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Glide along the canals of Tortuguero under the watchful eyes of colourful toucans and trek up the slopes of the Arenal Volcano-a family adventure in the Pura Vida playground.
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Travel Style - Family Experience
Designed so the family can learn and have fun together.
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Bienvenidos a Costa Rica. Leave your gringo boots at the door and embrace the Pura Vida playground of Costa Rica. A local host will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Chill at the pool or go walkabout before meeting your Travel Director and fellow adventurers this evening for some fiesta fun at our Kick-Off Party.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton San Jose
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Kick-Off Party
Day 2
San José – Tortuguero National Park (2 Nights)
Rise this morning and head east through Braulio Carrillo National Park toward the Caribbean Sea. Board a river boat, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest teeming with wildlife. You'll be amazed at how many kinds of animals live here-six species of sea turtles, monkeys, caimans, tons of exotic bird species plus rare and endangered ocelots, river otters and manatees. Join a Local Specialist from the Sea Turtle Conservancy Foundation to learn about the turtles that nest in Tortuguero. This evening, we enjoy a buffet dinner at the resort's open-air restaurant along the Tortuguero lagoon.
There's nothing like the wake-up call of a troop of howler monkeys to start your day. Set off on a 'Family Fun' cruise through the park's canals with your captain and guide to explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park. You may want to start a tally of all the types of wildlife you'll see. Look out for sloths, green iguanas, caiman, crocodiles and colourful toucans. Of course, you'll spot tons of monkeys-agile howler and spider monkeys and white-faced capuchins swinging through the dense rainforest canopy. This afternoon, venture back out on the canals to add to your wildlife tally or relax back at the lodge, the choice is yours. If you're visiting during nesting season (Jul-Sep), choose to join an optional experience night walk with a naturalist guide to witness some of the world's largest turtles laying their eggs. A buffet dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
Tortuguero – Horquetas – Sarapiquí – Arenal National Park (2 Nights)
Bid adiós to the monkeys for now as you boat back to the mainland and travel to Horquetas. Here you'll 'Dive into Culture' and visit a local Tico family's palm plantation to learn how they grow this exotic vegetable. Taste something you've probably never tried before, the delicate heart of palm. Continue travelling to quaint Sarapiquí where you'll 'Make a Difference' during your visit to the Snake Garden Wildlife Center, which rehabilitates animals that can no longer live in the wild. This evening, enjoy a pizza party in an open-air kitchen where you can make your own pizza.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Rise and shine as the forest and volcano call you back. Start the day with a guided trek around the quiet side of the volcano at Arenal National Park. Walk through the old lava rocks and learn about the powerful forces behind the volcano's past eruptions. Then, head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk eye-level with the lush canopy, observe the monkeys, sloths and chattering birds up close, and look out to see towering Arenal Volcano. Later, relax in the thermal springs or take a swim in the pool back at the hotel.
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Arenal National Park – Manuel Antonio (2 Nights)
Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you zipline (Waiver Required) through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and exotic rainforest creatures for some 'Family Fun'. Later, head south to Manuel Antonio, renowned for its warm blue waters, beautiful beaches and abundant exotic wildlife.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Parador Resort and Spa
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing
Walking deep into the national park with your guide, you'll definitely check off a few more creatures on your wildlife list-at last count, there were 109 different animals and 184 species of birds living here. Listen to the whooping bark of howler monkeys and the chattering of mischievous squirrel and white-faced monkeys. Then, it's time to hit the beach. Laze in the warm Pacific or choose an optional Mangrove Kayak tour^ or Open Sea Kayak and Snorkel tour^ where you may see various bird species, reptiles, anteaters and white-faced monkeys. This evening, join your fellow explorers to celebrate new friendships over a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Explore the Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem on a comfortable boat gliding along the water while birdwatching and admiring the verdant flora of the area. Wind through this natural sanctuary made up of canals and natural tunnels as your experienced guide points out flora and fauna along the way as you keep an eye out for reptiles, anteaters and monkeys. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of Herons, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Frigate birds and more. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kayak Tour
