We originally looked at booking the longer Costa Rica Family Adventure as we thought the Family Escape (at 7 nights) may be too much of a whirlwind. However, we liked the fact that there were less distances to travel (as the Family Escape does not include a visit to the Caribbean coast), and that there were more activities included, plus, on enquiry, we found out that on the dates we wished to travel the families booked onto this trip had children of similar ages to our own (16 and 12). We are so pleased we went for this option! From being met at the airport by our wonderful guide, Eduardo, and driver, Cesar, to being waved off as we boarded our transfer on the last day, we enjoyed every minute of our holiday!
Costa Rica is an incredible country and this trip gives you a sense of its diverstiy - from the volcanic landscape around Arenal, to the Cloud Forest at Monteverde, and the tropical beaches of Carillo. The mix of activities is great - from the high adrenaline rafting and zip wire course at Monteverde, to fascinating nature walks and wildlife spotting. The itinery is quite pacy - there are activities most days, however, you get at least 2 nights at each hotel (apart from in San Jose) so you do get chance to unpack a little and enjoy some downtime.
The hotels all offer something different: Los Lagos at La Fortuna is set in lush tropical gardens with its own resident crocodile and butterfly and insect houses. Plus, it has its own hot springs complete with water slides which our children loved. The Country Lodge at Monteverde is a little more basic, but charming, whilst the Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows are super stylish with spacious rooms and a stunning pool area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
9-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Carrillo Beach
Excellent trip with Gracie, I did things I never would have tried by myself such as rappelling down waterfalls and ziplining 1.5km. Saw some amazing wildlife and met some great people.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Manuel Antonio Nationa
San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
It was a great experience, everything worked very well, our tour guide Diego was very professional, communicative, funny and took care of our group the whole time!
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Imagine tracing a colorful path from the beaches of Mexico all the way to Costa Rica’s cloud forests—this is what the 33-day 'Central American Adventure' promises. Suited for travelers who revel in easy-paced discovery, this wildlife-filled trip covers Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Uncover marine marvels in Caye Caulker, wander through mystical Monteverde, and stand before the awe-inspiring Tikal pyramids. The lure of this tour lies in its blend of local secrets and iconic sights, with plenty of opportunities to meet locals and fellow travelers alike. With comfortable accommodation, transport, meals, and guided excursions included, this adventure tour package lets you soak up the essence of Central America’s most captivating destinations.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio
San Jose, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Suchitoto, Leon, Granada, Monteverde, Chetumal, La Fortuna, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores
We had the best time on our Costa Rica trip. I was worried about the coordination, but all went smoothly. The communication was fantastic and and when little things happened they were always available on Whatsapp for updates and reassurance. They were very flexible when I wanted to change things slightly at the last minute towards the end of the trip. I would highly recommend this company.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
I booked this trip for my daughter and me. She wanted action and adventure, every day, and this trip delivered. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the hotels. Much nicer than I expected, given the low cost of this to her. Most of the transportation was fairly high-quality as well. The bus too, and from the rafting was nothing fancy, but certainly nothing to worry about.
Be prepared to spend a little more time than you might expect in transit. That's a function of Costa Rican infrastructure. Lots of one lane roads means travel between cities can be really slow. But the scenery is gorgeous. If you just consider it part of the adventure, and enjoy it, it's not a problem.
I highly recommend this trip. It had everything we wanted.
Rafting
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-79 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Fores
San Jose, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Pacuare River, Samara Beach, Arenal Volcano, Arenal
This was my first Contiki trip & I'm not sure that any holiday will ever be the same! I had the most amazing time in Costa Rica with the best group of people. From chill beach days to zip lining over the rainforest we did such a variety of things but still had plenty of free time (in Monteverde we used our free time to go & do the highest bungee in Central America!). Our trip manager & driver were incredible & really made the trip unforgettable with crazy knowledge of the local areas & wildlife. Pura Vida!