Costa Rica in family

DETAILED PROGRAMME

Day 1: Arrival in San Jose

At an altitude of 3300 feet (1000 meters) above sea level, you are in the central valley. Private transport and overnight at the hotel in San José.

Day 2: Transfer to Tortuguero (4h)

We leave the San José valley to cross the central chain of  volcanoes. The road, then the track, leads us to the shore of the Suerte river. We embark on a large canoe to descend the tropical waters of the river to enter one of the wildest and biologically intense areas of the territory: Tortuguero. Here we will spend an afternoon visiting the village located on a strip of sand between the Caribbean Sea and the river. (Overnight in Tortuguero)

Day 3: We will cruise along the waterways. As its name indicates in Tortuguero (derived from the Spanish word “tortuga” means “turtle”) there are turtles, though not all year round. Tortuguero is the most important nesting site in the world for the green sea turtle. Night tours are organized by local guides so that you can respectfully observe the thousand-year-old egg-laying spectacle. Tortuguero National Park includes a maze of canals that facilitate the observation of nature. From small boats, you will observe troops of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, and many other animals. (Overnight in Tortuguero)

Day 4: La Fortuna (3h) 

We leave the coast going up the Suerte river to our land transport. After crossing Guapiles, head for the plains of San Carlos to reach La Fortuna. This is a small provincial town located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. In addition to the ‘textbook image’ of the volcano, there are Thermal springs which flow one after the other along the naturally warm waters that flow from the colossus. Thermal bath in the afternoon. (Overnight in La Fortuna)

Day 5: Day in Arenal

The day takes place around the volcano since climbing it is dangerous and strictly prohibited. Volcan Arenal National Park offers a superb trek beside the volcano and Lake Arenal, between the forest and an old lava flow. This volcano is text-book perfect, just like school’s geography lesson.  La Fortuna waterfall is a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Private nature reserves along the way combine observation of the volcano from several platforms and appreciation of the rich surrounding fauna and flora. (Overnight in La Fortuna)

Day 6: Transfer to Monteverde (3 h)

We head to Monteverde through one of the most bucolic roads in the country. We will first skirt Lake Arenal, passing through many quiet and prosperous villages to arrive at the town of Tilaran, namesake of the mountain range on which the mysterious area of ​​Monteverde is perched. Welcome to the Cloud Forest. (Overnight in Monteverde)

Day 7: Monteverde

Monteverde is a showcase of the biological wealth contained in Costa Rica. We will be visiting Selvatura Park where you’ll be whisked away into a magical universe. Here, the cloud forest concentrates a level of endemism rarely equaled in the world. The multiple suspension bridges that skirt the canopy offer you an experience somewhere between  dream and scientific investigation. This is an epiphyte plant paradise: air plants, the best known of which are orchids. For adventurers looking for adrenaline, we also offer zip lines in Selvatura Park. The second visit of the day will be spent at the Ecological Sanctuary. This former grazing area and a coffee plantation is an example of the eco-tourism transition in Costa Rica. Within two generations, the same family has gone from being farmers to nature conservationists. Expect to see plenty of wildlife In this privileged space. (Overnight in Monteverde)

Day 8: Transfer to Manuel Antonio (3h)

As we make our way to the Pacific coast, we transition from the cool cloud forest of the mountains to the hot coastal lowlands. On our way, enjoy a relaxing ¨cruise¨ on the Tárcoles River. This is an essential stop for birdwatchers as the Tárcoles has a favorable ecosystem that hosts numerous colonies of birds. Here you will discover the mangroves, the shore, and the river mouth. And, it is impossible to miss the crocodiles so abundant in this river. After this smooth navigation we will take to the road again, heading to Manuel Antonio. (overnight in Manuel Antonio)

Day 9: Visit of PN Manuel Antonio

The Manuel Antonio area includes the town of Quepos, the public beaches of Manuel Antonio, and the National Park with its marvelous trails and protected beaches. And there are lots and lots of monkeys around; expect to see white face and squirrel monkeys. The beaches are spacious enough for everyone to find space under the shade of  coconut and almond trees. Hermit and sand digger crabs will fascinate the child in all of us. Beyond the scenic beauty of the place, Manuel Antonio’s attraction comes from its abundant wildlife. The density and diversity of species in one square kilometer of the national park are among the highest in the world and justify a visit to one of the jewels of the Pacific coast. We will visit the national park during the day, have lunch in one of the restaurants in the area and go on a chocolate tour for dessert! And then, not to be missed, the Night Tour just outside of Quepos where we will be astonished at the variety of nocturnal fauna, including the famous red eyed tree frog of Costa Rica! (Overnight in Manuel Antonio or surroundings)

Day 10: Return to San José (3h)

PS: this circuit can be extended by a few days to enjoy the magnificent beaches of the Pacific coast