Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Costa Rica is a natural paradise, with volcanoes, rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife and beaches. See them all on this Costa Rica family trip, which starts by travelling into the steaming jungle and exploring the Tortuguero waterways by boat, in search of monkeys, toucans and other colourful birds. We visit the Sloth Sanctuary and meet some of the residents, st...
$6,278
From$4,650
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore one of the world’s great wildlife-watching destinations with other families
    • Navigate the Tortuguero waterways in search of monkeys, caiman and more
    • Play and relax on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
    • Cruise down the river at the Sloth Sanctuary
    • Feel the rainforest come alive on a night walk in the Tirimbina Biological Reserve
    • Stay in jungle lodges and hotels, most with swimming pools

What's this trip about?

    Costa Rica is a natural paradise, with volcanoes, rainforest, waterfalls, wildlife and beaches. See them all on this Costa Rica family trip, which starts by travelling into the steaming jungle and exploring the Tortuguero waterways by boat, in search of monkeys, toucans and other colourful birds. We visit the Sloth Sanctuary and meet some of the residents, stars of their own Animal Planet TV show, and enjoy a night walk in the rainforest, try white-water rafting (optional) and splash in thermal pools at a waterpark near Arenal Volcano. There’s beach time too as we head to both Cahuita on the Caribbean coast and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific, where jungle cascades to white sand beaches.Explore diverse ecosystems on a tropical adventure for all the family

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range9 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CitySan José
End CitySan José

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Family Friendly
  • National Parks
  • High Adventure
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Destinations

Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano
  • Caribbean
  • La Paz

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Kid-friendly Activities
  • Rafting
  • Wildlife Viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 6

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Trip includes

    • All accommodation
    • All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start San José

The adventure begins in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Aim to arrive at the hotel by 5pm so that you can meet your fellow travellers and tour leader, who will give you a warm welcome to Costa Rica. If you miss today’s welcome briefing, the tour leader will give you all relevant information on the morning of Day 2. Accommodation: Country Inn & Suites (or similar)

Day 2 Morning visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens; relax by the hotel pool

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a short drive to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Located within the transitional forest between the Central Valley and Northern Lowlands, the gardens host a wide variety of plants and bird life among stunning scenery. ...

Day 3 To Tortuguero National Park

We depart early this morning, travelling to Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean Lowlands of northeast Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, this vast network of waterways, canals and swamps is remarkably tranquil and devoid of noise pollution. O...

Day 4 Boat tour of waterways in Tortuguero National Park

After a hearty breakfast, we discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero on a boat trip, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day, wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter mon...

Day 5 To Cahuita on the Caribbean coast; relax on the beach

We leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived: taking a small boat. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the Cahuita region on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the pool, beach or discove...

Day 6 Visit the Sloth Sanctuary; discover Cahuita National Park

After breakfast, we drive to Aviarios del Caribe, the Sloth Sanctuary, subject of the Animal Planet TV show Meet the Sloths. This rescue and rehabilitation centre conducts sloth research and works tirelessly to return them to their natural habitat. You'll learn all ab...

Day 7 To Sarapiqui; night walk in Tirimbina Biological Reserve

We depart for Sarapiqui, one of the main banana producing regions in Costa Rica, although coffee, cardamon, cacao, corn and fruits are also grown here. It’s also gathering a reputation as a great spot for adventure seekers with plenty of optional activities to keep yo...

Day 8 Free day in Sarapiqui

There are various optional excursions to try today: join a chocolate tour in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, take a safari floating trip down the Sarapiqui River, have a go at white-water rafting on Grade II and III rapids, or join a canopy tour and zip-line through the forest. Alternatively, there are several nature walks through beautiful surroundings. Accommodation: El Bambu Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 To La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano; free afternoon for optional activities

We transfer to the area around Arenal Volcano. Following a massive eruption in 1968, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica until 2010 when it entered a resting phase. Aside from the volcano, there are thermal waters, waterfalls and Lake Arenal to discover. ...

Day 10 Guided nature walk in Arenal National Park; visit thermal springs

This morning, we have a guided nature walk through Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has a great system of trails passing through secondary forest and near lava fields created by eruptions. In the late afternoon, we visit Baldi Hot Springs as a group to enjoy a h...

Day 11 To the Pacific coast

We travel southeast along the coast, following the Pan-Am Highway to Dominical, passing African oil palm and teak plantations on the way. Our hotel is on the coast near Dominical, around 50 minutes south of Manuel Antonio. The hotel is set in lush gardens overlooking ...

Day 12 Explore the beautiful trails and beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park

Today we drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to a vast marine reserve plus 1,700 acres (690ha) of mangrove swamp, primary and secondary rainforest. The forest vegetation stretches as far as the high-tide line and provides a stunning backdrop to the expansive s...

