Johnny Villalobos
Expert Leader: Costa Rica
Introducing Johnny
Johnny is a master in uncovering the many wonders of Costa Rica – natural and cultural.
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Activity
Family
Overview
Explore diverse ecosystems on a tropical adventure for all the family
Costa Rica is a natural paradise, with volcanoes, rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife and beaches. See them all on this Costa Rica family trip, which starts by travelling into the steaming jungle and exploring the Tortuguero waterways by boat, in search of monkeys, toucans and other colourful birds. We visit the Sloth Sanctuary and meet some of the residents, stars of their own Animal Planet TV show, and enjoy a night walk in the rainforest, try white-water rafting (optional) and splash in thermal pools at a waterpark near Arenal Volcano. There’s beach time too as we head to both Cahuita on the Caribbean coast and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific, where jungle cascades to white sand beaches.
Key Information
- Trip Code
- FNR
- Ways to Travel
- Guided Group
- Countries
- Costa Rica
- Carbon Footprint
- 11kg CO2e per person per day
What's Included
- All breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
Highlights
- Explore one of the world’s great wildlife-watching destinations with other families
- Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more
- Play and relax on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
- Cruise down the river at the Sloth Sanctuary
- Feel the rainforest come alive on a night walk in the Tirimbina Biological Reserve
- Stay in jungle lodges and hotels, most with swimming pools
Itinerary
- First Destination: San José
- Next Destination: San José
- Meals included:Dinner
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
- Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
- Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- Meals included:Breakfast
- First Destination: San José
- Next Destination: San José
Begin your adventure in San José, the culture-rich capital of Costa Rica. A complimentary transfer from the airport to the hotel is available. Check in and take it easy, there’s plenty of excitement on this trip, so today’s all about relaxing and easing ourselves into the adventure.
Around 7.30pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers during a short briefing and a group dinner together. Our main briefing takes place tomorrow morning due to the late arrival of some flights today.
Want to explore San Jose further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites (or similar)
- Meals included:Dinner
This morning your tour leader will host the main welcome briefing when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Afterwards we have a short drive to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Located within the transitional forest between the Central Valley and Northern Lowlands, the gardens host a wide variety of plants and bird life among stunning scenery. A short walk along a rainforest trail brings us to a great viewpoint, where we can watch the cascading falls. Entrance to the gardens includes a visit to the petting zoo, frog exhibit, aviary and butterfly observatory. Monkeys, sloths and toucans also inhabit this area, providing a great introduction to the incredible diversity of Costa Rica. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
We depart early this morning, travelling to Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean Lowlands of northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, this vast network of waterways, canals and swamps is remarkably tranquil and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the journey to our lodge (up to 1hr 30min) which is on a small strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the main lagoon. Please note the transfer from San José to Tortuguero is not private for Exodus clients.
Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen coming ashore to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and from late August through to November, baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero on a boat trip, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. The lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon. Alternatively, join a second boat trip, visit the beach or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge or Evergreen Lodge (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived: taking a small boat. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Cahuita region on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the pool, beach or discover our new surroundings. Caribbean culture thrives in this part of Costa Rica and is reflected in the music, food and laid-back lifestyle. The white sand beach is fringed by tall palms, behind which is the dense, wet tropical forest of Cahuita National Park.
Accommodation: Atlantida Lodge (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we drive to Aviarios del Caribe, the Sloth Sanctuary, subject of the Animal Planet TV show Meet the Sloths. This rescue and rehabilitation centre conducts sloth research and works tirelessly to return them to their natural habitat. You’ll learn all about these fascinating animals on a two-hour tour, where you’ll take a boat along the river to see sloths, monkeys, butterflies and birds. This afternoon, we return to Cahuita and visit the national park, following a coastal trail through the rainforest. The park has 2,711 acres (1,097ha) of land and 600 acres (245ha) of coral reef, which forms the largest reef system in Costa Rica.
Accommodation: Atlantida Lodge (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
We depart for Sarapiqui, one of the main banana producing regions in Costa Rica, although coffee, cardamon, cacao, corn and fruits are also grown here. It’s also gathering a reputation as a great spot for adventure seekers with plenty of optional activities to keep you entertained. In the evening, we take a night walk through Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a different perspective on the many rainforest residents.
