Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, where every road seems to lead to a waterfall, volcano, lush rainforest or a tropical beach. It's the perfect destination for adventurous families who want to see incredible wildlife in one of the world's most diverse natural habitats.
This trip is designed for parents and children between the ages of six and 17 to enjoy together. You will be travelling as part of a group of families with other children on an itinerary that's been designed with the needs of the whole family in mind.
This week-long itinerary gives kids (and parents) an education in biology and ecology that will never be found in a textbook. You'll spend days studying the fascinating flora and fauna that inhabit the forest canopies and getting in touch with Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes with a range of adventure activities, like rappelling, rafting, swimming, horseback-riding, and even surfing.
A highlight will be a nighttime cloud forest tour with the guidance of a naturalist, who'll teach you all about the Monteverde's nocturnal wildlife. Keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk; you never know what you might see with mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians calling the forest home.
There's plenty of time to relax on this tour too. The white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters of Manuel Antonio create the ideal atmosphere for kicking back and recovering after a few busy days - the perfect way to make the most of this tropical paradise before your Costa Rican adventure comes to an end.
Today you'll arrive in San José, with an arrival transfer to your hotel included. There are no planned activities today, so check into your hotel and spend some free time relaxing and enjoying the city.
Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy capital, San José has beautiful parks, museums and an ornate National Theatre.
You might wish to 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, and artisan stalls are often open, so you can pick up some local crafts.
Today you'll set off from the capital and enjoy the countryside of the Central Valley. Stop for a tortilla-making lesson with a local family, before eating your tortillas with a typical Costa Rican lunch of casado.
You'll then travel onwards to La Fortuna, near the base of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Once you arrive, there's time to relax in the hot springs heated by the volcano's lava.
During your stay in La Fortuna, there's a wide selection of activities available, suitable for 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 chance of getting bored here.
Take to the water for a morning of stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Arenal, Central America's second largest lake.
As you glide across the blue-green waters of the lake, you'll enjoy amazing views, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Scan the shores for more than 300 species of birds, listen for howler monkeys and fish for sharp-toothed rainbow bass. Take time to float and soak in the stunning scenery of the rolling hills, secret coves and lakeside canopies.
You'll then have a free afternoon in La Fortuna to relax or perhaps book another optional adventure activity.
From La Fortuna, you'll make your way first by boat, then by van up the rough mountain roads to reach the fresh misty air of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll spend two days exploring the community and nearby forest - a true bird lover's paradise.
This evening, you'll join a naturalist guide for a tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
Keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk; you never know what you might see - it depends on the day and your luck!
Enjoy a free day today in this lush cloud forest region. You can choose from a range of activities, such as flying above the trees on a canopy zipline tour, horseback riding in the hills or visiting the butterfly garden.
Today you'll travel to Manuel Antonio, where you'll have some free time to enjoy further optional activities like mangrove kayaking, surf lessons, a sunset catamaran tour, or simply take some time to relax on the beach.
The white sand beaches and warm Pacific waters here create the ideal atmosphere for relaxing between your adrenaline-pumping activities.
Pack your sunscreen, camera, hiking shoes and bug repellent and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica's smallest national park, discovering its exceptional biodiversity. You will go on a guided hike which will take you deep into the park, where you can explore everything that can be found here.
Manuel Antonio offers four white sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Head to the shade of the nearby tropical forest in search of sloths, monkeys, armadillos and iguanas, climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area's off-shore islands, and learn how the wildlife has adapted to their environment.
After one final morning to soak up the sun on the beach in Manuel Antonio, you'll return to San José, and have time to enjoy one final evening together with the group.
The evening is free to spend as you wish, perhaps exploring more of San José, or simply relaxing in the hotel with your fellow travellers.
Today you'll depart to catch your flights back home as your Costa Rican family adventure draws to an end.
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