Costa Rica Family Holiday

1 nts San Jose, 3 nts Tortuguero, 4 nts Arenal Volcano, 6 nts Manuel Antonio

This holiday starts in the steamy, humid jungle canals of Tortuguero where you will see the diversity of wildlife and birds that frequent this unique and interesting habitat. Sightings may include caimans, howler monkeys and spider monkeys. If you travel between the months of July and October you can take a guided night walk on the Caribbean beach and may see nesting Atlantic Green Turtles.

Continuing on to the Arenal region you will see a different landscape that includes the majestic and dominant Arenal Volcano. Here you can explore the rainforest in a variety of active ways that could include hiking, ziplining, mountain biking and horse riding. Included is a zip line through the forest canopy, a gentle nature float along the Penas Blancas river and a rainforest chocolate tour.

Finish the holiday at the family friendly Parador Hotel where you can relax in the pool or on the beach and enjoy the stunning views across the Pacific Ocean. A guided walk through the nearby Manuel Antonio Park to spot sloths, Capuchin and Squirrel monkeys and an array of other wildlife is included in your stay.

Price Guide

14 nights from £6,520 per person based on family of four (two children under 12)

These prices are excluding international flights. Average direct flight prices to Costa Rica range from £900 per person to over £1,000 per person at peak times (Christmas, Easter and Summer). Flight routes vary, there are direct flight options with British Airways from London Gatwick but also many alternative routes via the US. Please contact us for accurate flight pricing for your timings and place of departure.

Day to Day

Below is an example day by day itinerary

Day 1

Met on arrival at San Jose International Airport and transferred to Park Inn hotel.

Day 2

An early start this morning for your group tour to Tortuguero (approx. 6am), your trip begins by coach with breakfast en route and then transfer with your luggage into a boat to journey along the canals to your hotel (total journey approx. 6 hrs). After lunch you will take a guided tour of Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Centre. *Between the months of July and November the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle comes in great numbers to lay their eggs on the Tortuguero beach and for additional cost you can book onto an evening slot to see this majestic event. Overnight Pachira (BLD).

Day 3

This morning there is a chance to wander around the grounds of the hotel where you may see toucans, howler monkeys and other wildlife or book an optional kayak tour. After lunch you will take a guided group boat tour along the Tortuguero canals where you may see caiman, capuchin monkeys, herons surrounded by tropical jungle foliage. Enjoy a guided nature walk around the hotel grounds. Overnight Pachira Lodge (BLD).

Day 4

Day at leisure to enjoy the tropical rainforest environment, walk the trails or book optional tours with the hotel. Overnight Pachira Lodge (BLD).

Day 5

After breakfast you will begin your boat journey back along the Tortuguero canals, you will have lunch en route before your coach journey takes you to Guapiles where you will be met and transferred to the Arenal volcano region and a chance for your children to see a conical volcano close up. You will be staying at Arenal Manoa, a comfortable hotel with views of the volcano from the rooms and grounds, there are hot spring fed pools onsite and several restaurants including a wood fired pizza one. Overnight Arenal Manoa (B).

Day 6

Family zip lining is the adventure today, you will transfer up the first cable in an ATV to start your experience of flying through the rainforest via 11 zip lines with a backdrop of beautiful rainforest and glimpses of Arenal volcano. Overnight Arenal Manoa (B).

Day 7

Transfer to Penas Blancas River to do a floating safari tour with your guide, you will see a variety of wildlife that may include sloths, herons, monkeys, iguanas, lizards and other species. Overnight Arenal Manoa (B).

Day 8

Today you will visit the rainforest to experience how chocolate is made from bean to bar and the importance of the cacao tree to the ancient indigenous culture. This is a hands on tour where you will learn the harvesting of the fruit from the cacao pod, the drying and the grinding of the seed into chocolate. Overnight Arenal Manoa (B).

Day 9

Private transfer in air-conditioned minibus to Manuel Antonio to stay at the Parador Hotel (approx. 5 hours), opportunity to stop en route at Tarcoles River to see crocodiles. Parador Hotel in Manuel Antonio is a comfortable hotel with several pools, splendid views across the Pacific Ocean and a trail down to the beach (approx. 20 mins walk). There is also a games room, mini golf and a tennis court onsite. Overnight Parador Hotel (B).

Day 10

Take a guided walk through the Manuel Antonio National Park where you may see squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, possibly snakes and a chance of a Scarlet Macaw! Overnight Parador Hotel (B).