Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the iconic Arenal Volcano and go paddle boarding on Lake Arenal
- Spot nocturnal wildlife in the atmospheric Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Glide through the lush canopies on an aerial zipline for unique views
- Discover volcanic hot springs and mud pools at Hacienda Guachipelin
- Relax on the white sandy beaches of the Pacific Coast and stay in Tamarindo
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
12 nights from £3,195 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Embark on a family-friendly tour of Costa Rica, from the spectacular Arenal Volcano to the white sandy beaches of Tamarindo.
This tailor-made example itinerary introduces you and the whole family to the natural highlights of Costa Rica, showcasing its rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and a host of stunning flora and fauna.
Suitable for families of all ages, the trip demonstrates Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and perfectly combines adventure and action-packed activities with relaxation and family-friendly accommodation.
During the tour, you're able to explore forest canopies with a birds-eye view, float down a river as you spot monkeys, butterflies and sloths, step out into the jungle under the cover of darkness in search of brightly coloured frogs and soak in bubbling hot springs.
End your Costa Rican adventure on the beautiful Pacific coast of Tamarindo for a few days around the pool or on the beach.
Itinerary
Day 1 | UK to San Jose
Fly into San Jose today on your chosen international flights from the UK. On arrival into Costa Rica's capital, you're met by a local representative who'll drive you to your hotel located on the outskirts of the city.
Day 2 | San Jose to Arenal National Park
Today, you’re driven towards the spectacular Arenal Volcano, located in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. As well as offering wonderful views of this active mountain, the area of La Fortuna around the volcano is the centre of Costa Rica's active and adventure tours. It’s even the perfect base to explore the nearby rainforest and nature reserves. For the remainder of the afternoon and evening, you can relax at your hotel and opt for some time in the thermal hot springs.
Day 3 | Arenal National Park
Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest as you paddle down Peñas Blancas River. Your guide is on hand to help you spot some of Costa Rica's amazing wildlife highlights, from monkeys to sloths, iguanas, caimans, crocodiles and a wide variety of bird species.
Staying at
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Day 4 | Arenal National Park
Take in mesmerising views of the volcano from the water with a paddle boarding experience on Lake Arenal. This paddle board tour takes you gliding across the calm and peaceful waters at the foot of the volcano, with the dried-up lava flow visible from its last eruption decades ago. A guide gives you an introduction to paddle boarding before leading you out over the water, helping you to spot wildlife along the way. There’s time to enjoy a break on the shore or take a dip in the freshwater before you head back to your hotel.
Staying at
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Day 5 | Arenal to Monteverde
Cross Lake Arenal by boat, taking in stunning views of the volcano en route to Monteverde Cloud Forest. As dusk falls, head out to discover the cloud forest under the cover of darkness. The ecosystem buzzes with nocturnal activity, so be on the lookout for snakes, colourful frogs, spiders and bats as you set out with your torch.
Day 6 | Monteverde Cloud Forest
While in Monteverde, visit Selvatura Adventure Park to get a bird's eye view of the cloud forest below. Glide through the trees on an aerial zipline for unique views of the canopy before following a trail of high suspension bridges for a chance to spot wildlife hidden from sight at ground level.
Day 7 | Monteverde to Rincon de la Vieja
Rincon de la Vieja
Depart Monteverde, heading north to Rincon de la Vieja National Park in the Guanacaste region. This area is home to volcanic steam vents, bubbling mud pools, volcanoes and rainforest. It’s the perfect place to soak in the hot springs, enjoy a mud bath, trek through lush forestry and partake in a whole host of adventure and nature-based activities.
Day 8 | Rincon de la Vieja
Rincon de la Vieja
Experience Hacienda Guachipelin Lodge for a chance to explore the natural hot springs, forest trails and volcanic mud pools. Included in your stay is a one-day adventure pass, allowing you to choose from a range of activities, including horse riding, a canopy tour, tubing on the Rio Negro, canyoning, bird watching and hiking in the national park.
Day 9 | Rincon de la Vieja to Tamarindo
Travel from Hacienda Guachipelin to Tamarindo, as the dry tropical forests of inland Guanacaste province give way to the sandy beaches of the Pacific Coast.
Day 10 - 11 | Tamarindo
The next two days are spent at leisure on the coast at Tamarindo. So, take the time to relax by the pool, explore the nearby beaches or arrange additional local activities.
Staying at
Cala Luna
Day 12 | Flight Home
Finally, depart Costa Rica for your flights back to the UK. Depending on your choice of international flights, you’re either driven the short distance back to Liberia Airport or the longer overland journey to San Jose.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
12 nights from £3,195 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Pricing Notes
Price includes international flights, English speaking driver/guides, all accommodation, activities and breakfast every day.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
