Peru Tours
Brazil Tours
Argentina Tours
Chile Tours
Ecuador/Galapagos Tours
Venezuela Tours
Bolivia Tours
Costa Rica Tours
Panama Tours
Guatemala Tours
Uruguay Tours
Africa Tours
Australia Tours
New Zealand Tours
Activities in Other Countries

Phone: 800-232-5658 or
1-512-443-5393
email

Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Costa Rica Tours and Travel

Coast to Coast / Adventure / Costa Rica Verde / Tropical Adventure / Honeymoon / Wonders / Highlights
South Costa Rica / Family Adventures / Highlights Self-Drive / Up & Down Self-Drive
Costa Rica-Panama Cruise / Experience / Eco-Exclusive / Kayak / Multisport / Comfort / Birds Trail

COSTA RICA FAMILY TOURS

EXPLORER TOUR - 9 days / 8 nights

Day 1 - Upon arrival at the airport, you will be assisted inside the terminal. Then transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in San José. Bougainvillea or Casa Conde

Day 2 - (B) Costa Rica in half a day? Well not quite. But your visit to INBio Park is the next best thing, as you embark on a fascinating journey into some of Costa Rica’s principal biospheres. After this, you will enjoy a short San José sightseeing tour with some shopping opportunities at various craft shops in the suburb of Moravia. Overnight at hotel in San José. Bougainvillea or Casa Conde

Day 3 - (B,L) The Caribbean Rain Forest Aerial Tram, where you and your children will experience the rainforest from the treetops! Afternoon at leisure for you to enjoy the fresh water pools, or enjoy activities such as boat tours, horseback riding and a butterfly and frog farm. Afternoon at leisure for relaxing at the lodge in Sarapiquí. . Overnight in La Quinta de Sarapiquí Country Inn. This family-run lodge has 33 rooms with either two or three beds, ceiling fan, telephone, safety security box, private bathroom with hot water, and a balcony with view to the gardens. 15 of these 33 rooms are on Superior rooms category and include air conditioning. 18 rooms are on Standard rooms with ceiling fan. They are all surrounded by tropical gardens, which attract a diverse range of birds. La Quinta offers a quiet and friendly atmosphere. All rooms are connected to the main house through sidewalks. The main building offers an air-conditioned dining room, swimming pool, souvenir shop, a game room, Spa, meeting room and a bar. Laundry service is also offered at this lodge. La Quinta de Sarapiquí Lodge is a great base for excursions to nearby attractions. Some of the activities offered at the lodge are: ¨La Galería¨, a spectacular insect museum where visitors can admire different local species, a butterfly house, a frog garden, a vegetable garden. Some of the activities offered at the lodge are mountain biking, boat trips, horseback riding, hiking on the nearby trails, bird watching, tubing in the river and rafting.

Its environmental conditions (rainy and humid) make this an ideal location for the development of a wide range of animal and plant species. Thus the region boasts of some of the richest biodiversity in the country. In addition, clients may choose from a variety of tours such as the Aerial Tram, Braulio Carrillo National Park, La Paz waterfall, banana, pineapple and heart of palm plantations. Suitable option for adventurous, active clients (medium budget), nature lovers that enjoy rustic accommodation. It is a good option for families with children.

Day 4 - (B) Today we will visit the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve, a privately owned reserve aimed to preserve the natural wealth of the tropical forests of Sarapiqui. The guide will explain you about this important ecosystem and all its life as we explore it. Here you will also have chance to learn more about the cocoa and the chocolate. You will see the chocolate making process first-hand and even have the opportunity to treat your taste buds to organic rainforest chocolate! Rest of the day at leisure. . Overnight in La Quinta de Sarapiquí Country Inn.

Day 5 - (B,D) Transfer to La Fortuna, located close to the majestic and active Arenal volcano, where you will enjoy a soothing late afternoon visit to the hot springs. Take a soothing late afternoon visit to the hot springs. Take a relaxing dip or explore the hot pools set amongst ornate gardens! Overnight at Arenal Paraíso hotel. It offers a total of 118 rooms including standard, superior, and suite options, all surrounded by exuberant and spacious gardens and green areas visited by different bird species. The superior bungalows have the best view of the Arenal Volcano. Each standard room has a private bathroom w/hot water, a/c, small refrigerator, telephone, cable TV, safety box, and private balcony with direct view of the Volcano. The Superior bungalows are bigger than the standard rooms and offer a slightly better view of the volcano, being located higher on the property. They are equipped with private bathroom w/hot water, a small refrigerator, cable TV, telephone, a/c, and a large covered porch. Bungalows feature 2 queen size beds. There are also some deluxe bungalows adapted for disabled people with access ramps and adapted bathrooms. Suites offer a private Jacuzzi, living room area, and kitchen.

