A Family Adventure in Costa Rica: A Complete Small-Group Tour!

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 charming family-run hotel in the capital.

Tortuguero, Costa Rica’s Little Amazon!

Early in the morning, depart on a shared shuttle tothe must-see Tortuguero region on the Caribbean coast.

Along the way, you’ll first pass through the lush Braulio Carrillo Park, covered in dense tropical rainforest drenched by torrential rains, before traveling alongside banana plantations—Costa Rica is one of the world’s leading exporters of bananas.

Depending on the water level, you’ll board a motorboat at either Caño Blanco or La Pavona to navigate through the tropical flora and fauna to your lodge.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy the gardens and the pool or visit the Caribbean village of Tortuguero.

Note: It is possible to travel to Tortuguero by plane—please contact us for details.

Overnight stay with full board at an ecolodge in Tortuguero, in the heart of the national park and the mangrove canals.

Exploring the mangrove canals of Tortuguero National Park!

In the morning, we set off for Tortuguero National Park.
This vast water park consists entirely of canals and lagoons nestled in the heart of an impressive jungle, earning it the nickname “the Amazon of Costa Rica.”

So, it is through this unique and extraordinary network of canals, rivers, and marshes in the heart of the jungle that you’ll set out with your guide to discover caimans, toucans, turtles, howler monkeys, parrots, sloths, iguanas, and multicolored birds.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy the trails around your lodge or participate in activities organized from there.

Note: You may be able to observe turtles laying their eggs at night (from July to October)—please contact us for details.

Overnight stay with full board at an ecolodge in Tortuguero, in the heart of the national park and the mangrove canals.

Head to the lush Sarapiqui Plain and its nature reserves.

Transportation from Tortuguero to Guápiles:

In the morning after breakfast, you’ll travel by boat to the Caño Blanco or La Pavona landing site, depending on the water level, before continuing by road to Guápiles, where you’ll have lunch. Afterward, you’ll pick up your rental car, which will be waiting for you outside the restaurant.

Then you’ll head to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, an important river port since colonial times, whose forests serve as a refuge for tapirs, sloths, coatis, and various monkeys.

At dusk, you’ll set out to explore the rainforest just as most of the animals are waking up and taking over the area… Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you’ll encounter numerous insects, frogs of every color, some nocturnal mammals, and perhaps even snakes.

After a wonderful walk filled with encounters, you’ll return to the hotel, where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the melodies of the forest.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotel in Sarapiquí, which features its own nature reserve with numerous hiking trails. 

Today’s itinerary: an introduction to the secrets of cacao and a trip to the Arenal Volcano!

Discover the secretsand wonders of one of humanity’s favorite foods: chocolate.

After crossing a suspension bridge that leads you to the cacao (Theobroma cacao) plantation, you’ll learn about the natural and cultural history of the cacao tree. At the plantation, you’ll learn the process by which cacao is transformed into chocolate and will have the chance to taste the traditional indigenous chocolate drink, as well as chocolate bars made from organic cacao.

At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase organic chocolate produced bythe Amazilla CaribbeanWomen’s Association of the New Village of Guácimo.

Once this enriching activity is complete, you’ll travel from Sarapiquí to Arenal. A must-see destination in Costa Rica, the Arenal region is known for its perfectly conical volcano, as well as for the many outdoor activities the area offers (hiking, rafting, paddleboarding, hot springs, canyoning, caving…).

At the end of the day, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and fun at one of Arenal’s hot springs resorts. You can enjoy the various baths and pools, waterfalls, and water slides.

The hot water comes directly from the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano, without ever coming into contact with the magma.

You’ll be able to have dinner on site to make the most of the location andthe magical atmosphere of the evening hours.

Spend the night at a charming ecolodge in the Arenal region that features its own nature reserve and is committed to sustainable tourism.

Today, experience a must-do activity in Costa Rica: a walk across the suspension bridges high above the canopy! 

