Making Memories - Costa Rica Family Holiday

Duration: 11 Days | 10 Nights
Destination: San José – Tortuguero – Arenal Volcano – Monteverde – Manuel Antonio

A Costa Rica holiday built for families. Cruise the jungle canals of Tortuguero – the country's “little Amazon” – in search of turtles, caimans and monkeys, learn to make tortillas on a working organic farm, walk the cloud forest canopy on suspension bridges at Monteverde, and spot sloths on a guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park. Three nights on the Pacific coast at the end, private transfers between destinations, and a pace that works for grown-ups and children alike.

Day 1: San José
Arrival transfer
Shuttle service between Juan Santamaría International Airport and the city of San José, delivering you comfortably to your hotel.

Hotel Presidente (or similar) – 1 night
Presidente Hotel sits in the heart of the city, within walking distance of San José's museums, theatres and cultural institutions. Rooms are modern and well equipped, with private bathroom, air conditioning, minibar, safe and Wi-Fi. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Tortuguero National Park
San José to Tortuguero by road and boat
Travel from San José by ground transfer, crossing the vast Braulio Carrillo National Park to reach Guápiles, where a typical Costa Rican breakfast awaits. From there the drive continues past banana and pineapple plantations to the pier, where you board a boat for Tortuguero. The ride along rivers and canals takes about an hour and a half – and delivers you to the lodge just in time for lunch. In the afternoon there is a guided visit to the village of Tortuguero. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Aninga Lodge (or similar) – 2 nights, full board
Aninga Lodge sits five minutes from Tortuguero National Park, surrounded by a network of picturesque canals and reached only by land and river transport, both included. The lodge has 33 comfortable bungalows with fans and private bathrooms, an excellent restaurant serving the included local cuisine, a swimming pool, bar and spa.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Canal boat tour and guided trail walk
After breakfast at the lodge, a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Known as Costa Rica's “little Amazon”, it is one of the country's wildest areas and among its most biologically diverse. The canals are hemmed by lush tropical forest thick with wildlife, and the beaches are famous as nesting habitat for seven species of sea turtle. Mid-morning you walk the lodge's private trails with a naturalist guide, then have free time to enjoy the facilities. The nocturnal turtle-nesting excursion comes highly recommended and can be added at extra cost. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Day 4: Arenal Volcano
Tortuguero to Arenal
After breakfast you depart by boat mid-morning back to the main dock, then travel by road to Guápiles for lunch. From there a private transfer carries you on to Arenal. The route runs through rural country, green mountains and small towns; as you approach La Fortuna the famous volcano comes into view and you notice the climate and vegetation change around you.

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience (or similar) – 2 nights
Lush tropical gardens, the sound of waterfalls and views of the Arenal Volcano make Volcano Lodge feel like a hidden pocket of rainforest. Superior rooms have private terraces with partial or full volcano views, blending river stone and ceramic detail with handcrafted Costa Rican furniture. Breakfast and internet access included.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano hike – El Silencio Trail
The tour begins at the El Silencio Private Reserve with a 1.5km walk along a volcanic stone trail of moderate difficulty, leading to a viewpoint near the Arenal Volcano. Your guide explains the volcano's formation, its periods of activity and the first eruption in 1968, with views out over the Green Lagoon and Lake Arenal. The trail passes through forest regenerating after past eruptions, and with luck you may spot toucans, guans, oropendolas and occasionally monkeys or snakes. A tropical fruit snack rounds off the walk.
Includes transport, entrance, bilingual naturalist guide, water and snack. Approximately 4 hours. Moderate. Bring binoculars, insect repellent, camera, comfortable clothing, a poncho, hiking shoes and sunscreen.

Vida Campesina farm tour with lunch
An afternoon that connects you with Costa Rica's cultural roots on a visit to an organic farm. The children will love it: a cultural sugar cane milling activity, a tasting of fresh seasonal fruit picked on the farm, and a lesson in the traditional art of making tortillas by hand. An organic traditional lunch is prepared over a wood fire and served buffet style, followed by dessert and freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee.
Includes guide, entrance and lunch. Approximately 2.5 hours. Easy. Bring closed shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a raincoat.

Day 6: Monteverde
Private transfer Arenal to Monteverde
A private transfer between the Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. Approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions.

El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve (or similar) – 2 nights
El Establo blends comfort with nature on a mountainside above Monteverde, with views over the Gulf of Nicoya. There is a restaurant, coffee bar, heated pool, the hotel's own trails and private reserve, and bilingual guided tours. Deluxe rooms have two queen beds, private bathroom, mini-refrigerator, TV and Wi-Fi. Breakfast included.

Night walk at Curi Cancha Reserve
Discover the Curi-Cancha Reserve after dark. Guided by expert naturalists, you explore trails alive with wildlife, from exotic birds to fascinating mammals, across montane and premontane forest, with telescopes and binoculars to pick out the detail.
Includes transport, guide, entrance and telescope. Approximately 2 hours. Easy. Bring a camera, raincoat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and closed shoes.

