From CAD $2,995
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(14 reviews)
Experience Overview
Bring the family together for a hands-on Costa Rican adventure from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. Learn about animal conservation with a naturalist at Proyecto Asis, hike beneath towering Arenal Volcano, cross Lake Arenal by boat and explore the cloud forest and hanging bridges of Monteverde. Visit a family farm, make casado in a local home and trek through Manuel Antonio National Park, keeping watch for three-toed sloths, monkeys and iguanas. With free time to swim and relax, this your family’s chance to discover the incredible biodiversity of this tropical wilderness.
Highlights
- Prepare traditional casado with the Delgado family in their home, learning how Costa Rica’s classic lunch of rice, beans, salad and tortillas comes together.
- Get up close to the unique wildlife of Costa Rica on a guided tour of an animal sanctuary, where each resident – sloths, monkey, macaws and more – has a rescue and recovery backstory.
- Hike in Arenal National Park for an impressive view of the volcano before taking a boat ride along the lake to try and spot some local wildlife.
- Walk along suspension bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve for the best biology lesson the kids have ever had.
- Immerse yourself in nature on a guided walk with a naturalist guide in Manual Antonio National Park. The kids will love spotting sloths and listening for the evocative call of howler monkeys.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2457
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Minivan
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, Budget
Supplier Code: QCFM
Starts: San Jose, Costa Rica
Finishes: San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotels (6 nights), Farm stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2995 (CAD $333 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Optional Activities:
- San Jose - National Museum (Entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) (11 USD)
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
- San Jose - Butterfly farm (10 USD)
Accommodation:
- KC Hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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!
Included Activities:
- Proyecto Asis - Wildlife tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel Secreto La Fortuna (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, set out on short but moderately difficult hike along a path of volcanic stones. When you reach the viewpoint, your guide will explain how Arenal Volcano was formed, its periods of activity and even some unpublished details of its first eruption in 1968. From here, you’ll get excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. Return along the same trail, then enter the regenerating forest along the outskirts of the volcano. With a little luck, you’ll see a wide variety of plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest, like toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries and monkeys. After, take a boat tour along the forested shores of Lake Arenal and its islets to try and spot more wildlife. This is the ideal place to take some photos of the volcano (if the weather allows). 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.
Included Activities:
- Arenal National Park - Hike and Lake
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - Ecotermales Thermal Waters (45 USD)
- La Fortuna - Hike to La Fortuna Waterfal (18 USD)
- Arenal - Safari river float (85 USD)
- Lake Arenal - Kayak (20 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Secreto La Fortuna (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Monteverde - Children's Eternal Rain Forest (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) guided walk
Accommodation:
- Cabinas Capulin (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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).
Included Activities:
- Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate Tour (47 USD)
- Monteverde - Sky Tram & Zipline (101 USD)
- Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (Entrance fee) (22 USD)
Accommodation:
- Cabinas Capulin (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel Mono Azul (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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!
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio - National Park tour with a naturalist guide
Optional Activities:
- Manuel Antonio - Cruise (Inc transport, Guide, Iunch and Drinks Onboard) (95 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Mono Azul (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- KC Hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Melissa - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip for families with some unique stays. No big corporate chains, a lot of learning about local living. Really great way to dive into the culture. Lots of flexibility with the schedule and more excursions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/07/2023
Nisha - Traveled, July 2023
Amazing experience! Highly recommend intrepid for families. Something for everyone and well organized. Will definitely come back again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2023
Naomi - Traveled, July 2023
Amazing, well thought out, trip. Perfect for families and the right mix of activities. Our guide was very kind and helpful. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Bernard - Traveled, December 2022
Think again about taking this trip. The hotels will make you regret it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2023
Leanda - Traveled, July 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed this amazing trip and learnt so much about this lovely country and their fascinating animals. The flexible itinerary meant we adapt each day to how the family was feeling and was a great introduction for the children to the beautiful 'real' world
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2022
Bethany - Traveled, July 2022
It was amazing and so helpful if you want to learn about Costa Rica and the animals!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2022
Christopher - Traveled, July 2022
Costa Rica was a must to go to for our family. With younger children (9 & 11) we were a little concerned whether this trip was going to be a little too "wild" for them. However, the destinations we visited were well managed and at no time did we feel unsafe. The guide (Jamie) was excellent, approachable, well organised and his knowledge of the wildlife and culture was amazing. With the wildlife we saw, the different types of destinations and the experience of the local culture, I am sure this experience will stay with our children for a long long time. Thanks Jamie and Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2022
Aaron - Traveled, July 2022
Great experience with my 10 and 8 year old. Group size was perfect, and tour leader Imalay so friendly and knowledgeable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2022
Kristine - Traveled, April 2022
A holiday for both children and adults! It is fantastic to be able to experience so much, without having to stress with all the details related to transport, accommodation etc. You get to see and learn much more on a trip like this than if you travel on your own. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2022
Madeleine - Traveled, April 2024
Costa Rica was an incredible place to visit - people were so welcoming, the forests teeming with life, and so beautiful. We had a wonderful family holiday there, one that we will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Maria - Traveled, April 2024
Excellent for families, great adventure and rest with excellent guides. A safe and well organized way to experience adventure for the whole family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Eva - Traveled, March 2024
Just an amazing family trip in a natural and so friendly country . I would always recommend to go there again to explore the nature and see the exotic animals
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Mabli - Traveled, August 2023
I really enjoyed this trip. The tour guides were lovely and explained everything well and the activities were awesome. Each place and activity was picked out really well to be suitable for all the kids on the trip. My favourite experiences were seeing wild sloths and ziplining through the cloud forest. I have loved this trip and would travel with Intrepid again. Mabli, aged 11.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Joanna - Traveled, August 2023
Wonderful trip experiencing the Pura Vida of Costa Rica - so many animals, delicious fruits, interesting places and so much fun for our 5 year old and us. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
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