Map of Costa Rica Family Holiday including Costa Rica

Make memories among the evergreen forest, towering volcanos and pristine beaches of Costa Rica

Discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica – and the culture shaped by the tropical wilderness – with your loved ones, on a trip that’s tailored for families. Pick produce and make dinner with a local family during an agricultural homestay, look for three-toed sloths in the thickets of the Manuel Antonio National Park and walk through the canopy of Monteverde’s cloud forest on a suspended bridge. Take a break from active adventure by soaking in springs heated by Arenal Volcano and lying beneath swaying palms on pristine beaches while the kids play nearby. This adventure takes you into the wild heart of a country many visit but few truly know.


Start
San Jose, Costa Rica
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Destination
Costa Rica
Style
Original
Theme
Family, Wildlife
Code
QCFM
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Go beyond a biology lesson and immerse yourself in nature, from spotting rare birds in Monteverde to listening for the evocative call of howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park.

  • Harvest produce and come together to cook a rustic meal from scratch during a homestay with family in an agricultural community.

  • Get active on guided walks through forest and jungle, plus an incredible canopy walk along suspended bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

  • Family holidays aren’t always relaxing, but this trip offers plenty of opportunities to take it slow in thermal springs and pools and on beaches.

  • End this adventure by hitting Manuel Antonio National Park, where the evergreen forest grows right up to the long, white beaches and irresistible water.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Make sure you pack some sturdy and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around cities and towns and through forests and jungles on this trip.

  • There are a few days of long travel on this trip as you’ll be covering a lot of Costa Rican ground. These drives are along smooth roads in new and comfortable vehicles, and are great for games, chats and scenery spotting. You’ll also make interesting stops along the way to break up the longer drives.

  • Is it hot in here? You’re in tropical Central America so it can get very humid. Carry plenty of water, dress in light clothing and we’ll give you every opportunity to cool off with a swim.

  • It’s a good idea to try and brush up on as many Spanish words as you can. Costa Ricans have a reputation for being welcoming but somewhat reserved, so knowing some local lingo is a great way to break the ice and show you care about them and their culture.

Itinerary

Welcome to subtropical San Jose! Meet your leader and fellow family travellers at a welcome meeting at 5 pm at the hotel. If you arrive early there is plenty to see in this bustling city, and as the streets are laid out in a grid pattern it’s relatively easy to navigate too. Check out a few of the optional activities below, just note that as these activities are not included, they may incur an extra charge. The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, for example, is the perfect way to introduce kids (and adults) of all ages to Costa Rican biodiversity while getting some respite from the clamour of the city. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a taste of ‘Tico’ food (and get to know the other families and your tour leader) with an optional dinner as a group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel KC or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) - USD11
  • San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (entrance fee) - USD16
  • San Jose - Butterfly farm - USD10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Fuel up on breakfast and get some books or classic car games ready for the 3-hour drive to Santa Rosa de Pocosol. The tiny agricultural community of Juanilama (pop. approximately 200) in the Santa Rosa de Pocosol area is predominantly dedicated to milk production and raising cattle. It’s the perfect place to experience life in small-town Costa Rica – you’ll even be staying with a local family! Settle in and get to know your hosts before going on an agricultural tour. During the tour the children will learn how to plant vegetables as well as gather some produce to be used in tonight’s cooking class. You will have some free time to wander around the community before coming together to create a meal with the produce collected earlier. Vamos a comer (Let’s eat)!
Accommodation
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - agricultural tour
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking Class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Today you’ll cross west through the north of the country to Arenal (approximately 1 hour), which lies beneath the volcano of the same name. Rising from verdant plains, Arenal Volcano shoots up 1633 metres in a perfect cone and in certain light resembles a storybook drawing. The landscape is mainly cloud forest and rainforest, cut through with rivers, lakes and -- thanks to the volcano’s inner workings -- thermal hot springs. On arrival you are free to explore the area at your own pace. Or perhaps you’d prefer to unwind by the hotel pool in view of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Your accommodation also features onsite hot springs where you can relax your muscles in preparation for an active day tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Magic Mountain or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Today begins with a hike to the Peninsula section of the National Park, near Lake Arenal. Here we will begin a 1.5 km (1 mile) long walk along an easy trail for about an hour. Throughout the tour you can enjoy excellent views overlooking Lake Arenal and the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range in the observation bays that are found along the trail. At the end of the walk, we will have the opportunity to climb to the observation platform of approximately 12 meters (40 ft) high for a closer and amazing view of the volcano. At the end of the trail, we will take our boat for a tour along the forested shores of Lake Arenal and islets to try to find some animals. This is the ideal place to take scenic photographs of the volcano, if it is clear. After about 45 minutes, the boat docks in the sector of the Arenal Dam.

