Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
Overview
Highlights
- Explore one of the world’s great wildlife-watching destinations with other families
- Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more
- Play and relax on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
- Cruise down the river at the Sloth Sanctuary
- Feel the rainforest come alive on a night walk in the Tirimbina Biological Reserve
- Stay in jungle lodges and hotels, most with swimming pools
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All accommodation
- All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
Itinerary
The adventure begins in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2. Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites (or similar)
After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a short drive to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Located within the transitional forest between the Central Valley and Northern Lowlands, the gardens host a wide variety of plants and bird life among stunning scenery. ...
We depart early this morning, travelling to Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean Lowlands of northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, this vast network of waterways, canals and swamps is remarkably tranquil and devoid of noise pollution. O...
After a hearty breakfast, we discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero on a boat trip, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter mon...
We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived: taking a small boat. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Cahuita region on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the pool, beach or discove...
After breakfast, we drive to Aviarios del Caribe, the Sloth Sanctuary, subject of the Animal Planet TV show Meet the Sloths. This rescue and rehabilitation centre conducts sloth research and works tirelessly to return them to their natural habitat. You'll learn all ab...
We depart for Sarapiqui, one of the main banana producing regions in Costa Rica, although coffee, cardamon, cacao, corn and fruits are also grown here. It’s also gathering a reputation as a great spot for adventure seekers with plenty of optional activities to keep yo...
There are various optional excursions to try today: join a chocolate tour in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, take a safari floating trip down the Sarapiqui River, have a go at white-water rafting on Grade II and III rapids, or join a canopy tour and zip-line through the forest. Alternatively, there are several nature walks through beautiful surroundings. Accommodation: El Bambu Hotel (or similar)
We transfer to the area around Arenal Volcano. Following a massive eruption in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010 when it entered a resting phase. Aside from the volcano, there are thermal waters, waterfalls and Lake Arenal to discover. ...
This morning, we have a guided nature walk through Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has a great system of trails passing through secondary forest and near lava fields created by eruptions. In the late afternoon, we visit Baldi Hot Springs as a group to enjoy a h...
We travel southeast along the coast, following the Pan-Am Highway to Dominical, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Our hotel is on the coast near Dominical, around 50 minutes south of Manuel Antonio. The hotel is set in lush gardens overlooking ...
Today we drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to a vast marine reserve plus 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive s...
Today has been left free for you to relax – make the most of the hotel pool, visit the beach or explore the area. There are a few optional activities available, such as a whale and dolphin-watching boat trip (from mid-July to October and mid-December to March) or a snorkelling tour. Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)
Today we return to San José (approximately three-four hours plus rest stops and lunch). If you wish to travel into the downtown area by taxi, you will have time to see the modern capital and pick up souvenirs. Alternatively, relax by the hotel pool. Accommodation: Country Inn and Suites (or similar)
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Transfers to San José airport are available to all clients today. But if you don’t want the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay and enjoy more time in the capital.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
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.
Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings
Costa rica family adventure
What a fabulous experience only made possible by our wonderful guide Glenda Araya, our fantastic driver Mauricio and 3 families who met as strangers and ended the ...
COSTA RICA FAMILY ADVENTURE
This was a really memorable holiday. Costa Rica is an extraordinary country with a plethora of fantastic birds, animals, and flowers to see - and the big appeal o...
Wow, wow, wow!!!
Costa Rica is a fabulous country and well worth the long flight. We went as a family of 5, parents of nearly 50, my mum in her early 70s and 2 girls aged 10 and 1...
Excellent intro to Costa Rica - outstanding guide Edward
Wow, just back from our 2 week adventure. I don't usually do reviews but this one is definitely worth a few lines! Firstly, our guide Edward absolutely made the tr...
Amazing Adventure with Teens
A wonderful couple of weeks focusing principally on the wildlife of Costa Rica. We went at the start of the rainy season and were lucky with the weather, but don't...
Other Exodus Travels Reviews
Patient and knowledgeable operative
Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...
Very professional organisation
Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...
India, the Tropical South
An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...
Tour Operator
It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.
At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.
Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.
All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.
Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
-
Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
-
Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (12 hotel, 2 lodge)
- Travel by minibus, boat and on foot
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations