Family Vacation in Costa Rica: Wildlife, Wilderness and Best Beaches | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

-

Family Vacation in Costa Rica: Wildlife, Wilderness and Best Beaches

PRIVATE/GROUP TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4536

Private/Group Tour Highlights

  • Birdwatching in the iconic Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, known to attract Toucans, Parrots and of course, the colorful Quetzal
  • Walking the hanging bridges and canopy walkways of the Arenal National Park, gaining a unique perspective on the forests below
  • Making the most of the ever-versatile Arenal National Park with free time to hike, bike or zip-line through the surrounding countryside
  • Cruising the canals and waterways of Tortuguero National Park, a coastal flooded forest, home to Monkeys, Caiman and Costa Rica’s highest concentration of nesting Turtles
  • Heading out on nature trails, birdwatching walks and scenic boat rides seeking the best of Tortuguero’s jungle inhabitants
  • Witnessing the wildlife and wilderness of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its abundance of Monkeys and some of the country’s best beaches
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Take your Family Vacation in Costa Rica: Wildlife, Wilderness and Best Beaches. Explore Tortuguero National Park, considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterized by its richness in flora and fauna. From Tortuguero, transfer to the Arenal area and try out the hanging bridges and spend the night at the rejuvenating Tabacon Hot Springs. Continue to Monteverde where the wildlife area has been created to protect the flora and fauna, as well as to carry out scientific studies and educational environmental programs. Afterward, travel to Manuel Antonio National Park and experience the white sandy beaches, cliffs, rivers, rain forests and varied animal life.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe accommodations. Deluxe hotels include the Finca Rosa Blanca in San José, a suite at El Establo in Monteverde, and Gaia Hotel & Reserve in Manuel Antonio.

 

Note: Please get in touch with a Yampu Tour Consultant to discuss pricing for children younger than 11 years old at the time of travel. Child pricing will be on a shared room basis with the parent or guardian.

Inclusions
Prices includes hotel accommodation including continental daily breakfast, guided tours in English (naturalist guides), meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides, and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.




Local flights within Costa Rica have a weight limitation of 30 lbs (13 kgs) per person, including carry-on and storable luggage. Extra baggage (if any) can be left in San José where it will be stored at our local office. Collapsible carry-on bags are recommended to allow for separating luggage if needed.




Note on optional air transfer: On day 12, the first flight from Quepos arrives into San José at 8 am, so your international departure flight must depart no earlier than 12 pm. Cost of $88 per person. Flights do not operate year round, please check with your Yampu travel advisor.




Optional excursions in Arenal (one included):




Arenal Reserve Sky Tram/Sky Trek:

Placed in a unique transition area between the rain forest and the Monteverde Cloud Forest you will find the Arenal Reserve. You may choose between a ride on the Sky Tram or the Sky Treks, with the most spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano & Lake.

Sky Tram is a 15 minute Arenal tram tour through the rain forest to the Miguel Angel Observatory, where you will have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano & Lake and the Tilaran Mountain Range. Sky Trek is a 3280-foot long zip line system that gives your the opportunity to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy and safe ride.

Duration: 04 hours

Recommendations: long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sun lotion, repellent and raincoat.










Venado Caverns:

The caverns were formed in the Miocene period some fifteen to twenty million years ago. For a long time they were submerged in the depths of the ocean, however, due to the movement of tectonic plates, the caverns rose to form part of the surface. Discover in one visit the limestone rock, stalactites, stalagmites and corals which make up the caves. Located only an hour from La Fortuna, these caverns offer an unforgettable underground mystical adventure. Get ready to get wet and muddy, and to see amazing stalactites, stalagmites, bats and subterranean streams. We will be trekking through some narrow winding passages.

Duration: 7 hours

Recommended: hiking boots, light clothing, and shorts.

Participant Requirements: Good physical condition, not recommended for those with claustrophobia.




Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge:

Great for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This all day trip takes you to the mighty Rio Frio near the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. One of our professional bilingual guides will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the small town of Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border. Here we will begin our three-hour ride up the Rio Frio in search of sloths, caimans, lizards, tropical birds, various species of monkeys and more in the surrounding lush rainforest and wetlands. Learn about the wildlife, vegetation, ecology and culture of this tropical paradise. A typical Costa Rican hot lunch is included in this tour and is served on the tranquil banks of the Rio Frio.

Duration: 8 hours

Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera.




