Costa Rica Family Adventure

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your journey begins with a flight into San Jose, the Capitol City. There you will be met and assisted upon arrival and transferred to your hotel for a relaxing night.

The city of San José is the national capital and economic center of Costa Rica. It is currently undergoing a renaissance with pedestrian streets and modern high rise buildings, yet it still retains much of its past multicultural heritage in restored elegant old buildings, historic statues, and parks.

Dinner(*) on your own, and overnight at Villas San Ignacio or Villas del Rio in San Jose.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. 

Once you are ready, your guide will meet you at the lobby and take you to your next destination: Sarapiqui. In Sarapiqui you will choose your activities for the day!

Safari Float at the Sarapiqui River: A guided 2 hour river raft tour through the beautiful and nature-rich Sarapiquí River and its tributaries from the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Stunning views, wildlife, and an abundance of fauna will make you want to stay on the river longer! 

Chocolate Tour: Join us at the Tirimbina Rainforest Center for a chocolate tour! Learn about the initial indigenous cultivation of the tangy-sweet cacao fruit at a traditional cacao plantation. On the way to the plantation we will travel through the Tirimbina Rainforest where you may see a variety of wildlife and will cross the longest hanging suspension bridge above the Sarapiqui River. At the plantation you will have the opportunity to see the artisanal process of making chocolate and tasting the cacao bean at its different stages. 

Nocturnal Nature Walk: Come and discover the rainforest in this unique opportunity at night! During this tour you will be guided across Tirmibina's suspension bridge and explore the rainforest when it is dark and most of the rainforest animals are active. You may have the opportunity to spot animals like sloths, the red-eyed tree frog, porcupine, kinkayou and more.

Overnight at Ara Ambigua, Selva Verde, or similar in Sarapiqui. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel your guide will pick you up and take you to the home of the famous Arenal Volcano. 

The optional activities for today:

Boat tour to Caño Negro: This tour departs at 8am from Hotel Tilajari, on the road to Los Chiles northern border you will see many citrus, pineapple and sugar cane plantation fields. Arriving to Los Chiles about 9:30am, the journey will begin upstream on the Frio River in a comfortable boat, where you can enjoy the vast natural richness of the river. The Caño Negro has 44,500 hectares of lagoons and tropical wetlands.

The fact that many of the species found here have not been seen anywhere else in the country makes this a unique refuge! Capuchin monkeys, sloths, several types of herons, alligators, turtles, and up to 60 species of birds are commonly found during this tour. The Caño Negro adventure is something you cannot miss!

Horseback riding tour at Hotel Tilajari: The forest is located in front of the hotel property, a 20 minute ride by horse. There are spacious pastures to ride through and the forest area is a private nature reserve that extends over 400 hectares of the rainforest. The trails are designed for easy access with its flat geography, combined with some streams and a significant variety of flora and fauna. The walk extends for over an hour, where the naturalist guide will explain the characteristics and interaction of different species. There is a good chance of seeing frogs, monkeys, birds and some small mammals. The horses will be waiting at the exit of the forest to go back to the hotel. If you do not want to ride the horses, we can take you to the forest by car!

Guided visit to La Fortuna Waterfall: This trip to the waterfall offers 20 minutes of walking through the forest to get to the foot of the waterfall, where you can quietly enjoy nature, nature and nature! The tour is recommended for physically active people.

Overnight in San Carlos, at Arenal Volcano Hotel Tilajari, Hotel Arenal Paraiso, or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel your guide will take you to Arenal Volcano (approx.1.5 hour drive), which steams continuously above a verdant landscape of gently rolling farmlands, small town centers and vast forests in the park and adjacent mountains. This picturesque region offers natural beauty, amazing wildlife and plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Such as hiking the trails near its base and over lava flows, or taking in the wildlife that is now reclaiming their former territory.

The first activity will be a exciting zip line and then take a guided gondola ride where you will experience the rainforest canopy that has a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano and Lake. This tour offers 4 miles of cables in a height range between 32-220 yards above the ground.

