FAMILY VACATION

Costa Rica Family Vacation

  • 6 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: San José
  • Trip End: San José
Costa Rica Family intro block 457x530

Experience Pura Vida on a Costa Rica family vacation as you explore lush green jungles, white sand beaches, and an incredible array of wildlife.

As one of the world’s greatest destinations for family travel, Costa Rica invites you to discover the natural beauty and welcoming culture of Latin America’s eco-tourism gem. The whole family will enjoy swimming crystalline bays, hiking in cloud forests, and zip lining tropical forest canopy. Explore the Danaus Nature Reserve searching for crawling bugs, sleepy sloths, twisting vines, and blooming buds. Horseback ride through forests and pastures to reach postcard-perfect views of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Peek into the dense vegetation of Arenal National Park to catch a glimpse of screeching toucans, endangered poison dart frogs, and curious spider monkeys.

The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation awaits you, whether you’re exploring a jungle, walking along a white sand beach, or reflecting on the memories you’re making with your family. 

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Costa Rica Family Vacation ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: San José Trip End: San José

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive, Hike through La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Organic Farm Tour

  • Day 2Whitewater Rafting, Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

  • Day 3Horseback Riding, Zip Lining tour

  • Day 4Danaus Nature Reserve & Playa Hermosa

  • Day 5Hike the El Encanto, Zip Lining & Outrigger Canoe Adventures

  • Day 6Depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive, Hike through La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Organic Farm Tour

    #76180

    Welcome to Costa Rica! This morning, we’ll meet your guide over breakfast for a fun trip orientation. Our adventure kicks off with an easy hike through a beautiful tropical rainforest, ending with lunch at the scenic La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

    Afterward, the whole family will enjoy a hands-on learning experience at Arenal Vida Campesina Organic Farm. We’ll discover how traditional Costa Rican farming works and learn about growing coffee. To top it off, we’ll enjoy a delicious, locally sourced dinner together, giving everyone a true taste of Costa Rica!
    Accommodation: Volcano Lodge & Springs
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 2

    Whitewater Rafting, Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

    #76181

    After a hearty breakfast, we'll meet our river guide and take a short drive to the Balsa River, where a fun whitewater rafting adventure awaits! This thrilling experience is perfect for all ages, combining excitement and gentle rapids on a beautiful tropical river.

    After our time on the river, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch before heading out on an afternoon hike to the stunning Fortuna River waterfall. Located within Arenal Volcano National Park, this waterfall cascades through a lush, 210-acre biological reserve filled with tropical forest. Formed by ancient lava from Cerro Chato volcano, the 70-meter-high waterfall offers a perfect spot for families to cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear natural pools.

    We’ll return to the lodge with plenty of time to relax in the soothing hot springs before gathering for dinner.
    Accommodation: Volcano Lodge & Springs
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1 hour
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 216 feet (65 meters) ascent, 216 feet (65 meters) descent

  • Day 3

    Horseback Riding, Zip Lining tour

    #76182

    Kick off the day with an optional early morning bird walk through the surrounding forest, where you and the kids might spot colorful tanagers, parrots, toucans, honeycreepers, and Oropendolas. After breakfast back at the hotel, we’ll take a short drive to the Arenal Conservation Area for our next adventure – horseback riding! We'll saddle up and ride through the scenic hills of Arenal Volcano, passing cattle fields and lush forests. Along the way, we’ll visit a lagoon crater and take in stunning views of Arenal Volcano, the surrounding forests, and Arenal Lake. Afterward, we’ll stop for a tasty lunch at a local restaurant.

    The fun continues with an exciting zip-lining adventure through the Arenal Conservation Area. The whole family will love flying high through the treetops, soaring over canyons, mountains, and rainforests on ten different cables. Plus, we’ll make a stop at the thrilling Tarzan Swing for an extra dose of excitement!

