Costa Rica Family Escape

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Our Price From 3,816 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 179 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
San Jose
 Trip Finishes
San Jose
8 Day Costa Rica Family Escape Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Costa Rica
Trip Style
Family
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
FNS

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 8 Day Costa Rica Family Escape. Enjoy an unforgettable family adventure in Costa Rica, where natural wonders combine with exhilarating activities for all the family. Zip wire across the cloud forest and go white-water rafting on the Balsa River. Swim at La Fortuna Waterfall and take a boat trip to see dolphins off the Pacific Coast. We stay in comfortable, well-located hotels (most with swimming pools), which means you will leave this action-packed week refreshed and with a full appreciation of Costa Rica’s most famous saying: pura vida or pure...read more life.

Itinerary

Aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening.

This evening's welcome briefing is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. Stay: Studio Hotel (or similar).

We drive to the area surrounding Arenal Volcano.

Following a large eruption in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until recently when it entered a resting phase. There is a lot of geothermal activity in this area, with natural hot springs, waterfalls and Lake Arenal waiting to be discovered. Today we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool.

A short rainforest trail brings us to a steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to exit – this takes around 20-30 minutes and is rewarded with a swim in the emerald pool. It is possible to visit the lookout point and wait for the group if you prefer. There is plenty of time to see what animals you can spot in the forest along the way; keep an eye out for colourful toucans in the trees! Stay: Arenal Paraiso (or similar) (B).

After breakfast, we head to the Balsa River for an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion. The rapids here are graded II and III and have nicknames such as Magnetic Rock and Dredges – prepare to get wet and wild! No experience of this activity is needed as a full safety briefing and instruction is given before getting into the rafts.

Tropical scenery flanks the river and we may spot monkeys, toucans or other animals in the forest. There is also a stop for drinks and tropical fruits along the way. On our return to La Fortuna, we stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at Vida Campesina, a traditional country estate that allows visitors to experience typical country life in Costa Rica. Lunch is made with ingredients harvested on the property and prepared on a wood stove in traditional style. Stay: Arenal Paraiso (or similar) (B/L).

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilaran mountain range in the Central Highlands for a taste of the Costa Rican cloud forest. Reaching Monteverde involves a fast boat across Lake Arenal, which is incredibly scenic and takes roughly 30 minutes. Our journey is then completed by private minibus as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means green mountain. The high altitude supports a complex ecosystem where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400-plus varieties here.

Our total journey time is in the region of 3hr 30min, including the lake crossing. Around 6pm, we have a night walk to experience the forest in the dark. This gives an entirely new perspective on the cloud forest habitat, with many pairs of eyes staring back at you! We may see sloths, armadillos, porcupines, possums and coatis and will surely hear a cacophony of insects and amphibians. Stay: Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar) (B).

Today we visit Selvatura Park, where 850 acres (345ha) of protected land are dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with the hanging bridges excursion, a system of treetop walkways through the forest designed to let you experience the beauty of the cloud forest and observe its many inhabitants. We also visit the butterfly garden, which has one of the largest exhibitions of butterflies in the world, and the hummingbird garden where more than 14 hummingbird species will amaze you with their aerial manoeuvres.

After, it's time to try aerial manoeuvres of your own on a zip-line adventure through the treetops! Before you fly, guides teach you the proper technique, including how to position yourself and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely embark on this adrenaline-pumping adventure above the trees. Stay: Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar) (B/L).

We travel to the Samara region on the Pacific Coast, one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica! The broad, shady bay is backed by coconut palms and the water is calm and safe for swimming thanks to a coral reef just out to sea on which the normally large Pacific waves break before reaching the beach. There are plenty of facilities in this area but there's a noticeable absence of big resort hotels, which makes for a nice atmosphere. Our hotel faces onto Carrillo Beach in the neighbouring bay to Samara. We have a free afternoon here to enjoy the facilities and discover the area. Stay: Nammbu Hotel (or similar) (B).

Today, we take a private boat trip offshore from Carrillo Beach in search of dolphins. You could be lucky enough to see spotted dolphins, Central American spinner dolphins or common bottlenose dolphins, which all inhabit this area year around. Feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the scenic coastline as we search for these playful animals who love to swim in the bow wave of the boat! As we make our way back along the coast, we anchor near the shores of Isla Chora, a delightful white-sand beach full of hermit crabs and iguanas.

This is a great spot for a refreshing swim and a chance to observe the underwater world by wearing a mask and snorkel. Beneath the surface teems a lively world with huge marine diversity. In total, today's excursion lasts around four hours, with the rest of your time at leisure to enjoy the area. Stay: Nammbu Hotel (or similar) (B).

Our adventure ends after breakfast, either at Carrillo Beach or at Liberia Airport if you join the group transfer. Check the Joining Instructions for more information on transfers (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • Enjoy zip-lining and white-water rafting excursions
  • Join a night walk in Monteverde to see the cloud forest come alive at night
  • Relax on Carrillo Beach and enjoy the Pacific coastline
  • Snorkel and join a boat excursion to see dolphins
  • Experience the beauty and vibrancy of tropical Costa Rica

  • Travel by minibus, boat and on foot
  • Seven nights in comfortable hotels
  • All breakfasts and two lunches
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

Travel with other families and explore the world in a way that all your loved ones will enjoy. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

Availability

Saturday 27 Jul 2024
Saturday 03 Aug 2024
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Saturday 21 Dec 2024
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Saturday 26 Jul 2025
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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