Costa Rica Family Experience
9 days
from San Jose to San Jose
From
$ 1449
Duration9 days
Nothing brings learning to life like real-world experience. This week-long trip’s engaging lesson plan gives kids an education in biology and ecology that can never be found in a textbook. Here, spend the days (and nights!) studying the flora and fauna that inhabit the cloud forest and Manuel Antonio National Park. Elsewhere, get in touch with the land by rappelling, rafting, swimming, horseback-riding, and even surfing all over it. Science + gym? You do the math.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 9 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: San JosePhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: San JoseAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: San José
Start place: San Jose
Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy capital, San José has beautiful parks, museums and an ornate National Theatre. Start your exploration of the city in the central plaza, a great place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
End place: San Jose
Day 2: San José/La Fortuna
Start place: San Jose
A three-hour van trip brings us to La Fortuna, near the base of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is a great base for active adventures. Along the way, stop to meet Doña Mara and learn the art of making (and eating!) tortillas.
Once we arrive, there's time to relax in the hot springs that are heated by the volcano's lava.
During our stay in La Fortuna, there is a wide selection of activities sure to please every member of the family. From river rafting, to rappelling down waterfalls, to floating along the canals of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge in search of caiman, there is no excuse to be bored!
Once we arrive, there's time to relax in the hot springs that are heated by the volcano's lava.
During our stay in La Fortuna, there is a wide selection of activities sure to please every member of the family. From river rafting, to rappelling down waterfalls, to floating along the canals of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge in search of caiman, there is no excuse to be bored!
Set off from the capital and enjoy the countryside of the Central Valley. Stop for a tortilla-making lesson, along with a typical Costa Rican lunch.
End place: La Fortuna
Meals: B, L
Day 3: La Fortuna
Start place: La Fortuna
Get your adrenaline pumping and pre-book the Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Take to the lake for a morning of stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking on Lake Arenal, before a free afternoon.
This morning there is an included kayak/SUP activity on Lake Arenal. Half the group will start by kayaking and switch to SUP mid-way through, and vice versa.
End place: La Fortuna
Meals: B
Day 4: La Fortuna/Monteverde
Start place: La Fortuna
From La Fortuna, we make our way first by boat, then by van up the rough mountain roads to reach the fresh misty air of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spend two days exploring the community and nearby forest, truly a bird lover’s paradise.
Travel by bus and boat through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into the cloud forest. Take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand.
End place: Monte Verde
Meals: B
Day 5: Monteverde
Start place: Monte Verde
Enjoy a free day in this lush cloud forest region. Opt to fly above the trees on a canopy zipline tour, go horseback riding in the hills or visit the butterfly garden.
End place: Monte Verde
Meals: B
Day 6: Monteverde/Manuel Antonio
Start place: Monte Verde
The white sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. Manuel Antonio NP offers excellent hiking, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife viewing. An included hike goes deep into the park, to explore everything that can be found here.
Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and discover why the warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing - the perfect finale to an exciting family adventure!
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and discover why the warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing - the perfect finale to an exciting family adventure!
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Take a guided hike through the national park keeping an eye out for the wildlife that can be seen through the trees.
End place: Manuel Antonio
Meals: B
Day 7: Manuel Antonio
Start place: Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a free day for several optional activities like mangrove kayaking, surf lessons, a sunset catamaran tour, or take some time to relax on the beach.
End place: Manuel Antonio
Meals: B
Day 8: Manuel Antonio/San José
Start place: Manuel Antonio
After one final morning to soak up the sun on the beach in Manuel Antonio, we return to San José, and have time to enjoy one final evening together with our group.
Free morning to enjoy more time at the beach. Return to San José in the afternoon. Free evening in San José.
End place: San Jose
Meals: B
Day 9: San José
Start place: San Jose
Depart at any time.
End place: San Jose
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Tortilla Making and Local Lunch, La Fortuna Your Hands-On Moment: Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour), Arenal Your Hands-On Moment: Kayak Lake Arenal, La Fortuna Your Discover Moment: Monteverde Your Discover Moment: Manuel Antonio
- Arrival transfer
- Kayaking and paddle-boarding in La Fortuna
- Guided cloud forest night walk (Monteverde)
- Guided hike in Manuel Antonio NP
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private vehicle, Boat, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts)