Natural Wonders and Wildlife

Itinerary

Itinerary:
San Jose - La Fortuna - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio - Alajuela (San Jose)
Duration:
11 days / 10 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 1,550,- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 1,150,- per child (up to 11 years)

Take your family into nature, and explore some of the highlights of Costa Rica in just 11 days – perfect for a shorter getaway over Easter or Christmas holidays. You’ll soak in hot springs at the Arenal Volcano, walk through the cloud forests of Monteverde and see wildlife beside the Pacific Ocean in Manuel Antonio.

Days 1-3 – Strolling through San Jose

Costa Rica’s capital might not be top of your family’s must-do list, but the city has its Latin charms and is a pleasant place to start your journey through the country. You’ll be transferred to a comfy hotel with a pool just outside of the city centre, where you can recharge your batteries and set out to explore the city at your own pace. Whether you’re travelling by hire car or transfers, we’ll have made all the arrangements for you and you’ll also meet with our local partners who’ll be there to support you throughout your trip.

Days 3-5 – Footsteps on the Arenal Volcano

At the end of your stay in San Jose, you’ll either be delivered your hire car for the holiday or be picked up by shuttle bus for the journey to La Fortuna. Travel time is around 3hrs today.

La Fortuna is home to the famous Arenal Volcano, a lush destination known for its natural wonders combining nature with adventure – something for all the family. Despite La Fortuna becoming more and more popular, it still maintains that ‘small-town’ feeling and is the perfect place to explore the greenery of Costa Rica. Take a wander around the national park, over the volcanoes or head into the waterfalls for a slightly cold but refreshing dip before visiting the stunning hot springs for some relaxation.

Days 5-7 – Head in the cloud forest – Monteverde

Next, you’ll travel south to the cloud forests of Monteverde by hire car or shuttle bus. Today’s journey will take roughly 4hrs.

Over the next few days, you and your family will explore the cloud forests of Monteverde, a hilltop town with a laid back feel and plenty of family-friendly activities. You’ll stay in a lodge on the outskirts of town, perfect for getting back to nature. You’ll explore the tree-tops on a guided walk through the cloud forest as you cross hanging bridges high above the forest floor, learning about the biodiversity of the plants here and keeping your eyes peeled for sleeping sloths high up in the trees. If your kids are adrenaline-junkies then we can also add on a gondola ride and zip lining, just ask your travel specialist.

Days 7-10 – Beaches & monkeys of Manuel Antonio

Next, you’ll jump in your hire car or hop aboard the shuttle bus for the journey to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast, around 4 hours away.

Over the next few days you can kick back at the coast with a visit to the beach-side town of Manuel Antonio. This gem on the Pacific coast is famous for it’s National Park, a great place to spot animals in the jungle. The area also has great sandy beaches, lots of choices for dining out and some of the best family hotels in Costa Rica. You’ll stay in a hotel close to the ocean with an inviting pool and an on-site restaurant.

During your stay you’ll learn about Costa Rica’s wildlife while visting Manuel Antonio National Park. You’ll take a guided tour to learn about the flora and fauna, and spot even the smallest and well-camouflaged inhabitants of the rainforest. The rest of your time here is free to spend exploring the National Park or hanging out at the pool or the beach.

Next, you’ll take the 3-hour trip to the outskirts on San Jose, either by hire car or by shuttle bus, ready to take your flight home.