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, try Sky Trek!
A open-air gondola ride where you’ll be dropped off at an observation deck for fantastic views of the volcano and land below. From the observation deck, return to the ground below by riding down on a circuit of zip lines stretching across canyons and between treetops. Then, a hike and lunch at Arenal 1968. This wonderful place belongs to the family of the Tilajari group which is located in La Fortuna just 30 minutes away from the hotel. We will have the best lookout point of Arenal Volcano and the lake at the same time! Arenal 1968 offers three options: you can sit back, take pictures and relax enjoying the volcanic activity and amazing view, take a hike through the impressive lava flows from the 1968 eruption or tour the property riding a horse.

At the end of the day relax in the magical Baldi hot springs. You can choose the right hot spring with the perfect temperature for you. You will have dinner included at the restaurant!

Once you are ready, your guide will take you back to your hotel for the evening. 

Overnight in San Carlos at Arenal Hotel Tilajari, Hotel Arenal Paraiso, or similar. (B, D)

Another day where the choice is yours! The guide and van will be available in case you want to visit La Fortuna town or experience one of the activities below. 

Visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges: Located in a biological corridor, which shows the migration of several species of birds that travel through North and South America. The trails and bridges of this project will allow a closer look at the birds, flowers and extensive vegetation. You can be deep in the forest, thanks to the 3.1 miles of magnificent suspension bridges and paths designed for a pleasant walk.

Guided visit to La Fortuna Waterfall: The trip to the waterfall is a 20 minute walk through the forest to get to the foot of the waterfall, where you can quietly enjoy nature, nature and nature! The tour is recommended for physically active people.

Visit Vida Campesina: The tour of Finca in Arenal Vida Campesina offers you an authentic Costa Rican experience to enjoy and learn about sustainable production techniques and an efficient model in harmony with nature that allows us to enjoy a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers through of a tour of the organic farm.

During this tour you will have the opportunity to learn from a local farmer and taste the products of the farm in harvest. In the Trapiche tour, we will experience the sugarcane milling process by taking the Sugar Cane Juice and its derivatives and milling it. Afterwards, you and your family can visit and feed the goats, chickens and cows. At the end of our tour we will have an authentic and traditional organic lunch, prepared with firewood and served buffet style with Costa Rican traditional coffee. 

Overnight in San Carlos at Hotel Tilajari, Hotel Arenal Paraiso, or similar. (B, L) 

Today, your guide will pick you up and transfer you from Arenal to Monteverde. You will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and take one last look at the Arenal Volcano while surrounded by Arenal Lake, the perfect spot for a selfie or a Family photo.

Below are the optional activities for the day in Monteverde:

Visit the Hanging Bridges of Selvatura: Selvatura Park’s treetop walkways provide the best way to safely admire the forest at your own pace. Walking on the bridges, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate a wide variety of flora and fauna of Monteverde and observe the endemic biodiversity of the cloud forest canopy, which is not found anywhere else in the world. 

Guided visit to Monteverde Reserve: The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the largest of the protected area, with more than 10,415 hectares. Here we can find more than 500 species of orchids at the extremities of the huge trees, while lianas, ferns, mosses and lichens fill the rest of the space.

The Monteverde cloud forest is home to more than 130 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, including the precious Quetzal, 30 species of hummingbirds, 5,000 species of moths, and 3,000 species of plants. It is certainly a paradise for the true nature lover.

Do a cultural tour with Monteverde Footprints: Introductory tour to Monteverde. It consists of a 1.3 km guided walk, visiting iconic community sites and sharing with visitors.

Topics of:  

Evolution of the Monteverde economy from agriculture to tourism.

History of nature conservation: from forest preservation to more sustainable development.

The role of women in the family and tourist economy of Monteverde.

Monteverde's contribution to education on conservation and sustainability and the main challenges of the community for the future.

It lasts 2 hours and includes Monteverde cheese and coffee tastings. Proceeds support the Monteverde Community Fund's environmental and social impact programs.

Nocturnal Nature Walk: This is one of the best tours in Monteverde to see wildlife! This tour starts at sunset. At this time is when wildlife becomes very active, because all the diurnal animals are looking for a place to sleep and the nocturnal animals are waking. You will have the opportunity to hear and see animals that are very different than those you see during the day. The most common animals you will see are slots, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, gray fox, tarantulas, frogs, some species of insects and many sleeping birds.

Overnight in Monteverde at Hotel Fondavela, Hotel Poco a Poco, or similar. (B)

At your selected time your guide/driver will pick you up at the hotel for a private guided transfer to Central Pacific.