Day 7: Monteverde
Sky Tram, Sky Trek, Sky Walk and Vértigo
A full day above the Monteverde canopy. Six suspension bridges rise over the forest, extending up to 300 metres, with specialist guides pointing out the flora and fauna along the way. Ascend to the Continental Divide by Sky Tram – an 800-metre cable route to an observation station with viewpoints on both sides, looking out to the North Slope, the Gulf of Nicoya and, in the distance, the Arenal Volcano. From there begins the Sky Trek: seven zip lines from 50 to 160 metres high, covering four kilometres across the highest mountains of Monteverde. A surprise waits at the end – “El Vértigo”, a 12-metre drop from a 25-metre platform, taken either as a mini bungee or a controlled descent.
Includes entrance, guide service, shuttle transfer and set lunch. Approximately 5 hours. High intensity. Bring hiking or tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, a raincoat and a change of clothes.

Butterfly Garden and Insect & Arachnid Nature Centre
The Monteverde Butterfly Gardens have been teaching visitors about Costa Rica's insects and arachnids for over 30 years, with a mission to change how people think about these small, misunderstood creatures. Up to 30 species of butterfly across four habitats, more than 20 species of live insects and arachnids, an active leaf-cutter ant colony and excellent guides – a reliable hit with children.
Includes entrance fee and guide. Approximately 1 hour. Easy. Closed-toe shoes required. Private transfer back to your hotel included.

Day 8: Manuel Antonio
Private transfer Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
A comfortable private transfer to one of Costa Rica's most iconic destinations, known for its beaches, rainforest and abundant wildlife.

Hotel Costa Verde (or similar) – 3 nights
Hotel Costa Verde sits in the heart of Manuel Antonio, close to the national park and the town of Quepos, surrounded by wildlife and greenery. The family-area studios are spacious and practical, with air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, Wi-Fi, safe, hair dryer, refrigerator and coffee maker. Breakfast included.

Day 9: Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park nature walk
Come and enjoy this national treasure. The pace is set by your group, and there is plenty of wildlife worth stopping for: sloths and several species of monkey in the treetops, silky anteaters, non-venomous snakes at rest in the rainforest, and birdsong overhead. See how much flora and fauna you can spot across a 2.5-hour hike.
Pause for fresh fruit and local refreshments along the way, and afterwards you can carry on to the park's uncrowded beaches. Your guide will also share the history of the Quepoa people and Costa Rica's past as it relates to this beautiful corner of the country.
Includes transport, bilingual certified naturalist guide, entrance fee, fruit, juice and beach time. Approximately 4 hours. Easy. Bring a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear and a towel.

Day 10: Manuel Antonio
Day at leisure
A free day on the Pacific coast. Optional tours are available – ask us and we will build them into your quote.

Day 11: Manuel Antonio / San José
Private transfer Manuel Antonio to San José
A morning departure to the capital, roughly four hours through changing Costa Rican landscape, in time for your onward flight.

– End of services –

Tour Price
• Price shown is per person based on twin share accommodation.
• Prices vary based on your month of travel – contact us and we will provide accurate pricing for your specific travel dates.
• Price is based on the hotels shown or similar, with private transfers throughout. Shuttle and 4x4 self-drive options are available at different rates.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions or any unforeseen situation.

Inclusions:
• 01 hotel night in San José
• 02 nights at Tortuguero lodge on a full board basis
• 02 hotel nights at Arenal Volcano
• 02 hotel nights in Monteverde
• 03 hotel nights at Manuel Antonio
• Daily breakfasts
• Lunches and dinners as specified at the Tortuguero lodge
• Lunch on the Vida Campesina farm tour and the Monteverde canopy day
• Road and boat transport to and from Tortuguero
• Tortuguero National Park canal boat tour, guided trail walk and park entrance fee
• Arenal Volcano El Silencio Trail guided hike
• Vida Campesina organic farm tour
• Curi Cancha Reserve guided night walk
• Sky Tram, Sky Trek, Sky Walk and Vértigo entrance and guide
• Monteverde Butterfly Garden and Nature Centre entrance and guide
• Manuel Antonio National Park guided nature walk and entrance fee
• Private transfers throughout as per the itinerary
• Shared shuttle airport transfer on arrival
• English-speaking guides on all included tours

Exclusions:
• International and domestic flights
• Activities not indicated in the program
• Meals and beverages not mentioned
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips for hotel, restaurant and housekeeping staff
• Mandatory Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners for travel over those dates

Please note:
• Departures daily, year round.
• Children are considered up to 10 years of age. Triple share and child rates are available on request.
• All included activities are subject to minimum operating numbers and are confirmed at the time of booking.
• Hotels listed are those used at the time of writing; comparable properties of the same standard may be substituted.
• Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
• Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended.
• Turtle nesting season at Tortuguero runs from June to September. The nocturnal turtle-nesting excursion is not included and can be added at extra cost.
• If travelling to Tortuguero during nesting season, pack dark-coloured pants and shirts and closed-toe shoes.
• The Sky Trek zip line has minimum age, height and weight requirements. Please tell us the ages of children travelling at the time of enquiry so we can confirm suitability.
• Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear and lightweight hiking footwear.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.