Option 1 Damas Island Mangroves: Gently row along the soft currents under a verdant forest canopy, to explore the wonders of the unique Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem. Kayak through natural canals and keep your eyes wide open to spot a variety of bird species, reptiles, ant eaters and white-faced monkeys. Option 2 Open Sea: Kayak and snorkel exploring marine wildlife during this exciting excursion departing from the pier in Quepos. Paddle your kayak for a little over an hour navigating past tiny islands and observing marine birds and their nesting grounds, Biesanz Bay, a hidden beautiful inlet where you can rest, enjoy a snack and snorkel. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Manuel Antonio National Park – Depart San Jose
Travel back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton San Jose.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Damas Island Estuary Boat Trip
Explore the Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem on a comfortable boat gliding along the water while birdwatching and admiring the verdant flora of the area. Wind through this natural sanctuary made up of canals and natural tunnels as your experienced guide points out flora and fauna along the way as you keep an eye out for reptiles, anteaters and monkeys. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of Herons, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Frigate birds and more. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Kayak Tour
Option 1 Damas Island Mangroves: Gently row along the soft currents under a verdant forest canopy, to explore the wonders of the unique Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem. Kayak through natural canals and keep your eyes wide open to spot a variety of bird species, reptiles, ant eaters and white-faced monkeys. Option 2 Open Sea: Kayak and snorkel exploring marine wildlife during this exciting excursion departing from the pier in Quepos. Paddle your kayak for a little over an hour navigating past tiny islands and observing marine birds and their nesting grounds, Biesanz Bay, a hidden beautiful inlet where you can rest, enjoy a snack and snorkel. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Visit a local Tico family's palm plantation to learn about and taste the delicate heart of palm. (Day 4)
FAMILY FUN
Cruise through Tortuguero's canals and lagoons seeking out incredible tropical wildlife species. Visit a wildlife centre in Sarapiquí and interact with the resident reptiles and amphibians. Walk along the Arenal Hanging Bridges and go ziplining on the slopes of Arenal Volcano. (Day 3, 6)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
Learn about some of Tortuguero's most famous residents, its nesting sea turtles. (Day 2)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Help to support a local community and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor with a visit to the family run Snake Garden Wildlife Center. (Day 4)
Sightseeing highlights
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CRUISE the canals of Tortuguero National Park
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VISIT Tortuguero National Park, a wildlife centre near Sarapiquí, Arenal National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Great family trip to see wildlife and learn about Costa Rica
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5
Great diversity of natural sites and accommodations.
I highly recommend this tour for the wildlife lover. It was a great opportunity to see all the Costa Rican greats. Our guide Jorge was great! Our driver Roberto was great as well! Both were very good at spotting wildlife and giving us great insight to Costa Rican culture. It was a great vacation for a family.
From Caribbean thru volcanoes to Pacific we saw beauty of national parks and wildlife. Adventures included zip lining the jungle, hanging bridges and kayaking on the Pacific. All memorable.
Our travel guide ************* provided excellent high quality service every day. He was both knowledgeable and courteous, covering all details of our adventures.
Our guide Victor was fabulous, so knowledgeable about his country, the wildlife, the culture, everything! And our driver Tonio expertly handled that big bus in very tight places! Victor was great with all of the travelers and we had a nice age range, so everyone had peers to hang with. Victor has an uncanny ability to spot wildlife, even when it is so well camouflaged that it is nearly impossible to see. He sets up his spotting scope and gives everyone the opportunity to see and take photos of rare, and not so rare, animals. This itinerary is ideal for seeing the various regions of Costa Rica and having ample opportunities for adventure. Trafalgar did a great job choosing hotels that were comfortable and styled in accord with the region.
We had an excellent guide. He taught us a lot. Our hotels were great; all were very clean. The trip was what I thought it would be- monkeys (and SO many more animals), jungles (seen from a boat, our hikes, and from the bus), and the volcano, which we got to hike around and see more birds and other animals.
Airport arrival will be at 11:30 A.M., please be aware when booking your flights.
Luggage: For the two night excursion to Tortuguero National Park guests are permitted to bring a maximum of 25 lb/11 kg of luggage. Your primary suitcase will be transferred and securely stored at your Arenal hotel.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Note: For rafting on Day 5, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required
Note: For the more remote areas of Costa Rica (such as Tortuguero), we use the best available hotel facilities with comfortable but simple guestrooms and eco-friendly amenities perfectly suited to the natural surroundings. This journey requires walking on uneven surfaces and steps and sometimes through heavy showers (rain ponchos provided). This journey is best enjoyed by the experienced traveller in good health and who can take such conditions in stride.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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