Costa Rica Family Experience

G Adventures · 9 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
Costa Rica Family Experience
9 Days
From AUD $2436 Was AUD $3249
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Costa Rica Family Experience

Costa Rica Family Experience

G Adventures · 9 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Nothing brings learning to life like real-world experience. This week-long trip’s engaging lesson plan gives kids an education in biology and ecology that can never be found in a textbook.

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Tortilla Making and Local Lunch, La Fortuna Your Hands-On Moment: Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour), La Fortuna Your Hands-On Moment: Kayak Lake Arenal, La Fortuna Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
  • Arrival transfer
  • Kayaking and paddle-boarding in La Fortuna
  • Guided cloud forest night walk (Monteverde)
  • Guided hike in Manuel Antonio NP
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels (8 nts).
  • 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

  • Private vehicle, boat, walking

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

  • Kick back on Costa Rica's pristine beaches
  • Visit a local family to learn to make tortillas
  • Spot nature in a dense cloud forest
  • Enjoy the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Kayak and paddle-board in La Fortuna.
Costa Rica Family Experience

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, boat, walking

Guide Language

English

Starts

San José, Costa Rica

Finishes

San José, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: San José

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy capital, San José has beautiful parks, museums and an ornate National Theatre. Start your exploration of the city in the central plaza, a great place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - A G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our joining point hotel. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.Accommodation - Hotel Radisson San Jose
2

Day 2: San José/La Fortuna

Set off from the capital and enjoy the countryside of the Central Valley. Stop for a tortilla-making lesson, along with a typical Costa Rican lunch.
A three-hour van trip brings us to La Fortuna, near the base of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is a great base for active adventures. Along the way, stop to meet Doña Mara and learn the art of making (and eating!) tortillas.

Once we arrive, there's time to relax in the hot springs that are heated by the volcano's lava.

During our stay in La Fortuna, there is a wide selection of activities sure to please every member of the family. From river rafting, to rappelling down waterfalls, there is no excuse to be bored!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit a local's home to learn the art of tortilla making. Grind the corn, mix the “masa” (dough) into balls, flatten into circles, and then cook them up on a wood-burning stove. Afterwards, dig into a tasty “casado” – a typical Costa Rican dish including black beans and plantains – complete with your own hand-made tortillas.Accommodation - Magic Mountain
3

Day 3: La Fortuna

Take to the lake for a morning of stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Arenal, before a free afternoon.
Get your adrenaline pumping and pre-book the Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.Activity - Zip up your life jacket, grab a paddle and get ready to be wowed by beauty in every direction. Admire Arenal Volcano as you kayak the blue-green waters of Lake Arenal, Central America’s second largest lake. Scan the shores for more than 300 species of birds, listen for howler monkeys and fish for sharp-toothed rainbow bass. Take time to float and soak in the stunning scenery of the rolling hills, secret coves and sky that stretches forever.Free_time - Free afternoon in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures and amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.Accommodation - Magic Mountain
4

Day 4: La Fortuna/Monteverde

Travel by bus and boat through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into the cloud forest. Take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand.
From La Fortuna, we make our way first by boat, then by van up the rough mountain roads to reach the fresh misty air of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spend two days exploring the community and nearby forest, truly a bird lover's paradise.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!Accommodation - El Establo Hotel
5

Day 5: Monteverde

Enjoy a free day in this lush cloud forest region. Opt to fly above the trees on a canopy zipline tour, go horseback riding in the hills or visit the butterfly garden.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore the cloud forest region of Costa Rica.Accommodation - El Establo Hotel
6

Day 6: Monteverde/Manuel Antonio

Travel to Manuel Antonio and enjoy free time for several optional activities like mangrove kayaking, surf lessons, a sunset catamaran tour, or take some time to relax on the beach.
The white sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. Manuel Antonio NP offers excellent hiking, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife viewing. An included hike goes deep into the park, to explore everything that can be found here.

Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and discover why the warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing - the perfect finale to an exciting family adventure!

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Relax and enjoy the delightful Pacific coastline or enjoy some of the activities available in Manuel Antonio.Accommodation - Hotel Mono Azul
7

Day 7: Manuel Antonio

Take a guided hike through the national park keeping an eye out for the wildlife that can be seen through the trees.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Pack your sunscreen, camera, hiking shoes and bug repellent and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest yet biodiverse national park. Manual Antonio offers four white sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Head to the shade of the nearby tropical forest in search of sloths, monkeys, armadillos and iguanas. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands. Learn how the wildlife has adapted to their environment and enjoy your exotic experience.Accommodation - Hotel Mono Azul
8

Day 8: Manuel Antonio/San José

Free morning to enjoy more time at the beach. Return to San José in the afternoon. Free evening in San José.
After one final morning to soak up the sun on the beach in Manuel Antonio, we return to San José, and have time to enjoy one final evening together with our group.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Take advantage of your final hours in the capital and buy some last-minute souvenirs, sit in the park or just pack and relax.Accommodation - Hotel Radisson San Jose
9

Day 9: San José

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 will do 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.

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.

From
AUD $3249

AUD $2,436
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
25% Off

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Nothing brings learning to life like real-world experience. This week-long trip’s engaging lesson plan gives kids an education in biology and ecology that can never be found in a textbook.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Jun 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
David S.
Traveled, November 2023

12/30/2023

I would recommend to a family looking for an authentic group travel experience.

4.0
Caroline B.
Traveled, November 2023

12/30/2023

Very well organised trip, this is our 3rd family adventure with a different company each time. Only downside is that you need to accommodate the younger travellers especially if there is a large time difference! If we say we don't want to do something because the kids are beside themselves with exhaustion, please respect our decision

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990