    After a day full of adventure, we’ll head back to the lodge to unwind and enjoy the hot springs before dinner together.
    Accommodation: Volcano Lodge & Springs
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 4

    Danaus Nature Reserve & Playa Hermosa

    #76183

    Get ready for a fun-filled morning as we explore the Danaus Nature Reserve on a guided nature hike the whole family will enjoy! The reserve is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and colorful birds. As we stroll through the lush trails, we’ll take in the sweet scents of orchids and ferns while keeping an eye out for sloths, iguanas, basilisks, bats, frogs, and beautiful butterflies.

    In the afternoon, we’ll head to Hermosa Beach on the Pacific Coast, stopping for lunch along the way. Afterward, we’ll check into Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel, our home for the next two nights, nestled between tropical forests and ocean waves. For dinner tonight, you’re free to choose your own adventure – ask your guide for some great family-friendly restaurant recommendations!
    Accommodation: Fuego del Sol, Playa Hermosa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 2 hours

  • Day 5

    Hike the El Encanto, Zip Lining & Outrigger Canoe Adventures

    #76184

    This morning, we’ll set off on a fun hike through a private reserve, following a river trail that leads us to waterfalls and plenty of spots for the whole family to take a refreshing swim! The trail is full of wildlife, and our adventure takes us to the top of El Encanto Waterfall, which cascades 180 feet (55 meters) down into the rainforest canyon below.

    Next up is an exciting zip line tour where we’ll soar above the rainforest canopies, rivers, and valleys. With over 1.2 miles (2,000 meters) of zip line and eight platforms, we’ll enjoy amazing views of the mountains and ocean that the kids will love!

    After a hearty lunch, it’s time for more fun on the coast as we hop into Outrigger Canoes at Playa Agujas. These canoes are faster and easier to paddle than kayaks, and we’ll glide past stunning cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans. Back on the beach, you can choose to snorkel in the calm waters or relax and keep an eye out for monkeys and birds.

    After a day full of excitement, we’ll return to the hotel just in time to enjoy a sunset dinner together.
    Accommodation: Fuego del Sol
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 2 hours

  • Day 6

    Depart for home

    #76185

    After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a two-hour drive to the San Jose airport, where you’ll either catch your flight home or continue your exciting Costa Rica adventure!
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

Costa Rica Family Vacation Departure Dates

Austin Adventures

This trip is operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

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Included

5 nights’ accommodation 
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners 
Our own highly experienced trip leader, with you from start to finish
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled 
All activities outlined in the itinerary 
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities 
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

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*Terms and conditions apply - see below

 

*Price Promise is available for bookings made on or after October 16, 2024. If the advertised price of your booked future trip decreases within 60 days of your original booking date, you can contact us to request the lower price be applied to your existing booking. You must contact us no later than 60 days from your original booking date and provide details of the available price/discount you wish to avail. The price of your trip can be changed only once and only if you contact us during the time at which the lower price is advertised/available. Price Promise cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. The company reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time in its sole discretion. Other restrictions may apply.  

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start

On the first day of the trip we’ll meet you at Hotel Parque Del Lago at 8am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in San Jose, though you must make your own way to Hotel Parque Del Lago at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the San Jose Mineta International Airport in time for flights below or anywhere in Central San Jose around 2:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in San Jose at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from San Jose after 4pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Costa Rica. We prefer to stay in unique and comfortable hotels, with history and balance between infrastructure and nature.

Sitting pretty at the base of Arenal Volcano, Volcano Lodge boosts swimming pools, hot springs and panoramic views. An amazing place to stay near to the most active and spectacular volcano of Costa Rica.

Then relax and unwind at Fuego del Sol Hotel, offering tranquil views of Playa Hermosa, waking up every morning to the sound of the waves, with the warmth and colors of the sun at dawn.

While there are laundry facilities at all locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a one time during your trip. The best time will be during your stay in Fuego del sol.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise. With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Is tipping expected in Costa Rica?

Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Costa Rica. During your Active Adventures trip, your guides will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your time in Costa Rica, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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