Itinerary Highlights
  • Visit some of Costa Rica’s standout features, including Arenal Volcano and the Nicoya Peninsula
  • Go white-water rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui
  • Head out on a guided night walk around the Miravalles Volcano
  • Visit an animal rehabilitation centre in Puerto Viejo
  • Spend the final days of your holiday relaxing on the beaches of Santa Teresa (or surfing the stellar swells of the Pacific Ocean)

Contact one of our Costa Rica specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120

As your children enter the teen years, they may become more resistant to the prospect of a family holiday. Here’s where we come in; this 17-day family-focused itinerary featuring white water rafting, Pacific coast surfing and forest canopy walking should hopefully have them reconsidering (and keep them away from their screens for a couple of weeks). Costa Rica stands out as a model of environmental protection and offers myriad exhilarating encounters with the wonders of nature. Animal lovers can visit a veterinary shelter for primates, birds, reptiles in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, while budding environmentalists will relish the chance to get up close to the flora and fauna in Arenal National Park.

For adventure-seeking teens, white-water rafting along the rapids of Rio Sarapiqui can be included, as well as surfing lessons in Santa Teresa. Our local Concierge will be on hand throughout with expert advice and suggestions to elevate your holiday.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you
DAY 1

FLIGHT TO SAN JOSE

Your Costa Rican family adventure begins today with a 15-hour-and-20-minute flight from London to San Jose, with a layover in Paris along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel near the city. After taking some time to settle in, head out to explore the surrounding area and feast on some traditional Costa Rican cuisine at a restaurant recommended by our local Concierge, or enjoy the food on offer at your hotel restaurant.

DAYS 2 to 4

SCENIC DRIVE TO PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA

Collect your hire car this morning in San Jose and begin the drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which takes around five hours. While the drive may be on the longer side, the road takes you through the heart of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and its stunning natural landscapes, so there’s plenty of photo-worthy pitstops along the way. You’ll then emerge into the city of Limon that sits on the southern Caribbean coast, before continuing south along the coast and into Puerto Viejo. Renowned for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine and architecture, the former fishing village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the essence of paired Afro-Caribbean and Latino culture. To a backing track of reggae, you can sip coffee together on stunning beaches and chat with friendly locals. We’ll arrange a private tour of the nearby Jaguar Rescue Centre, an animal park that provides a refuge for sick, injured and orphaned animals with the aim of reintroducing them into their natural habitats. The centre specialises in small primates, birds, reptiles and amphibians and is run by volunteers; you’ll be able to watch these animals and learn about the work done by the trainers during your tour. Puerto Viejo is also famous for its large waves, known as ‘Salsa Brava’, that attract surfers from around the world. If any of your brood are budding wave riders and would like to try their hand at harnessing the swells, we can organise private surfing lessons during your stay.

DAYS 5 & 6

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN SARAPIQUI

Set off from Puerto Viejo bright and early in the morning and drive to Sarapiqui, in the northwest of the country. The four-hour drive leaves the southern Caribbean coast and takes you through more rich natural landscapes. Once past Limon, the road continues along the coast to Río Frio, where it then branches off into the heart of numerous pineapple plantations before arriving in Sarapiqui. This is the place to visit for rafting thrills (sure to appeal to adventurous teens), with its deep canyons and fast-flowing rapids. Sarapiqui is ideal for active types of all kinds, offering hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, as well as wildlife watching. Visit Frog's Heaven, where some 20 species of frogs coexist; Snake Garden, which is home to several families of reptiles and amphibians; and Nature Pavilion, which protects various bird species. Adrenaline-seekers will love rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui, where turbulent rapids are interspersed with calmer sections that allow you to observe the region’s varied flora and fauna.

DAYS 7 & 8

VOLCANO VIEWS & NIGHT WALKS

The next phase of your Costa Rican family adventure takes you to Arenal National Park in the region of La Fortuna. Home to Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s geographical standouts, the national park boasts magnificent volcanic views and rich ecological diversity. The whole family is in for a treat with the activities on offer around Arenal. First up is the Sky Tram, a system of lifts and zip lines that will transport you to a viewing platform with breath-taking views of the volcano and the lake of the same name. Come evening, you’ll get to see the park in a different light as you head out on a night walk with an expert guide, who will introduce you to the resident wildlife and rich ecosystem. Both activities are bound to wow any budding biologists or nature lovers. The region is also home to bubbling hot springs – thanks to the volcanic surroundings – which are perfect for relaxing in after your action-packed days.

