In Costa Rica, you'll relax in hot springs, splash through rainforest waterfalls and maybe even snorkel among stunning coral reefs. A Costa Rica family vacation will create memories to last a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - San José
Your exciting family vacation begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Costa Rica on an internationally recognized airline. Touch down in San José, the country’s capital. A Go Ahead representative will greet you at the airport after you clear customs and then escort you to your hotel. Dinner is included upon your arrival.
Included meals: dinner
Day 2 - Arenal Region
This morning, venture to Inbio Park to learn about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. Later, continue on to Poás Volcano National Park, where you’ll see a wide range of landscapes, including dairy farms and coffee plantations. Note that the Poás Volcano is considered the largest geyser in the world. Here, you’ll walk to Lake Botos to explore the area around the volcano. Afterwards, travel to La Fortuna, home of the Arenal Volcano. After sleeping for 400 years, Arenal erupted in 1968. Since then, it has erupted daily at a smaller scale. If the day is clear, you’ll be able to see the lava eruptions that resemble impressive fireworks displays.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 3 - Arenal Region
Gain an insider’s eye view of this cherished region on a hike up Arenal Volcano. Soaring more than 5,000 feet above sea level, Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular sights. This afternoon, immerse yourself in this cherished region with an optional Treetops Walk with the Family through the rainforest on the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Or, if you’re daring enough, you might instead choose to try Ziplining with the Family (minimum age: 4 years) through the tree canopy with safety equipment and experienced guides. This evening, relax with a visit to the local hot springs, which are fed by the natural healing waters of the Arenal Mountains.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Hot Springs
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$49 USD |
Treetops Walk with the Family
Take a guided trek through the treetops on Arenal’s hanging bridges, accompanied by a naturalist guide. From your vantage point high above the forest floor, the multicolor world of the tropical rainforest reveals itself to you. In these 600 acres of protected rainforest, you will find six hanging bridges, the longest spanning 326 feet between trees. You’ll discover Costa Rica’s diverse array of birds and mammals, see spectacular waterfalls and enjoy jaw-dropping views of the majestic Arenal volcano.
Special child price: $19
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$45 USD |
Ziplining with the Family
Soar through the jungle canopy on a guided ziplining tour. Your kids will love feeling the cool rainforest breeze in their hair, flying at eye level with birds and seeing the Costa Rican cloud forest from a unique perspective. Up in the forest canopy, a dizzying array of brightly colored wildlife lives in a world most people never see. Today, give your kids the chance to be a part of that world.
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Day 4 - Arenal Region
Today, your family has a free day in Arenal. Alternatively, opt to join a Chocolate & Pineapple Plantation with the Family tour in Tirimbina Rain Forest, home to the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica. Kids of all ages will try their hand at making their own chocolate cookies. You’ll also stop at a pineapple plantation to learn about how these delicious fruits are harvested and enjoy a tour across the 3,000 acres of pineapple fields, as well as the facility that processes and packs the pineapples.
Included meals: breakfast
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$75 USD |
Chocolate & Pineapple Plantations with the Family
Chocolate and pineapples are two of Costa Rica's most important (and most delicious) exports. On today's excursion, you'll learn how these crops are grown and harvested and how they've influenced indigenous and European cultures. You'll visit two working plantations and savor samples of organic rainforest chocolate! Lunch is included.
Special child price: $55
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Day 5 - Guanacaste
This morning, depart for Guanacaste. Along the way, you’ll tour Lake Arenal—one of the largest lakes in Costa Rica—and then take a relaxing rafting trip down the Corobicí River. Keep an eye out for glimpses of toucans, falcons, iguana and monkeys. Continue through the cities of Tilarán and Cañas to arrive at the province of Guanacaste, North Pacific Coast. This afternoon is free to spend at your leisure to enjoy the beach and its surroundings.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 6 - Guanacaste
Today, journey to Borinquen Hacienda to enjoy an array of activities the whole family will love, including thermal spring water pools, volcanic mud baths, natural steam rooms, waterfalls and horseback riding. Lunch is included at the Hacienda.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 7 - Guanacaste
Guanacaste is known for its spectacular beaches, from resort paradises to secluded coves. Spend a free day exploring the area as a family, or opt for a Sailing & Snorkeling with the Family excursion. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner with your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
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$89 USD |
Sailing & Snorkeling with the Family
From Tamarindo, embark on an unforgettable sailing voyage aboard a classic yacht. On your cruise helmed by a crew of three, you’ll head out into Taramindo Bay to encounter turtles, jumping rays and dolphins. If you're feeling adventurous, take advantage of the available snorkeling equipment and jump right in. Don't want to snorkel? Sit back and enjoy the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, and the southing sound of relaxing music.
Special child price: $65
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Day 8 - Guanacaste
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights in Tortuguero National Park for only $449 USD (Single room: add $125 USD)
A lush, tropical jungle accessed only by water, Tortuguero—which can be translated as Land of Turtles—is known for its abundance of wildlife. A journey here is a near-guarantee that you will spot monkeys, sloths, manatees, caimans, snakes, river otters, macaws and toucans, as well as dozens of other wildlife species—that is, if you know where to look. By venturing forth in small outboard boats or dugout canoes along Tortuguero's lagoons, our guides will make sure you don't miss a thing—so remember to bring plenty of film, batteries and something to keep your camera dry.