Compare Quest for Pura Vida by Adventure Smith vs Costa Rica Family Holiday by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica

Accommodation: Studio Hotel

Your quest begins upon arrival at San José Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport. After passing through immigration you will be met by a local Costa Rica Expeditions guide and transfered to your hotel in San José.

Day 2: Nectandra Cloud Forest Garden & Monteverde

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Monteverde Lodge

After a welcome orientation breakfast with your naturalist guide, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Nectandra Cloud Forest Garden, the centerpiece of 257 acres of primary and secondary forest featuring exhibits on cloud forest ecology and a place for scientific field research. After lunch at the gardens, depart for the 3.5-hour winding road to the Monteverde are. Monteverde means "green mountain" and is an appropriate name for these forest-cloaked slopes. Check in to your hotel, visit the Ecological Farm and perhaps take a stroll in the hotel gardens before dinner.

Day 3: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve & Butterfly Garden

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Monteverde Lodge

Set out on foot with your guide through one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the new world tropics, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The perpetually misty forests of the Reserve, founded in 1972, encompass 25,000 acres and six distinct life zones and protect more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants. So many habitats in such a small area, along with extensive trail improvements, allow visitors to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna with relatively short distance and easy walking. Majestically tall trees adorned with orchids, bromeliads ferns and vines, dwarf man and other inhabitants of the cloud forest. From January to July, depending upon your luck and patience, you may observe the Resplendent Quetzal (occasionally a dozen or more individuals at once). Other species include the Three-wattled Bellbird, the Emerald Toucanet, and White-faced and Howler Monkeys. Return mid-day to the hotel for lunch and siesta.

This afternoon visit the Butterfly Garden where 40 species of butterfly are raised and displayed in netted flyways that recreate four distinct habitats: the hot lowlands, mid-elevation forest edge, deep forest and cloud forest. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the vivid colors of the blue morpho and other butterflies. The tour finishes at a special exhibit on leaf cutter ants, one of Costa Rica’s most enterprising insects. While it’s easy to watch them working on the forest floor, the Garden provides a way to see them working underground. After the tour you can go back into the gardens for more pictures, check out the medicinal plant garden or bird watch from the balcony.

Day 4: Arenal Volcano

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Arenal Manoa

This morning, depart by four-wheel-drive vehicle and boat to Arenal. It's a 2-hour drive to Rio Chiquito, a small town on the shore of Lake Arenal, where you'll board a boat for the transfer across the lake (approximately 30-40 minutes depending on wind conditions). You will likely glimpse the postcard-perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano long before reach it. The boat will dock near the Arenal Dam where your transportation will be waiting to continue with the activities of your day. Though Arenal Volcano has been dormant since 2010, it still spews steam and gas on occasion. On July 29, 1968, the mile-high cone awakened from its 400-year slumber with a fateful earthquake. Since that time, it has been one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Day 5: Arenal Hanging Bridges, Zip Line & Hot Springs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Arenal Manoa

After breakfast, depart for a morning hike to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This project consists of eight fixed bridges, ranging in length between 8 and 22 meters, and six hanging bridges, built with the latest techniques and designed with an eye for both beauty and safety. The hanging bridges are between 48 and 98 meters long. All the bridges are made of galvanized steel and high-strength aluminum. The safety mesh and the suspension cables are all galvanized steel. The entire project was designed to blend with the natural environment, leaving the forest virtually intact. The trails, covering a distance of about 3.1 km, are right inside the forest. As you walk, you can appreciate a great diversity of flowers and wildlife that are typical of the rain forest as well as some imposing views of Arenal Volcano, weather permitting.

Next head to a private reserve near the north-facing slopes of the Cordillera de Tilarán, which offer volcano views to be enjoyed from an aerial Sky Tram that rises 236 meters in a 1250-meter ride. At the top is a mirador (lookout point), and the start of the Sky Trek zip line circuit. There are currently ten zip line cables ranging in height from 30 meters to 200 meters and in length from 200 meters to 750 meters. After gearing up and learning safety measures from your guide, you'll zip along nearly two miles of cables, seeing the rainforest as well as getting a panoramic view of the volcano and lake from a whole new perspective.

Finish the day at Ecotermales La Fortuna. Owned and ran by the local Hidalgo family, native settlers and entrepreneurs of La Fortuna, these hot springs consist of 5 free-flowing pools set in a natural river gorge. Water temperature ranges from 100ºF to 109ºF depending on the pool. An assortment of blended smoothies and cocktails are prepared at the bar located in the pool area (additional cost). A Costa Rican Home style meal in the restaurant, modeled after the first house that Don Manuel and Doña Hortemida Hidalgo built when they settled on the farm in 1940, is included. The hot springs are located 700 meters off the main road that connects between Lake Arenal Dam and the town of La Fortuna.

Day 6: Arenal to Tortuguero

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tortuga Lodge

After an early-morning breakfast, drive 5 hours to the Caño Blanco dock, where you will meet the boat for the 1.5-hour boat ride to Tortuguero. The last part of the drive takes you through banana plantations. Until the 19th century, Costa Rica was very poor with an economy based on subsistence agriculture. Then the introduction of coffee provided a product suitable for export. Coffee was followed by bananas; both remain two of the most important crops in Costa Rica today. The canals of Tortuguero provide refuge for many animals and birds, and along the ride to Tortuguero you may have the opportunity to sight some of these animals and birds. Arrive at Tortuga Lodge mid to late afternoon.

Day 7: Tortuguero National Park & Sea Turtle Conservancy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tortuga Lodge

In the morning explore the inner creeks of the Tortuguero National Park with your guide. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic Green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects 51,870 acres, one of the last large areas of tropical rain forests in Central America. Additional boat trips are available at extra cost. From June though October a miracle of nature occurs in Tortuguero when thousands of endangered green sea turtles come to nest on Tortuguero Beach. During this season guided night walks will be led (at additional cost) along the beach to witness 300 pound females emerge from the sea to lay and bury her eggs. Later in the season, guests can view the hundreds of baby turtles hatch and scurry to the safety of the seas.

Today you'll also visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Center, a museum founded by the Sea Turtle Conservation, formerly known as the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC). The late Dr. Archie Carr began to study and tag the thousands of Atlantic green sea turtles that every year, from June through October, come to Tortuguero Beach to lay their eggs. The study began in 1959 and has continued without fail ever since, under the auspices of the STC. It is the longest-running continuous study of its kind in the world, their work has greatly improved the survival outlook for several species of sea turtles and it has had a profound effect on the community of Tortuguero. The organization began its work in Costa Rica, but has expanded its research and conservation efforts throughout Central America and the wider Caribbean.

Day 8: San Jose & Doka Estate Coffee Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Studio Hotel

Depart in the morning from Tortuga Lodge, crossing the Tortuguero River by boat. You'll then board your 30-minute Costa Rica Expeditions light charter flight (seat in plane) from Tortuguero to San José. Upon arrival transportation is provided to a coffee plantation for a tour. Located in the coffee capital of Costa Rica, Alajuela, the Doka Estate farm belongs to the Costa Rican Vargas Ruiz family, pioneers of coffee production for more than 70 years. Learn all about production and harvesting as well as the processing plant and roasting of the grain. The tour takes you through all stages beginning with a seed bed and ending in the Coffee House with the finished product.

Day 9: Departure

Your Costa Rica Quest for Pura Vida ends with a transfer to the International Airport approximately two and a half hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Or begin your trip extension to the rainforests of Corcovado National Park, the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio or the dry tropical forests of the Guanacaste Peninsula.

Day 1 San Jose

Welcome to subtropical San Jose! Meet your leader and fellow family travellers at a welcome meeting at 5 pm at the hotel. If you arrive early there is plenty to see in this bustling city, and as the streets are laid out in a grid pattern it’s relatively easy to navigate too. Check out a few of the optional activities below, just note that as these activities are not included, they may incur an extra charge. The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, for example, is the perfect way to introduce kids (and adults) of all ages to Costa Rican biodiversity while getting some respite from the clamour of the city. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a taste of ‘Tico’ food (and get to know the other families and your tour leader) with an optional dinner as a group.

Day 2 Santa Rosa de Pocosol

Fuel up on breakfast and get some books or classic car games ready for the 3-hour drive to Santa Rosa de Pocosol. The tiny agricultural community of Juanilama (pop. approximately 200) in the Santa Rosa de Pocosol area is predominantly dedicated to milk production and raising cattle. It’s the perfect place to experience life in small-town Costa Rica – you’ll even be staying with a local family! Settle in and get to know your hosts before going on an agricultural tour. During the tour the children will learn how to plant vegetables as well as gather some produce to be used in tonight’s cooking class. You will have some free time to wander around the community before coming together to create a meal with the produce collected earlier. Vamos a comer (Let’s eat)!

