Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Experience Overview
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 popular Costa Rican food is made, enjoying a homecooked lunch with a local family. Visit Marino Ballena National Park and get hands-on with a coral restoration workshop experience. Explore Manual Antonio with local naturalist guide before returning to San Jose to toast to an amazing adventure.
Highlights
- 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.
- Get hands-on with conservation in Marino Ballena National Park during a coral restoration workshop.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2455
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle, Boat
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QCFB
Starts: San Jose, Costa Rica
Finishes: San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (13), Lunch (4), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotels (13 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4390 ($314 /day)
Itinerary
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 Autentico or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll travel by private vehicle to the Caribbean lowlands on a scenic (and slightly bumpy) 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.
Included Activities:
- Tortuguero - Boat ride to Tortuguero
Accommodation:
- Hotel Tortuguero Beach Front or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tortuguero - National Park Entrance
- Tortuguero - Boat tour of the canals
Optional Activities:
- Tortuguero - Turtle Watching Night Tour (45 USD)
- Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip around canals (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Tortuguero Beach Front or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Sarapiqui - leader led rainforest night walk
Accommodation:
- La Tirimbina or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Sarapiqui - River float tour (78 USD)
Accommodation:
- La Tirimbina or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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. For lunch today visit a local rural community where you and your family will take part in an authentic Costa Rican cooking experience set in a beautiful farm environment. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy La Fortuna at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- La Fortuna - traditional tortilla making and lunch
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - Pura Vida Hot Springs (entrance fee) (28 USD)
Accommodation:
- El Faro Arenal or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
- La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- El Faro Arenal or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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:
- Jardines de Monteverde or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, see the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of the cloud forest. The variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so don’t be surprised if younger children have a new answer to the question – what do you want to do when you grow up? While you’re up among the treetops, look (or listen) out for the reclusive quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on ziplines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk – a unique opportunity to see the area’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.
Included Activities:
- Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
Optional Activities:
- Monteverde - Sky Tram & Zipline (101 USD)
- Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour (47 USD)
Accommodation:
- Jardines de Monteverde or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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 see how authentic local Costa Rican food is made and enjoy a delicious lunch. 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.
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio - Homecooked lunch
Accommodation:
- Villas Rio Mar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Set off this morning on a short drive to Marino Ballena National Park, a vital conservation area know for it's diverse marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles and of course whales! Today your family will enjoy a special experience as you participate in a hands-on coral restoration workshop with a local non-profit organisation. Then the rest of the day will be yours to enjoy as you like. You can hike through the national park, relax on the beach or join in on one of the many optional activities on offer.
Included Activities:
- Uvita - Marino Ballena National Park
- Uvita - Coral Restoration Workshop
Accommodation:
- Villas Rio Mar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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?).
Optional Activities:
- Dominical - Nauyaca Waterfalls hike (60 USD)
Accommodation:
- Villas Rio Mar or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today on the return to San Jose, you'll make a stop at Manuel Antonio National Park – the most popular national park in Costa Rica, to enjoy a guided walk along the trails with a Naturalist guide. 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. Then, continue on to San Jose, arriving to the hotel in the late afternoon. You may like to head out with the other families for a final group dinner together to toast to an amazing adventure.