You’ll enjoy a roughly 3-kilometer trail through the primary forest and across about fifteen suspension bridges high above the canopy, offering breathtaking views of the tropical vegetation and Arenal Volcano! For this flagship activity, we’ve selected providers who offer the most well-rounded experience possible and are most committed to sustainable tourism.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore another ecosystem in the region: the Peñas Blancas River, during a floating kayak safari.

Kayaking is an excellent way to gently explore Costa Rica’s lush natural environment.

You’ll leisurely paddle down the Peñas Blancas River in a kayak, taking the timeto observe the surroundingflora and fauna —including numerous waterbirds living along the banks, iguanas perched on branches, perhaps a few caimans, and certainly groups of monkeys and other exotic lizards.

This is a particularly interesting tour for nature lovers!

Alternatively, you’ll have the opportunityto enhance your stay with other equally exciting activities:

• Arenal Volcano National Park with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide
• Arenal Lake Tour (boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing)
• Hiking and horseback riding
• Rafting, canyoning, zip-lining, mountain biking
• Excursion to Caño Negro (swamp—protected area)
• Exploration of the Venado Caves (caving)$

For more information, please contact us, as this list is not exhaustive.

Overnight stay at a charming ecolodge in the Arenal region that features its own nature reserve and is committed to sustainable tourism.

On our way to Rincón de la Vieja, another must-see volcano in northern Costa Rica!

The Rincón de la Vieja volcano is located in the heart of the province of Guanacaste, the land of the Sabaneros—those proud and colorful cowboys.

To get there, you’ll start by driving along Lake Arenal, an ideal spot for water sports such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, or open-water swimming, before reaching the town of Cañas, where you can stop at the Las Pumas de Cañas wildlife park, a private center dedicated to the protection of felines (jaguars, pumas, jaguarundis, margays, ocelots, and more).

You’ll then arrive in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park region . Established in 1973, the park is home to a very high concentration of orchids, including the local flower, the “Guaria morada” (Guarianthe Skinneri).

Approximate travel time: 5 hours

Overnight stay at a leading hotel in the region, featuring its own nature reserve in the heart of Rincon de la Vieja National Park—ideal for immersing yourself in this incredible ecosystem.

Discover Rincon de la Vieja National Park!

You can explore one or more of the three sectors of Rincon de la Vieja National Parkas you wish : La Cangreja, Las Pailas, and Santa Maria.

At the heart of the park stands the massive volcano of the same name. Spectacularly beautiful and dotted with nine craters, it is the source ofthe geothermal activity you’ll see during hikes in the Las Pailas or Santa María sectors.

Here you’ll encounter capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys, as well as anteaters, sloths, and more than 300 species of birds.

Other activities are available to explore the region:

– Hiking and horseback riding; several routes are available, with or without a guide

– Canopy tours ( suspension bridges, zip lines)

– Rafting, canyoning, rappelling, tubing…

– Wildlife and plant observation with a naturalist guide

– Visits to community and/or agricultural projects

– Volcanic mud baths, hot springs

Contact us for more information on activities available in the Rincon de la Vieja region; this list is not exhaustive.

Overnight stay at a leading hotel in the region, featuring its own nature reserve in the heart of Rincon de la Vieja National Park—ideal for immersing yourself in this incredible ecosystem.

Let’s head to the Pacific Coast and the beautiful beaches of Samara! 

You’ll leave the inland region of Guanacaste Province and head toward the Pacific Coast, renowned for its beautiful beaches, numerous surf spots, a culture shaped by the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, and—let’s face it—its many North American tourists… Fortunately, they haven’t yet overrun the pretty little beach town of Samara!

Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours

Overnight stay at a charming ecolodge in Samara, near the beach and the village.

Set out to explore the ocean and its wonders!

During this half-day boat tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.

You may also be lucky enough to spot sea turtles and the many humpback whales that inhabit the waters off the Pacific coast.