Accommodation: El Bambu Hotel (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
There are various optional excursions to try today: join a chocolate tour in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, take a safari floating trip down the Sarapiqui River, have a go at white-water rafting on Grade II and III rapids, or join a canopy tour and zip-line through the forest. Alternatively, there are several nature walks through beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation: El Bambu Hotel (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
We transfer to the area around Arenal Volcano. Following a massive eruption in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010 when it entered a resting phase. Aside from the volcano, there are thermal waters, waterfalls and Lake Arenal to discover.
The rest of the day is free to explore, either at your own pace or on one of the optional excursions available. You could take the Sky Walk (canopy walk) or Sky Trek adventure (which has an optional zip-wire through the canopy) or enjoy the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
This morning, we have a guided nature walk through Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has a great system of trails passing through secondary forest and near lava fields created by eruptions. In the late afternoon, we visit Baldi Hot Springs as a group to enjoy a hot thermal bath from the volcanic spring water – a refreshing end to the day. Please note, on weekends or Mondays we visit alternative hot springs called Ecotermales.
Accommodation: Eco Arenal (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
We travel southeast along the coast, following the Pan-Am Highway to Dominical, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Our hotel is on the coast near Dominical, around 50 minutes south of Manuel Antonio. The hotel is set in lush gardens overlooking the river and just a 20-minute walk to the beach. We spend the next three nights here. Depending on our arrival, we should have time to visit the beach or splash in the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
Today we drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to a vast marine reserve plus 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive sandy beaches, forested islands and dramatic rocky headlands.
We have a guided nature walk today, which should include some very close wildlife encounters. White-faced capuchin monkeys play and are frequently sighted on the beaches, while noisy howler monkeys are usually heard moving through the trees and calling to each other before they are seen. The endangered titi monkey (squirrel monkey) are fewer in number but can sometimes be spotted in this area. Iguanas, agouti, and two- and three-toed sloths are also commonly sighted here. Better yet, the Manuel Antonio beaches are among the most beautiful in the country. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel.
Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
Today has been left free for you to relax – make the most of the hotel pool, visit the beach or explore the area. There are a few optional activities available, such as a whale and dolphin-watching boat trip (from mid-July to October and mid-December to March) or a snorkelling tour.
Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
Today we return to San José (approximately three-four hours plus rest stops and lunch). If you wish to travel into the downtown area by taxi, you will have time to see the modern capital and pick up souvenirs. Alternatively, relax by the hotel pool.
Accommodation: Country Inn and Suites (or similar)
- Meals included:Breakfast
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Transfers to San José airport are available to all clients today. But if you don’t want the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay and enjoy more time in Costa Rica.
- Meals included:Breakfast
Dates & Prices
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Read more about our flights-
Saturday 04 Apr 2026 to Saturday 18 Apr 2026
- Availability
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Only 5 spaces left!
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6365 (excl. flights)
-
Saturday 11 Jul 2026 to Saturday 25 Jul 2026
- Availability
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Guaranteed (On Request)
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6270 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1567 deposit
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Saturday 18 Jul 2026 to Saturday 01 Aug 2026
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Available
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6270 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1567 deposit
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Saturday 25 Jul 2026 to Saturday 08 Aug 2026
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Guaranteed (Limited)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Only 4 spaces left!
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6595 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1648 deposit
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Wednesday 29 Jul 2026 to Wednesday 12 Aug 2026
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6270 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1567 deposit
-
Saturday 01 Aug 2026 to Saturday 15 Aug 2026
- Availability
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Available
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6365 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1591 deposit
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Wednesday 05 Aug 2026 to Wednesday 19 Aug 2026
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6365 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1591 deposit
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Saturday 15 Aug 2026 to Saturday 29 Aug 2026
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6365 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1591 deposit
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Wednesday 19 Aug 2026 to Wednesday 02 Sep 2026
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Available
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6365 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1591 deposit
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Saturday 27 Mar 2027 to Saturday 10 Apr 2027
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This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6650 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1662 deposit
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Saturday 10 Jul 2027 to Saturday 24 Jul 2027
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Available
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6460 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1615 deposit
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Saturday 17 Jul 2027 to Saturday 31 Jul 2027
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Available
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6460 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1615 deposit
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Saturday 24 Jul 2027 to Saturday 07 Aug 2027
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6460 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1615 deposit
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Saturday 31 Jul 2027 to Saturday 14 Aug 2027
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6460 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1615 deposit
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Wednesday 04 Aug 2027 to Wednesday 18 Aug 2027
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6460 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1615 deposit
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Saturday 14 Aug 2027 to Saturday 28 Aug 2027
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Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 6460 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1615 deposit
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Saturday 18 Dec 2027 to Saturday 01 Jan 2028
- Availability
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Available
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
- Optional Single Supplement
- Single Rooms sold out
CAD 7125 (excl. flights)
Book with CAD 1781 deposit
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View DetailsAccommodation
Family-friendly hotels and lodges
For this Costa Rican adventure, we’ve picked family-friendly hotels and lodges, all of which have swimming pools. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
San José: Country Inn & Suites (nights 1-2 and 14)
Just 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, this Country Inn & Suites is the ideal place to begin and end our adventure. The rooms are comfortable with a modern international hotel style and there’s even two swimming pools for a post-flight dip.
Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge (nights 3-4)
Within Tortuguero National Park, this 66-room resort provides an away-from-it-all experience within the jungle. There’s a turtle-shaped swimming pool (this is green turtle country after all) and dining rooms where you can tuck into Caribbean cuisine with views of a tranquil waterway. Residents you might spot include sloths, toucans and iguanas, and we stay in rustic wooden bungalows with comfortable beds and ceiling fans.
Cahuita: Atlantida Lodge (nights 5-6)
It’s one of the more modest accommodations we use on this trip, but with a pool wrapped by tropical foliage and Playa Negra beach just a short walk away, one that your family is likely to enjoy. The bar knocks up a pretty great cocktail too.
Sarapiqui: El Bambu (nights 7-8)
This family-run hotel is surrounded by rainforest, where tropical birds flit between the green. Our families tend to gather by the pool, where there are sun loungers, tables and chairs. Or you may prefer to head to the restaurant, which serves Mediterranean and Costa Rican cuisines, including traditional chifrijo and ceviche.
Arenal: Eco Arenal (nights 9-10)
There’s a view of Arenal volcano right from the restaurant at Eco Arenal. And thanks to the river that borders the hotel, there are also plenty of other things to spot, including sloths, plenty of birdlife and exotic frogs. Head to the gardens and you’ll find a swimming pool lined with sun loungers and palm trees.
Dominical: Villas Rio Mar (nights 11-13)
In a rainforest setting, Villas Rio Mar combines Costa Rican wilderness with plenty of amenities. There’s a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore. Additionally, solar power runs the air conditioning in the bungalows, vegetables for the restaurant are grown in their greenhouse, and they run a monthly clean-up of Playa Dominical beach (which is just a 10-minute walk away).
Worth knowing
- Where triple rooms are booked, these usually consist of one double and one single bed, so these rooms are suitable for two adults and one child. We generally don’t recommend three children in one triple room unless two of the children are comfortable sharing a double bed.
- Some of the properties have ceiling fans rather than air conditioning.
- One or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your customer operations executive if you require more details regarding your specific departure date.
Post-trip Extensions
Exclusive Add-ons
Costa Rica Hotels
Recharge with a few relaxing nights by the beach and make your adventure feel even more extraordinary. Costa Rica’s coastline is a paradise of golden sands and warm Pacific waters, perfect for unwinding after wildlife encounters and rainforest exploration. Here are a few of our favourites to inspire your stay:
Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge: Nestled above Manuel Antonio’s coastline, boasting jungle-to-ocean views and access to a private wildlife refuge. Its comfortable rooms, relaxing spa and proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park make it ideal for nature lovers wanting both comfort and adventure.
Alma del Pacífico Beachfront Hotel: A colourful, boutique beachfront escape set along Playa Esterillos, offering spacious villa-style rooms just steps from the sand. With an oceanfront spa, tropical gardens and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s perfect for travellers seeking tranquillity by the Pacific.
Punta Leona Beach Club & Nature Resort: Set within a private nature reserve, this resort has two beautiful white-sand beaches, swimming pools and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Monkeys roaming the grounds, sloths lazing in the trees, a butterfly garden, and free guided walks to spot toucans or hummingbirds.
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.
Essential Information
Trip Expert
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.