Sarapiqui river Rafting, Class II & III. La Virgen & Chilamate Section:

A delightful day, more than 20 rapids in a spectacular setting in the tropical rain forest. Sarapiqui is the rafters dream; natural whitewater, challenging rapids and crystal clear pools. Enjoy the natural splendor and abundant wildlife. Distance for section around 11 kilometers each one Duration: all day three and half-hours in the river

Duration: 10 hours

Recommended: sandals or tennis shoes, short or swimsuit, towel, dry clothing for coming back, sweater, photographic camera.

Includes tropical fruits in the river, hot lunch, modern equipment and a kayaker to ensure safety.

Participant Requirements: Good physical condition, beginners and advanced, ages: 12 to 60 years old.




Mountain Biking

This is one of the tours we offer for those who want to go on a bike trip to the area where the forest, the Arenal Volcano and the Lake meet and lead trough a beautiful trail. The tour starts from the Arenal Lake Dam, where we take an old trail into the forest. At the end of the trail we will arrive at the entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park and then get on the way to the Observatory, and back in the main road.

We will have the chance to see many different birds, for example: Squirrel Cuckoos, Keel Billed Toucans Crested Guans, Slaty Tailed Trogons, Black Headed Trogons, Bare Throated Tiger Herons (Laughing Falcons), as well as howler monkeys and raccoons.




Duration: 4 hours

Includes bikes, bilingual guide (English – Spanish), refreshments, water and cookies.




Horseback riding to the La Fortuna waterfall:

This tour offers the perfect combination of beautiful sightseeing and physical activity. We begin with an easy and scenic horseback ride from La Fortuna to the entrance of the waterfall. After viewing the magnificent 40-meter waterfall from a distance, we descend on a challenging hike through the dense rainforest where you will see amazing specimens of flora. The hike will bring us to the base crystal blue pool the waterfall pours into where you will be able to take a wonderful refreshing swim.

Duration: 4 hours

Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera, swimsuit and towel.

Participant Requirements: Good physical condition.




Note: There is no Deluxe accommodation in Tortuguero National Park

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 4536

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International flight to Costa Rica

International flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

International flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

plane-wing-clouds-flight
Day
2

San Jose - Tortuguero

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and land transfer to Pavona dock to catch your boat to Tortuguero. Boat transfer to the lodge. Upon arrival to the lodge, check in and join the lunch.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and land transfer to Pavona dock to catch your boat to Tortuguero. Boat transfer to the lodge. Upon arrival to the lodge, check in and join the lunch.

Day
3

Group Tortuguero Canals & Village Hike Tour

After breakfast, leave the lodge by boat (shared with other guests) with your local guide to explore the creeks of the National Park. The morning hours are especially active in the rain forest, when wildlife is hungry and in search of their energy source for the day. This tour is a three-hour trip into the back water lagoons and creeks of Tortuguero National Park. Return to the lodge in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a city tour of the village of Tortuguero. Return to the hotel for your dinner.
...read less

Tortuguero-Sloth-Mawamba-Lodge-Photo
Day
4

Tortuguero - Arenal

Transfer read more...

Transfer to Arenal Hotel with Pierella Ecological Garden Tour, Lunch Included
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transfer by boat and land to Guapiles Town.

At noon, you will pick up by your driver to take you to Arenal Volcano the first stop will be at Pierella Ecological Garden for a delicious homemade lunch.

After lunch, enjoy a half day tour at Pierella Ecological Garden. This special location offers great diversity of habitats supporting, abundant wildlife, sloth watching, birdfeeders, a butterfly garden, tropical crops like cocoa, and tasty traditional cuisine!

Then continue your ride to the volcano.
...read less

Arenal-Hot-Springs-Arenal-Paraiso-Photo
Day
5

Waterfall Rappelling - Ecotermales Hot Springs Experience

Today's read more...

Today's exhilarating half day experience is to rappel down a series of four waterfalls, one canyon wall, and trek on trails in pristine rainforest in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Your guides will secure you into your safety harness and assist you as you descend through the area's enchanting gorges and lush rainforest. A thrilling day.

Early evening, enjoy Ecotermales Hot springs a network of natural hot springs in Arenal, amid the lush vegetation to symphony of rushing waterfalls. Indulge in a renowned dinner experience.
...read less

Day
6

Arenal Volcano National Park & Bogarin Trail Tour

After breakfast, visit Arenal Volcano, we will begin a 1 km walk along a trail of volcanic rock, rated as moderate in difficulty, to reach the observation point, which is the closest to the base of the volcano we can legally get. At the observation point, enjoy the major eruption in 1968, as well as giving you the opportunity to enjoy the incredible views of the Arenal Volcano and the Arenal Lake. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon visit Bogarin Trail, it is a relatively flat and even 2-kilometer trail, located just 5 minutes from downtown La Fortuna. It is a rainforest oasis filled with tropical birds, colorful frogs and sloths.
...read less

Costarica_volcano_arenal
Day
7

Arenal - Monteverde

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer from the Arenal area to your Monteverde hotel, including a crossing of Lake Arenal by boat. Initially you will be transferred to Lake Arenal where you will board a boat to cross the southern end of the lake. There you will be picked up at the Rio Chiquito landing and driven overland to your Monteverde hotel, approx. 2.5-hour transfer. The lake crossing takes 1.5 hours less time than driving all the way around. Please be aware that strong winds or heavy rains can make for a rough, bumpy and wet boat ride. There are no docks.

In the afternoon visit, Monteverde Reserve nature walk, Reserve is one of the premier natural history destinations in Costa Rica. The forest is dominated by trees densely covered with mats of small plants known as epiphytes that include mosses, lichens, orchids, ferns and bromeliads. This cool, very green and often misty forest is home to a variety of wildlife. On your walk you may encounter monkeys, coatimundis, agoutis and numerous bird species such as Toucanets, Chlorophonias and seasonally the Bellbird and legendary crimson and green Resplendent Quetzal.
...read less

Day
8

Private Curi Cancha Reserve Tour with Zip Line Sky Tram and Sky Trek Monteverde Park

This will be a day full of fun and adrenaline, definitely you can't miss the chance to observe the forest on a tram ride and then flying through it on a zip line from one tree top platform to the other.

The Sky Tram gondolas rise smoothly through the Rain Forest, offering up endless views during their mountainous ascent.
At our Sky Trek in Monteverde, you ride the tram up the mountain, and then get back to the base riding our thrilling ziplines, making it a perfect adventure activity with no walking segments - get off and jump on to the next cable. You'll ride 7 cables, where you will be astounded by its impressive heights, speeds that go up to 70km/h (43.5mph), views, and because you will be able to admire the surrounding mountains like in no other place.

In the afternoon, visit the private Curi Cancha reserve, you will a walk along beautiful natural trails with an experienced guide and see different species of birds and mammals.
Discover this unique site, less crowded and more secluded!
...read less

Day
9

Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

oday's drive will be along beautiful mountains and also along our Pacific coast, have your camera handy to take pictures of the beautiful landscape. approx. 4 hours drive plus any stops en route.

The driver can make stops on the way for you to stretch your legs, use bathrooms, eat something on a road side restaurant, just let him/her know.

Stop for homemade lunch.
Continue your ride to Manuel Antonio.

oday's drive will be along beautiful mountains and also along our Pacific coast, have your camera handy to take pictures of the beautiful landscape. approx. 4 hours drive plus any stops en route.

The driver can make stops on the way for you to stretch your legs, use bathrooms, eat something on a road side restaurant, just let him/her know.

Stop for homemade lunch.
Continue your ride to Manuel Antonio.

Manuel-Antonio
Day
10

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a half day guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the natural jewels of Costa Rica. Look for the abundant wildlife including monkeys and sloths and take in the views from scenic overlooks. Cap it off with time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and warm pacific waters. Free afternoon to relax.

After breakfast, enjoy a half day guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the natural jewels of Costa Rica. Look for the abundant wildlife including monkeys and sloths and take in the views from scenic overlooks. Cap it off with time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and warm pacific waters. Free afternoon to relax.

Manuel-Antonio-National-Park
Day
11

Day of Leisure in Manuel Antonio

Day at leisure in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beaches and the quaint town of Manuel Antonio. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day at leisure in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beaches and the quaint town of Manuel Antonio. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day
12

Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to San Jose airport (approx. 4 hours) for your flight home.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to San Jose airport (approx. 4 hours) for your flight home.

San José, San Jose, Costa Rica

Tortuguero, Limon, Costa Rica

Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Places You'll See

  • monteverde

    Monteverde

    Take a walk through nature in Monteverde, home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Take a guided tour through the forests and catch a glimpse of the animals that call it home. Get up early for morning bird watches, or visit the butterfly farms. Go flying through the tree tops with zip-line tours, or walk across the hanging bride for a view of forest canopy.

  • Arenal

    Arenal

    Experience the excitement of visiting a 7,000 year old, active stratovolcano by visiting the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Though it is now dormant, Arenal was the most active of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes until 2010. Its dense vegetation is also home to numerous species of wildlife.

  • turtles-Tortuguero-Costa-Rica

    Tortuguero

    Visit Tortuguero, or “Land of Turtles” where the beaches are key nesting sites for four different species of sea turtle, two of which are critically endangered. Observe other wildlife such as jaguars and four species of monkeys. There are also several walking and hiking tours offered, as well as tours through the city’s canals.

  • manuel-antonio-sunset-costa-rica

    Manuel Antonio

    This stunning coast side National Park is one of the top destinations in Costa Rica with its pristine beaches and splendid hiking trails. Check out the local vanilla farm after a day at the beach snorkeling with the occasional dolphin feeding in the afternoon. Travel inland and enjoy activities such as rafting and zip lining amongst many other options of activities.

  • San-Jose-Costa-Rica

    San Jose

    Visit the largest, and one of the most exciting cities in all of Costa Rica, San Jose. Get lost in the beautiful shades of green at the Museo del Jade, home to the largest collection of pre-Columbian Jade in Central America. Take a Barrio Bird Walking Tour, or a tour through the butterfly farm and coffee farm. Watch street performers juggle, play music, and interact with their audience.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

San Jose : Presidente Hotel

San Jose : Park Inn Hotel

Tortuguero : Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

Arenal : Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard Room)

Arenal : Arenal Manoa Hotel & Spa

Monteverde : Poco a Poco

Monteverde : Trapp Family Lodge (Mountain Suite)

Manuel Antonio : Si Como No

Manuel Antonio : Hotel Parador

5 Star Properties

San Jose : Grano de Oro

San Jose : Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Tortuguero : Pachira Lodge

Tortuguero : Mawamba Lodge

Arenal : Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Arenal : Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens

Monteverde : Hotel Fonda Vela

Monteverde : El Establo (deluxe room)

Manuel Antonio : Gaia Hotel & Reserve

Manuel Antonio : Arenas del Mar

Luxury Properties

San Jose : Finca Rosa Blanca (Santa Barbara)

San Jose : Xandari Resort & Spa (Alajuela)

Tortuguero : Manatus Hotel

Tortuguero : Tortuga Lodge

Arenal : Nayara Springs (Adults only)

Arenal : The Springs Resort & Spa

Monteverde :  Monteverde Lodge

Monteverde : Senda Hotel

Manuel Antonio : Makanda by the Sea (Adults only)

Testimonials

Rosabel

Traveled November, 2012

Amazing trip

Amazing trip

Traveled To

Alison

Traveled February, 2012

All of the staff and guides were excellent

We had a great holiday thank you.We saw loads of birds, pelicans, egrets, 5 or more heron species, 3 monkey species including a mutant one that was all ginger, both sloth species, lots of caimen, loads of iguana, 4 kingfisher species, raccoons, 2 sorts of toucan, 2 sorts of buzzard, Jesus Christ lizards, white ibis, a variety of hummingbirds and best of all a female and a juvenile Resplendent Quetzal. I’m sure there were more but I need to see what turns up on the photos.Manatus lodge was fabulous. Because we stayed there 3 nights, when most people stay 2, they offered us a special meal for lunch on the 3rd day. It was a traditional meal and was excellent. All of the staff was excellent.Tabacon Spa was very good but we were busy every day we didn’t get much of a chance to try their hot springs and facilities.We were a little disappointed with El Establo. The rooms were great and the hotel had obviously been built so that they all had fabulous views. The problem was it advertised tea & coffee making facilities in all rooms and ice machines on all blocks. The manager had decided the coffee machines were too much trouble and had removed them from the rooms. Free coffee was available in the restaurants and reception. Our room was in the 800 block, about a mile down a steep hill from reception. It was not practical to ring for a shuttle bus down to a restaurant or reception to collect coffee to take back to your room. We asked a maid where the ice was in our block and there wasn’t any but, without being asked, somebody turned up within minutes with a bag of ice.All of the staff and guides were excellent but especially good were Pablo on the Cano Negro tour and the driver who took us from Monteverde back to San Jose.

Traveled To

Andy and Joan.

Traveled August, 2015

Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away

Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away and very much appreciate everything that you did to make it possible. The wildlife, particularly the sea turtles we saw laying their eggs, the monkeys, the tapir we tracked, and all of the different bird types that we encountered, were all great experiences. We also enjoyed the relaxation time that we had in Belize, where the snorkeling and diving was also good.

Traveled To


Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

Similar Tours