Blanketed in pristine rainforest, lined by golden sands, and brimming with curious-looking creatures, Costa Rica is the ultimate family playground. Explore inland jungles and volcanic wonders in every way possible: soaring on a zip line, riding on horseback, and hiking misty trails. Then head for the Gold Coast on the Pacific Ocean for some sun, surf, and adventures out at sea.
Travel Style
National Geographic Family Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: San Luis Rural Community Experience & Lunch, Monteverde
Your Family Journeys Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project, Monteverde. Arrival transfer. Naturalist guided cloud forest night walk. Canyon canopy tour in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Rio Negro Hot Springs and volcanic mud bath. Horseback riding and guided hike in Rincón de la Vieja. Cipanci Reserve guided boat tour. All tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leaders and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Soar through the jungle canopy on zip lines, Join a naturalist on a night walk through the cloud forest, keeping your ears open for the symphony of hooting owls, croaking frogs, and chirping insects, Test your skills at a cooking class as you whip up delicious Costa Rican dishes, Jump into a natural mud bath, and swim in pools heated by area volcanoes.
How large will the group be?
20
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, boat, horse, walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts)
Itinerary
San José
Welcome to San José–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
San José/Monteverde
This morning, travel up into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where we’ll visit a rural community for a farm-to-table lunch, where our hosts will share insights about the local products and ingredients used in your meal. Enjoy fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced dishes—rice, beans, vegetables, homemade tortillas—and have the opportunity to touch and taste some of these products, giving you a deeper connection to Costa Rica’s local flavors. After lunch, visit the farm where children will enjoy hands-on agricultural activities. Explore tropical crops like coffee and fruits, see sustainable farming practices in action, and even learn how to make sugar cane juice using a traditional "Trapiche" mill—an interactive experience perfect for children and families alike. Later, enjoy some free time to get settled in our hotel. In the evening, follow a naturalist into the forest to seek out the fascinating nocturnal creatures that spring to life after the sun goes down, from red-eyed tree frogs to spiny porcupines.
Monteverde
Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear about reforestation projects spearheaded by the institute, then roll up your sleeves and lend a hand in the tree nursery. The rest of the day is free for poolside relaxation or optional excursions in the clouds, including zip-lining, hiking in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, or a walk through the forest canopy across hanging bridges.
Monteverde/Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Today we travel towards Rincón de la Vieja National Park, an otherworldly land of smoking volcanoes, bubbling mud pots, and thermal hot springs—all shrouded in thick tangles of rainforest. This afternoon, channel your inner Tarzan as you swing across zip lines strung through the forest canopy.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Rise early for a full day of adventure in the national park. Get introduced to the park’s creatures on a naturalist-guided wildlife hike and swim beneath the tumbling Oropendula waterfall. Then saddle up for a horseback-riding excursion as you make your way back to your lodge in time for a delicious lunch. After lunch, visit thermal hot springs and mud baths, where playing in the mud isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park/Guanacaste
Journey toward the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. But first, take the morning to enjoy one final slow start to the day before getting on the road. Or, choose to get wet and wild on a tubing adventure on the Rio Negro. In the afternoon, head west to Guanacaste and get settled at your beachside locale.
Guanacaste
The day is free to do as much or as little as you like. Relax at the pool or on the beach in this tropical paradise. Feel free to play in the sand and water; or opt to set sail across the bay and around the nearby Islands.
Guanacaste/San José
The journey back towards the capitol includes one incredible stop along the way. Embark on a jungle boat cruise through the Cipanci Reserve, part of the Tempisque River Conservation Area. The reserve is a wildlife-lover’s paradise: crocodiles glide beneath the water’s surface, monkeys swing through the surrounding treetops, and numerous winged wonders wade and fly at the river’s edge—including ospreys, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. Upon arrival into San Jose, celebrate your adventure at a farewell dinner.
San José
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