Included Activities:
- Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
- Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Auténtico or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today your trip comes to an end. As there are no further activities planned you are free to depart anytime. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Esther - Traveled, August 2025
This was our first trip with Intrepid and it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had. We did things that are out of our comfort zones and experienced much more than I thought we would. We absolutely loved it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2025
Chris - Traveled, August 2025
The trip of a lifetime! We never would have experienced so much of Costa Rica without Intrepid’s itinerary or our wonderful tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2025
Clare - Traveled, August 2025
Our visit with intrepid to Costa Rica was incredible! Stunning locations, plentiful wildlife, exciting activities all brought to life by our amazing guide Emil - sharing his passion for his county made us fall in love with it too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2025
Natalie - Traveled, August 2025
Intrepid are an excellent choice for safe, family based adventure holidays with enthusiastic, experienced, knowledgeable guides. Our trip to Costa Rica exceeded our expectations as did our wonderful guide Emil.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2025
Lisandra - Traveled, July 2025
Intrepid offers an excellent, well planned, and safe tour experience for travelers interested in local culture, sustainability, and the environment. They offer a mix of immersive local and regional experiences, exploration activities, and cultural education. Guides are well informed and considerate. We will definitely be doing more trips with Intrepid in the future!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2025
Kerry - Traveled, July 2025
We have just returned from the Costa Rica family tour and found the trip very interesting with beautiful scenery and wildlife and lots of variety with regards the activities. We went to Vietnam with intrepid last year and used them again as a result of that experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2025
Olivia - Traveled, July 2025
10/10! Our trip was excellent and we would definitely do it again! We participated in so many activities and went to so many different places that would be hard to do without intrepid. Everything was so easy to plan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2025
Aidan - Traveled, July 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was fantastic, and doing it with intrepid meant that all the hard work was done for us in selecting amazing places to stay and visit. Our guide Lourdes was key to making the whole trip perfect for the whole family and we can’t thank her enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2025
Tricia - Traveled, July 2025
Costa Rica is like a big green hug! It's so full of life and beauty. Our whole family (including my 14 year-old daughters) thoroughly enjoyed our 14 day tour. We really felt we got the absolute best experience of the country through the intrepid itinerary. Lu our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and knew just where to find the extra special wildlife and the best restaurants. She was also fabulous at keeping the kids happy and entertained. Travelling with like minded families really enhanced the experience. The kids encouraging each other to try new things and learnt a lot about each other's lives in there respective countries. Much of the accommodation was located close to forests or beaches, which meant I could do some extra exploring while the kids played with their new friends in the pool. A perfect family holiday with a positive conservation message.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2025
Fergie - Traveled, July 2025
This was the most amazing trip ever our tour guide Lourdes Mora was so amazing and knowledgeable on the local history. The activities where so fun and immersive all of the hotels where beautiful and all of the locations where so amazing everyone was also so nice . Would 100% recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2025
Tanya - Traveled, April 2025
This was an incredible adventure. We are a family of 4 travelling with 9 & 12 yr old girls. The accommodations were all great places with wonderful people - mostly smaller eco-lodges set in the most beautiful backdrops. The Guide - THE BEST! The adventures - EPIC. Highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2025
Clare - Traveled, April 2025
What an amazing trip. Costa Rica is a stunning country and this itinerary really does show you the very best of it. Our leader, Lourdes, was fantastic and her knowledge of the country, its culture, history and wildlife was immensely valuable. It's the perfect trip for families with a great mix of adventure, animals and activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2025
Lynne - Traveled, April 2025
Costa Rica was our family trip of a lifetime. We got up close to a vast array of wildlife, flora and fauna and our guide was outstanding. She took all of the pressures of travelling off us, leaving us to sit back and have a thoroughly fantastic trip. Well done Intrepid for this family trip and our brilliant guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2025
Emma - Traveled, April 2025
An truly unforgettable 14 day family adventure through Costa Rica! A perfect balance of nature, culture, and fun, made even better by our phenomenal guide, Lu! Thoughtfully planned, community-focused, and full of memorable experiences for both kids and adults - even my 5-year-old son loved every moment and will never forget it. Highly recommend for any family seeking meaningful and exciting travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2025
Nicole - Traveled, April 2025
If you're considering a family trip to Costa Rica, this must be the one to pick. The local guides are amazing and take the stress out of decision making. Costa Rica is the perfect location to take first time long haul travelling kids for a taste of adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
Liz - Traveled, April 2025
Fantastic trip with our 17, 15 and 12 year olds taking in both coasts, adventure activities, beautiful scenery and lots of animals. I particularly enjoyed the Monteverde farm stay and visit to an indigenous community. Great trip leader and local guides. Would definitely recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2025
Steve - Traveled, August 2024
This was an excellent entry into authentic, small group travel for our 12 and 9 year old kids. Costa Rica has an endless amount of activities and this tour provides a great balance of culture, nature, and adventure for the whole family!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2024
Elaine - Traveled, August 2024
Just spent a fantastic 2 weeks on the family trip to Costa Rica. Our tour leader Jordan was outstanding in every way - from connecting amazingly well to both the parents and children with his enthusiasm, knowledge and approachability. He clearly loves his job and his country - Costa Rica.Great trip itinerary, we saw and did so much in two weeks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2024
Charlotte - Traveled, August 2024
Excellent trip using all local people away from the tourist trail. Amazing guides and knowledge. The environment and animal welfare were at the forefront. I thoroughly recommend Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2024
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