Costa Rica Family Wild Adventure

15 days
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Small Group Tour
With epic wildlife and wild rides, Costa Rica is a firm favourite for adventurous families. Explore it with your loved ones on this activity-packed trip, which covers some of the most astonishing landscapes in Central America over two weeks. We look for monkeys and caiman in Tortuguero, explore the Tirimbina rainforest after dark, delve into the ancient world...
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$6,642
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Adventure through Costa Rica with your family, expect thrills throughout!
    • Spot monkeys and caiman on a boat tour of the tranquil Tortuguero waterways
    • Soar above the cloud forest on a zip-line thrill ride
    • Discover the bubbling mud pools and hot springs of Rincón de la Vieja
    • Relax on the Pacific Coast with a three-night stay by Tamarindo Beach
    • Hop on a catamaran for an unforgettable dolphin-watching adventure

What's this trip about?

    With epic wildlife and wild rides, Costa Rica is a firm favourite for adventurous families. Explore it with your loved ones on this activity-packed trip, which covers some of the most astonishing landscapes in Central America over two weeks. We look for monkeys and caiman in Tortuguero, explore the Tirimbina rainforest after dark, delve into the ancient world of chocolate, zip-line through the treetops of Selvatura Park and hop on a catamaran to scan the seas for dolphins. There’s downtime too, with free time in the surfer hotspot of Tamarindo and a soak or two in mineral-rich hot springs.Spot dolphins, chomp chocolate, fly down zip lines and explore the rainforest at night on this fun-for-all trip

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range9 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan José
End CitySan José

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • High Adventure

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Nature
  • Wildlife Viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Itinerary

Day 1 Start in San José

Welcome to San José, the culture-rich 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 ...

Day 2 To Tortuguero National Park

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San José as we travel to the northeast of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the vast network of waterways, canals and swamps in Tortuguero is remarkably tranquil and devo...

Day 3 Boat tour around Tortuguero

Discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero on a morning 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 see monkeys, caiman, iguanas, bu...

Day 4 To Sarapiqui; rainforest night walk to meet nocturnal animals

We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived, by taking a small boat. Our bus is ready at the pier to drive us to the Sarapiqui region, stopping for lunch en route. Sarapiqui, blessed with abundant vegetation and the beautiful Sarapiqui River, is one of the main banana...

Day 5 Pineapple plantation tour; to La Fortuna near Arenal, Hanging Bridges

After breakfast, we check out and head to a pineapple plantation in La Virgen de Sarapiqui, an area with excellent growing conditions. During our morning tour, we discover the organic philosophy of the farm: learning about crop rotation, companion planting and the con...

Day 6 La Fortuna Waterfall walk; Rainforest Chocolate Tour

This morning, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a 215ft (65m) cascade plunging into an emerald pool. A short rainforest trail brings us to a relatively steep set of steps that we must descend to reach the waterfall and then ascend to exit – this takes 20-30 minutes and i...

Day 7 To Monteverde in the Tilarán Mountains

From Arenal, we travel to the Tilarán Mountains in the central highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked ...

Day 8 Zip-line adventure through the treetops; visit the butterfly garden

Today we visit Selvatura Park – 850 acres (345ha) of protected land dedicated to nature and adventure. We begin with a visit to the butterfly garden, which has one of the largest exhibitions of butterflies in the world. After, it’s time to try out your own aerial mano...

Day 9 To Rincón de la Vieja

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and transfer to Rincón de la Vieja, an area of dry forest and enchanting waterfalls but best known for bubbling mud pots, steaming vents in the earth, hot springs and a whole host of wildlife. Accommodation: Hacienda Guachipelin or Buena Vista del Rincón (or similar)

Day 10 Rincón de la Vieja; choose between a canyon canopy tour or tubing

There are two activities to choose between today: a canyon canopy tour or tubing. The cost of joining one activity is included, so it’s up to you to decide which you would like to do! The canyon canopy tour is a zip-line adventure involving rappelling, climbing, a Tar...

Day 11 To Tamarindo Beach on the Pacific Coast; afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beach

Today we travel to Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast, a fairly small beach town with lots to do and see. It is bordered by several breath-taking beaches, which are a few minutes’ away from the downtown area. We have a free afternoon here to enjoy the facilities and discover the area. Accommodation: Wyndham Tamarindo (or similar)

Day 12 Boat trip from Tamarindo Beach to see dolphins; try snorkelling

We hop on an open catamaran in Playa Tamarindo and travel along the Gold Coast, passing exotic bays, white-sand beaches and tropical jungles as we scann the seas for dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish or even a breaching whale. We stop in a tranquil bay with time to s...

Day 13 Free day to enjoy the Pacific coast

Today has been left free for you to enjoy the Pacific coast, Tamarindo Beach and the hotel facilities. Accommodation: Wyndham Tamarindo (or similar)

Day 14 To San José; relax at the hotel or explore

We return to San José today, where the afternoon is free for you to explore the city or relax at the hotel. Accommodation: Sleep Inn (or similar)

Day 15 End San José

The trip ends 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 everyone today. 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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,920
Price per day$328
Last Updated: 12/26/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
05 Apr 2025
19 Apr 2025
$5,400
$5,400
26 Jul 2025
09 Aug 2025
$5,550
$5,550
02 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$5,400
$5,400
09 Aug 2025
23 Aug 2025
$5,400
$5,400

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

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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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.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

We spend 14 nights in hotels and lodges, most with swimming pools. In San José, we stay at the Sleep Inn. In Tortuguero, we usually stay at the Evergreen Lodge. Within Tortuguero National Park, this 66-room resort provides an away-from-it-all experience within the jungle. There’s a turtle-shaped swimming pool (this is green turtle country after all) and dining rooms where you can tuck into Caribbean cuisine with views of a tranquil waterway. Residents you might spot include sloths, toucans and iguanas, and we stay in rustic wooden bungalows with comfortable beds and ceiling fans. In Sarapiqui, we usually stay at La Quinta Sarapiqui, a lodge with bungalow-style accommodation looking out onto gardens filled with flowers and birdlife. In Arenal, our accommodation will normally be the Arenal Country Inn, where the pool has views of the volcano. In Monteverde, we normally stay at Montaña Monteverde or Heliconia. In Rincón de la Vieja, our accommodation is usually the Hacienda Guachipelin or the Buena Vista del Rincon. The Hacienda Guachipelin is an expansive property with rooms in gardens full of native trees and exotic flowers. It is set on an expansive ranch bordering Rincón de la Vieja National Park. By the Pacific Coast, we normally stay at the Wyndham Tamarindo.
Cancellation policy

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners are included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets, as are lunches and dinners at Tortuguero. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also common and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the highlights of your time here.
Age Requirements
9 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 5 Superior nights (3 hotel, 2 lodge), 9 Classic nights (6 hotel, 3 lodge)
  • Travel by minibus and boat
  • Turtle-nesting season at Tortuguero: July to October
Trip ID
exodus-FNW

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