Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 14 days
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
14 Days
From AUD $5015
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday

Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 14 days
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Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get off the beaten track on this two-week family holiday in Costa Rica, exploring all the best highlights and hidden secrets.

Highlights

  • Spend time with the Terraba community – an Indigenous group who have survived off the land for more than 500 years – and enjoy a shared lunch of local eats. The kids will love the chocolate-making lesson here!
  • Walk through the diverse forest and jungle and take an incredible canopy walk along suspended bridges in Cloud Forest – lookout for sloths and various birdlife as you go.
  • Experience life as the locals do by spending time on a family farm and learning how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food. 
  • Enjoy some family downtime in the seaside town of Dominical at your eco-hotel, surrounded by stunning beaches and a tropical jungle.
  • Look out for wildlife in the evergreen rainforest of Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity – and enjoy some free time to maybe learn about the nocturnal creatures that dwell here.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Boat,Public Transportation

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Finishes

San Jose, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: San Jose
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure starts in subtropical San Jose, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at the hotel. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see in this bustling city. Maybe take the kids to the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden – the perfect way to introduce the family to Costa Rican biodiversity (while also getting respite from the clamour of the city). After the meeting tonight, maybe get a taste of Tico food (and get to know the other families and your trip leader) with an optional group dinner.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Parque del lago or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Tortuguero
This morning, you’ll travel by private vehicle to the Caribbean lowlands on a scenic (and slightly bumpy) journey that ends at the port of La Pavona – this rustic port is your entry point to Tortuguero. Hop aboard a small boat and journey into the depths of the Costa Rican wilderness. Arrive in the middle of this biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons rest under the canopy of rainforest bordering the ocean. Many animals call this place home, so look out for jaguars, various birds and turtles as you sail quietly across the water and traverse the lush jungle.

Included Activities:

  • Tortuguero - Boat ride to Tortuguero

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Tortuguero Beach Front or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Tortuguero
This morning, head to Tortuguero National Park for a boat tour of the canals. This park, established in 1970, is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals, including manatees, ocelots and jaguars. This is also the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between July and October to lay its eggs on the beach. The hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and giant leatherback turtles also nest within the park, but at different times of the year. This afternoon, maybe wander around some of the park’s walking trails or just kick back and relax at your lodge. Tonight, you might want to head out on a turtle-watching tour – part of the cost of this optional activity will support a program to patrol the beach for poachers, keeping the turtles and their eggs safe.

Included Activities:

  • Tortuguero - National Park Entrance
  • Tortuguero - Boat tour of the canals

Optional Activities:

  • Tortuguero - Turtle Watching Night Tour (45 USD)
  • Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip around canals (45 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Tortuguero Beach Front or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Sarapiqui
This morning, say goodbye to the evergreen rainforest and make the journey to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity. When you arrive you'll have time to settle into your hotel. This evening join your leader for a walk through the rainforest, crossing trails as you look out for wildlife, an excursion to learn about the region’s nocturnal creatures – including sloths, howler monkeys, snakes and frogs.

Included Activities:

  • Sarapiqui - leader led rainforest night walk

Accommodation:

  • Gran Gavilan hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Sarapiqui
Today is a free day to explore Sarapiqui. Maybe you and your family could take a trip down the river on a float or get adventurous and go white water rafting through the rapids. Maybe you’d like to jump in a kayak and discover the lush surroundings on a more leisurely on-water experience. If you need to recharge, maybe you’d like to just relax by the pool at your accommodation.

Optional Activities:

  • Sarapiqui - River float tour (78 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Gran Gavilan or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: La Fortuna
Today, you’ll cross west through the north of the country to the Arenal volcano area, which lies beneath the volcano of the same name. Rising from verdant plains, Arenal Volcano shoots up 1633 m in a perfect cone and in certain lights, it resembles a storybook drawing. The landscape is mainly cloud forest and rainforest, cut through with rivers, lakes and (thanks to the volcano’s inner workings) thermal hot springs. When you arrive in La Fortuna, you’re free to explore the area at your own pace. Maybe just unwind by the hotel pool in view of the mighty Arenal volcano and get the kids to practice their drawing skills.

