Authentic Family Adventures in Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Your driver will be waiting for you at Juan Santamaria International Airport , near San José, at an elevation of 1,150 meters in the heart of the Central Valley, to take you to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel inAlajuela (20 minutes from the airport)

Today’s itinerary: rafting trip and exploration of the Pacuare region

You’ll meet your Spanish-speaking driver at your hotel’s front desk, who will take you to the meeting point to begin your adventure.

Approximate drive time: 1.5 hours.

Rafting trip down the Rio Pacuare

Today, your adventure will begin in La Cruz, located near Turrialba. The rafting team will be waiting for you to get you ready for your first trip.

Get ready for some fantastic Class II and Class III rapids, with a stop for lunch on the riverbank, prepared by your local guides and chefs. After lunch, you’ll paddle for another 40 minutes to the drop-off point. From there, you’ll take a 10-minute hike through the jungle to reach your lodge, where you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views of the Pacuare River canyon and the surrounding mountains.

Once settled in, you can enjoy the lodge’s various amenities: Tarzan swings, an observation area, hiking trails… 

In the evening, dinner will be prepared while you listen to the rainforest come alive as the sun sets and night falls.

Overnight stay with full board at a lodge typical of the Pacuare region

A day of activities to explore the lodge’s magnificent surroundings at your own pace.

On this day, you’ll wake up to the sunrise over Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Mornings capture the true essence of the rainforest as mist rises from the mountains. A hearty Tico breakfast will be waiting for you to help you start your day off right.

You’ll begin the day by riding five different zip lines, each spanning the length of four soccer fields. Not only are they long and fast, but they also offer the best views you’ll find of the Pacuare River.

Next, you’ll have lunch before hiking through the jungle to one of the most pristine waterfalls on the Pacuare River. Your guide will show you the right way to jump and land, because you’ll learn that there’s only one way to go down!

In the evening, you can relax at the lodge and reflect on your day of adventure.

Overnight stay with full board at a lodge typical of the Pacuare region

New Rafting Trip on the Rio Pacuare

Get ready for a day of Class III to IV rafting!

You’ll raft through the canyon’s rocky walls, which rise 120 meters high, and pass through waterfalls. It’s truly a magical day from start to finish.

Your guides will serve you another delicious traditional lunch.

After getting off the river in the town of Siquirres, you’ll have the chance to change, take a shower, and put on clean clothes before saying goodbye to this little lodge!

You’ll continue your day by picking up your rental car.

Drive fromSiquirres to Arenal.

Continue by car to the La Fortuna region and the majestic Arenal Volcano (1,635 meters).

Approximate driving time: 4 hours

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit a foundation dedicated to the conservation of Costa Rica’s wildlife: 

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the reserve with your guide to learn about each animal and its story. You’ll discover why animal conservation is important, how it should be done, and what impact you can make—all while having fun with our friendly guides, who will engage you and help you think about conservation in a new way.

Next, you’ll have the chance to learn how to prepare food to encourage engagement, feed the animals, and create fun and enriching activities for them to enhance their daily routine—which will be the highlight of your visit.

Approximate duration: 3.5 hours.

Overnight stay at a family-run, eco-friendly hotel in Arenal

Let’s go milk the cows!

Looking fora unique and authentic experience? Early in the morning, you’ll head out to meet the Finca’s cows and have the chance to help the team milk the herd and fill the milk pails.

You’ll get to enjoy this fresh, organic milk right at the restaurant during breakfast.

Approximate duration: 30 minutes

Discover the Finca Luna Nueva farm!

Explore the different areas of this exceptional farm dedicated toorganic farming, which aims to regenerate the soil and uses organic techniques. The farm’s exemplary approach will be demonstrated through a presentation of the various crops grown there, which you’ll have the chance to taste—whether fruits, vegetables, or spices (over 90 different varieties are grown on the farm).

Approximate duration: 1.5 hours 

Overnight stay at a family-run, eco-friendly hotel in Arenal

Thrills Above the Arenal Canopy!

The day begins with an 1,800-meter trail through the rainforest, crossing suspension bridges high above the canopy. You’ll safely enjoy breathtaking views of the biodiversity as you cross five bridges (ranging from 20 to 37 meters above the ground)!

