Costa Rica Family Wild Adventure

We fly from London to San José, the busy capital of Costa Rica. We then catch a free transfer to our hotel, check in and relax. There’s plenty of excitement to come, so today’s all about easing into the adventure. To help, there is a welcome briefing at the hotel this evening, in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide.

Accommodation: Sleep Inn (or similar)

The trip starts in the best way possible: a free transfer from the airport to our San José hotel. Check in and relax. There’s plenty of excitement to come, so today’s all about easing into the adventure. To help, there is a welcome briefing at the hotel this evening, in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our guide.

Accommodation: Sleep Inn (or similar)

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José as we travel to the northeast of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the vast network of waterways, canals and swamps in Tortuguero is remarkably tranquil and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier, we board a small motorboat for the 1hr 15min journey to our lodge, which is a short distance from the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum. Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach 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; during November to January, baby turtles hatch and scramble to the ocean. Today’s travel time is about six hours including a break for breakfast.

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar)

Discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero on a morning 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 see monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300-plus bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river and we have the afternoon to relax. There’s a pool if you fancy a splash. Alternatively, join a second boat trip, visit the beach or follow a short walking trail through the forest.

Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar)

We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived, by taking a small boat. Our bus is ready at the pier to drive us to the Sarapiqui region, stopping for lunch en route. Sarapiqui, blessed with abundant vegetation and the beautiful Sarapiqui River, is one of the main banana-growing areas in Costa Rica, although coffee, cardamon, cacao, corn and other fruits are also produced here.

In the evening, we take a night walk through Tirimbina Biological Reserve, crossing a suspension bridge for a different perspective on the rainforest and its many inhabitants: see how many eyes you can spot staring back at you! Our guide focuses on nocturnal species, such as insects, frogs and mammals, who are active in the dark.

Accommodation: La Quinta Sarapiqui (or similar)

After breakfast, we check out and head to a pineapple plantation in La Virgen de Sarapiqui, an area with excellent growing conditions. During our morning tour, we discover the organic philosophy of the farm: learning about crop rotation, companion planting and the concept of rural agritourism – a great introduction to Costa Rican heritage.

After, we transfer to La Fortuna near the now-dormant Arenal volcano, arriving around lunchtime. We have free time to enjoy the hotel facilities – how about a dip in the pool with views of the cone volcano? – or there are optional excursions available for this afternoon/evening.

Accommodation: Arenal Country Inn (or similar)

This morning, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to exit – this takes 20-30 minutes and is rewarded with a swim in the emerald pool below. It is also possible to visit the lookout point and wait for the group instead. Keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the rainforest.

Then, this afternoon, enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience of all: discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate. Considered a ‘gift of the gods’, the cacao tree was vital to the ancient culture here: it helped produce their ceremonial drink and the seeds were used as currency. In this hands-on activity, we dive into the fascinating history, learn about the production process and, of course, sample their high-quality chocolate.

After, we have time to explore the Hanging Bridges: a series of treetop walkways, from which we can explore the forest from above and spot the resident wildlife.

Accommodation: Arenal Country Inn (or similar)

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran Mountains in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means Green Mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are more than 400 varieties here. Today’s drive is around four hours — the last 25mi (40km) of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain.

Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde (or similar)

Today we visit Selvatura Park – 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with a visit to the butterfly garden, which has one of the largest exhibitions of butterflies in the world. After, it’s time to try out your own aerial manoeuvres on a treetop zip-line adventure. Before you fly, guides teach you the proper technique, including how to position yourself and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely embark on this adrenaline-pumping adventure suspended above the trees.

Accommodation: Montaña Monteverde (or similar)

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and transfer to Rincón de la Vieja, an area of dry forest and enchanting waterfalls but best known for bubbling mud pots, steaming vents in the earth, hot springs and a whole host of wildlife.

Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)

There are two activities to choose between today: a canyon canopy tour or tubing. The cost of joining one activity is included, so it’s up to you to decide which you would like to do! The canyon canopy tour is a zip-line adventure involving rappelling, climbing, a Tarzan swing and hanging bridges over a narrow river canyon. Tubing takes place on the Rio Negro, with individual inner tube rafts across 3mi (5km) of class II and III rapids. Experience is not needed for either of these activities and you can decide which you prefer once you’re in Costa Rica.

Afterwards, we visit hot springs. Heated naturally by the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, these feed directly from the Rio Negro and are mineral rich with supposed therapeutic properties. There are 10 human-made pools created to capture the steaming mineral water, surrounded by thick forest. Smooth volcanic clay over yourself, let it dry and wash off with a cool shower or jump in the river before soaking again in the hot pools!

Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)

Today we travel to Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast, a fairly small beach town with lots to do and see. It is bordered by several breath-taking beaches, which are a few minutes’ away from the downtown area. We have a free afternoon here to enjoy the facilities and discover the area.

Accommodation: Wyndham Tamarindo (or similar)

We hop on an open catamaran in Playa Tamarindo and travel along the Gold Coast, passing exotic bays, white-sand beaches and tropical jungles as we scann the seas for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish or even a breaching whale. We stop in a tranquil bay with time to snorkel or relax on the deserted white-sand beach as the crew prepares a feast of barbecue chicken, yellow Spanish rice, fruit, chips, black bean puree, pico de gallo (a zingy salsa) and homemade chocolate chip cookies for lunch. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Tamarindo with time to relax.

Accommodation: Wyndham Tamarindo (or similar)

Today has been left free for you to enjoy the Pacific coast, Tamarindo Beach and the hotel facilities.

Accommodation: Wyndham Tamarindo (or similar)

We return to San José today, where the afternoon is free for you to explore the city or relax by the pool.

Accommodation: Sleep Inn (or similar)

The trip ends 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 everyone today. If you don’t want the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay and enjoy more time in the capital.

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.

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