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Costa Rica Family Fun
Overview
Introduction
This itinerary has been written, and designed, by our chairman Noel Josephides. Here, Noel talks of his relationship with Costa Rica and the lifelong memories his travels with his family in the country have provided.
I first visited Costa Rica in 1994 in order to set up our holiday programme to that wonderful country. Sunvil has always been a pioneer and, following my trip to Namibia 3 years previously to put together our itineraries for that country when I took the whole family, I decided to do the same again. I have four children and in 1994 my eldest son was 12, my daughter 10 and the twins (boy and girl) 8. I always worked on the premise that if my wife and I could cope with four young children on a complicated itinerary then anyone could do it. Our programmes to Brazil and Ecuador were set up in the same way.
The itinerary featured is identical to the one we followed except that we covered the parts where it was possible to do so in a hired self-drive minibus - in those days there were no child seats!
The family experience was electric and, for the children, educational and fun (much better than Disneyland!) because here they were witnessing the real thing! Wildlife is all around you in Costa Rica. Wherever you look you will see birds, when you cross rivers you will see crocodiles lounging on the banks and there is ‘jungle’ real, mysterious jungle and they loved it - not a moment’s boredom.
I remember the shrill “daddy stop” when they spotted their first sloth casually munching away at the top of a tree on the main coastal road between Jaco and Quepos.
Your family will have much the same thrill. Yes, this was 25 years ago but the experience will be the same - and the hotels far more comfortable!
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Full BoardAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
The transfer on arrival to the 4 star Bougainvillea Hotel will take 40 minutes. This owner managed hotel of 81 rooms is set in 10 acres of mature, botanical gardens in a quiet, residential area of San Jose and 15 minutes by taxi from the centre. The hotel has a restaurant so it’s easy for a family stay and will be the children’s first experience of the lush vegetation and colourful birds which can be seen in the garden.
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea Hotel, Costa Rica
Day 2 - Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
It will probably be the first time the children will have seen a ‘real live’ volcano so the included excursion with guide to the Poas Volcano and its national park is a must. The excursion also includes a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the most famous falls in Costa Rica. Here you will also visit a wildlife rescue preserve. The volcano is only a short distance (34 km) from San Jose, so the travelling time is minimal.
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea
La Poas Volcano, Costa Rica
Day 3 - Transfer to Tortuguero
This will be a very exciting day for the children. Initially there is a group transfer north to Guapiles in the banana growing region in the Limon district. This is the gateway between the Caribbean coast and the central highlands where San Jose is located. Then the really exciting part, a one hour transfer by by boat (sometimes longer depending on the water levels) through narrow jungle rivers and canals to the Caribbean coast and the Mawamba Lodge in the heart of the Tortuguero National Park.
Overnight at Mawamba Lodge
Tortuguero National Park
Day 4 - Wildlife Excursion
My children loved the whole experience of Tortuguero. The day will be spent on wildlife excursions. The national park was originally an archipelago of volcanic islands so there is little distinction between water and dry land. The area is a mass of wetlands, canals and beaches, all best explored by boat. You will hear howler monkeys at night and spider monkeys sit amongst the branches of the tall trees. There are 50 fish species that live in the canals as well as the spectacled Caiman and the southern river otter. The Lodge is rather more sophisticated than when we stayed there 25 years ago but there is still no air conditioning, TV or WIFI but the 58 wooden cabins now have their own bathroom. There is a swimming pool. The frog garden and butterfly sanctuary will be a delight for the children, especially when they see the size of the frogs - some tiny some enormous and oh so colourful. In July and August on moonlit nights you can watch the hundreds of Green turtles crawl up the long, deserted beaches fringed by the jungle to bury their eggs in the sand. No child would ever forget that sight. It’s a short walk to the beach and also to the tiny village of Tortuguero.
Overnight at Mawamba Lodge
Canal boat trip, Tortuguero
Day 5 - Transfer to Arenal
It is a long transfer, close on five hours, from Tortuguero to Arenal but here again the initial part is by boat through the jungle which is always exciting. The Arenal Volcano is a perfect cone and to see it rising from the surrounding jungle - well they could be reliving Jurassic Park. The Manoa Resort is set in lush gardens with a large swimming pool and its setting affords spectacular views of the volcano. All the rooms have a view of the volcano.
Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort
Hotel Manoa, Arenal volcano view
Day 6 & 7 - Days at leisure
Though the facility did not exist 25 years ago, an excursion is included to the Arenal Hanging Bridges which will be a really exciting experience. This represents a fascinating walk through the tropical rainforest surrounding the volcano using a series of hanging bridges high above the forest floor. There are many activities to be had in this area including walking, horse riding and zip wiring (for the older children). However, what must not be missed is dinner at the nearby Tabacon or Ecotermales hot springs. The Arenal is a stratovolcano rising to 1.633 metres. It may be dormant but it certainly rumbles and flashes and gives firework displays and the ground trembles. At night, while swimming in the floodlit hot springs at Tabacon, to hear and see the volcano represents a unique experience which should certainly not be missed. It would be one of the most memorable evenings for the children - forget bedtime!
Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort
Hanging Bridges, Arenal
Day 8 - Transfer to Manuel Antonio
The transfer from Arenal along the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio takes close on 5 hours. But, like all transfers in Costa Rica the trip is part of the holiday as there is much to see en route. Manuel Antonio and its national park is Costa Rica’s original resort and is set on a beautiful series of beaches. If your family likes water sports (kayaking, snorkelling|) then this is the place to be. You will share the beach with Iguanas that tend to lie on branches or in the jungle undergrowth that fringes the beach. The hotel has a shuttle bus to and from the park and can book guided visits.
Overnight at Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Parador Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio
Day 9 to 12 - Days at leisure
The four star Parador Nature Resort and Spa is located amidst the jungle on a cliff above the sea and commands panoramic views of the coast below. With lush gardens, a spa, pools and spacious rooms and several restaurants, the hotel provides a relaxing end for the whole family. A path leads down to a white sand beach and the hotel also provides a minibus service to another beach. Hiking tours, adventure tours, ocean, river and mangrove tours can also be booked. A fitting end to a very exciting family holiday for all.
Overnight at Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Beach at Manuel Antonio
Day 13 - Day of departure
Even the last transfer from the hotel to the Airport will be exciting (2 hr 45 min) as there is always so much to see!
Accommodation
Bougainvillea Hotel - Night 1 to 2
Surrounded by 10 acres of lush tropical gardens, Hotel Bougainvillea is just 30 minutes from San Jose yet located in a charming, peaceful area called Santo Domingo de Heredia. This region has kept its rural charm, with colonial adobe houses and beautiful churches.
Surrounded by 10 acres of lush tropical gardens, Hotel Bougainvillea is just 30 minutes from San Jose yet located in a charming, peaceful area called Santo Domingo de Heredia. This region has kept its rural charm, with colonial adobe houses and beautiful churches.
Hotel Bougainvillea has the charm of a family-owned and operated hotel. Every detail of the hotel and restaurant is personally supervised by owner Hans van der Wielen, who brought his experience and style when he came to Costa Rica in 1961. A real value for families, honeymooners or special interest groups alike, the hotels homely feeling and friendly staff make this a wonderful way to begin your Costa Rica holiday.
All rooms have a private balcony offering stunning views and incrdeible sunsets, a flat-screen TV, telephone, safety deposit box, Wi-Fi, and ceiling fan. Guests can choose between Mountain or Garden views with views towards the Central Valley and the surrounding mountains or the beautiful colourful gardens. These gardens are award-winning as a showcase of the Central Valley’s biodiversity, featuring important crops from Costa Rica that have historically impacted development, a variety of different kinds of bromeliads, and of course the signature flower of the hotel, the bougainvilleas. There are also several small ponds where the work of preserving endangered frog species, such as Forreri’s Leopard frog, the Blue-sided tree frog, and the Brilliant forest frog.
The gourmet Vitrales Restaurant features both traditional Costa Rican and international cuisine with lovely views of the gardens. Guests can make use of the outdoor swimming pool, the sauna, fitness centre and two tennis courts.
Costa Rica is a favourite destination for nature lovers from all over the world. Its diverse bird population is one of its main attractions. More than 850 species of birds have been identified so far. The hotel's garden is particularly attractive to birds because of its abundance of trees, flowers and shrubs. Frequently spotted birds included, blue crowned motmots, palm tanagers, hummingbirds, tropical kingbirds and boat-billed flycatchers.
ACCOMMODATION
- 81 rooms including 77 Standard Rooms and 4 Junior Suites
FACILITIES/AMENITIES
- 10 acres of botanical gardens
- Restaurant and Bar
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Tennis courts
- Gym
- Complimentary WiFi
- Free parking
Mawamba Lodge - Night 3 to 4
Mawamba Lodge is situated next to one of the most diverse stretches of Caribbean rainforest in Costa Rica, on a thin strip of land between Tortuguero's canals and the Caribbean Sea, meaning it uniquely boasts a rugged beachfront of dark golden sand, home to nesting green turtles during the rainy season. The property is reachable only by boat or small plane.
Mawamba Lodge is situated next to one of the most diverse stretches of Caribbean rainforest in Costa Rica, on a thin strip of land between Tortuguero's canals and the Caribbean Sea, meaning it uniquely boasts a rugged beachfront of dark golden sand, home to nesting green turtles during the rainy season. The property is reachable only by boat or small plane.
The accommodation consists of 50 rooms including standard, standard plus, superior and bungalows. All rooms are simple but comfortable with private bathrooms and ceiling fans (no air-conditioning).
There is a swimming pool with a jacuzzi, and plenty of comfortable spaces to relax around the tropical grounds and jutting out into the waterways is a decking area strung with hammocks; the perfect spot for enjoying a relaxing sunset.