Though this trip has been designed for nine to 12-year-olds, it’s also suitable for 13 to 16-year-olds. Our Family trips are aimed at children in the primary age group, so if your child is in the secondary age group, they may find it a little easier. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Transport: This adventure aims to show you the best of Costa Rica using buses and boats. While the driving distances are not huge and most roads are good, some sections are of poor quality/potholed, which can result in slower driving times. The longest journey (approximately six hours) is to Tortuguero on Day 3. There is also a journey of approximately five hours on Day 11 when we travel from La Fortuna to Dominical. Other drives are around four hours. All drives are broken up with regular stops; when rest stops and meal breaks are taken into account, the total journey duration may be one-two hours longer. On some travel days, we depart early in the morning to optimise the time at our next destination.
Animals: There are some dangerous insects and snakes in the jungle, although incidents are extremely rare. The guide’s advice must always be followed – it is the responsibility of parents to ensure children listen to the guide and don’t stray from paths.
Walks: The trip involves some short, easy walks in tropical conditions. There are also several optional activities, including a zip-wire canopy tour, rafting and more. There will be a full safety briefing at the start of each (so no prior experience is needed to take part) and all necessary equipment will be provided. Some activities may be changed because of the weather.
Swimming: The sea has very strong rip currents in the Tortuguero and Cahuita regions and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.
Key information
Start hotel: Country Inn & Suites, Sobre Autopista General Cañas, Cariari, Heredia Province, San José, 40701
Phone: +506 2239 2272
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, but we recommend by 6pm to join the optional welcome dinner at 7:30pm.
Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Costa Rica
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica; however, proof of onward travel may be required – we suggest you take a physical copy of your flight details in case officials ask to see them.
Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
The following establishments provide visa advice for citizens of the named country,
- Australia: Smartraveller
- Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories, Government of Canada
- United Kingdom: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- USA: Bureau of Consular Affairs
All breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners 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 and 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 – though the monkeys in the hotel gardens may well want to share your bananas!
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate. The average annual temperature is around 26C (79F) in the lowlands and 10C (50F) in the highest mountain regions. However, it’s essential you prepare for the time of year in which your departure takes place.
Dry season (December to April): This is the driest period of the year and can get incredibly hot; on the Pacific side, temperatures may exceed 37C (98F). If passing through areas of dry tropical forest it can be hot, dusty and dry. Prepare for some rain even during this time of year.
Rainy season (May to November): Expect daily downpours, although these are usually quite short and there is still plenty of sunshine. Typically, there are sunny conditions until approximately 1pm-2pm and then a build-up of cloud from around 3pm, resulting in late afternoon rain (most likely showers between 3pm-5pm). Usually, the sky clears by 6pm.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Reviews
Add new reviewUnforgettable Costa Rica Adventure – Pura Vida at its Best!
A wonderfully organised Costa Rica family adventure filled with hot springs, wildlife, and unforgettable moments — truly capturing the spirit of pura vida.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching a sloth slowly move through the trees in its natural habitat was incredible — a reminder to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty around us.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was jovial, approachable, and always made sure everyone was well looked after. He kept the energy positive and the group engaged, which really enhanced the experience and he made the trip smooth, fun, and memorable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack light, bring comfortable shoes, and don’t forget a rain jacket — the rainforest really does live up to its name! Make time to relax in the hot springs, stay open to every new experience, and most importantly, embrace the pura vida lifestyle.
Fantastic adventure
An amazing adventure holiday that the whole family loved. It was a perfect balance of wildlife adventure and opportunity for my 9 year old to play at the hotel pools and beaches. she enjoyed the wildlife adventure part just as much as the pools and beach. I thought we managed...
Most Inspirational Moment
We loved seeing all the wildlife in their natural habitat, especially the sloths, Toucans, scarlet macaws, iguanas and monkeys. The night time green turtle trip was amazing and the boat trips in Tortuguero stand out. It was also great to hear that tourism is contributing to protecting the wildlife as it give income to people as well as the banning of single use plastics in the national parks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alejandro was brilliant, very knowledgeable and always happy to go out of his way to help and organise things. Chico the driver was also excellent, often spotting wildlife and stopping the bus so we could see and take photos.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want to take photos then at least a 100-400mm lens is recommended. I got some amazing photos using this. If you only want a compact camera then 20x optical zoom or would be good. Dollars are widely taken and often prices are quoted in dollars. Colons are easily available from ATM and a lot of ATM will give dollars or Colons. Visa and Mastercard also very widely taken. (check if your bank charges a fee, mine doesn’t) Take an insulated water bottle, I appreciated having cold water during the day having filled it from the hotel water cooler.
