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Family

Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday

14 Days | Make family memories among evergreen forests and towering volcanos

Excellent

4 reviews

14 days

Start

San Jose, Costa Rica

Finish

San Jose, Costa Rica

Trip Code

QCFB

Min Age

Trip Size

2 - null

Physical Rating

Meals

13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Public Transportation

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nights)

From £2,310(14 days)

Trip Informations

Get off the beaten track on this two-week family holiday in Costa Rica, exploring all the best highlights and hidden secrets. Starting in subtropical San Jose, you'll explore Tortuguero National Park – home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals and the nesting ground of the green turtle. Spend some time in biodiverse Sarapiqui and maybe take on a few fun, active adventures with the kids. Stay in La Fortuna under the mighty gaze of Arenal Volcano and soak in your onsite hot springs before heading to the cloud forest in Monteverde. Learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food in Dominical with three generations of locals and then take a day trip to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. After a huge adventure full of natural wonders and wildlife, meet the Indigenous community along the Terraba River and learn about their matriarchal society before ending it all back in San Jose.

Why you’ll love this trip

Spend time with the Terraba community – an Indigenous group who have survived off the land for more than 500 years – and enjoy a shared lunch of local eats. The kids will love the chocolate-making lesson here!

Walk through the diverse forest and jungle and take an incredible canopy walk along suspended bridges in Cloud Forest – lookout for sloths and various birdlife as you go.

Experience life as the locals do by spending time on a family farm and learning how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food.

Enjoy some family downtime in the seaside town of Dominical at your eco-hotel, surrounded by stunning beaches and a tropical jungle.

Look out for wildlife in the evergreen rainforest of Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity – and enjoy some free time to maybe learn about the nocturnal creatures that dwell here.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Is this trip right for you?

Make sure you pack some sturdy and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around cities and towns and through forests and jungles on this trip.

There are a few days of long travel on this trip as you’ll be covering a lot of Costa Rican ground. These drives are along smooth roads in new and comfortable vehicles, and are great for games, chats and scenery spotting. You’ll also make interesting stops along the way to break up the longer drives.

Is it hot in here? You’re in tropical Central America so it can get very humid, although nighttime and locations at higher elevations can get chilly. Carry plenty of water, dress in light clothing and bring a waterproof jacket. We’ll give you every opportunity to cool off with a swim.