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

Other activities in the Samara region that we can recommend:

• Watching olive ridley sea turtles lay their eggs (June through December)
• Kayaking (ocean, river, mangroves)
• Barra Honda National Park (caves)
• Sportfishing or traditionalfishing
• Surfing for beginners or experienced surfers
• Horseback riding
• Scubadiving or snorkeling

Overnight stay at a charming ecolodge in Samara, near the beach and the village.

A change of scenery—off to Monteverde and its cloud forests!

Route from Samara to Monteverde:

For today’s itinerary, we suggest leaving the northern Pacific coast and heading to Monteverde, a region famous for its lush landscapes and ecosystems— made possible by its unique climate, which is very humid and much cooler than in much of the rest of the country.

Monteverde is one of those destinations that give Costa Rica its reputation as the “Green Gold” country, thanks to its exceptionally rich environment and unique ecosystems, home to a myriadof remarkable exotic animals, such as the quetzal and the jaguar.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours

Overnight stay at a small eco-lodge in Monteverde that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

On the agenda: a hike in the Curi Cancha NatureReserve

For this day, we invite you to explore the various trails in the beautiful Curi Cancha Nature Reserve on your own. This will allow you to immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem known as the “cloud forest.”

If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot the legendary quetzal, whose tail feathers were long used as adornments by the Aztecs and which inspired the origin of Quetzalcóatl, a particularly important pre-Columbian deity.

If you prefer, we can arrange for a specialized nature guide, as this reserve is ideal for discovering the incredible diversity of Costa Rican flora and fauna. Just let us know—we have several guides on file, including some who speak French.

Other activities we can offer you in the Monteverde region:

– Visits to nature reserves: Santa Elena, Bosque de los Niños, Curi Cancha…

– Birdwatching hikes

– Visit to an orchid garden

– “Agricultural” tours: coffee plantations, sugarcane fields, cheese farms…

– Wildlife observation (reptiles, amphibians, insects, butterflies…)

– Canopy exploration —“Canopy tour” (suspension bridges, cable car, zip line)

– Hiking and horseback riding

– Canyoning…

If you would like more information, please contact us, as this list is not exhaustive.

Overnight stay at a small eco-lodge in Monteverde that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Back to the Pacific Coast to explore Manuel Antonio and its famous national park!

Route from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio:

To wrap up this suggested itinerary —which is designed to be both classic and comprehensive—we recommend ending your trip in Manuel Antonio, one of the country’s must-see destinations .

Manuel Antonio is a beautiful Pacific Coast resort town located in the central region, whose reputation is well-established, as its national park is certainly one of the most visited in the country, particularly for its incredible beaches and coastal scenery.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours

Spend the night at a luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio to end your trip on a high note

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on your own!

Swim in crystal-clear waters, relax on fine sandy beaches, take a stroll through the tropical vegetation…It’s true that this national park is more geared toward relaxation than getting out into the great outdoors. Still, you’re sure to have a great time there with family or friends!

The park is alsoan ideal spot forspotting many animals, such as deer, sloths, squirrel monkeys, and iguanas… In fact, they’re all now accustomed to human presence, as people and wildlife have coexisted here for many years. However, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that feeding animals is prohibited throughout Costa Rica to prevent this coexistence from becoming problematic.

Other activities we can recommend in the Manuel Antonio region:

• Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide (wildlife, flora, swimming)
• Catamaran cruise in Manuel Antonio Bay
• Water sports: rafting, fishing, kayaking (ocean or mangroves), scuba diving, snorkeling…
• Visit tothe Barú Nature Reserve (wildlife, flora, hiking…)
• Dolphin and whalewatching by boat
• Exploring the Nauyaca Waterfalls (hiking and horseback riding)
• Visit to the Los Campesinos Reserve (hiking, nature, waterfalls, and traditional rural life)
• Visit to an organic spice farm

This list is not exhaustive; please contact us for more information or specific requests.

Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio to end your trip on a high note

End of the trip and return to San José!

Route from Manuel Antonio to San José:

On this final day, you’ll head back by first making your way to San José International Airport, where you’ll catch your international return flight.

IMPORTANT: Depending on your international flight schedule, plan to spend the night in San José the night before your departure