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
Incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. We saw such a lot- mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The experience of being in the rainforest is unique and totally different to anything we had experienced before.
Most Inspirational Moment
Close up views of wildlife. We loved the zip lining and the hot springs.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Organised, extraordinarily good English and a mine of information on all sorts of topics. He also shared some fabulous wildlife photographs with us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The wet season is really really wet so be prepared. It doesn’t necessarily rain every day but is overcast most of the time and there are days when the rain is absolutely relentless for the entire day. Nothing will dry so bring a spare pair of trainers or walking shoes.
Suggestions
I’d suggest ditching the sloth sanctuary- it’s two concrete rooms. The information was really interesting but suspect the guide could have told us the same facts. The final day which is just a drive to San Jose feels like a wasted day. Not sure if it would be possible to do something else that day? Also, we had a group of 19 which is too many really for this type of trip. When trying to see wildlife it was often difficult to see or to hear in a crowd of this size.
Absolutely brilliant family Christmas trip
We went on this trip as a family of four with children aged 12 and 14, over Christmas 2022. We had an absolutely brilliant time and the memories will stay with us forever. Costa Rica just has everything- amazing wildlife, great weather, beautiful scenery, beaches, friendly people, felt very safe...
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching our children’s reaction (they’ve never been further from the UK than France!) to all the amazing things we saw, especially the wildlife
Thoughts on Group Leader
Johnny was an absolute star- caring, witty, exceptionally knowledgeable and just great fun to be around.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go!! You won’t regret it.
Suggestions
An unforgettable experience- thank you so much.
dec 22 trip
The whole family loved the trip and everyday even the travel days there was something to look fwd to.
Most Inspirational Moment
All the wildlife we saw especially the sloths, snakes and all the birds.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent great to get someone who is a great people person who is an expert in Costa Rica wildlife
Advice for Potential Travellers
Great trip for all aged kids and teanagers
Suggestions
No
Perfect Costa Rica Family Adventure
An amazing adventure that exceeding expectations. The travel guide, Johnny and driver Wilbur were superb and made the holiday
Most Inspirational Moment
Loved every moment. Seeing the Green Turtles giving birth and Hump back Whale babies jumping was amazing but the thousand little things easily matched
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely Perfect. Love and enthusiasm for Costa Rica was Superb
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy. Traveled in early August and needed no warm gear. T-shirt and umbrella was ideal for all areas. If you have never explored Costa Rica would 100% recommend.
Suggestions
Would recommend Exodus Travels
Exceeded Every Expectation
From the moment our amazing adventure started we did not want it to end. Now 5 months later we still don't want it to end. Sadly it did back in January (so many tears when it was time to go home) but the memories we have are secure and will...
Most Inspirational Moment
There are so many highlights with not a moment wasted. Here's a few... The night walk over vertigo inducing hanging bridges in the tree canopy and coming face to face with a mother sloth cradling her baby hanging off said bridge. We never thought we'd get that close! The James Bond style speedboat race over rivers so wide you couldn't see both sides. The zip lining above a rain forest. I mean, what's more to say! The white water rafting. Awesome! Sloths. Toucans. Frogs. A snake. Etc. Etc. And, everything else too!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alejandro was the perfect guide engaging with adults and children alike with the enthusiasm necessary to keep interest high (especially on the long journeys between destinations). The supplementary knowledge of a native Costa Rican added the local insights we wanted to lear about and we're sure we wouldn't have experienced many aspects of Costa Rican life (e.g. local dining) without Alejandro there to support us. Nothing was too much trouble.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the advice provided by Exodus. It's all pretty useful and relevant. Heed the warnings of rain. For the first half of our trip in December/January it rained a lot (perhaps more than expected). We found that swimming clothes and ponchos was a better option in many situations (not the jungle) than going for full waterproofs. Less to dry out because drying stuff out takes days in the humid environment. The rain is always warm.
Suggestions
If you can do this trip (once all of this horrible pandemic stuff is out of the way) just do it. Spend the money if you can. This was by far the most expensive holiday we've every taken and it was almost certainly also the best value for money. Thank you Exodus!
Great adventure - our expectations were blown!
