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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.
This itinerary 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 over 30 years ago but the experience will be the same - and the hotels far more comfortable!
Itinerary includes:
- Return international return flights (Economy) from London Heathrow to San Jose International Airport
- Private transfers
- Group transfers by boat
- 2 Nights at Bougainvillea Hotel, San Jose (B&B)
- 2 Nights at Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero National Park (Full Board)
- 2 nights at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort, Arenal (B&B)
- 4 nights at Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio (B&B)
- Whitewater rafting tour
- Sky Trek and Zip lining experience
- Surfing lesson
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival, private transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea, San Jose. (Bed & Breakfast)
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, San Jose. (Bed & Breakfast)
La Poas Volcano
Day 3 - Transfer to Tortuguero
After breakfast, a group transfer (depart around 06:30) north to Guapiles (breakfast stop) in the heart of Costa Rica’s banana growing region in the Limon district and the gateway between the Caribbean coast and the central highlands.
From Guapiles, the transfer continues by land across the banana plantations to the small pier where you will board the boat and start the journey (1.5 hours approx.) through exciting mangroves and waterways. A short boat ride of 5 minutes to the tiny village of Tortuguero and to Tortuguero beach where, on moonlit nights in July to September, you can watch the Green Turtles labour their way up the beach in order to lay their eggs - a memorable experience.
Overnight at Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero National Park. (Full Board)
Tortuguero National Park
Day 4 - Tortuguero (Guided Tours)
Before breakfast, depart for an early morning (05:30) group guided wildlife canal boat trip and begin your adventure in this enchanting paradise as we navigate through beautiful rivers, canals and lagoons. You’ll have the chance to observe a wide range of animals including monkeys, birds, mammals and reptiles.
After breakfast, you’ll have a guided nature walk to the lodge private trails discovering an array of wildlife, including moths, crickets, frogs and bats. In the afternoon, embark on another boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero.
Overnight at Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero National Park. (Full Board)
Tortuguero
Day 5 - Transfer to Arenal
After breakfast a group boat transfer (approximately 3 hours to 3.5 hours depending on the river water level) to Guapiles. After lunch, you will continue by road to Sarapiqui (1 hour 15 minutes) where you will have an adventurous whitewater rafting tour (grade II & III) before continuing your road journey to Arenal.
The Sarapiquí River is one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic rivers and the class 2-3 rapids provide some of the best rafting the country has to offer. During the trip you will go through class II-III rapids, so whether you're a first-timer or a rafting expert, this rafting experience is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping! There is also the opportunity to go for a swim or just relax.
Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort, Arenal. (Bed & Breakfast)
Whitewater rafting tour
Day 6 - Sky Trek and Zip Lining Experience
Your tour starts with an open-air gondola ride to the starting point of the zipline course. From here, you’ll begin your journey along a thrilling circuit that stretches across canyons, taking you from one mountain to another high above the treetops.
As you make your way along the course, you can admire spectacular views of the surrounding forests, with Arenal Volcano visible on one horizon and the Gulf of Nicoya on another. The circuit features ten zipline cables, ranging from 30 metres to 200 metres in height and from 200 metres to 750 metres in length.
Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort, Arenal. (Bed & Breakfast)
Zip lining
Day 7 - 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.
Overnight at Parador Nature Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio. (Bed & Breakfast)
Manuel Antonio
Day 8 - Surfing Lesson
Your surfing experience begins on one of Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches, where you’ll meet your professional instructors for an exciting introduction to Costa Rica’s famous surf culture. Designed for beginners, the lesson is ideal for teenagers and no previous experience is required.
After a brief beach session covering basic techniques, safety, positioning, paddling and how to stand on the board, you’ll head into the water to practice catching waves with your instructors on hand to offer guidance and encouragement. Surfboards and all necessary equipment are provided. The complete experience lasts approximately three hours, including instruction, practice time and breaks. Parents are welcome to accompany the teenagers to the beach at no additional cost and can relax on the shore, enjoy the scenery and watch the lesson.
Overnight at Parador Nature Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio. (Bed & Breakfast)
Surfing
Day 9 & 10 - Days at leisure
The area has much to offer and activities can all be booked locally, alternatively you can spend time relaxing and enjoying the facilities at your hotel.
Parador Nature Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort that takes pride in offering responsible luxury. It 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’.
Overnight at Parador Nature Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio. (Bed & Breakfast)
Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Day 11 - Day of departure
Even the last transfer from the hotel to the Airport will be exciting (3 to 3.5 hours approx) 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
Pachira Lodge - Night 3 to 4
Pachira Lodge is located only 5 minutes away from the Tortuguero National Park. Surrounded by a network of scenic canals, this is considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterised by its rich flora and fauna. The lodge is built on a 14 hectare private reserve – no roads, just waterways so access to the hotel is only by boat or air which adds to the ambience.
Pachira Lodge is located only 5 minutes away from the Tortuguero National Park. Surrounded by a network of scenic canals, this is considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterised by its rich flora and fauna. The lodge is built on a 14 hectare private reserve – no roads, just waterways so access to the hotel is only by boat or air which adds to the ambience. Pachira was built to blend in with the surroundings and have minimal impact on the rainforest and those who live here.
Surrounded by lush vegetation, the rustic, comfortable rooms offer a truly immersive experience in nature. The rooms are naturally ventilated with silk screens and fans, allowing for a constant flow of fresh air, eliminating the need for air conditioning. There are no televisons in the rooms as guests have the sights and sounds of nature on their doorstep! Local and international meals are served in the restaurant, using fresh, local and organic ingredients of the highest quality for a buffet-style meal with stunning views of nature.
One of the highlights of staying here is that it is adjacent to one of the largest green sea turtle nesting sites, and from July to October there are tours each night down to the beach to watch adults laying their eggs or hatchlings heading for the ocean.
The turtle-shaped pool is ideal for cooling off and sunbathing after exploring the canals of Tortuguero National Park and the spa offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature while pampering your body and mind with a range of massage and body treatments. There is also a private dock to watch the Caribbean sunrise or enjoy a good book in the comfortable, relaxing hammocks.
Navigate the canals of Tortuguero National Park, explore the wildlife and scenery of the jungle on private trails and discover the beautiful corners of the town of Tortuguero. Each tour is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and you will be accompanied at all times by our local guides.
ACCOMMODATION
- 88 standard rooms and 6 bungalows
FACILITIES/AMENITIES
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- 24 hour self-service coffee
- Wi-Fi in common areas
- Tortuguero village visit
- Tour of green turtle conservation museum
- Guided walks through lodge trails
- Tortuguero canal tour
- Sea turtle nesting tour (seasonal)
- Canal tour at dawn
- Kayak tour
- Canopy tour
- Fishing trips
Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort - Night 5 to 6
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 7 to 10
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 3 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
- 3 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
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- 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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