Best of Costa Rica: Family Tour

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. San Jose is this lush country’s capital, nestled between mountains to the north and south, with a few volcanoes adding to the dramatic landscape. A visit to the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden could be the perfect way to introduce all the family to Costa Rican biodiversity. Join a welcome meeting, then ask your leader for the best spots for a first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.

This morning, travel by private vehicle to Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands on a scenic journey that leads to the rustic port of La Pavona, your gateway to Tortuguero. From here, hop aboard a small boat and glide into the heart of the Costa Rican wilderness. You’ll arrive in a richly biodiverse region where freshwater lagoons lie beneath a rainforest canopy that meets the ocean. Keep a quiet watch as you cruise across the water and through the lush jungle, as jaguars, vibrant birdlife, and turtles are among the many animals that call this extraordinary place home.

This morning, set out on a boat tour through the winding canals of Tortuguero National Park. Established in 1970, the park is now a vital sanctuary for wildlife and is home to manatees, ocelots, and jaguars. Tortuguero is also one of the most important nesting sites for green turtles, which come ashore between July and October to lay their eggs. At other times of the year, hawksbill, loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtles also nest along the park’s beaches.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the park’s walking trails or simply relax at your lodge. This evening, you may choose to join an optional turtle-watching tour, where part of the cost supports beach patrol programs that protect nesting turtles and their eggs from poachers.

This morning, bid farewell to the evergreen rainforest as you travel to Sarapiquí, a town renowned for its rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, take some time to settle into your hotel and unwind. In the evening, join your leader for a guided walk through the rainforest, following winding trails as you keep an eye out for wildlife. This immersive excursion offers a fascinating insight into the region’s nocturnal creatures, including sloths, howler monkeys, snakes, and frogs.

Today is a free day to explore Sarapiquí at your own pace. You and your family might choose to drift down the river on a relaxing float or seek a thrill with an adventurous white-water rafting trip through the rapids. For a gentler on-water experience, hop into a kayak and take in the lush surroundings at a leisurely pace. If you prefer to unwind, simply relax by the pool and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of your accommodation.

Today, you’ll travel west across northern Costa Rica to the Arenal Volcano region, a striking area dominated by the volcano of the same name. Rising 1,633 meters from verdant plains, Arenal forms a near-perfect cone that, in certain light, looks as if it’s stepped straight out of a storybook. The surrounding landscape is a mix of cloud forest and rainforest, threaded with rivers and lakes—and thanks to the volcano’s inner workings, dotted with natural thermal hot springs. For lunch, visit a local rural community where you and your family can enjoy an authentic Costa Rican cooking experience set amidst the charm of a working farm. This afternoon is yours to explore La Fortuna at your own pace, whether that means venturing into nature or simply relaxing and taking in the views.

Today is a free day to explore La Fortuna and enjoy everything the area has to offer. You might take the kids to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, set at the base of the dormant Chato Volcano and surrounded by lush tropical rainforest—you can even swim in the refreshing pool at the bottom of the falls. Alternatively, for a different perspective of Arenal Volcano, follow the 1968 trail, where the whole family can wander along lava trails and take in the breathtaking volcanic landscape.

Today’s journey to Monteverde is just as memorable as the destination. Cross Lake Arenal by boat then take a scenic drive to this renowned eco-tourism hotspot. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own adventure. Get out and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own, head to the nearby butterfly garden, or visit the suspension bridges for some leafy views over the area. As night falls, consider a guided forest walk to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Start the day with a tour of the breathtaking Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Your leader will share insights into the region’s incredible biodiversity and help you spot some of its remarkable wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and its quirky hairdo, listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. The reserve also boasts nearly 500 species of orchids, making it the world’s most diverse home for these stunning flowers. 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.

Say farewell to Monteverde and set off south along the Pan-American Highway, passing scenic beaches and swaying palm plantations on your way to the coastal town of Dominical. Along the route, stop at a local family home for a hands-on experience of authentic Costa Rican cuisine, culminating in a delicious lunch. Spend time with three generations of the family, hearing their stories and soaking in the true essence of the Pura Vida lifestyle. In Dominical, you’ll stay at a comfortable eco-hotel nestled in lush rainforest, offering the perfect blend of nature and modern comforts.

This morning, take a short drive to Marino Ballena National Park, a vital conservation area renowned for its rich marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and, of course, whales. Today offers a truly unique experience for the whole family as you take part in a hands-on coral restoration workshop with a local non-profit organization. Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Hike through the park’s scenic trails, relax on the beach, or join one of the many optional activities available in the area.

Today is a free day to enjoy Dominical. Nestled along the Baru River, this charming town is famous for its surf-friendly beaches and scenic tropical forest hiking trails. Whether you and the kids want to catch some waves or explore the lush surroundings on foot, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors.

On your return to San José today, you’ll stop at Manuel Antonio National Park—Costa Rica’s most popular national park—for a guided walk along its scenic trails with a naturalist guide. As you immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, you’ll learn about the region’s remarkable flora and fauna. Keep your eyes and ears open, and you may spot howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas, and a wide variety of birdlife. After your visit, continue on to San José, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening, you may wish to join the other families for a final group dinner to celebrate an unforgettable adventure.

Your adventure comes to an end here in San Jose.