With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Day 1 • San Jose
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure starts in subtropical San Jose, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at the hotel. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see in this bustling city. Maybe take the kids to the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden – the perfect way to introduce the family to Costa Rican biodiversity (while also getting respite from the clamour of the city). After the meeting tonight, maybe get a taste of Tico food (and get to know the other families and your trip leader) with an optional group dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel Parque del lago or similar (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Tortuguero
This morning, you’ll descend to the Caribbean lowlands on a scenic (and slightly bumpy) bus journey that ends at the port of La Pavona – this rustic port is your entry point to Tortuguero. Hop aboard a small boat and journey into the depths of the Costa Rican wilderness. Arrive in the middle of this biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons rest under the canopy of rainforest bordering the ocean. Many animals call this place home, so look out for jaguars, various birds and turtles as you sail quietly across the water and traverse the lush jungle.
Accommodation
Hotel Tortuguero Beach Front or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Tortuguero - Boat ride to Tortuguero
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Tortuguero
This morning, head to Tortuguero National Park for a boat tour of the canals. This park, established in 1970, is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals, including manatees, ocelots and jaguars. This is also the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between July and October to lay its eggs on the beach. The hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and giant leatherback turtles also nest within the park, but at different times of the year. This afternoon, maybe wander around some of the park’s walking trails or just kick back and relax at your lodge. Tonight, you might want to head out on a turtle-watching tour – part of the cost of this optional activity will support a program to patrol the beach for poachers, keeping the turtles and their eggs safe.
Accommodation
Hotel Tortuguero Beach Front or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Tortuguero - National Park Entrance
Tortuguero - Boat tour of the canals
Optional activities
Tortuguero - Turtle Watching Night Tour - USD47
Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip around canals - USD47
DAY 4
Day 4 • Sarapiqui
This morning, say goodbye to the evergreen rainforest and make the journey to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity. When you arrive you'll have time to settle into your hotel. This evening join your leader for a walk through the rainforest, crossing trails as you look out for wildlife, an excursion to learn about the region’s nocturnal creatures – including sloths, howler monkeys, snakes and frogs.
Accommodation
Gran Gavilan hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Sarapiqui - leader led rainforest night walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Sarapiqui
Today is a free day to explore Sarapiqui. Maybe you and your family could take a trip down the river on a float or get adventurous and go white water rafting through the rapids. Maybe you’d like to jump in a kayak and discover the lush surroundings on a more leisurely on-water experience. If you need to recharge, maybe you’d like to just relax by the pool at your accommodation.
Accommodation
Gran Gavilan or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Sarapiqui - River float tour - USD70
Special information
Note - the price for the River float tour is for the float trip only and excludes transportation. Transport will need to be paid in addition to this amount and the price will vary depending on the size of the group.
DAY 6
Day 6 • La Fortuna
Today, you’ll cross west through the north of the country to the Arenal volcano area, which lies beneath the volcano of the same name. Rising from verdant plains, Arenal Volcano shoots up 1633 m in a perfect cone and in certain lights, it resembles a storybook drawing. The landscape is mainly cloud forest and rainforest, cut through with rivers, lakes and (thanks to the volcano’s inner workings) thermal hot springs. When you arrive in La Fortuna, you’re free to explore the area at your own pace. Maybe just unwind by the hotel pool in view of the mighty Arenal volcano and get the kids to practice their drawing skills.
Accommodation
Magic Mountain or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
La Fortuna - Los Laureles Hot Springs
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 7
Day 7 • La Fortuna
Today is a free day to explore La Fortuna and all it has to offer. Maybe grab the kids and head to the La Fortuna Waterfall – at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, the waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, and you can even swim at the base of the cascades! Maybe the kids would rather get a new perspective of Arenal Volcano from the 1968 trail, where you can also explore lava trails.
Accommodation
Magic Mountain or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD21
La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) - USD26
Special information
The above optional activity prices include an entrance fee only. Transportation will need to be paid in addition to the entrance fee and is subject to change depending on the number of participants.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Monteverde
Today, you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Travel by minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross the water by boat. On the other side of the lake, re-board a minibus and continue to your destination. In 1951 North American Quakers founded the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve – a sanctuary for the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call the reserve home, and over the next few days, you’ll get acquainted with some of them. Tonight you will be able to relax in your boutique accommodation on a family-run farm, surrounded by spectacular cloud forest, gardens, coffee fields and views of the Nicoya gulf.
Accommodation
Cabinas Capulin or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Monteverde
Start the day experiencing life on the small family run farm of the Torres family. The farm has been in the family since 1954, and is the current home of 2 grandparents, their 5 children and 9 grandchildren, all of whom are comitted to sustainably managing the farm and conserving the forest. Learn more about small-scale farming and campesino life, in this hands-on breakfast & farm visit in which you can feed chickens, harvest eggs, and meet the family.
Accommodation
Cabinas Capulin or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
Monteverde – Hands on breakfast activity & Farm tour
Optional activities
Monteverde - Sky Tram & Sky Trek - USD84
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
DAY 10
Day 10 • Dominical
Wave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to the beachside town of Dominical. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local family home where you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food. Spend some time with the three generations of Costa Ricans here and learn about their stories as you enjoy the essence of the Pura Vida lifestyle. Your accommodation while in Dominical is an eco-hotel, surrounded by lush rainforest, with all the comforts you could want.
Accommodation
Villas Rio Mar or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Dominical
Today is a free day in Dominical. Flanked by the Baru River, this town is known for its surfing beach and tropical forest hiking trails, so there are plenty of options if you and the kids want to get outdoors (and who wouldn’t when you’re in this natural paradise?).
Accommodation
Villas Rio Mar or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Dominical – Marino Ballena National Park hike - USD78
Dominical – Mangrove Boat tour - USD85
DAY 12
Day 12 • Dominical / Manuel Antonio National Park
This morning after breakfast, you’ll take a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park – the most popular national park in Costa Rica. When you arrive, enjoy a guided walk along the trails that snake through the park with your leader. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the area’s diverse flora and fauna. Look and listen carefully, and you may just be able to spot howler monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, iguanas and heaps of various birds. This afternoon, make your way back to Dominical for the night.
Accommodation
Villas Rio Mar or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours roundtrip.
Visitor numbers to Manuel Antonio have been reduced from 3000 per day to 1000. This means it is more difficult to secure entrance tickets for both tour groups and individual visitors. Over school holidays and peak travel season, it is especially difficult. We do our best to secure entrance tickets, but it is possible that on occasion demand will be too high. In these instances, we will include a visit to Marino Ballena National Park, home to a variety of animals, including crocodiles, monkeys, and two-toed sloths.
DAY 13
Day 13 • San Jose
This morning, head to San Jose and on your way visit a small Indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage – The Terraba (or Teribe). Located on approximately 34.7 square miles (9000 hectares) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for over 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal, and women are the teachers responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to carve your own wooden mask and participate in some chocolate-making before sitting down for a shared local lunch with the community. Tonight, you’ll return to San Jose for your final night – maybe head out for a farewell dinner with the other families when you arrive.
Accommodation
Hotel Parque del lago or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Terraba community - Indigenous Community Visit & Mask Carving Lesson
Terraba community- Chocolate making
DAY 14
Day 14 • San Jose
There are no further activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat, Public Transportation