Included Activities:

  • La Fortuna - Los Laureles Hot Springs

Accommodation:

  • Magic Mountain or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: La Fortuna
Today is a free day to explore La Fortuna and all it has to offer. Maybe grab the kids and head to the La Fortuna Waterfall – at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, the waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, and you can even swim at the base of the cascades! Maybe the kids would rather get a new perspective of Arenal Volcano from the 1968 trail, where you can also explore lava trails.

Optional Activities:

  • La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
  • La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) (25 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Magic Mountain or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Monteverde
Today, you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Travel by minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross the water by boat. On the other side of the lake, re-board a minibus and continue to your destination. In 1951 North American Quakers founded the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve – a sanctuary for the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call the reserve home, and over the next few days, you’ll get acquainted with some of them. Tonight you will be able to relax in your boutique accommodation on a family-run farm, surrounded by spectacular cloud forest, gardens, coffee fields and views of the Nicoya gulf.

Accommodation:

  • Cabinas Capulin or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Monteverde
Start the day experiencing life on the small family run farm of the Torres family. The farm has been in the family since 1954, and is the current home of 2 grandparents, their 5 children and 9 grandchildren, all of whom are comitted to sustainably managing the farm and conserving the forest. Learn more about small-scale farming and campesino life, in this hands-on breakfast & farm visit in which you can feed chickens, harvest eggs, and meet the family. Mid-morning, see the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of the cloud forest. The variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so don’t be surprised if younger children have a new answer to the question – what do you want to do when you grow up? While you’re up among the treetops, look (or listen) out for the reclusive quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on ziplines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk – a unique opportunity to see the area’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.

Included Activities:

  • Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
  • Monteverde – Hands on breakfast activity & Farm tour

Optional Activities:

  • Monteverde - Sky Tram & Zipline (101 USD)
  • Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Cabinas Capulin or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Dominical
Wave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to the beachside town of Dominical. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local family home where you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food. Spend some time with the three generations of Costa Ricans here and learn about their stories as you enjoy the essence of the Pura Vida lifestyle. Your accommodation while in Dominical is an eco-hotel, surrounded by lush rainforest, with all the comforts you could want.

Included Activities:

  • Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch

Accommodation:

  • Villas Rio Mar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Dominical
Today is a free day in Dominical. Flanked by the Baru River, this town is known for its surfing beach and tropical forest hiking trails, so there are plenty of options if you and the kids want to get outdoors (and who wouldn’t when you’re in this natural paradise?).

Optional Activities:

  • Dominical – Marino Ballena National Park hike (78 USD)
  • Dominical – Mangrove Boat tour (85 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Villas Rio Mar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Terraba community / Dominical
This morning visit a small Indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage – The Terraba (or Teribe). Located on approximately 34.7 square miles (9000 hectares) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for over 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal, and women are the teachers responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to carve your own wooden mask and participate in some chocolate-making before sitting down for a shared local lunch with the community. Arrive back to Dominical in the afternoon to enjoy some free time and perhaps a swim in the pool.

Included Activities:

  • Terraba community - Indigenous Community Visit & Mask Carving Lesson
  • Terraba community- Chocolate making

Accommodation:

  • Villas Rio Mar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Manuel Antonio National Park / San Jose
Today on the return to San Jose, you'll make a stop at Manuel Antonio National Park – the most popular national park in Costa Rica, to enjoy a guided walk along the trails with a Naturalist guide. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the area’s diverse flora and fauna. Look and listen carefully, and you may just be able to spot howler monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, iguanas and heaps of various birds. Then continue on to San Jose, arriving to the hotel in the late afternoon. You may like to head out with the other families for a final group dinner together to toast to an amazing adventure.

Included Activities:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Parque del lago or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: San Jose
After breakfast today your trip comes to an end. As there are no further activities planned you are free to depart anytime. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $5,015
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Get off the beaten track on this two-week family holiday in Costa Rica, exploring all the best highlights and hidden secrets.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 25 Dec 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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