Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Blanketed in pristine rainforest, lined by golden sands, and brimming with curious-looking creatures, Costa Rica is the ultimate family playground.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: San Luis Rural Community Experience & Lunch, Monteverde Your Family Journeys Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project, Monteverde
Arrival transfer
Naturalist guided cloud forest night walk
Canyon canopy tour in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rio Negro Hot Springs and volcanic mud bath
Horseback riding and guided hike in Rincón de la Vieja
Cipanci Reserve guided boat tour
All tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leaders and porterage
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts)

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, horse, walking

Group Leader

Two National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout, local guides.

Highlights

Soar through the jungle canopy on zip lines
Join a naturalist on a night walk through the cloud forest
Keeping your ears open for the symphony of hooting owls
Croaking frogs
And chirping insects
Test your skills at a cooking class as you whip up delicious Costa Rican dishes
Jump into a natural mud bath
And swim in pools heated by area volcanoes.

Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, boat, horse, walking

Guide Language

English

Starts

San José, Costa Rica

Finishes

San José, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, National Geographic Journey, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: San José

Welcome to San José–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.Accommodation - Hotel Courtyard by Marriot

Day 2: San José/Monteverde

This morning, travel up into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where we'll visit a rural community for a farm-to-table lunch, where our hosts will share insights about the local products and ingredients used in your meal. Enjoy fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced dishes—rice, beans, vegetables, homemade tortillas—and have the opportunity to touch and taste some of these products, giving you a deeper connection to Costa Rica's local flavors. After lunch, visit the farm where children will enjoy hands-on agricultural activities. Explore tropical crops like coffee and fruits, see sustainable farming practices in action, and even learn how to make sugar cane juice using a traditional "Trapiche" mill—an interactive experience perfect for children and families alike. Later, enjoy some free time to get settled in our hotel. In the evening, follow a naturalist into the forest to seek out the fascinating nocturnal creatures that spring to life after the sun goes down, from red-eyed tree frogs to spiny porcupines.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a visit to the rural community of San Luis. Your time here directly benefits the economic development of this local community and helps expand their community services. Observe snapshots of rural like in Costa Rica before sitting down for a farm-to-table lunch featuring a hands-on demonstration of the local ingredients. Learn together as a family about the important knowledge of native plant species in the area along with conservation efforts, and some birdwatching.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

Day 3: Monteverde

Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear about reforestation projects spearheaded by the institute, then roll up your sleeves and lend a hand in the tree nursery. The rest of the day is free for poolside relaxation or optional excursions in the clouds, including zip-lining, hiking in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, or a walk through the forest canopy across hanging bridges.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get up early to check out some of the optional activities on offer around Monteverde.Activity - The Monteverde Institute is a base for National Geographic-funded explorers and researchers studying the famed canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. A researcher will present the various projects National Geographic has sponsored including new discoveries, insect and bird studies, and the reforestation of tropical regions. Then, play an active role in this project by visiting the National Geographic-sponsored research plot and getting your hands dirty by either planting trees to restore habitat or assisting in tree care in the nurseries.Accommodation - El Establo Hotel

Day 4: Monteverde/Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Today we travel towards Rincón de la Vieja National Park, an otherworldly land of smoking volcanoes, bubbling mud pots, and thermal hot springs—all shrouded in thick tangles of rainforest. This afternoon, channel your inner Tarzan as you swing across zip lines strung through the forest canopy.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Fly through the trees over a narrow river canyon while navigating zip lines, natural rock climbing walls, Tarzan swings, rappelling and hanging bridges.Free_time - Take the evening to relax or opt to visit the local butterfly gardens.Accommodation - Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 5: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Rise early for a full day of adventure in the national park. Get introduced to the park's creatures on a naturalist-guided wildlife hike and swim beneath a tumbling waterfall. Then saddle up for a horseback-riding excursion as you make your way back to your lodge in time for a delicious lunch. After lunch, visit thermal hot springs and mud baths, where playing in the mud isn't just allowed, it's encouraged.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Set off on foot alongside your naturalist guide to explore the flora and fauna of Rincon de la Vieja. Keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, white-faced howler or spider monkeys, armadillos, and many types of tropical birds. Your walk culminates at a waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water. Then saddle up to ride back to the hacienda.Activity - Visit natural hot springs which give rise to very hot mountain streams; sulfuric ponds filled with bubbling mud. Dare to step in and get muddy. Soak in the hot, therapeutic waters and feel invigorated and alive.Accommodation - Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin

Day 6: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park/Guanacaste

Journey toward the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. But first, take the morning to enjoy one final slow start to the day before getting on the road. Or, choose to get wet and wild on a tubing adventure on the Rio Negro. In the afternoon, head west to Guanacaste and get settled at your beachside locale.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend time at leisure in a quaint beach town.Accommodation - Hotel Villa Sol

Day 7: Guanacaste

The day is free to do as much or as little as you like. Relax at the pool or on the beach in this tropical paradise. Feel free to play in the sand and water; or opt to set sail across the bay and around the nearby Islands.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - There's plenty of exploring to do here, opt to get out on the water or choose to play at the beach or in the pool all day.Accommodation - Hotel Villa Sol

Day 8: Guanacaste/San José

The journey back towards the capitol includes one incredible stop along the way. Embark on a jungle boat cruise through the Cipanci Reserve, part of the Tempisque River Conservation Area. The reserve is a wildlife-lover's paradise: crocodiles glide beneath the water's surface, monkeys swing through the surrounding treetops, and numerous winged wonders wade and fly at the river's edge—including ospreys, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. Upon arrival into San Jose, celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a boat ride, travelling along the Tempisque River to discover Cipanci Reserve. Learn about the park and the creatures that call this region home from our local guide on board. Keep a keen eye out as the guide helps spot wildlife in the water, trees, and sky.Accommodation - Hotel Courtyard by Marriot

Day 9: San José

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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 $4739

AUD $3,554

(Tour only)

Offer ends 21 Mar, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Blanketed in pristine rainforest, lined by golden sands, and brimming with curious-looking creatures, Costa Rica is the ultimate family playground.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Mar 2026

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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

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