A fantastic, safe but action-packed way to explore a totally new country. The wildlife was amazing (the crocodile eating a howler monkey was a 'highlight'), as was the white water rafting. A wonderful way for a family to connect to each other and to nature.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many, it's impossible to choose! But I think the Costa Rican wildlife in all its glory was the highlight. Seeing a baby humpbacked whale swim alongside our boat will stay with me forever, as will the crocodile eating a monkey - but in a different way. Our driver spotting a group of scarlet macaws as we drove along the highway, and then spending several minutes watching them with our mouths open was another highlight. On another level, the white water rafting was exhilarating and such fun. But the whole country and its people was inspirational too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gio was amazing - his wealth of knowledge about Costa Rica, its history, geography and nature was amazing, as was his engagement with the group (kids and adults). His lovely last speech as Roberto was driving us to the airport brought tears to my eyes! He was always very mindful of our safety, which was so important when you factor in the excitable kids (and adults) who could potentially forget themselves and make unsafe decisions. I am also extremely grateful to him for just ignoring my travel-related migraine (and vomiting) within minutes of meeting him at the airport!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you, like us, want a real adventure, but are nervous about how to do this when you're not that confident travelling, this is a definite trip to consider. This was our first trip abroad as a family, but has set the bar very high for future trips!
Suggestions
Roberto, our driver, was also fantastic. It was just a shame we couldn't converse with him as he didn't speak English.
Amazing wildlife adventure
What an incredible trip! Costa Rica is everything that we had hoped for and more. The wildlife and scenery was spectacular, and the tour gave us a great experience of all of the different areas of the country. Each day felt like it couldn't be topped only for the next...
Most Inspirational Moment
It's really difficult to highlight a best bit as the whole trip was incredible. The boat rides on Christmas day in Tortuguero and seeing all of the amazing wildlife is hard to beat, being so up close, felt like being in a wild life documentary. Rafting was incredible fun and the guide was very funny. The beaches and warm sea were just gorgeous, especially when you thought of home! We really enjoyed sharing the experience and getting to know the other families. Relaxing at the end in Dominical and seeing the stunning pacific sunset. Our guide was very passionate about his country and we learnt so much not just about nature, but about the geography, history and government of Costa Rica. It was fascinating and not something you would necessarily know if you traveled independently.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our trip guide, Jonny, was simply fantastic. He'd won the award the previous year for exodus' best guide and it was easy to see why. As a guide he was incredibly attentive to the groups mood and needs and was always planning ahead so that our trip went as smoothly as possible and that we got the most out of our time. He was also a great ambassador for Costa Rica, using the journeys to tell us about the country's history and the lands we were traveling through. Above all he was a incredibly passionate and knowledgeable naturalist, helping us to spot some amazing wild life and learn a little of this fantastic country's eco-systems.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I packed walking boots which were heavy, trainers are fine. You do need a waterproof as the weather can literally change in minutes! Be prepared to be up and out around 6/7am on trip days - this sounds early but the sunrise is 5.30am and everyone is up and about (also this is when you see the best nature and the UK time zone helps!). Your routine just adapts, early rise and early bedtime! Wifi was available in all hotels but signal patchy. A travel washing line is useful - we did do a laundry load in La Fortuna which was reasonable but hotels are not cheap. Food is generally not cheap. Budget as exodus advises and you'll be along the right lines.
Suggestions
This trip has inspired us all to travel more and we would definitely use Exodus again and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Travelling over the Christmas/New Year period was a fantastic tonic!
Amazing Adventure with Teens
A wonderful couple of weeks focusing principally on the wildlife of Costa Rica. We went at the start of the rainy season and were lucky with the weather, but don't think you'll be suthbathing (much) as Exodus keep you moving!
Most Inspirational Moment
My thirteen year old son told me that the Pacific coast beach we visited was the most beautiful place he'd ever seen.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, excellent, excellent. Gio has an exceptionally calm, professional and efficient manner. He's also incredibly knowledgeable and endlessly enthusiastic about his country. On top of that, he understands the importance of group dynamics and ensured that we formed a happy group. I really don't think we could have asked for a more thoughtful, organised and all-round nice guy to lead our holiday!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Two things - 1. If you're travelling in the rainy season, ignore the advice to travel light as you cannot dry clothes (everything is constantly damp) 2. Ignore Exodus's terrible and costly advice to take dollars. You need enough dollars to get you to a cash machine, then withdraw local Colones and use them everywhere - otherwise you will be ripped off by terrible dollar exchange rates offered in shops and restaurants.
15 Days
Excluding Flights
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