7 Great Adventures for Big Family Getaways
7 Great Adventures for Big Family Getaways
What makes the best Big Family Getaways?Family can be…
Learn as your guide explains the fascinating interaction between plant and wildlife in the surrounding environment. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, home to some of the most well-known and beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Traverse through acres of protected, pristine forest, as you navigate the Sierpe River through the largest mangrove wetlands on the Pacific Coast of Central America. Kayak around Tortuguero National Park and come face-to-face with turtles and manatees, or snorkel amongst colorful coral reefs on the Osa Peninsula.
Check out our incredible adventures exploring the highlights and hidden gems of Latin & South America!
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
4.78
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Read more about the Active Range
Discover untamed landscapes and embrace the ‘pura vida’ (pure life) over the next nine days as you hike, raft, and kayak through the Tortuguero National Park and the Cahuita National Park. By evening, relax at premium eco-lodges.
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Each of the 12 months offers something truly special and unique for a Costa Rica vacation. Depending on the type of vacation you’re looking for and the activities you’d like to partake in, the best time to visit Costa Rica will differ from one traveler to another.
Here’s a look at what you can expect during each season:
Often categorized by travelers into two “seasons” – the Costa Rica rainy season and the dry season – you can expect slightly different weather patterns depending on which half of the year you choose to visit Costa Rica.
Despite what you may be inclined to think, the traditional rainy season can actually be a very beautiful time of year to visit Costa Rica. Each day, you’re safe to assume that when you wake in the morning, the sun will be shining brightly, eventually to be followed by some clouds and showers (our guides like to think of it as a rinse, wash, repeat sort of thing). It’s during this time of year that the greenery is at its finest – lush, and beautiful. During this period, average temperatures range between 62-80°F. Be advised that rainfall will be at its heaviest during the months of September and October.
Typically referred to as the country’s peak, or busiest, season, this is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica if you’re worried about the rain having any impacts on your travel plans. During the dry season, you’ll enjoy full access to the country of Costa Rica (including the remote areas that may be hard to reach during the rainy season), as well as excellent weather for many of our most enjoyed activities – like rappelling, hiking, ziplining, and kayaking. During this period, average temperatures range between 64-82°F.
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Costa Rica keeps many of its wilderness areas undeveloped with protections. Up to 30% of the land is protected, so you can experience the vast biodiversity of flora and fauna and have incredible outdoor adventures. The best things to do in Costa Rica can often be found in the great outdoors, with experiences like tasting coffee and chocolate to hiking, canyoneering, white water rafting and surfing.
And did we mention the wildlife? Costa Rica is a great place for anyone looking to set off and spy wildlife like monkeys, turtles, birds and more!
With 30 national parks in the country and natural beauty at every turn, there are endless options for adventure in Costa Rica. Beloved by outdoor enthusiasts and welcoming to families, Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and incredible biodiversity offer a great range of places to visit.
From Arenal to Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest to Guanacaste and the Pacific Coast, there are several places to visit in Costa Rica that will delight, inspire, and engage your senses!
The secret to comfort and happiness on any adventure vacation starts with being well prepared. Having the right tools and equipment to ensure your comfort goes a long way when you’ll be hiking, biking, swimming, and exploring for days on end. Use these general guidelines as a place to start your adventure travel prep.
This travel tip comes up time and time again when we help guests prepare for any of our adventure travel tours: never underestimate the importance of solid footwear. Uncomfortable feet often lead to an unhappy traveler, so be sure to keep them top of mind as you pack. As a general rule of thumb, you should always be equipped with running sneakers, hiking boots and proper socks (including extras!), and river shoes or sandals. Your tour guide will carry adequate First Aid supplies, but it never hurts to throw in a bandage or blister prevention of your own!
If you’re booking an adventure vacation with us, you’ll know exactly what types of activity your trip will include. Consult your itinerary to inform your packing decisions – if you’re hiking, bring proper hiking boots and wool socks, if you’re rafting, be sure to have water-friendly clothing, including multiple swimsuits, and so on.
Especially important if you’re visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season, you should always be sure to have a lightweight raincoat or poncho on hand. And if you’re going to be exposed to the hot, humid climate of the rainforests, an umbrella is probably an even safer bet! If you’ll be enjoying the beauty of the mountains, you’ll witness the other end of the spectrum (the temperatures can be quite chilly). Be sure to pack multiple clothing layers, as well as a warm outer layer. Other supplies that help ensure your comfort no matter what the weather are: hats, bandanas, lotion, and sunglasses.
We talk so much about what to bring on an adventure vacation, but what not to bring can be just as important! There are certain things that will inevitably add more stress than enjoyment to your vacation, and let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a little more room in their suitcase? On your next trip, try leaving these items behind: jewelry, wallets (if you’re bringing a wallet, chances are you can empty at least half of its contents out before the trip), house keys, impractical shoes, and multiple sets of formal clothing.
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There’s a reason why our Costa Rica adventure vacations are consistently some of our best sellers. It’s an ideal paradise that has so much of nature’s finest to offer, from incredible activities to some of the world’s most stunning views. Keep these travel tips in mind to ensure you have the best vacation possible!
There are certain aspects of a trip to any destination that’s new to you that will inevitably cause a little bit of stress. But be open minded, and remember the reasons you’ve chosen to embark on this incredible journey. Remember to be judgement-free, and to take part in the things that will most enhance your travel experience, like joining in a local tradition, being open to new foods, and getting outside your comfort zone.
Your adventure travel tour guide is a well-trained, well-versed individual in all things Costa Rica. Use this to your advantage! Ask questions, and get involved in as many Costa Rican experiences as possible. Travel is all about learning, after all.
There’s so much to see and do in Costa Rica. So much, in fact, that we have multiple Costa Rica adventure vacation packages allowing you to explore different aspects of the country. Deciding which activities or sights are your highest priorities can help you choose your vacation.
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As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