DAYS 9 & 10

INTO THE RAINFOREST

Drive three hours from Arenal to San Bernardo de Bagaces, nestled next to the Miravalles Volcano. Off the beaten track and barely visited, the misty, leafy landscape is bisected by an intensely blue river – according to legend, God washed his paintbrushes in the Rio Celeste after painting the sky blue. While here you’ll become acquainted with even more of Costa Rica’s ecology. At dusk, you'll explore the rainforest as the animals start to wake up and take over their surroundings. This will take you all the way up to the Mirador Mesa Norte, where you can see the silhouettes of the three nearest volcanoes in the distance. Accompanied by the noises of the forest, you’ll likely spot insects, frogs, nocturnal mammals and maybe even some snakes. The fun isn’t finished even as the tour comes to an end, as you’ll return to your hotel by zip line.

DAYS 11 to 14

SURF’S UP!

Your next destination is another beachy one, known for its consistent waves which are popular with surfers. Spend your days in Santa Teresa however you please and rest assured that there’s plenty for every generation to enjoy. Water babies can take to the waves with surfing lessons, snorkelling and swimming, while beach bums can relax on the golden sand. Beyond the beaches are jungle-clad hills laced with hiking paths, and – if you venture further inland – you can join horse-riding treks. In the evenings, look out for the sunset over the Pacific Ocean – it really is spectacular.

DAY 15

BLACK SAND BEACHES & MARINE LIFE

The final stop on your Costa Rican family holiday is Tambor, a village perched at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Renowned for its beautiful black sand beaches, calm waters and marine wildlife, Tambor is a hub for all sorts of water sports. End your trip on a high note with some final water-based fun and visit Curu National Wildlife Refuge to discover the region’s native species.

DAYS 16 & 17

HOME TIME

Sadly it’s time to say adios to Costa Rica today. To return to San Jose, you’ll first drive to Paquera and take a short ferry ride to Puntarenas. From here, you’ll join the main road for around an hour and a half to reach the capital. Return your hire car and catch your flight home, once again stopping in Paris along the way.

A la carte

Tour of Carara National Park

The park covers 11,600 acres of both dry and wet rainforest - two very different environments - and is home to 50% of all the bird species found in Costa Rica.

Option -Half day with a private guide



Bathing in the warm waters of the Arenal Volcano

The pools are perfectly integrated into the tropical jungle, with the sounds of the forest in the background. A moment of pure serenity, surrounded by nature, and totally invigorating.

Optional



Hiking and snorkelling in Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is renowned for its paradise creeks and its mangrove that can be explored on wooden pontoons. The jungle is home to howler monkeys, sloths and green ibis. It's also known for its stunning coral reefs that can be explored when snorkelling.

Option - Day trip with a guide

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
Based on two adults and two children. The estimated cost for this trip starts from £3,395 to £4,285 per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £3,660 per person.
  • International flights with a scheduled airline

  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharge


  • Private transfer from the airport to the hotel on arrival in San Jose

  • Car hire for 12 days

  • Overnight stay in San Jose, in double rooms with breakfast

  • Two-night stay in Dominical in a family villa with breakfast

  • Overnight stay in Tarcoles, in a family villa with breakfast

  • Two-night stay in San Bernado de Bagaces in double bungalows with breakfast

  • Two-night stay in Arenal in double rooms with breakfast

  • Overnight stay in Saraquipi, in double rooms with breakfast

  • Three-night stay in Porto Viejo de Talamanca in double bungalows with breakfast

  • A private whale-watching and dolphin-watching cruise in Marino Ballena Park

  • Entry tickets for Manuel Antonio National Park

  • A wildlife walk at night in San Bernado de Bagaces with a guide

  • Hike through the forest canopy with an instructor

  • A night walk on the hanging bridges in Arenal with a guide

  • Rafting down the Saraquipi River with an instructor

  • A private visit to a veterinary shelter for primates, birds, reptiles, amphibians, in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca with a volunteer from the shelter


  • Our local Concierge service


  • A GPS navigation service accessible from our app, loaded with your itinerary, hotel details and places to visit
  • A few of the benefits of travelling with us
    Get in touch
    Our experts have the inside track on the destinations they sell and will tailor-make a holiday to your unique requirements.
    Contact one of our Costa Rica specialists