Costa Rica Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.5

14 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica – and the culture shaped by the tropical wilderness – with your loved ones, on an adventure tailored for families.

Highlights

Come together to cook a rustic meal from scratch during a homestay with family in an agricultural community.
Get up close to the unique wildlife of Costa Rica on a guided tour of an animal sanctuary. Learn how to prepare the animal's meals and make enrichment toys as part of a hands-on volunteering experience.
Hike in Arenal National Park for an impressive view of the volcano before taking a boat ride along the lake to try and spot some local wildlife.
Walk along suspension bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve for the best biology lesson the kids have ever had.
Immerse yourself in nature on a guided walk with a naturalist guide in Manual Antonio National Park. The kids will love spotting sloths and listening for the evocative call of howler monkeys.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Minivan

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

Day 1: San Jose

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in subtropical San Jose, where you'll meet your leader and fellow families at a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, there's plenty to see in this bustling city. As the streets are laid out in a grid pattern, it’s relatively easy to navigate. Maybe head to the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden to introduce the kids (and adults) to Costa Rican biodiversity while getting some respite from the clamour of the city. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a taste of ‘tico’ food with an optional group dinner group.

Optional Activities:

San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) (11 USD)
San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
San Jose - Butterfly farm (10 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel Palma Real or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Santa Rosa de Pocosol

This morning, head to the tiny agricultural community of Juanilama in the Santa Rosa de Pocosol region. This area is predominantly dedicated to milk production and raising cattle. It’s the perfect place to experience life in small-town Costa Rica – you’ll even be staying with a local family! Settle in and get to know your hosts before going on an agricultural tour, where the kids will learn how to plant vegetables and gather some produce for tonight’s cooking class. You'll have some free time to wander around the community before coming together to create a meal with your hosts. Vamos a comer (let’s eat)!

Included Activities:

Santa Rosa de Pocosol - agricultural tour
Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking Class

Accommodation:

Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: La Fortuna

Visit a local wildlife sanctuary for a day the kids will never forget! Get up close to the colourful and unique animals of Costa Rica on a guided tour of the centre before taking part in a fun volunteering experience. Learn how to prepare for the different diets of the resident animals and help to make enrichment toys, which is an important part of their recovery. After a fun-filled morning and a stop for lunch, you'll continue on to La Fortuna where you'll spend the next two nights. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to swim, relax or explore the local area.

Included Activities:

Proyecto Asis - Wildlife tour and volunteering

Accommodation:

Secreto de la Fortuna or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: La Fortuna

Today begins with a hike to the Peninsula section of the Arenal National Park. Walk along an easy trail, soaking up the excellent views overlooking Lake Arenal and the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range. If you like, you can climb to the observation platform (about 12 m or 40 ft high) for a closer view of the volcano, which is 1633 m high in a perfect cone!. At the end of the trail, take a boat for a tour along the forested shores of Lake Arenal and its islets to try to find some animals. This is the ideal place to take some photos of the volcano (if the weather allows). The afternoon is then free to maybe take a hike past old lava flows on the Arenal 1968 Trail. There are two options on the 1968, including a shorter route suitable for families with younger kids. Or maybe a slow-paced soar on the Sky Tram is more your family’s speed?

Included Activities:

Arenal National Park - Hike and Lake

Optional Activities:

La Fortuna - Ecotermales Thermal Waters (45 USD)
La Fortuna - Hike to La Fortuna Waterfal (18 USD)
Arenal - Safari river float (85 USD)
Lake Arenal - Kayak (20 USD)

Accommodation:

Secreto de la Fortuna or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Monteverde

Today you’ll drive to the shores of Lake Arenal, before taking a boat across the lake towards Monteverde. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger and larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. When you arrive, maybe head to the nearby Butterfly Garden or just enjoy the tranquillity of nature at your accommodation. 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.

Optional Activities:

Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) (22 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel Don Taco or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Monteverde

See the forest from a different perspective this morning on a canopy walk across the suspension bridges of Monteverde. The sheer variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so don’t be surprised if your kids 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 resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on zip-lines. 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)

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel Don Taco or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park

Wave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to Manuel Antonio. Arrive at your accommodation, located close to the national park, and spend an evening at leisure. Tonight, maybe take the family for a traditional Costa Rican meal at a soda (local restaurant), where you can mix with locals and try some of the region’s incredible fresh produce.

Accommodation:

Hotel Mono Azul or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park

After breakfast, take a guided walk along the trails that snake through Manuel Antonio National Park. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the area’s diverse wild and plant life from your local naturalist guide. Look and listen carefully and you may be able to spot howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas and more. The afternoon is free to explore this magical area further at your family’s desired pace. Maybe you’d like to relax on one of the idyllic palm-lined bays while the kids splash in the water. Maybe rent a kayak, surf or fish in the ocean. There are no wrong choices in this balmy paradise!

Included Activities:

Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
Manuel Antonio - National Park tour with a naturalist guide

Optional Activities:

Manuel Antonio – Cruise (Inc transport, guide, lunch and drinks onboard) (95 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel Mono Azul or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: San Jose

Rise and shine for your final morning in this beachside haven. Enjoy your last hours in Manuel Antonio with some free time before making the return drive to San Jose in the mid-afternoon. You have a free afternoon to relax or continue epxloring. Tonight, maybe head out as a group for a final optional dinner to reminisce about your time together.

Accommodation:

Hotel Palma Real or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: San Jose

There are no activities planned for today and you're free to leave any time after check-out. Can’t get enough of San Jose? Why not head out on a Tropical Rainforest and Chocolate Urban Adventure, which uncovers the chocolate and wildlife secrets of the jungle. If you need extra accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

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 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.

AUD $3,160

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica – and the culture shaped by the tropical wilderness – with your loved ones, on an adventure tailored for families.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 26 Mar 2026

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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

Melissa

Traveled, July 2023

08/07/2023

Great trip for families with some unique stays. No big corporate chains, a lot of learning about local living. Really great way to dive into the culture. Lots of flexibility with the schedule and more excursions.

5.0

Nisha

Traveled, July 2023

07/18/2023

Amazing experience! Highly recommend intrepid for families. Something for everyone and well organized. Will definitely come back again!

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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