On the way, we will stop for a boat tour at Tarcoles River and Mangrove. The Estuary of Guacalillo and the Tarcoles River offer the opportunity to observe one of the largest populations of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) in the world. You will also discover the mangrove area that has a high percentage of biodiversity with a large number of waterfowl and one of the most important conservation areas for the Scarlet Macaw bird in the country.

We will stop for lunch and then continue the trip to our beach destination!

Overnight in Central Pacific at Hotel Punta Leona (Selvamar), Hotel Club del Mar (2 Bedroom Apartment), Hotel Costa Verde (Studio), or similar. (B, L)

A day to explore the area with your guide!

Optional activities below:

Guided visit to Carara National Park: Scarlet Macaws flying overhead in formation, bursts of red, blue and yellow, one of the most beautiful sights you will experience during your visit to Carara. This transitional forest has rich biodiversity, housing approximately 48% of Costa Rica’s bird species. Bird watching enthusiasts will have the opportunity to observe Scarlet Macaws, Aracari, Toucans, Herons, Egrets, Tinamous, Vultures and more. Your guide accompanies the group during the 2-mile hike, explaining the different sights and sounds. A 20-minute stop at an observatory along the way provides time for rest and photographs. The Tarcoles River is the Northern boundary of the park, and the bridge that crosses it is the perfect spot for safely observing the largest crocodile population in the country.

Catamaran Tour: Set sail towards the horizon aboard a catamaran, admiring the marine life as well as islands and rock formations bordering Manuel Antonio National Park. You will board your catamaran at the pier in Quepos, the Marina Pez Vela, and sail off towards the coast. Have your cameras ready to capture the beautiful scenery during the journey.

Your guide will be available to point out notable wildlife and vegetation as you admire the islands, cliffs and other natural formations. Enjoy the beverages and snacks available on board. After touring the coastline, the captain will set anchor at Biesanz Bay where you can snorkel or simply rest onboard. You are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, and angelfish and dolphins that sometimes follow the boat. A tasty barbecue lunch is served onboard.

3 hours ATV or Buggy Tour: Welcome to the best Jungle & River Buggy Adventure in Costa Rica for 4 people, this tour will put you in the driver’s seat of some of the best Honda 4×4 off-road vehicles out there! In our adventure center, you will receive driving instructions and take a test run on our specially designed private track. Then your guide will lead you along the jungle trails, following rivers and dirt paths, you will arrive at your own private Waterfall. Here you will have time to swim and enjoy nature at its best, during your adventure the guides will have cool water and at the end of the tour we will greet you with fresh tropical fruits.

Visit to Kids Saving the Rainforest: We invite you to take a tour of the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary and see in person the dedication and love it takes to help save these rainforest animals—over 130 animals every year! Squirrel Monkey, White-faced Capuchin, endangered Spider Monkey, Coatis, Kinkajous, and many more. The two-toed sloths in our sanctuary are ambassadors for educational purposes, because they were unreleasable for various reasons. Most of the sloths that we rescue are able to go through the rehabilitation program and get released back to the wild.

Surf Lessons: Give a challenging yet fun activity like surfing a try on the beaches of Manuel Antonio! We will provide the surfboards and our experienced instructors will teach you how to ride the waves. From beginners, through intermediate, to expert surfers, you will enjoy this popular surfing spot. Beaches on the Costa Rican Central Pacific are famous for hosting International surf tournaments!

Overnight in Central Pacific at Hotel Punta Leona (Selvamar), Hotel Club del Mar (2 Bedroom Apartment), Hotel Costa Verde (Studio), or similar. (B, L)

Say farewell to Costa Rica for now and take a morning transfer to the San Jose Airport (3 hour drive) to board your homeward flight. (B)

With the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the health and safety of Global Family Travels’ travelers, community partners, colleagues and guides are of paramount importance to us. Our COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS document, found under Tasks section, outlines our commitment to mitigate and manage the risks associated with COVID-19 when you travel with us.  Please also refer to the tasks which has specific details for your activity and destination. 

Thank you for helping to keep yourself and fellow travelers and guides safe!

Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs.  In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.  

Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.    
 
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip!  Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels

This tour emphasizes authentic cultural experience to give you a true taste of Costa Rica. Guests will engage with conservationists and families in various communities.

Together you will learn how to cook a proper Costa Rican meal and interact directly with the members of the family, learning names, games and sharing traditions from your world and theirs.