Costa Rica Family Holiday

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in subtropical San Jose, where you'’ll meet your leader and fellow families at a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see in this bustling city. As the streets are laid out in a grid pattern, it’s relatively easy to navigate. Maybe head to the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden to introduce the kids (and adults) 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 with an optional group dinner group.

On your way to La Fortuna today, you’ll take an insightful Costa Rica wildlife tour at Proyecto Asis. During your visit to the sanctuary, you’ll hear from a trained naturalist and take a guided tour to get to know each animal and its story. You and the kids are sure to leave thinking about conservation in a new way – your visit today also helps to support the animals that live here!

Today, get up close to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural wonders - Arenal Volcano. After breakfast, head to the Peninsula section of the Arenal National Park, where an easy walk through lush rainforest reveals spectacular views of the volcano, Lake Arenal and the surrounding Tilarán Mountain Range. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you wander the trail and stop at scenic lookouts along the way.
Climb to an elevated viewing platform for an even better perspective of the volcano and learn about its fascinating geological history and volcanic activity from your local guide. After the walk, enjoy a refreshing snack of tropical fruit before boarding a boat to explore the shores and islands of Lake Arenal. Cruise across the water in search of birds and other wildlife, while soaking up some of the best views of Arenal Volcano (if the weather allows). The boat journey ends near the Arenal Dam then the rest of the day is free for you and your family to relax or take part in one of the many optional activities on offer.

Today you’ll drive to the shores of Lake Arenal, where you’ll take a boat across to Monteverde. If it’s a clear day, you’ll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger and larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then relax in the afternoon before your visit to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest – Costa Rica’s largest private reserve and an Intrepid Foundation partner. Take a guided walk led by an experienced naturalist – the younger family members can take part in a fun ‘treasure hunt’ in the forest to discover different species and learn about biodiversity.

This morning is an early start as you join a local family for a tour of their farm to learn more about daily life in Costa Rica. The visit begins with the family’s history, photos and family tree, followed by a trip to the hydroponic garden. Feed the chickens and walk through the farm, where the family maintains tomato gardens, corn, cassava, carrots and other crops. After, head to the dairy to learn about the milking process before finishing at the on-site restaurant for a delicious breakfast. Later, head to the Sky Walk at Treetopia Park in Monteverde for a self-guided tour through the cloud forest canopy – six hanging bridges span up to 236 m (774 ft) and reach heights of 50 m (164 ft).

Set off towards Manuel Antonio National Park, stopping along the way for a hands-on cooking class with the Delgado family – a local family who will welcome you into their home and invite you to help prepare casado. This traditional Costa Rican lunch is a platter that includes a base of white rice and beans, a serving of meat like chicken or fish (a vegetarian option can be provided), salad and tortillas. After your feast, you can have a coffee before saying goodbye to the family and continuing to your accommodation. Tonight, maybe take the kids 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.

After breakfast, take a 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 local naturalist 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. Or, rent a kayak, surf or fish in the ocean. There are no wrong choices in this balmy paradise!

Rise and shine for your final morning in Manuel Antonio. Hit the beach or enjoy some time to relax before making the return drive to San Jose in the afternoon. Tonight, you might like to get together with the other families for a final group dinner to celebrate an amazing week in Costa Rica.

There are no activities planned for today and you're free to leave any time after checkout. 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. If you need extra accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.