Day 3 Arenal

Today you’ll cross west through the north of the country to Arenal (approximately 1 hour), which lies beneath the volcano of the same name. Rising from verdant plains, Arenal Volcano shoots up 1633 metres in a perfect cone and in certain light resembles a storybook drawing. The landscape is mainly cloud forest and rainforest, cut through with rivers, lakes and -- thanks to the volcano’s inner workings -- thermal hot springs. On arrival you are free to explore the area at your own pace. Or perhaps you’d prefer to unwind by the hotel pool in view of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Your accommodation also features onsite hot springs where you can relax your muscles in preparation for an active day tomorrow.

Day 4 Arenal

Today begins with a hike to the Peninsula section of the National Park, near Lake Arenal. Here we will begin a 1.5 km (1 mile) long walk along an easy trail for about an hour. Throughout the tour you can enjoy excellent views overlooking Lake Arenal and the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range in the observation bays that are found along the trail. At the end of the walk, we will have the opportunity to climb to the observation platform of approximately 12 meters (40 ft) high for a closer and amazing view of the volcano. At the end of the trail, we will take our boat for a tour along the forested shores of Lake Arenal and islets to try to find some animals. This is the ideal place to take scenic photographs of the volcano, if it is clear. After about 45 minutes, the boat docks in the sector of the Arenal Dam. The afternoon is then free for optional activities in the local area. Please note as these activities are not included, some incur extra cost. To get a closer view of the majestic volcano peak, you could take a hike past old lava flows on the Arenal 1968 Trail. There are two options on the 1968, including a shorter route suitable for families with younger kids. Or maybe a slow-paced soar on the Sky Tram is more your family’s speed? Chat to your leader about these and the many other options on offer today.

Day 5 Monteverde

Today you’ll drive to the shores of Lake Arenal, before taking a boat across the lake to the little town of La Fortuna. On a clear day, you'll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Watching the massive Arenal Volcano loom larger and larger as you approach is a spectacular sight. Once you reach La Fortuna, a vehicle will take you to the hotel. There may be time to make an optional visit the nearby Butterfly Garden today upon arrival (an additional cost). Otherwise, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. In 1951 North American Quakers founded the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a sanctuary for the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call the reserve home, and over the next few days you’ll get acquainted with some of them.

Day 6 Monteverde

See the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of Monteverde. The sheer variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so don’t be surprised if younger children have a new answer to the question ‘what do you want to do when you grow up?’ While you’re up among the treetops look (or listen) out for the reclusive resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on zip-lines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk, a unique opportunity to see the area’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.

Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park

Wave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to Manuel Antonio (around 6 hours). Arrive at your accommodation, located close to the national park, and spend an evening at leisure. On your way you will stop at a local family home where you'll enjoy a cooking class and lunch. An activity the kids will enjoy! All the dishes will be based on traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Tonight, maybe take the family for a traditional Costa Rican meal at a soda (local restaurant), where you can mix with locals and try some of the region’s incredible fresh produce. Please note this dinner is not included, but your leader can give you tips on where to go and what to order!

Day 8 Manuel Antonio National Park

After breakfast enjoy a 3-hour guided walk along the trails that snake through Manuel Antonio National Park. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the area’s diverse wild and plant life from your guide. Look and listen carefully and you may be able to spot howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas and more. The afternoon is free to explore this magical area further at your family’s desired pace. Maybe you’d like to relax on one of the idyllic palm-lined bays while the kids splash in the water. Active types have the option to rent equipment to kayak, surf or fish in the glittering ocean (for an extra cost). There are no wrong choices in this balmy paradise.

Day 9 San Jose

Rise and shine for your final morning in this beachside haven. Enjoy your last hours in Manuel Antonio with some free time before making the return drive to San Jose in the mid-afternoon (approximately 3 hours). There are no activities planned on arrival at San Jose but maybe head out as a group for a final optional dinner to reminisce about your time together.

Day 10 San Jose

There are no activities planned for today. Please remember to comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times if you are leaving today. Can’t get enough of San Jose? Why not head out on a Tropical Rainforest and Chocolate Urban Adventure, which uncovers the chocolate and wildlife secrets of the jungle. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/San-Jose-tour-tropical-rainforest-and-chocolate-adventure.