Costa Rica is one of our most frequently visited destinations – not for the large all-inclusive resorts which have gained favor with conventional vacationers, but for the unique lodges, exotic rain forests, accessible wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities. You’ll marvel at how comfortable you’ll feel, how much you’ll learn every day, and how much fun you will share as a family.
For nature-loving families, Costa Rica is perfect! Share in the wonders of the rain forest, the pleasure of jungle rivers, and the drama of the volcanic terrain. Costa Rica has a long history of nature tourism and a large range of facilities and services. Our week-long itinerary introduces you to the best activities of the season, reaching deep into natural areas and offering you a taste of how people live.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: San Jose.
Day 2: Arenal - La Paz.
Day 3: Arenal.
Day 4: Sarapiqui.
Day 5: Sarapiqui.
Days 6-7: Tortuguero.
Day 8: Tortuguero/San Jose/Onward.
Detailed Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: San Jose.
You'll be greeted on arrival at San Jose's international airport and transferred to a very lovely hotel in San Jose. (Please note - dinner is not included in your tour price)
Day 2: Arenal - La Paz.
Morning departure with your driver/guide. By mid-morning you'll be at La Paz, a private natural reserve where you visit Costa Rica's largest butterfly farm and hike the dramatic waterfall trails. The enormous powerful waterfalls will take your breath away! Enjoy the hummingbird garden, where you'll be able to count a number of different species, and then enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch. Overnight at Arenal Observatory (or similar). Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 3: Arenal.
This morning you have the option of driving near Arenal Volcano and hiking a trail over black hardened lava. You'll be able to buy lunch either at the Observatory Lodge or in La Fortuna. In the afternoon, you will relax at the base of Arenal Volcano at Ecotermales hot springs which provides you with a relaxing and unparalleled experience with its natural springs and thermo-mineral water pools. Includes: (B, D)
Day 4: Sarapiqui.
Drive east to the Sarapiqui region in the Caribbean lowlands. Check in for a 2-night stay at an especially welcoming family-run lodge above the Sardinal River. On the premises they maintain a butterfly house and frog garden. Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals in the open-air dining area that overlooks the swimming pool and jungle. Evening bat netting activity at Tirimbina Biological Reserve. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 5: Sarapiqui.
Today is for optional activities at a large nearby ranch called Hacienda Pozo Azul. Family members can choose to go zip-lining, whitewater rafting on gentle rapids, and/or horseback-riding. (Costs for these activities are extra and need to be chosen in advance.) There’s a lot of flexibility for individuals to decide to spend all or part of the day at Hacienda Pozo Azul, or all day at La Quinta. Includes: (B, D)
Days 6-7: Tortuguero.
Travel by road and water with your guide to Tortuguero National Park for two incredible days of exploration. The park borders the Caribbean and contains a network of canals and waterways that take you inland through the jungle. With help from your naturalist guide, search the trails and waterways for manatees, caimans, monkeys, sloths, river otters, poison dart frogs, and 300 species of birds, including the roseate spoonbill, American fin foot, great green macaws, trogons, oropendulas, and frigate birds. Turtle nesting season begins in the summer for the large green turtles. You might want to take a visit with a naturalist at night to spot for mother turtles digging their nests and laying their eggs in the sand (extra cost $15-$20 per person). Spend two nights at Mawamba Lodge (or similar). Includes: (2B, 2L, 2D)
Day 8: Tortuguero/San Jose/Onward.
Fly from Tortuguero to San Jose where you'll be greeted and transferred to the international airport for afternoon flight home. Includes: (B)
Cost Includes:
- Meals as noted
- Each night in double occupancy accommodations
- Land transfers between components
- English speaking guides
- Park or site entry fees
- Surface transport
- Equipment other than personal gear
- Government tax
- Airport transfer assistance
- In-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted)
- Complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance
Cost Excludes:
- Meals not noted as included
- Gratuities
- Beverages (except tea or coffee at meals)
- International or domestic airfare unless specified
- Airport departure taxes not included with air tickets
- Visas
- Itinerary changes after confirmation
- Any services not included in itinerary
- Any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights
- Acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Adults: $2,595
- Ages 12-16: $2,050
- Under 11: $1,395
Cost based on child sharing a room with 2 full paying adults.
* Holiday surcharge: $300 adult, $100 child
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Ecotourism
Rainforest
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