Day 13 Free day to relax, enjoy the beach or optional activities

Today has been left free for you to relax – make the most of the hotel pool, visit the beach or explore the area. There are a few optional activities available, such as a whale and dolphin-watching boat trip (from mid-July to October and mid-December to March) or a snorkelling tour. Accommodation: Villas Rio Mar in Dominical (or similar)

Day 14 To San José; relax by the hotel swimming pool or explore

Today we return to San José (approximately three-four hours plus rest stops and lunch). If you wish to travel into the downtown area by taxi, you will have time to see the modern capital and pick up souvenirs. Alternatively, relax by the hotel pool. Accommodation: Country Inn and Suites (or similar)

Day 15 End San José

The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Transfers to San José airport are available to all clients today. But if you don’t want the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay and enjoy more time in the capital.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,650
Price per day$310
Last Updated: 4/9/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
12 Jul 2025
26 Jul 2025
$4,470
$5,445
19 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$4,650
$5,715
23 Jul 2025
06 Aug 2025
$4,650
$5,715
26 Jul 2025
09 Aug 2025
$4,800
$5,775
02 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$4,200
$5,175
06 Aug 2025
20 Aug 2025
$4,200
$5,175
13 Aug 2025
27 Aug 2025
$4,500
$5,475
16 Aug 2025
30 Aug 2025
$4,500
$5,475
20 Aug 2025
03 Sep 2025
$4,500
$5,475
20 Dec 2025
03 Jan 2026
$4,800

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Family Adventure

This was an excellent family holiday to a magnificent and inspirational country full of adventure opportunities and wonderful wildlife. Our tour guide, Hector, was...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Excellent intro to Costa Rica - outstanding guide Edward

Wow, just back from our 2 week adventure. I don't usually do reviews but this one is definitely worth a few lines! Firstly, our guide Edward absolutely made the tr...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Costa rica family adventure

What a fabulous experience only made possible by our wonderful guide Glenda Araya, our fantastic driver Mauricio and 3 families who met as strangers and ended the ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Wow, wow, wow!!!

Costa Rica is a fabulous country and well worth the long flight. We went as a family of 5, parents of nearly 50, my mum in her early 70s and 2 girls aged 10 and 1...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

COSTA RICA FAMILY ADVENTURE

This was a really memorable holiday. Costa Rica is an extraordinary country with a plethora of fantastic birds, animals, and flowers to see - and the big appeal o...

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Other Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews

S

Sheila Bissell

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Excellent service

Excellent service

R

Roger hil

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Roger

They were very helpful, polite and knowledgeable

G

Gill Barber

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt

Quick invoice receipt sent...prompt, good service

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

Flights usually direct with British Airways Travel by minibus, boat and on foot Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader 14 nights comfortable hotels, all en suite All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners included
For this Costa Rican adventure, we’ve picked family-friendly hotels and lodges, all of which have swimming pools. Below are the accommodations we typically use. San José: Country Inn & Suites (nights 1-2 and 14) Just 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, this Country Inn & Suites is the ideal place to begin and end our adventure. The rooms are comfortable with a modern international hotel style and there’s even two swimming pools for a post-flight dip. Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge (nights 3-4) Within Tortuguero National Park, this 66-room resort provides an away-from-it-all experience within the jungle. There’s a turtle-shaped swimming pool (this is green turtle country after all) and dining rooms where you can tuck into Caribbean cuisine with views of a tranquil waterway. Residents you might spot include sloths, toucans and iguanas, and we stay in rustic wooden bungalows with comfortable beds and ceiling fans. Cahuita: Atlantida Lodge (nights 5-6) It’s one of the more modest accommodations we use on this trip, but with a pool wrapped by tropical foliage and Playa Negra beach just a short walk away, one that your family is likely to enjoy. The bar knocks up a pretty great cocktail too. Sarapiqui: El Bambu (nights 7-8) This family-run hotel is surrounded by rainforest, where tropical birds flit between the green. Our families tend to gather by the pool, where there are sun loungers, tables and chairs. Or you may prefer to head to the restaurant, which serves Mediterranean and Costa Rican cuisines, including traditional chifrijo and ceviche. Arenal: Eco Arenal (nights 9-10) There’s a view of Arenal volcano right from the restaurant at Eco Arenal. And thanks to the river that borders the hotel, there are also plenty of other things to spot, including sloths, plenty of birdlife and exotic frogs. Head to the gardens and you’ll find a swimming pool lined with sun loungers and palm trees. Dominical: Villas Rio Mar (nights 11-13) In a rainforest setting, Villas Rio Mar combines Costa Rican wilderness with plenty of amenities. There’s a large palm tree-wrapped swimming pool, tropical gardens, and a rainforest trail to explore. Additionally, solar power runs the air conditioning in the bungalows, vegetables for the restaurant are grown in their greenhouse, and they run a monthly clean-up of Playa Dominical beach (which is just a 10-minute walk away). Worth knowing Where triple rooms are booked, these usually consist of one double and one single bed, so these rooms are suitable for two adults and one child. We generally don’t recommend three children in one triple room unless two of the children are comfortable sharing a double bed. Some of the properties have ceiling fans rather than air conditioning.  One or several of the named properties might be substituted for similar alternatives to secure hotel availability. Please discuss with your customer operations executive if you require more details regarding your specific departure date.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included in the price of the tour, allowing you plenty of flexibility for non-included meals to be taken as a family or with the group. Costa Rican specialities include gallo pinto, a black bean and rice dish and a staple part of the local diet. Soups, stews and fresh fish are also common, and most hotels offer international menus. There is a lot of fresh fruit in the tropics – though the monkeys in the hotel gardens may well want to share your bananas! Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but food is plentiful and tasty – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Age Requirements
9 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-FNR

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