Blanketed in pristine rainforest, lined by golden sands, and brimming with curious creatures, Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream and the ultimate family playground.
This itinerary is specially designed for families with children between the ages of six and 17, allowing you to explore Costa Rica's jungles, rainforests and otherworldly volcanic landscapes in a variety of exhilarating ways.
You'll study the fascinating flora and fauna of the forest canopies - getting an education in ecology that you won't find in a textbook - and explore Costa Rica's landscapes with activities like paddle-boarding, rafting, horseback-riding, and even surfing.
A highlight will be a nighttime cloud forest tour with an expert naturalist who'll teach you all about Monteverde's nocturnal wildlife, including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.
There's time to relax on this tour too, with the white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters of Manuel Antonio creating the ideal atmosphere for recovering your energy after a busy few days.
* From price is per adult, based on two adults sharing a room. Child price is from £1205 per child based on two adults sharing plus two children sharing, subject to availability and based on 15 July 2024 departure date. Other departure dates are available in March, April, June, July, August, November and December 2024, please call for details. Price includes savings. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £859 for own room. Deposit £200 per person. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and G Adventures Inc.
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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* From price is per adult, based on two adults sharing a room. Child price is from £1205 per child based on two adults sharing plus two children sharing, subject to availability and based on 15 July 2024 departure date. Other departure dates are available in March, April, June, July, August, November and December 2024, please call for details. Price includes savings. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £859 for own room. Deposit £200 per person. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and G Adventures Inc.