Among the facilities and services the hotel offers natural trails, canopy tour with 12 platforms, tour operator, souvenir shop, spa, sauna, gym, internet connection at the lobby, laundry service, parking area, 2 restaurants (one serving international cuisine, and one specializing in steaks), bar, 3 swimming pools, and 11 thermal water pools.

Some of the activities this area has to offer include horseback riding to the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding properties, Caño Negro wildlife refuge, white water rafting, La Fortuna waterfall, Tabacon hot springs, boat rides through the Arenal lagoon, fishing, horseback riding to Monteverde, Venado caves, hiking to Cerro Chato, Celeste river, Canopy tours and much more. This is a middle - upscale option in the Arenal area. Ideal for clients looking for a comfortable, pleasant hotel. Very good choice for nature lovers or bird watchers.

Day 6 - (B) Discover life in the forest canopy as you make your way along soaring bridges and a circuit of interpretive trails that offer you a unique perspective of the rainforest environment. Afternoon at your leisure to explore the region. Overnight at Arenal Paraíso hotel.

Days 7 & 8 - (B) Transfer to the hotel Punta Leona, located close to Jacó beach, on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. The hotel Punta Leona is conveniently located just 1:30 - 2 hours 117 km/ 73 miles from San José and offers 750 acres of lush tropical rainforest, pristine white sand and gold sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Pacific surround it. The hotel offers a total of 108 rooms of which 16 are fully equipped Apartments, 15 are Deluxe Apartments with pool, and 77 are Standard Rooms. All rooms feature two double beds, private bathroom, hot water, air-conditioning, color cable TV, telephone, mini-fridge, safety security box and views to the forest. The rooms are located a 5-10 minutes walk or at 2-minute internal shuttle bus ride from the beach.

Furthermore the hotel has a buffet style restaurant featuring both International and Continental dishes, one snack bar located next to the beach, a grill serving savory traditional Costa Rican cuisine, a snack bar located in the swimming pool area, a bar, 4 swimming pools in the hotel complex, three air-conditioned conference rooms with all the necessary audio-visual equipment, a mini supermarket and souvenir shop and a discotheque. Some of the activities offered are water aerobics, dancing lessons to the Latin rhythms of Salsa and Merengue music, guided nature and birdwatching walks, volleyball and tennis courts, ping pong tables, mini golf and water sports such as sailing, waterski, surf, jetski and diving.

Recommended for families with children due to the variety of activities available during the day. Tropical rainforest and beach resort combining environmental conservation and tourism. The beach is safe, calm and great for swimming.

Day 9 (B) - Early transfer to the international airport.

The program includes:
• Meet & greet upon arrival
• Accommodation as specified
• Ground transfers
• Guided tour at Inbio Park
• Hike at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Spectacular tour to the Caribbean Aerial Tram
• Adventurous hike to the Arenal Hanging Bridges and relaxing visit to the hot Springs
• Meals as specified (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)
• All taxes
• Does not include optional activities

Price per person in US$:

* Private Transfers Alternative: A private driver will pick up the clients directly at the hotel and will take them to the next destination. The schedules can be flexible (unless they have to connect with other transfers or be in a certain place at a specific moment) and they do not have to wait for other clients, since this is a private service.

**Rental Car Alternative: Renting a car is a convenient way to move around the country as it gives you the freedom to explore at will. Our preferred car rental companies offer a complete list of services, including a modern fleet of vehicles and pick-up and drop-off services in San José as well as in the main tourist destinations. We would recommend a 4WD whenever possible and depending on the places you wish to visit, as they are more robust vehicles and a more reliable option for difficult roads. The rate provided does not include the Mandatory Insurance (USD 18.00 per day of rent). Clients will pick up the vehicle (Hyundai Tucson 4x4) on Day 03 and return it on Day 09.

A Fun Adventure! 8 days / 7 nights

Liberia - Arenal - Volcano - Monteverde - Tamarindo

Day 1 - Upon arrival at the airport, you will be assisted inside the terminal. Then transfer to your hotel. Hilton Garden Inn

Day 2 - (B) After breakfast, you will depart to the Arenal Volcano area, located about 3 hours drive from San José. Check in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Arenal Manoa. The hotel has a great view of the Arenal Volcano, and spacious gardens, pastures and animals surround it. All the 56 spacious Junior Suites, which combines a modern and rustic architecture, feature private bath with hot water, hair dryer, two queen sized beds, a/c, satellite television, telephone, safe deposit box, coffee maker, and laundry service, plus a little garden and a terrace with a view of the volcano. Four of the junior suites offer accessibility for physically impaired guests.

Facilities available at Arenal Manoa hotel are El Dorado Restaurant with national and international cuisine and a beautiful view, swimming pool for adults and one for children, Jacuzzi, wet bar and the visit to an authentic Costa Rican Farm. This cultural adventure take you to Finca Manoa, where guests will be able to see the daily activities of a Costa Rican farm, such as milking, cattle raised and a flock of sheep; besides others activities like ornamental plantations and traditional Costa Rican products.