The afternoon is then free for optional activities in the local area. Please note as these activities are not included, some incur extra cost. To get a closer view of the majestic volcano peak, you could take a hike past old lava flows on the Arenal 1968 Trail. There are two options on the 1968, including a shorter route suitable for families with younger kids. Or maybe a slow-paced soar on the Sky Tram is more your family’s speed? Chat to your leader about these and the many other options on offer today.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Magic Mountain or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Arenal National Park - Hike and Lake
Optional Activities
  • La Fortuna - Ecotermales Thermal Waters - USD45
  • La Fortuna - Hike to La Fortuna Waterfal - USD18
  • La Fortuna - Sky Tram & Sky Trek - USD89
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Today is a travel day as you travel via Tilaran to Monteverde de Santa Elena (approximately 4–5 hours). In 1951 North American Quakers founded the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a sanctuary for the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call the reserve home, and over the next few days you’ll get acquainted with some of them. There may be time to make an optional visit the nearby Butterfly Garden today upon arrival (an additional cost). Otherwise, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
Accommodation
  • Villa Lodge and Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD21
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
See the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of Monteverde. The sheer variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so don’t be surprised if younger children have a new answer to the question ‘what do you want to do when you grow up?’ While you’re up among the treetops look (or listen) out for the reclusive resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on zip-lines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk, a unique opportunity to see the area’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.
Accommodation
  • Villa Lodge and Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
Optional Activities
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD40
  • Monteverde - Sky Tram & Sky Trek - USD84
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Wave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to Manuel Antonio (around 6 hours). Arrive at your accommodation, located close to the national park, and spend an evening at leisure. On your way you will stop at a local family home where you'll enjoy a cooking class and lunch. An activity the kids will enjoy! All the dishes will be based on traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Tonight, maybe take the family for a traditional Costa Rican meal at a soda (local restaurant), where you can mix with locals and try some of the region’s incredible fresh produce. Please note this dinner is not included, but your leader can give you tips on where to go and what to order!
Accommodation
  • Hotel Divisamar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Manuel Antonio – Cooking Class & Lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
After breakfast enjoy a 3-hour guided walk along the trails that snake through Manuel Antonio National Park. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the area’s diverse wild and plant life from your guide. Look and listen carefully and you may be able to spot howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas and more. The afternoon is free to explore this magical area further at your family’s desired pace. Maybe you’d like to relax on one of the idyllic palm-lined bays while the kids splash in the water. Active types have the option to rent equipment to kayak, surf or fish in the glittering ocean (for an extra cost). There are no wrong choices in this balmy paradise.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Divisamar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
Optional Activities
  • Manuel Antonio – Cruise - USD95
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Rise and shine for your final morning in this beachside haven. Enjoy your last hours in Manuel Antonio with some free time before making the return drive to San Jose in the mid-afternoon (approximately 3 hours). There are no activities planned on arrival at San Jose but maybe head out as a group for a final optional dinner to reminisce about your time together.
Accommodation
  • Hotel KC or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
There are no activities planned for today. Please remember to comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times if you are leaving today. Can’t get enough of San Jose? Why not head out on a Tropical Rainforest and Chocolate Urban Adventure, which uncovers the chocolate and wildlife secrets of the jungle. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/San-Jose-tour-tropical-rainforest-and-chocolate-adventure.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private minivan

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Included activities

  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - agricultural tour
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking Class
  • Arenal National Park - Hike and Lake
  • Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
  • Manuel Antonio – Cooking Class & Lunch
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Costa Rica Family Holiday trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.
3.  A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
4. A single supplement is available on this trip with exception of Day 2 at the homestay
5. Costa Rica is a tropical country so rain can be excepted at any time. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May – November. While July and some of August does experience dry spells, families need to be prepared for the rain. Rain does usually come in the afternoons and it can pour. So you will need to be prepared with wet weather gear. Hurricane season in this region is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Intrepid monitors any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.
6. Many hotels outside of San Jose have been built further out from the centre of town so travellers can enjoy the countryside, rainforests and views, where people can wake up to birds not cars. Many of the hotels we use are in such locations.
7. Costa Rican food is known for being fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. Rice and black beans are a staple of most traditional Costa Rican meals. Meals in Costa Rican are more expensive than its neighbouring countries.
8. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

Essential trip information

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