Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

20 peopleMaximum group size

6 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

San Jose, Costa Rica

Ends

San Jose, Costa Rica

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.

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.

Itinerary

Costa Rica’s rainforests and golden beaches form a playground like no other on this nine-day Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast tour. Starting in San Jose, the adventure takes families through Monteverde’s cloud forests, misty volcanic trails in Rincon de la Vieja, and on to the Pacific’s Gold Coast for sun and surf. With easy-paced activities such as zip lining, horseback riding, and gentle hikes, this tour ensures fun and discovery for all ages. The standout feature is its seamless blend of inland jungle thrills and seaside relaxation, offering a holistic experience of Costa Rica’s rich natural wonders.

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.

Accomodation:Hotel Courtyard by Marriot (or similar)

Transport:Arrival Transfer

Included Activity:Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Duration : 1.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:El Establo Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 155 km

Included Activities:San Luis Rural Community Experience & Lunch, Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:El Establo Hotel (or similar)

Included Activity:Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project

Optional Activities:Hanging Bridges Monteverde Easy, CASEM Coop Visit , Ziplining , Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit Pull on your poncho and boots and head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan as you imagine swinging from the forest’s giant vines, trudge along 12 km of trails, watch for wildlife and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen too. Hear the haunting hollow call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the preserve and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.

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.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr - 4.5 hr Distance : 152 km

Included Activity:Zip Line Rincon de La Vieja Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr

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 the tumbling Oropendula 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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin (or similar)

Included Activities:Hike to Oropendula Waterfall Duration : 6.0 hr, Hot Springs and Volcano Mud Bath Duration : 1.0 hr

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Villa Sol (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 110 km

Optional Activities:Rio Negro Tubing Adventure Enjoy the great outdoors on an innertube, bouncing and splashing down 5 km (3 miles) of class 2 and 3 rapids on the Black River. There are plenty of quiet pools along the way to appreciate the beautiful tropical scenery. Opt to ride the ranch horses (or you can go by vehicle transport) along scenic trails through the forest to reach the river.

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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Villa Sol (or similar)

Optional Activities:Guanacaste Sailing

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.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Courtyard by Marriot (or similar)

Transport:Transport Duration : 4.5 hr - 5.5 hr Distance : 263 km

Included Activity:Cipanci Reserve Boat Excursion Duration : 2.0 hr

day 9 - San José

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts)

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Note: Allow USD270-355 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, horse, walkingAll transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

Two National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: San Luis Rural Community Experience & Lunch, MonteverdeYour Family Journeys Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project, MonteverdeArrival transferNaturalist guided cloud forest night walkCanyon canopy tour in Rincón de la Vieja National ParkRio Negro Hot Springs and volcanic mud bathHorseback riding and guided hike in Rincón de la ViejaCipanci Reserve guided boat tourAll tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leaders and porterage

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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5.0

based on 25 reviews

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