FAMILY VACATION
5 - 14 guests
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
Price
USD $5999/per adult
USD $5399/per child
Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.
Next available departure
18 Jun - 24 Jun
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.
As one of the world’s greatest destinations for family travel, Costa Rica invites you to discover the natural beauty and welcoming culture of Latin America’s eco-tourism gem. From Arenal to Marino Ballena, swim crystalline bays, hike in cloud forests, rappel down refreshing waterfalls, and surf in the Caribbean. Explore by foot two of Costa Rica’s most intriguing national parks searching for crawling bugs, sleepy sloths, twisting vines, and blooming buds. Horseback ride through forests and pastures to reach postcard-perfect views of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Peek into the dense vegetation of Arenal National Park to catch a glimpse of screeching toucans, endangered poison dart frogs, and curious spider monkeys.
The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation awaits you, whether you’re exploring a jungle, walking along a white sand beach, or just recalling the memories you’re making with your family.
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Hiking
Danaus Nature Reserve
Hiking
Arenal National Park Horseriding
Plus ...
Surfing lesson
Plus ...
Sierpe River
Plus ...
Explore coral reefs
Plus ...
Day 1
Arrive at the San José International Airport and transfer to your hotel for the evening. Once you arrive, you are free to explore the expansive private forest reserve at the resort, take a dip in the sunset pool, and enjoy a delectable local meal on your own.
Xandari Resort & Spa
Day 2
Meet your guides this morning for a trip orientation over breakfast. Begin the four-hour shuttle to the Arenal region, then for a hike through lush tropical rainforest and lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Finish up the day learning about traditional Costa Rican farming at Arenal Vida Campesina Organic Farm followed by an authentic meal.
Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs, San Carlos (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3
Choose to take a birding walk in the early morning for anyone interested. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and gear up for an afternoon of canyoning and get your adrenaline pumping. Explore an organic orchard run by a local family, learning about traditional Costa Rican farming at Arenal Vida Campesina Organic Farm immersed in the warm and natural habitat facing the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by rivers and rainforests. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch prepared by the owners! Mount a horse and ride off into the picturesque hills of Arenal Volcano, riding through cattle fields and beautiful primary forest along the way. Take in views of the Arenal Volcano, dense forests, and the vast Arenal Lake. After a day full of adventure, return to the resort for dinner
Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs, San Carlos (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4
This morning we’ll transfer to Uvita Beach by road, stopping along the way for a walk and lunch at Miriam’s House. Explore Carara National Park on its well-kept trails, rich in flora and fauna, Carara boasts many habitats including marshes, primary and secondary forests and is home to parrots, parakeets, toucans, trogons, three species of monkeys, agoutis, coatis, sloths, tamanduas and more. Check into our accommodation for the next three nights and enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel, Puntarenas (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5
Meet your instructors on the beach for private surfing lessons on the Marino Ballena shore. Break for lunch at a local restaurant. Shuttle back to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure: hang out by the swimming pool, walk along the hotel’s rainforest hiking path or take a shuttle to the beach.
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel, Puntarenas (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Notes: * Sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling available in the afternoon at an extra cost.
Day 6
After breakfast, we head out on the Sierpe River for a boat tour exploring the beautiful maze of canals, river mouths and estuaries that flood the largest untouched expanse of mangroves in all of Costa Rica. Eat lunch in Palma Sur followed by a visit to Stone Spheres Park (can you figure out the mystery of how they were created and why?). Discover the Marino Ballena National Park by sea kayak! Paddle across the calm waters of the Uvita bay, en route, take in the expansive views around you and the various hues of blue water below you, with the chance to see pelicans, boobies, frigate birds, colorful fish, and other marine creatures. After a pleasant walk on the beach we enjoy a final dinner back at the hotel.
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel, Puntarenas (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7
Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer one hour to the Quepos Airport. Sit back and relax on a charter flight to San José. From here, you can board your international flight to make your post-trip connections home.
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
Discounted child prices are available for children 12-years-old and under. Click the BOOK button for your preferred departure below to see child prices.
Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
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 with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, 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. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships 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. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
