Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes
Experience Overview
The entire family will delight on this Costa Rica tour, filled with action and discovery. Spend your days ziplining through lush canopy, gliding along Tortuguero’s canals under the gaze of colorful toucans, and trekking volcano slopes in this unforgettable Pura Vida playground.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Discover the stories behind the Arenal Volcano with hosts Rodrigo, Ana Julia and their family - born and raised in La Fortuna where generations have watched this area develop. The family shares how locals used to think the world-famous volcano was a simple mountain, the amazing stories of the volcano eruptions and how their way of living has changed over the years. Explore the beautiful botanical garden that Ana Julia has created and sit down to lunch at the family ranch accompanied by the sounds of the river.
Family Fun
- Tortuguero: Cruise through Tortuguero's canals and lagoons both in the morning and in the evening, seeking out incredible tropical wildlife species such as monkeys in the treetops, toucans and egres flying through the air and crocodiles in the cool waters.
- Arenal: Enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks. Wander through scenic trails and vibrant gardens, immersing yourself in the lush beauty and natural wonders of the area.
Iconic Experience
- Manuel Antonio Beach: Walking deep into the national park with your guide, you'll check off a few more creatures on your wildlife list.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Tortuguero: Support the Cultural Association of Tortuguero while you are entertained by local musicians on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the Tortuguero Music School. The Cultural Association of Tortuguero is an NGO dedicated to promoting the cultural development in the region and works daily to generate opportunities for its inhabitants in educational, recreational and artistic programs that allow them to have a wider and more diverse knowledge along with enrichening experiences. The Tortuguero Music School advances this mission by empowering children from the community to explore their art skills through performances of Caribbean music. Your participation helps to build the Tortuguero House of Culture where the school and other cultural projects will be able to practice their arts.
- Tortuguero National Park: Meet the Tico family at their palm plantation to learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm surrounded by tropical forest. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Arenal Volcano National Park for a guided hike
- Visit Tortuguero Village, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Zipline through treetops at a local adventure park
- View Arenal Volcano
- Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park
Trafalgar Difference
- Tortuguero: Welcome to Laguna Lodge Tortuguero, a remote 15-acre retreat which embraces the rich natural environment Costa Rica is known for. You’ll feel a part of nature among towering trees, exotic plants, and spacious gardens that host a number of birds and butterflies. Feel good knowing that the lodge itself protects this biodiverse environment by using alternate materials and structures that don’t permanently harm the land but instead preserve the natural resources you’ll come to appreciate. Take in this slice of paradise lounging by the pool, strolling in the garden or drifting off to sleep to the gentle sound of jungle rain.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19323
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 756.378A
Starts: San Jose (Costa Rica), Costa Rica
Finishes: San Jose (Costa Rica), Costa Rica
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All transport and transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,376 ($547 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Cute sloths, boat rides and ziplines are waiting in the Pura Vida playground of Costa Rica and we can't wait to show you them all. On arrival, a local host will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Relax or hit the pool for a swim before meeting your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for some fiesta fun at our Kickoff Party.
Accommodation: Sheraton San Jose
Meals: Dinner
Rise this morning and head east through Braulio Carrillo National Park, where we’ll embark on a river journey through protected wetlands to secluded Tortuguero as we glide through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest. Then continue to your Stays with Stories at Laguna Lodge, where you’ll learn the story of how the lodge was built with materials that protect this biodiverse environment and natural habitat. For dinner tonight enjoy a buffet at the resort's open-air restaurant.
Accommodation: Laguna Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There's nothing like the wake-up call of a troop of howler monkeys to start your day. Set off on a Family Fun cruise through the park's canals with your Local Specialist and guide to explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park. You may want to start a tally of all the types of wildlife you'll see. Look out for sloths, green iguanas, caiman, crocodiles and colorful toucans. Of course, you'll spot tons of monkeys - agile howler and spider monkeys and white-faced capuchins swinging through the dense rainforest canopy. This afternoon, venture back out on the canals to add to your wildlife tally or relax back at the lodge, the choice is yours. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience awaits this evening as you enjoy dinner while the young musicians of Tortuguero Music School entertain you with the joyful sounds of the Caribbean.
Accommodation: Laguna Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bid adiós to the monkeys for now as you boat back to the mainland and travel to Horquetas. Here you'll MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and visit local Tico family's palm plantation to learn how they grow this exotic vegetable. Taste something you've probably never tried before, the delicate heart of palm. After, head to a local restaurant for some refreshing passion fruit sorbet and view some of the huge green iguanas that hang around. This evening, enjoy a pizza party in an open-air kitchen where kids get to make their own pizza.
Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise and shine as the forest and volcano call you back. Start the day with a guided trek around the quiet side of the volcano. Walk through the old lava rocks and learn about the powerful forces behind the volcano's past eruptions. Then, head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk eye-level with the lush canopy, observe the monkeys, sloths and chattering birds up close, and look out to see towering Arenal Volcano. Meet our hosts Rodrigo, Ana Julia and their family, for a Be My Guest experience hearing the amazing stories of the volcano eruptions. Explore the beautiful botanical garden and finish with lunch at the family ranch. Later, relax in the thermal springs or take a swim in the pool back at the hotel.
Accommodation: Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you zipline (Waiver Required) through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and ocean views. Later, head south to Manuel Antonio, renowned for its warm blue waters, beautiful beaches and abundant exotic wildlife.
Accommodation: Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Walking deep into the national park with your Travel Director, you'll definitely check off a few more creatures on your wildlife list-at last count, there were 109 different animals and 184 species of birds living here. Listen to the whooping bark of howler monkeys and the chattering of mischievous squirrel and white-faced monkeys. Then, it's time to hit the beach. Laze in the warm Pacific or choose an optional Beach Kayak tour or Boat tour where you may see various bird species, reptiles, anteaters and white-faced monkeys. This evening, join your fellow explorers to celebrate new friendships over a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight home or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton San Jose. Airport arrival will be at approximately 11:00 am, please be aware when booking your flights.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Memorable Costa Rican adventure. Trafalgar’s service had seamless transfers from the airport to the hotels, other stops, and then back to the airport. The communication before and during the trip was very helpful. The scheduled meals were excellent and taking out the hassle of finding a place to eat was priceless. We had a wonderful experience! Our first stop was rustic and beautiful. The food was delicious and there was plenty to do during our “off” time. The second resort was an amazing location with beautiful views. The rooms were comfortable with air conditioning. The bathrooms could use some updating. The final stop was stunning with pool and ocean views. The food was delicious and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. All and all, three memorable visits.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Donald Budd - Traveled, March 2025
Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure. Very well done including our host German, coach driver Jason and all of our experience / side trip guides. So organized, made everyone feel comfort.. It is great for all ages . We had a mixed group ages 8 - 85, had a wonderful time together.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
Reliable and consistent service over the years across many trips. Excellent service - from on the ground support (airport pickup) to tour guide and transportation staff. Beautiful trip, one we've done in the past and revisited last month.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2025
Kelsey Ekeberg - Traveled, March 2025
*Personal information removed by Feefo* is so amazing at his job and is such a great ambassador for the company. We covered so much of Costa Rica! I saw so many different landscapes, animals, and had multiple amazing experiences!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2025
Steven Ekeberg - Traveled, March 2025
The Total Costa Rica Experience. It was very thorough, positive, and responsive. Our Travel Director set a great tone and kept us involved, on time, and able to enjoy all that we did. Packed with action. Great multi-generational adventure. Lots of sights and experiences that are expertly guided.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Wonderful places, very well- organized and run. *Personal information removed by Feefo* (the tour director) is a gem.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2024
Amazing trip! There were a lot of logistics to plan with moving from hotel to hotel especially with a group of 40 people of different ages. Everything was well-planned and *Personal information removed by Feefo* stayed on top of each step and kept us well Informed. This was my first Trafalgar Tour. The tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was an excellent guide. Well informed, made sure everything ran smoothly even with unexpected events. *Personal information removed by Feefo* the bus driver really handled the steep roads and curves and I never felt uneasy on the ride. The trip itself was a real Adventure! Treks through the jungle and up a volcano, zip lining. The food was delicious and it was fun to get to know the other members of the group as the week went on. I enjoyed the side excursions when we were able to meet local families and learn more about life in Costa Rica. I highly recommend Trafalgar for your next travel adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2024
Trustworthy and professional company Professional and courteous. Thoroughly professional and friendly and compassionate at the same time. Started the first evening with introducing all the visitors in the group who were all friends by the time we parted ways a week later. Friendly interaction throughout in the spirit of 'pura vida' was a central bond to all this. And *Personal details remov.ed by Feefo*, the guide was a passionate guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2024
Carol Venn - Traveled, February 2025
An exciting 8 days in Costa Rica. Our guide was very caring about our safety and enjoyment on the trip. For example, on our boat ride to Tortuguero we were reminded that there was a maximum of 25 pounds per guest for our suitcases due to the weight and size of the boat. Excellent guide. REALLY promoted the Trafalgar family. We were never left "alone" during the daytime for the tours. They stuck to the itinerary and kept us going. Much fun. We wanted a tour where we did LOTS of activities and you absolutely performed. Picture below is a tasting of all the fresh fruits in Costa Rica, which we will remember for a very long time. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2025
Jimmy Baughman - Traveled, February 2025
Best way to get to see the country. You are the best at what you do we have already book our next tour. Our tour guide German was fantastic he was very knowledgeable, he loves his job. The bus driver was great too, he was one of the best drivers I’ve ever had. The overall experience was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2025
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