This itinerary is a busy and exciting trip to Costa Rica which will make sure both parents and young children not only have a wonderful time but learn along the way. The trip is designed to have few long journeys and give you time in each place to fit in activities and unwind. The canals of Tortuguero are a slow paced way to see wildlife, whilst Arenal holds activities such as paddle boarding and sanctuaries. Head to Monteverde and learn about reforestation and sustainable practices before ending on the beach with surf lessons and beach hopping.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: - Welcome to Costa Rica
Upon your arrival at SJO International Airport, a representative will meet and greet you, and they will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your vacation; then, you will be transferred to Grano de Oro hotel in San Jose. This is a great base for your first night to relax after your flight and before the start of your adventure tomorrow.
Day 2: - Transfer and Boat Trip to Tortuguero National Park
You will be picked up early this morning for your journey to Tortuguero, first by land transfer and then a boat trip through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest. From the boat you will be able to admire the different flora, fauna and many types of birds. Keep your eyes peeled for caimans too. After lunch at the property your guide will take you to the village here for the afternoon, a great way to see local life here.
Day 3: - Exploring the waterways of Tortuguero
Today, we will visit Tortuguero National Park that will amaze you with its enormous biodiversity. From the boat, you will get to enjoy a location home to over 2000 species of plants, 400 species of trees and over 405 bird species. Some mammal sightings may also be seen such as the white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, plus some endangered species such as the jaguar, ocelot and the tapir. There is also presence of crocodiles, different species of turtles and freshwater fish.
Day 4: - To the stunning area of the Arenal Volcano
This morning you will board the boat again to take you out of Tortuguero where you will be transferred to Guapiles for lunch before your transfer to Arenal. If the weather allows you will be greeted with an almost perfect volcanic cone view on arrival. Check into your property and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may want to book an activity or just relax at your property and its hot spring pools.
Day 5: - Paddle Boarding Tour of Arenal Lake
Start today with a good breakfast before you are picked up for your transfer to the beautiful and peaceful lake. You will paddle on the lake towards the volcano where your guide will point on wildlife on the way. You may wish for a swim midway. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Mystic Hanging Bridges for a trail immersed in the rainforest at the height of the tree canopies. After you are dropped back at the hotel your day is at leisure.
Day 6: - Day at leisure
Day at your leisure to explore the area. We highly recommend the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (extra cost) that protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roar, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helpedto develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most popular areas for tourists with hotels, tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports.
Day 7: - Transfer to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste
After your time in Arenal your driver will take you into the neighbouring Guanacaste province. This is the driest part of the country and therefore another interesting ecosystem. The area is also famous for its cowboys and cattle breeding and so you can enjoy plenty of views with. Dry grass for cattle grazing along with landscapes of tropical dry forest and its varied wildlife.
Day 8: - Butterfly Garden, Serpantarium & Frog Exhibit
This morning you will head to the hotels Butterfly Garden, Serpentarium & Frog Exhibit. Located in a beautiful setting you can see three of the major families of butterflies, 23 kinds of live snakes, 6 species of frogs and 2 lizards. The guide will explain each animal in detail, and you can even have a picture with a live boa. This afternoon if you would like more activities, we would recommend some horse riding and river tubing!
Day 9: - Cloud forests of Monteverde
Today you will continue to the cloud forest of Monterverde which takes you 1300 metres above sea level. This area is home to a huge amount of species, including 755 species of trees. Additionally, it is home to the greatest diversity of orchids, with over 500 species found here and 34 are endemic. We have the left the rest of the day for you to relax at your leisure. You may wish to book an initial tour into the cloud forest for some wildlife spotting.
Day 10: - Day Trip to Children’s Eternal Rainforest
The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is the biggest private reserve in Costa Rica and is part of the Water and Peace Biosphere from UNESCO. It Its mission is to maintain, preserve and rehabilitate the Topical Ecosystems and its Biodiversity. It has more than 22.000 hectare of primary and secondary forest, as well as regenerating areas. This Reserve has been preserved thanks to the efforts of more than forty countries around the world and you can be part of it while you enjoy its wonders of flora and fauna and learning the importance of preserve our natural resources.
Day 11: - Transfer to the Golden Sands of Manuel Antonio
To
day you will continue to one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica’s central Pacific, Manuel Antonio area. As you descend from the mountains of the cloud forest to the shoreward, you will feel a warm change in temperature and see a change in landscape as the coastline is dotted with stunning beaches. Reaching Manuel Antonio check into your hotel, where you will spend the next three nights, and have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 12: - Beach Hopping Experience
This day you will enjoy the great Beach Hopping Experience. This amazing trip takes you to two different beautiful beaches, where you will learn how to surf like a pro and enjoy a refreshing waterfall where you can jump from the rocks and cool off. In between the surfing sessions, relax in our comfortable hammocks, enjoy some fresh tropical fruit and coconuts or enjoy the waves on body boards, tan on the beach, or strike up a group competition with some beach games. The tour ends after a delicious Costa Rican meal. Rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 13: - At leisure on the beach
Today is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or if you so wish enjoy another excursion. You may wish to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park which has a beautiful combination of tropical forest and beautiful beaches which. You can swim in. There are a wide variety of animals within the park. Other activities you can do in this area include, horse riding, surfing, canopy walking, kayaking and fishing.
Day 14: - Final Night in San Jose
You will transfer back to San Jose for a final night in a hotel, so you are close to the airport for your departure tomorrow. You can have a lovely dinner, relax and reflect on your time in Costa Rica so you are ready for your departure tomorrow. If you would like any restaurant recommendations please do let us know!
Day 15: - Bon Voyage
You will be transferred back to San Jose airport in plenty of time for your flight home. We hope you have had an amazing family adventure to Costa Rica
DETAILS: -
This itinerary costs from £1,650 per person B&B based on 4 sharing (2 kids under 9) and including all private transfers but not international flights.
You can get flights from £550 per person return and do ask us for advice. We can book the flights for you, but a booking fee may apply.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £1,650 per person
- Accommodation on B&B basis and in one room with 2 adults + 2 children under 9
- Lunch on Days 2, 3, 4 & 12
- Dinner on Days 2 & 3
- Private Transfers (air-conditioned vehicle)
- All entrance fees with service of English-speaking guide for excursions
- Local Taxes
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