Meals at the La Macarela restaurant are served à la carte. There is also the Katonga floating restaurant that navigates the river while you enjoy a four-course menu. For a more casual dining experience, dine at at the pool bar, from your lounger, or at the lounge beside the bar.
Experience the stunning nature and wildlife with a range of activities including boat tours along the park's canals, canoeing and guided hikes. Every guided experience is led by trained naturalist guides, many of who grew up on these canals and others who have worked in Costa Rica's national parks.
The lodge' commitment to sustainability is practical, not promotional including zero single-use plastic and they also run a 5-minute beach clean-up, which they encourage guests to partake in.
ACCOMMODATION
- 50 rooms including standard, standard plus, superior and bungalows
AMENITIES/FACILITIES
- La Macarela Restaurant
- Katonga Floating Restaurant
- Swimming pool and jacuzzi
- Massages in a private sala
- Activities including - boat tours, canoeing, hiking, sport fishing and watch turtle nesting (July to October)
Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort - Night 5 to 7
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort is one of the top-rated hotels in La Fortuna for relaxation and comfort. The resort features a variety of beautifully appointed suites nestled within lush tropical rainforest.
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort is one of the top-rated hotels in La Fortuna for relaxation and comfort. The resort features a variety of beautifully appointed suites nestled within lush tropical rainforest. The natural hot springs pools and ponds are fed by mineral-rich thermal waters known for their therapeutic properties.
Every suite is more than just a room, it’s your personal retreat surrounded by nature. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the suites offer the ideal balance of comfort and tropical charm. Wake up to stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, unwind in beautifully designed spaces, and enjoy access to natural hot springs and tranquil mineral ponds. From romantic escapes to family holidays, each suite type is tailored to your travel style.
Hidden deep within the tropical forest, the Hot Springs ponds offer a quiet and intimate retreat. Small natural-style thermal ponds are tucked among the trees, creating a peaceful space where nature takes centre stage.
The resort offers a varied array of restaurants and dining experiences. Start the day with an energising breakfast at La Saca to set you up for the adventures of the day. Relax by the pool with snacks, sushi and cocktails and end the day with an elegant and romantic meal, or a casual evening at the oven-fired pizza restaurant.
The Riverside Spa offers a peaceful wellness experience surrounded by the sights and sounds of the tropical forest. Nestled among the trees and beside a gently flowing river, this tranquil space invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Treatment cabanas are open to the natural environment, allowing you to relax while listening to the river, the birds, and the soft movement of the forest around you.
ACCOMMODATION
- Chato Suites, Premium Suites, Superior Suites, Junior Suites and Luxury Villas
AMENITIES/FACILITIES
- Hot Spring Ponds
- Hot Spring Pool area
- Riverside Spa
- La Saca Restaurant - serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Ohashi Sushi
- Alambique Pizzeria
- Room service
- Laundry service (payable locally)
- Activities/ Tours include - Ziplining, whitewater rafting, bird watching and canyoning (payable locally)
Parador Nature Resort and Spa - Night 8 to 12
High above the Pacific Coast, nestled among 12 acres of wildlife rich tropical rainforest and the world renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, Parador Nature Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort that takes pride in offering responsible luxury.
High above the Pacific Coast, nestled among 12 acres of wildlife rich tropical rainforest and the world renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, Parador Nature Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort that takes pride in offering responsible luxury.
Parador is celebrated for its unique blend of comfort and nature. This is the only full-service resort in Manuel Antonio that features 130 rooms and suites across 9 categories. All the rooms are elegantly furnished and have balconies or terraces with views of the gardens or the ocean.
Guests have a choice of five swimming pools. Two are located in the central area for families and feature a swim-up bar. Two are ‘adult-only’ and include a quiet pool as well as a plunge pool. The fifth pool is exclusively for guests staying in the Suites Annex and is also ‘adult-only’.
The Pacifica Spa offers an array of wellness services, from traditional massages and facials to invigorating body treatments. There is also a fitness centre with treadmills and step machines along with free weights.
Each of the resort's 7 restaurants offer impeccably tailored service and a diverse menu, ranging from sushi, poolside pizzas, Mediterranean delicacies and local cuisine.
Just a short stroll from the resort, discover Biezans Beach, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding.
The resort holds a number of prestigious awards not only for world-class service and amenities, but also for passionate commitment to both the environment and the community.
ACCOMMODATION
- 130 rooms in 9 categories: Garden, Garden Plus, Tropical, Premium, Premium Plus, Vista Suites, Pacific Vista Suites, Vista Master Suites and Family Suites
FACILITIES/ACTIVITIES
- 7 Restaurants
- 3 Bars
- 5 Swimming pools
- Spa
- Fitness centre
- Mini Golf
- Pickleball Court
- Games Room
- A range of activities are available including parasailing, kayaking, horseback riding, zip-lining, water rafting, night hikes and sport fishing
Route Map
Best time to go
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- JUN
- JUL
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- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT - 6 hours
Currency
Colon
Language
Spanish
Average flight times
11 hours 35 minutes BA direct flight to San Jose from London Gatwick
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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