Some of the activities recommended in the area are: Caño Negro Tour, rafting, Arenal Volcano hike tour, horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, Venado Caves, mountain biking, Peñas Blancas safari float, Arenal hanging bridges, canopy, sport fishing Arenal Lake, boat rides on Arenal Lake, Rio Celeste Tour, four trax adventure, Sky Tram & Sky Trek and canyoning.

Excellent option for couples, families and groups looking for a comfortable and pleasant hotel in the area with a great view of the Volcano and a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 3 - (B) Today morning you will enjoy the Sky Tram (aerial tram) and Sky Trek (zip lines) tours. The Sky Tram provides a 15-minute aerial tram tour through the rain forest to the "Miguel Angel" observatory, where you will start the Sky Trek (zip lines). Afternoon at leisure to enjoy enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surroundings. Arenal Manoa

Day 4 - (B) After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Monteverde by minibus and boat, crossing the Arenal Lake. Arrival in Monteverde and rest of the day at leisure. Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge. This lodge features a total of 20 rooms; all have one double and one single bed, as well as private bathroom with hot water. The rooms are surrounded by lush vegetation. Telephone service is available at the reception desk, and there is a TV in the lounge (the rooms do not have TVs since the aim is to provide a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere in which nature can be fully appreciated.) Other facilities include bar and restaurant service, horseback riding tours, the Canopy Tour (sliding along wires that hang from one treetop to another), as well as the lodge's 5 Km/3.10 mile private trails, and 70 acres of primary and secondary forests. The restaurant has a good view of the Gulf of Nicoya.

Ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers that are active, enjoy the wilderness, and like to stay at rustic mountain lodges. This is a high altitude region (1400 meters/4592 feet above sea level), and temperatures can drop to 12º C. Therefore, we recommend that you bring a jacket, and a raincoat (after all, it is the rainforest!). Four wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended for those finding their own way there.

Day 5 - (B) This morning you will be picked up for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour. A well-developed system of trails of varying levels of difficulty leads visitors throughout primary cloud forest for a close encounter with nature. After this guided walk transfer back to the hotel.During the afternoon you will visit the Monteverde Butterfly Farm. Afterwards you will continue to the Frog Pond. This frog museum offers the opportunity to view 26 varieties of toads and frogs. Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge

Day 6 - (B) Today you will from Monteverde to Tamarindo Beach. Free day to relax, swim, or sign up for optional tours (at additional cost). Tamarindo Diriá has 183 roomseach offering electronic locks, cable TV, one king size bed or two full beds, mini bar, private bathroom, and access to wireless internet. The rooms are divided into categories offering several different options.

The hotel also offers a bar, and a restaurant featuring national and international cuisine and a complimentary breakfast buffet, as well as two swimming pools, tennis courts, golf course, amphitheater, and conference rooms. There are a variety of small shops, restaurants and bars nearby in the small town of Tamarindo, where clients may enjoy seafood and Italian cooking. Activities include: sports fishing, snorkelling, aquaerobics, horseback riding, surfing, turtle watching tours (from November to March), and visits to the reserves and national parks nearby such as Palo Verde, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, and Santa Rosa.

Suitable for families and for those looking for middle-budget accommodation at a medium sized beachfront hotel. This is an easy-access hotel (no 4WD car is needed to reach Tamarindo Diriá, or to move around the area’s beaches).

Day 7 - (B) Day at leisure in Tamarindo Beach. Optional tours such as surfing lessons, snorkeling and guided walks are suggested. Tamarindo Diriá

Day 8 (B) Transfer to the Liberia International Airport.
________________________________________

The program includes:
o Meet & greet upon arrival
o Accommodation as specified
o Private transfers or Rental Car
o Tours as described above
o Meals as specified (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)
o All taxes
o Does not include optional activities

Highlights:
" Sky Adventures Tours in Arenal
" Hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
" Tamarindo's impressive selection of restaurants and lively beach culture

Price per person in US$:

* Private Transfers Alternative: A private driver will pick up the clients directly at the hotel and will take them to the next destination. The schedules can be flexible (unless they have to connect with other transfers or be in a certain place at a specific moment) and they do not have to wait for other clients, since this is a private service.

**Rental Car Alternative: Renting a car is a convenient way to move around the country as it gives you the freedom to explore at will. Our preferred car rental companies offer a complete list of services, including a modern fleet of vehicles and pick-up and drop-off services in San José as well as in the main tourist destinations. We would recommend a 4WD whenever possible and depending on the places you wish to visit, as they are more robust vehicles and a more reliable option for difficult roads. The rate provided does not include the Mandatory Insurance (USD 18.00 per day of rent). Clients will pick up the vehicle (Hyundai Tucson 4x4) on Day 02 and return it on Day 08.