Family Costa Rica Highlights

9 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
A perfect school holiday getaway for travellers in search of Costa Rica's natural beauty. With a quarter of Costa Rica designated as protected land and with over 5% of the world's biodiversity, Costa Rica is a truly wildlife-lover's paradise; with enough to keep thrill seekers more than entertained. If you're looking for a family holiday to Costa Rica that co...
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$3,223
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • An active nine day trip to Costa Rica including whitewater rafting in La Fortuna
    • Cruise the backwaters through mangrove forests spotting crocodile
    • Travel by boat into the heart of the Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula for spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities

What's this trip about?

    A perfect school holiday getaway for travellers in search of Costa Rica's natural beauty. With a quarter of Costa Rica designated as protected land and with over 5% of the world's biodiversity, Costa Rica is a truly wildlife-lover's paradise; with enough to keep thrill seekers more than entertained. If you're looking for a family holiday to Costa Rica that connects your kids to the natural world and ignites their thirst for adventure then this trip is for you. Monteverde - Explore the cloud forest trails, a biodiverse paradise for nature enthusiasts Osa Peninisular - Travel by boat into the heart of the Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula for spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities Active adventure - Whitewater raft on the Balsa River, a great introduction to white water rafting through the rainforests of La Fortuna.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose
End CityPlaya Dominical

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano
  • Corcovado National Park
  • La Fortuna
  • Monteverde
  • Pacific Coast
  • Pacific Ocean

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in San Jose

Arrive in San Jose. The Costa Rican cosmopolitan capital lies in a fertile valley at an altitude of 1150 metres. Coffee and sugar cane are big industries here and coffee is even planted between new buildings and along the roadside on the outskirts of the city. Fo...

Day 2 Visit the active Poas Volcano, drive to Arenal.

Located in the central valley at an altitude of 1150 metres, head north, out of San Jose to Poas National Park, where the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos periodically rises from the tropical rainforest. Poas has erupted 40 times since 1828, most re...

Day 3 Whitewater rafting in La Fortuna.

After breakfast drive from our lodge to the Balsa River. On arrival at our rafting base meet our river guides, get kitted out with equipment and have a full safety briefing, before heading out onto the river. No previous experience is necessary and full instruction wi...

Day 4 Explore the Arenal Volcano National Park; drive to Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve.

Today after a leisurely start, we travel around Arenal Lake into the cloud forest region of Monteverde - one of the most well-known places in Costa Rica to see wildlife. Lunch today is an interactive affair. Stopping on the shore of Lake Arenal we visit El Establo...

Day 5 Nature walk in the cloudforest in search of exotic birds, sloth and other wildlife.

This morning we will have a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, walking the paths that wind their way through gigantic ferns, ducking underneath the lichen and moss that hangs from the giant trees. The jungle floor is littered with blossoms that fall f...

Day 6 Head to the Pacific Ocean. Boat trip on the Guacalillo backwaters. Continue to Dominical beach.

Leaving the cloudforest behind us, descend to the Pacific Coast, enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, cross the Rio Tarcoles Bridge from which huge crocodiles are regularly seen. We stop at the Guacalillo estuary and boar...

Day 7 Full day trip to explore the wildlife haven of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula

This morning travel into the heart of the Osa Peninsular, famed for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. Travelling a short distance to Punta Uvita we board a boat for a thrilling ninety minute crossing to San Pedrillo Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park....

Day 8 Free day in Dominical with the option to visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Enjoy a full day to explore the area and relax on the fine beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Our hotel is located 15 minutes walk from the beach at Dominical. The beach itself is well known for its surf and hosts several restaurants serving both local and international di...

Day 9 Trip ends in Dominical

Departing Dominical beach this morning we drive 190km back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (airport code SJO), where we will arrive at about 11am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 1pm. For those on early mo...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,620
Price per day$291
Last Updated: 4/24/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s), Naturalist(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 8
  • Lunch : 3
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-FCB

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