Costa Rica Active Adventure
From coast to country, volcanoes to rainforests, Costa Rica has everything: rafting, kayaking, canyoning, trekking and horse riding are but a few of the highlights. Throw in the amazingly diverse flora and fauna and the genuine warmth of the local people and you have a unique and unforgettable family activity holiday.
762 miles of coastline, 6% of the world’s biodiversity, erupting volcanoes, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, more than 845 species of birds and some of the best activities available in Central America, not bad for a country barely 200km long.
Our program is designed to show you the very best of this stunning Central American paradise. Starting in the vibrant capital of San Jose we head first for the Caribbean Coast visiting and exploring the Tortuguero Canals (pic bottom right). From the east coast we head inland to experience the incredible biodiversity of Sarapiqui - imagine white water rafting or flying on a zip wire through a tropical rainforest (pic left below) - and further west we spend three nights in the rolling landscapes beneath the Arenal Volcano (pic top right).
Arenal is awesome by day and jaw-dropping by night when the volcano spits out molten lava into the pitch black Costa Rican sky. And, you can see it all from the hottub in your hotel room. Not a bad way to spend an evening!
From Arenal, we travel west again to Tamarindo and the rolling breakers of the Pacific Ocean. We combine 3 nights of sheer serenity at our boutique hotel with a fabulous 4x4 off-road discovery culminating with lunch on the glorious white sands of Pirate’s Beach.
After one last night in San Jose and a farewell meal in one of Costa Rica’s best known steak restaurants, it’s back to the airport for your homeward flights. We are confident that you will have experienced the very best of this marvelous country and will return home with a wealth of family memories.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MT-8761-P) |
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Return flights from London Gatwick to San Jose & return airport transfers |
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13 nights accommodation |
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13 Breakfasts . 8 Lunches (2 with activities) . 10 Dinners |
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San Jose City Tour . Rainforest Boat Trip . Tortuguero Village Turtle ConservationCentre . Tortuguero Exploration .Museum Visit . Reforestation Project |
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All equipment, tuition and supervision from fully qualified guides instructors |
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All transfers between locations and activities in air conditioned transport with experienced driver |
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Services of our local representatives and guides |
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As many optional activities as you prefer (see prices) |
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Suitability / Level |
Moderate |
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Minimum Age |
9
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Wednesday
Flights, Arrival & Introduction
You will be met at Juan Santa Maria Airport and transferred to your hotel. There will be a brief introduction en route followed by a free evening to relax.
Thursday
San Jose and Welcome
After a lie in and breakfast we get together for an introductory meeting, before our sightseeing and shopping excursion into bustling San Jose. In the evening we visit a downtown restaurant for our welcome meal featuring typical local dishes to get you in the Costa Rican spirit. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Friday
Rainforest Boat Trip and Tortuguero
An early start today as we drive through beautiful mountains and plantations to the Tortuguero Canals. We change our mode of transport for a two hour boat trip through the rainforests to Mawamba Lodge. Look out for caiman on the way!!
In the afternoon we visit Tortuguero Village, explore the beach and learn about turtle conservation.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Saturday
Tortuguero Exploration Day
An early morning boat trip gives us the best chance of spotting howler monkeys, caiman, otters, toucans and iguanas in their natural habitat. After breakfast we hike into the rainforest to explore the flora and fauna.
The afternoon is free to relax or you have the opportunity to take to the water again for a kayak trip (optional activity - see prices below) exploring the Tortuguero canals. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Sunday
Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
We leave the canals behind today and head inland to beautiful Sarapiqui. En route we stop at the Museum of Indigenous Cultures and will arrive at the hotel with time to relax and explore. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Monday
Adrenaline Day
Today’s activities are purely optional (see prices below) but don’t miss out on a day of pure fun and adrenaline which includes: an exhilarating three hour rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River, horse riding and finally, zip wires through the forest canopy. We then head to our forest camp for a well earned rest under canvas. And, even if you don’t fancy sleeping in a tent, wait until you hear the sounds of the rainforest at night! (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Tuesday
Volcano Hike and Hot Springs
We transfer to Arenal and our luxury hotel with amazing views of an active volcano! After lunch, we trek (optional activity - see prices below) towards the volcano. Our efforts are well rewarded when we arrive at an awe-inspiring view point in time to see the sun go down and the lava glow. We then head for a dip in the hot springs at the foot of the volcano. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Wednesday
Rainforest Volunteering
Costa Rica is at the forefront of responsible tourism and travel management. We are trying to play our part by encouraging our clients to get closely involved with local communities and conservation projects. Today we visit Eco-Centre Danaus and, working with the local people and their children, we will be helping on a reforestation project. We will spend time planting trees and seedlings and generally getting a bit mucky as well as witnessing local lifestyles at close quarters. (Breakfast and lunch)
Thursday
Rainforest Canyoning (optional activity)
After a free morning we will be picked up and taken for lunch at the canyoning base camp (optional activity - see prices below).
