast)

We travel to the Samara region on the Pacific Coast, one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica! The broad, shady bay is backed by coconut palms and the water is calm and safe for swimming thanks to a coral reef just out to sea on which the normally large Pacific waves break before reaching the beach. There are plenty of facilities in this area but there’s a noticeable absence of big resort hotels, which makes for a nice atmosphere. Our hotel faces onto Carrillo Beach in the neighbouring bay to Samara. We have a free afternoon here to enjoy the facilities and discover the area. Accommodation: Nammbu Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Boat Trip To See Dolphins Offshore From Carrillo Beach; Go Snorkelling (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Boat Trip To See Dolphins Offshore From Carrillo Beach; Go Snorkelling (Breakfast)

Today, we take a private boat trip offshore from Carrillo Beach in search of dolphins. You could be lucky enough to see spotted dolphins, Central American spinner dolphins or common bottlenose dolphins, which all inhabit this area year around. Feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the scenic coastline as we search for these playful animals who love to swim in the bow wave of the boat! As we make our way back along the coast, we anchor near the shores of Isla Chora, a delightful white-sand beach full of hermit crabs and iguanas. This is a great spot for a refreshing swim and a chance to observe the underwater world by wearing a mask and snorkel. Beneath the surface teems a lively world with huge marine diversity. In total, today’s excursion lasts around four hours, with the rest of your time at leisure to enjoy the area. Accommodation: Nammbu Hotel or Leyenda Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Transfer Available To Liberia Airport; Trip Ends (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Transfer Available To Liberia Airport; Trip Ends (Breakfast)

Our adventure ends after breakfast, either at Carrillo Beach or at Liberia Airport if you join the group transfer. Check the Joining Instructions for more information on transfers.

8 days tour

Costa Rica Family Escape

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Costa Rica Family Escape

Day 1: Start San José

Day 2: To Arenal; La Fortuna Waterfall Walk (Breakfast)

Day 3: Try Grade Ii And Iii White-Water Rafting On The Balsa River (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 4: To Monteverde In The Tilaran Mountains; Night Walk To Experience The Cloud Forest In The Dark (Breakfast)

Day 5: Zip-Line Adventure Through The Treetops; Visit The Hanging Bridges And Butterfly Garden (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 6: To The Pacific Coast; Afternoon At Leisure To Enjoy Carrillo Beach (Breakfast)

Day 7: Boat Trip To See Dolphins Offshore From Carrillo Beach; Go Snorkelling (Breakfast)

Day 8: Transfer Available To Liberia Airport; Trip Ends (Breakfast)

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania