Coasts, Canyons and Canopies - Family adventure Trip

Accommodation

We use a variety of accommodation during this holiday from luxury 5-star hotels to tented rainforest camps.

Kitty Notes

The only local payments required on this trip are a $1 donation to a conservation project and $26.00 departure tax payable at the airport.

Itineraries

Day One
Flights, Arrival, Introduction and Transfers
You will be met at Juan Santa Maria Airport and transferred to your hotel. There will be a brief introduction en route followed by a free evening to relax.

Day Two
San Jose and Welcome
After a lie in and breakfast we all get together for an introductory meeting, coffee and chat before our sightseeing and shopping excursion into bustling San Jose. In the evening we visit a restaurant in downtown San Jose for our welcome meal featuring typical local dishes. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day Three
Rainforest Boat Trip and Tortuguero Village
An early start today as we drive through beautiful mountains and plantations to the Tortuguero Canals. We change our mode of transport for a two hour boat trip through the Rainforests to Mawamba Lodge. Look out for caiman on the way!! In the afternoon we visit Tortuguero Village, explore the beach and learn about turtle conservation. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day Four
Tortuguero Exploration Day (kayaking optional)
An early morning boat trip gives us the best chance of spotting howler monkeys, caiman, otters, toucans and iguanas in their natural habitat. After breakfast we hike into the rainforest to explore the flora and fauna and in the afternoon you have the opportunity to take to the water again for a kayak trip exploring the Tortuguero canals. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day Five
Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
We leave the canals behind today and head inland to beautiful Sarapiqui.
En route we stop at the Museum of Indigeneous Cultures and will arrive at the hotel with time to relax and explore. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day Six
Adrenaline Day (optional activity)
A full day of pure fun and adrenaline includes: An exhilarating three hour rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River, horse riding and finally, zip wires through the forest canopy . We then head to our forest camp for a night under canvas. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day Seven
Volcano Hike and Hot Springs (optional activity)
Transfer to Arenal and our luxury hotel with amazing views of an active volcano! After lunch we trek towards the volcano arriving at an awe-inspiring view point in time to see the sun go down and the lava glow. We then head for a dip in the hot springs at the foot of the volcano. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day Eight
Rainforest Volunteering
Costa Rica is at the forefront of responsible tourism and travel management. We are trying to play our part by encouraging our clients to get closely involved with local communities and conservation projects. Today we visit Eco-Centre Danaus and working with the local people and their children we will be helping on a reforestation project. We will spend time planting trees and seedlings and generally getting a bit mucky for a very worthwhile cause as well as witnessing local lifestyles at close quarters. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day Nine
Rainforest Canyoning (optional activity)
After a free morning we will be picked up and taken for lunch at the Canyoning base camp. A 30 minute drive in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano takes us to the edge of the rainforest. From there, a short descent on foot takes us to the top of our first abseil, a stunning 50m waterfall. Four more descents await us in this tropical paradise before we reach the foot of the canyon and return to the hotel doubtless reliving the experience as we go. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day Ten
Arenal to Tamarindo
From Central Costa Rica we head to the Pacific Coast today. With a mid-afternoon arrival the rest of the day is free to explore or relax. Our boutique hotel is an oasis of exotic luxury situated in the quieter western quarter of Tamarindo. And, if you can drag yourself away, it is just a two-minute woodland stroll to the secluded beach. For dinner, why not enjoy a 20 minute walk along the beach to try one of the many restaurants in vibrant and bustling Tamarindo? (Breakfast and lunch)

Day Eleven
Free Day in Tamarindo
In this surfer’s paradise it is almost compulsory to have a go at riding the Pacific waves. The hotel can arrange lessons or try one of the many surf schools. Alternatively, you can shop to your heart’s content, kayak or simply relax by the pool. The choice is entirely yours. (Breakfast)

Day Twelve
4x4 Off-Road Adventure (optional activity)
In convoy we drive our own 4x4’s along the managed off-road trails of the Tamarindo region. We cross rivers, visit small Costa Rican villages and stop to admire the wildlife before reaching the stunning white sands and palm trees of Pirate\'s Beach. You can kayak, snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean while our guides prepare lunch. (Breakfast and lunch).

Day Thirteen
Return to San Jose and Farewell Meal
Upon arrival in San Jose we have time to pack before heading to the famous
El Rodeo steak house (vegetarians catered for!) for our farewell meal. (Breakfast and dinner)

Day Fourteen
Adios Costa Rica
After breakfast we transfer back to the airport in good time for your homeward flights. (Breakfast)