A 30 minute drive in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano takes us to the edge of the rainforest. From there, a short descent on foot takes us to the top of our first abseil, a stunning 50m waterfall. Four more descents await us in this tropical paradise before we reach the foot of the canyon and return to the hotel doubtless reliving the experience as we go. (Breakfast and lunch)
Friday
Arenal to Manuel Antonio
From Central Costa Rica we head to the Pacific Coast and with a mid-afternoon arrival the rest of the day is free to relax. Our hotel boasts one of the best hilltop positions in Manuel Antonio. (Breakfast and lunch)
Saturday
Free Day
In this surfer’s paradise it is almost compulsory to have a go at riding the Pacific waves. The hotel can arrange lessons. Alternatively, you can try out one of the many other activities available locally or simply relax by the pool. The choice is entirely yours. (Breakfast).
Sunday
Sunset Sailing
In the afternoon we set sail for a truly memorable afternoon (optional activity - see prices below). We sail around the islands lying just off this stretch of coast and take time out for swimming and relaxing before dining as the sun sets. (Breakfast and Dinner).
Monday
Return to San Jose
In San Jose there’s time to pack before heading to the famous El Rodeo steak house for our farewell meal (vegetarians well catered for!). (Breakfast & dinner)
Day Fourteen
Adios Costa Rica
All good things must come to an end and after breakfast we head to the airport for our return flights home. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Nights 1, 2 & 13
El Rodeo Country Inn - San Jose
A small characterful establishment situated on the outskirts of the city and just 10 minutes drive from the airport. The hotel has 27 large bedrooms with cable T.V, air conditioning, phone, security box, private bathrooms & hair dryer. Each room has either two queen sized beds or one king size bed.
Hotel amenities include: restaurant and steak house (vegetarians are well catered for), coffee bar, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pools, tennis court, conference room, play area, pool table and free internet access.
Nights 3 & 4
Mawamba Lodge - Tortuguero
Mawamba Lodge is located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. We reach the lodge via a 2 hour river boat trip along the canals of Tortuguero. Mawamba is a 15-acre beachfront establishment offering excellent views of the canals making it the ideal hideaway for nature lovers and people seeking soft adventure.
The lodge features 54 basic but comfortable rooms with private shower rooms, hot water and ceiling fans. Additional features include: Large swimming pool, a tree frog garden, tropical gardens, volleyball court, games room, gift shop, restaurant and bar.
Night 5
La Quinta Country Inn - Sarapiqui
La Quinta is a family owned, eco-friendly hotel set amongst beautiful pineapple plantations. It’s a vibrant and colourful hotel, relaxed with the warmest of Costa Rican welcomes. Accommodation is in en-suite bedrooms with a ceiling fan and all have a porch complete with hammocks, rocking chairs, and views of the gardens.
Other facilities include a games room, a swimming pool, tropical wildlife gardens (with resident caiman) a frog park, butterfly house and vegetable garden where food is grown organically and used in the kitchen.
Night 6
Cuculmeca Tented Camp - Sarapiqui
Cuculmeca Camp has 27 tents pitched on platforms in the forest allowing you to experience the sounds of the rainforest at night.
Each tent has the capacity for four mattresses and all have an electric bulb outside, a sink with drinking water, mattresses, sleeping bags and torches. There are two wooden shower and toilet blocks with hot running water.
If you prefer not to spend the night in a tent, we can arrange for you to sleep at La Quinta (a supplement may apply).
Nights 7, 8 & 9
The Arenal Kioro - Arenal
One night in a tent is followed by three in one of the best hotels in Costa Rica. Opened in 2006, Kioro provides 5-star luxury and the most spectacular of locations. From the hottub in your bedroom you can witness the spectacular pyrotechnics and the thundering soundtrack that emanate from the Arenal Volcano.
Accommodation is in sumptuous suites all of which have two terraces, one of which offers panoramic views of the volcano and the other, of the surrounding hills and countryside.
Each suite has a hydro-massage hot tub, air conditioning, safe box, minibar, coffee maker, en-suite shower room with hairdryer and key card safety locks.
Hotel facilities include a stunning spa, a games room, an excellent restaurant, bar, swimming pool and free internet access.
Nights 10, 11 & 12
Si Como No – Manuel Antonio
Fringed by tropical rainforest, Manuel Antonio is considered to be the most beautiful coastline in Costa Rica so where better to spend your last few days in Costa Rica? Si Como No is ideal for rest and relaxation before you return home. With stunning views, excellent accommodation, extensive facilities including a Serenity Spa, wonderful activities and a great range of restaurants and cuisines we are sure you will be reluctant to depart at the end of your stay. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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We have provided a little section of extra travel needs that you may need and to make life easier for our customers. We aim to provide all the extras you would need; flights, hotels, insurance, car hire and airport parking. |
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Included