Then you’ll take a cable car ride to observe the flora and fauna—thrills guaranteed in complete safety…

Finally, you’ll explore the treetops via zip line, gliding along impressive cables from one platform to the next. This is a network of platforms and cables suspended at the tops of the trees, totaling nearly 3 km in length!

Approximate duration: 6 hours.

Relax at a family-friendly hot springs resort

Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and fun at a renownedfamily-friendly hotspringsresortin the Arenal region. You’ll be able to enjoy various baths and pools, waterfalls, and water slides. The hot water comes directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano and never comes into contact with the magma.

Approximate duration: 4 hours.

Overnight stay at a family-run, eco-friendly hotel in Arenal

Discover the volcanic region of Rincón de la Vieja!

Route from Arenal to Rincón de la Vieja.

Set off for the province of Guanacaste, home of the Sabaneros—those proud and colorful cowboys.

Approximate travel time: 4 hours.

Along the way: you can visit the famous Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste.

You’ll stay at a unique, secluded lodge in the Rincon de la Vieja region; dinner is included.

A Day of Hiking to the Blue Morpho Waterfall!

Set out to explore the Rincon de la Vieja region on a truly authentic adventure. You’ll start the day with a horseback ride from the village of Buenos Aires to a small farm. You’ll then continue on foot to admire the view of the Morpho Azul Waterfall. Head to the natural pools to cool off in the magnificent crystal-clear waters and enjoy the exceptional setting. The day ends at the natural hot springs.

Approximate duration: 5 hours, easy hike.

You’ll spend the night in a unique, secluded lodge in the Rincon de la Vieja region; dinner is included.

Heading to the famous beach resort of Samara on the northern Pacific coast!

Route from Rincon de la Vieja to Samara.

Departure for Samara, via Liberia, the “White City” and capital of the province.

Approximate driving time: 4 hours.

Along the way: You can take the coastal road from Venado to explore the Pacific’s exceptional coastline.

Overnight stay in a charming hotel in Samara in a private villa with a pool and fully equipped kitchen.

Head out to sea to watch the dolphins!

During this half-day tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. You might even spot sea turtles and the many humpback whales that inhabit the waters off the Pacific coast.

At the end of the tour, equipped with a mask and snorkel, you’ll also explore the region’s magnificent underwater world.

Approximate duration: 3.5 hours.

In the afternoon, you can explore the region’s beautiful beaches.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Samara in a private villa with a pool and fully equipped kitchen.

A free day to enjoy the region’s beaches or explore the inland areas.

Please contact us for information on the variousmust-see activitiesavailable locally:

• Kayaking
• Fishing, surfing, horseback riding
• Snorkeling
• Gyrocopter tour of the region

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Samara in a private villa with a pool and fully equipped kitchen.

Last stop in Tambor, an authentic coastal region in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula!

Route from Samara to Tambor.

Today, you’ll leave the beautiful beach resort of Samara to head to the southernpart of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Approximate driving time: 3.5 hours.

You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Tambor region for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay at a charming lodge located in the hills above Tambor, ideal for families.

Tour of the Curù Reserve!

You’ll start by visiting the Curù Reserve, which offers a beautiful setting where you can observe many animals and landscapes typical of this region, with its oceanic and tropical influences.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Discover the phenomenon of bioluminescence:

Then, at the end of the day, you’ll enjoy much more than just a simple nighttime boat tour, as this excursion turns out to be an incredible interactive experience.

At 5:00 p.m., you’llset off by boat from the peaceful Curú Beach and headto Playa Blanca (Isla Tortuga), a beautiful white-sand beach located about 3 km away (the boat ride takes about 20 minutes). Here, you’ll wait for nightfall while enjoying fresh fruit on the beach, then set sail again to begin the real experience.

In the darkness, you ’ll watch the water glow and shimmer, and you’ll also have the chance to go for a swim to experience this phenomenon in the water—which will be even more impressive!

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming lodge located in the hills above Tambor, ideal for families.

End of the trip and back to the capital!

Route from Tambor to San José.

Today, you’ll leave the beautiful Pacific coast to return to San José.

You’ll have the option to take the ferry between Paquera and Puntarenas or follow the road that circles the Gulf of Nicoya and passes over the famous Puente de la Amistad.

Approximate travel time: 4.5 hours.

Return your vehicle to our local partner, who will then arrange your transfer to the airport.