Cost Rica -
Family Experience
9 Days / 8 Nights Itinerary
Costa Rica:
Family Experience
Create unforgettable family memories on this immersive Costa Rica adventure designed for families with children aged 6+. Explore cloud forests and national parks teeming with wildlife, enjoy hands-on learning beyond the classroom, and share exciting experiences like rafting, horseback riding, swimming, rappelling, and surfing. It's the perfect blend of adventure, discovery, and quality time together in one of the world's most biodiverse destinations.
Tour Includes:
Accommodation & Meals
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8 nights in hotels
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8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
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Local tortilla-making experience with included lunch in La Fortuna
Transport
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Private vehicle, boat, and walking
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Arrival airport transfer included
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All transportation between destinations and included activities
Experiences & Activities
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Welcome meeting with Chief Experience Officer (CEO)
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Kayaking on Lake Arenal
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Stand-up paddleboarding lesson and tour in La Fortuna
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Traditional tortilla-making experience with local lunch
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Guided cloud forest night walk in Monteverde
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Guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
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Free time to explore Monteverde and surrounding natural areas
Day 1 – Arrival in San Jose
Arrive in San José at any time. An arrival transfer is included to take you from the airport to your hotel. Meet your CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and fellow travellers before settling in and enjoying the city at your leisure.
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Included Activities
Arrival Transfer
Transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport to the hotel.
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Your Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
A G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the joining hotel. There are no planned activities today, allowing time to check in and enjoy San José.
Accommodation
Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar) – Hotel
Day 3 – La Fortuna
Take to Lake Arenal for a morning of stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, with incredible views of Arenal Volcano and surrounding rainforest.
Included Activities
Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour)
Learn to stand-up paddle board on Lake Arenal with a guided lesson and tour along the west end of the lake. Take in views of Arenal Volcano and look out for wildlife such as Great Blue Herons and howler monkeys.
Kayak Lake Arenal
Paddle across the blue-green waters of Lake Arenal, Central America’s second-largest lake, with views of the volcano and surrounding hills. Spot wildlife along the shoreline including birds and monkeys.
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Free Time
Free afternoon in La Fortuna to explore the region’s outdoor activities and natural attractions.
Optional Activities
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Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping - $125 USD per person
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La Fortuna Waterfall Swim - $20 USD per person
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Whitewater Rafting - $61–$86 USD per person
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Hanging Bridges - $75 USD per person (1.5–2 hours)
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Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning - $125 USD per person (approx. 4 hours)
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Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle
Includes canyoning in Arenal and ziplining in Monteverde with multiple high-adrenaline rainforest experiences.
Transportation
Not included in this day’s activities (local hotel-based activities)
Accommodation
Magic Mountain (or similar) – Hotel
Day 5 – Monteverde
Enjoy a free day in the lush Monteverde cloud forest region. Spend time exploring the area at your own pace or take part in optional activities ranging from wildlife encounters to adventure experiences among the treetops.
Included Activities
Free Time – Monteverde
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the Monteverde cloud forest region. Explore the surrounding area, relax at your hotel, or choose from a variety of optional excursions.
Optional Activities
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Birdwatching - Locally guided wildlife viewing experience in the cloud forest.
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Ziplining - 3–4 hours of canopy adventure.
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Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit - $20 USD per person
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Horseback Riding - $66–$68 USD per person
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CASEM Coop Visit - Visit a local artisan cooperative.
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Hanging Bridges Monteverde - $56–$60 USD per person (approx. 2.5 hours)
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Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour - $50 USD per person (approx. 2 hours)
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Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour - $40 USD per person
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El Trapiche Tour Monteverde - Local cultural and agricultural experience.
Accommodation
El Establo Hotel (or similar) – Hotel
Day 7 – Manuel Antonio
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided hike through one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse protected areas. Wander through tropical forest trails, discover pristine beaches, and keep watch for the incredible wildlife that calls the park home.
Included Activities
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Discover Costa Rica’s smallest yet most biodiverse national park alongside a knowledgeable guide. Explore tropical forest trails in search of sloths, monkeys, armadillos, iguanas, and other wildlife. Visit scenic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offshore islands while learning how the area's unique ecosystems support its remarkable biodiversity.
Optional Activities
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Kayaking - $70 USD per person
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Surfing - $55–$75 USD per person
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Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour
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Fishing
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Sailing
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Swimming
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Whitewater Rafting - $75–$98 USD per person
Accommodation
Hotel Mono Azul (or similar) – Hotel
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 2 – San José / La Fortuna
Set off from San José and travel through the scenic Central Valley countryside to La Fortuna.
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Included Activities
Your Local Living Moment – Tortilla Making and Local Lunch
Visit a local home to learn traditional tortilla making. Grind corn, prepare the masa, shape and cook tortillas on a wood-burning stove. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional casado lunch featuring black beans, plantains, and your freshly made tortillas.
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Optional Activities
La Fortuna Waterfall Swim - $20 USD per person
Whitewater Rafting - $61–$86 USD per person
Ecotermales Hot Springs - $64 USD per person (3–5 hours)
Transportation
Private Vehicle
San José – La Fortuna (approx. 3 hours)
Accommodation
Magic Mountain (or similar) – Hotel
Day 4 – La Fortuna / Monteverde
Travel through Costa Rica’s dramatic landscapes as you make your way from La Fortuna toward the Monteverde cloud forest region. Journey by land and boat across Lake Arenal before arriving in the mountains, where you’ll join an included guided night walk to discover the hidden world of nocturnal wildlife.
Included Activities
Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk
Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5–2 hour walk through the cloud forest after dark. Learn about the behaviours of nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians as you explore the forest in a slow-paced, immersive experience.
Free Time
Evening free in Monteverde to relax or explore the lodge surroundings.
Optional Activities
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Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit - $20 USD per person
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Arenal Horseback Riding - $66–$68 USD per person
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Birdwatching - Price on request / locally arranged
Transportation
Private Vehicle – La Fortuna to Arenal (approx. 15 minutes)
Boat – Laguna de Arenal crossing (approx. 45 minutes)
Private Vehicle – Arenal to Monteverde (approx. 3.5 hours)
Accommodation
El Establo Hotel (or similar) – Hotel
Day 6 – Monteverde / Manuel Antonio
Travel from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio and enjoy the scenic journey toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy free time to relax on the beach or take part in optional coastal activities.
Included Activities
Free Time – Manuel Antonio
Arrive and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure along the Pacific coast. Relax on the beach or explore optional local experiences.
Optional Activities
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Kayaking - $70 USD per person (approx. 4 hours)
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Surfing - $55–$75 USD per person (approx. 1–5 hours)
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Fishing - Local excursion (price varies)
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Sailing - Approx. 2 hours
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Swimming - Beach or ocean swimming at leisure
Transportation
Private Vehicle – Monteverde to Manuel Antonio (approx. 6 hours)
Accommodation
Hotel Mono Azul (or similar) – Hotel
Day 8 – Manuel Antonio / San José
Enjoy a relaxing final morning in Manuel Antonio with time to visit the beach, explore the area, or simply unwind. In the afternoon, travel back to San José and enjoy a free evening in the capital.
Included Activities
Free Time – Manuel Antonio & San José
Spend the morning at leisure in Manuel Antonio before returning to San José. Upon arrival, enjoy a free evening to shop for souvenirs, relax in a local park, or prepare for your journey home.
Transportation
Private Vehicle – Manuel Antonio to San José (approx. 5 hours)
Accommodation
Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar) – Hotel
Day 9 – San Jose (Departure Day)
Depart at any time.
Meals included
breakfast