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nights)

Activities

Tortuguero - Boat ride to Tortuguero

Tortuguero - National Park Entrance

Tortuguero - Boat tour of the canals

Sarapiqui - leader led rainforest night walk

La Fortuna - Los Laureles Hot Springs

Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)

Monteverde – Hands on breakfast activity & Farm tour

Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch

Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)

Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide

Terraba community - Indigenous Community Visit & Mask Carving Lesson

Terraba community- Chocolate making

Optional activities

Tortuguero - Turtle Watching Night Tour - USD47

Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip around canals - USD47

Sarapiqui - River float tour - USD70

La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD21

La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) - USD26

Monteverde - Sky Tram & Sky Trek - USD84

Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47

Dominical – Marino Ballena National Park hike - USD78

Dominical – Mangrove Boat tour - USD85

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Saturday Jul 05, 2025

Friday Jul 18, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£2,888£2,310

Saturday Jul 12, 2025

Friday Jul 25, 2025

Trip size max: - 14 spaces left

£3,003£2,402

Saturday Jul 19, 2025

Friday Aug 01, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,003£2,402

Saturday Jul 26, 2025

Friday Aug 08, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,003£2,402

Saturday Aug 02, 2025

Friday Aug 15, 2025

Trip size max: - 9 spaces left

£2,888£2,310

Saturday Aug 16, 2025

Friday Aug 29, 2025

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£2,888£2,310

Saturday Dec 20, 2025

Friday Jan 02, 2026

Trip size max: - 15 spaces left

£2,888

Thursday Dec 25, 2025

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£2,888

Saturday Dec 27, 2025

Friday Jan 09, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£2,888

Saturday Jan 03, 2026

Friday Jan 16, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,031

Thursday Apr 02, 2026

Wednesday Apr 15, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,031

Saturday Apr 04, 2026

Friday Apr 17, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,031

Thursday Jul 02, 2026

Wednesday Jul 15, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,152

Saturday Jul 04, 2026

Friday Jul 17, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,152

Thursday Jul 23, 2026

Wednesday Aug 05, 2026

Trip size max: - 16 spaces left

£3,152

Important notes

1. Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

2. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.

3. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays to provide this information may result in changes to your itinerary, and we will not be able to guarantee entry. Details provided must be accurate as per your passport bio page.

4. First day - there will be a group meeting at 6pm on Day 1

Last day - no activities are planned for your last day, so you can depart at any time.

5. A single supplement is available on this trip

6. Costa Rica is a tropical country, so rain can be excepted at any time. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May – November. While July and some of August does experience dry spells, families need to be prepared for the rain. Rain does usually come in the afternoons, and it can pour. So you will need to be prepared with wet weather gear. Hurricane season in this region is from June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Tuuur monitors any situations that arise and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.

7. Many hotels outside of San Jose have been built further out from the centre of town so travellers can enjoy the countryside, rainforests and views, where people can wake up to birds, not cars. Many of the hotels we use are in such locations.

8. Costa Rican food is known for being fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. Rice and black beans are a staple of most traditional Costa Rican meals. Meals in Costa Rican are more expensive than its neighbouring countries.

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Day 14 • San Jose
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DAY 14
Day 14 • San Jose
There are no further activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
Breakfast