Itinerary
Family Costa Rica
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer
Annerys Hockley
Senior Travel Consultant – Latin America
01242 386 475
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Luxury Family Holiday Costa Rica 2024/2025
Explore the hustle and bustle of San Jose before transferring deep into the Osa Peninsula, renowned for its eco-adventures. This lush rainforest region is home to a remarkable array of tropical flora and fauna. Head out to explore reefs and blue lagoons on a luxury family holiday. Learn about Costa Rican culture with visits to local projects, including a community primary school and a wildlife conservation centre. After exciting days of exploration, stay in only the finest accommodation Unwind in a private eco-lodge and soak up the tranquillity of a thermal spa resort. This exciting expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure.
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Arrive today in Costa Rica’s lively capital and meet with a representative. Enjoy a short, scenic transfer to your fantastic overnight accommodation at Xandari Resort & Spa. Expect stylish yet vibrant décor, unrivalled hospitality and magnificent views of the verdant landscape. Xandari offers an extensive range of rejuvenating treatments at their tranquil spa village. Indulge in a signature coconut wrap or relax in a Jacuzzi filled with healing herbs. This evening, savour fine Costa Rican cuisine in the resort’s dining room.
San Jose to Puerto Jimenez
This morning, wake to the tranquil sounds of the countryside whirring to life. Wave goodbye to San Jose as you transfer back to the airport for your internal flight to Puerto Jimenez. Upon arrival, a representative from Lapa Rios Eco Lodge will be waiting to welcome you at the airstrip in a 4x4 vehicle. This fantastic resort is located within 40,000 hectares of protected forest located in the heart of the immaculate Osa Peninsula. Enjoy a scenic lunch followed by the afternoon at your leisure to explore this tropical paradise.
Puerto Jimenez
Today, embark on an exciting journey into local gold-mining history. Follow in the footsteps of Juan Cubillo – an enterprising local who purchased some land above a gold vein. Discover his fascinating life and try your luck panning for gold. Keep your findings as a unique memento of your incredible adventure in Costa Rica. After lunch, set off on your second exciting excursion to plant a rainforest seedling as part of the Lapa Rios reforestation programme. Learn about your tree and the emerging forest you are helping to create.
Puerto Jimenez
Discover what it’s like to be a student in Costa Rica with a visit to Carbonera School. In 1991, Lapa Rios Lodge successfully built this local primary school and have sponsored it ever since. There are now 14 other local schools in the project, which is an excellent example of community collaboration. This afternoon, embark on a ridge hike, explore the outermost Matapalo region of the peninsula or head out in search of local birds at sunset. Later, unwind under the stars on your private terrace.
Puerto Jimenez to Arenal
Transfer to the local airport after breakfast and take a domestic flight to San Jose. Meet with a local representative upon arrival and head to your next home away from home – Tabacón, a spectacular thermal resort and spa located at the base of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by cloud forests and the largest lake in Costa Rica, enjoy stunning panoramic views and a range of exciting outdoor activities. Enjoy this afternoon as you wish, perhaps indulging in a spa treatment or observing the region’s diverse wildlife population.
Arenal
Head to the Private Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Centre via a private transfer. Visiting this centre is a fantastic opportunity to get up close to wild animals while making a positive contribution to their rehabilitation. Assist the staff with the personalised dietary preparations for each animal, help to feed them and capture some unforgettable family photos with the animals. This evening, enjoy a late-night visit to the only natural frog sanctuary in La Fortuna to see their colourful collection of amphibians. Explore the frog ponds and the surrounding rainforest, discovering rare tropical wildlife.
Arenal
Spend today in Costa Rica’s stunning northern plains. Upon arrival at Caño Blanco Nature Sanctuary, board a riverboat and cruise the complex network of waterways. This verdant environment attracts birdlife from around the globe that migrate here for the lush vegetation. Arrive at the Caño Blanco Blue Lagoon for the ultimate family adventure – a fascinating floating safari to spot the locals including turtle, howler monkey and iguana. Later, enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, sampling authentic Costa Rican delicacies and brushing up on your Spanish.
Arenal to Papagayo Gulf
This morning, it’s time to leave Arenal. Transfer to Papagayo Gulf, stopping on the way at Los Pumas Rescue Centre. This vital project began to conserve and protect local wildlife after peak deforestation in Guanacaste during the 1960s. Since then, they have made a monumental contribution to the local landscape. Enjoy a tour of the centre and see their excellent work in action. This afternoon, continue to your luxury accommodation in Papagayo Gulf – stylish Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, a high-end resort overlooking the glittering waters of Culebra Bay.
Papagayo Gulf
Today, Costa Rica’s secret coastline awaits. Only accessible by boat, these beautiful beaches are yours to explore in peace. Visit up to 10 different beaches, exploring the untouched sand and crystal-clear waters. Create a picture-perfect postcard to send back home or head out into the sea for exciting outdoor activities including snorkelling the colourful reefs and stand-up paddleboarding. Look out for residents cruising the waters around you, including dolphin and whale. Relax on the sand, enjoying a picnic lunch complete with complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks.
Papagayo Gulf
Make the most of your time in Costa Rica with two days to spend at your leisure. Wake up in the wild and explore this beautiful peninsula, known for its exciting eco-adventures and luxury resorts. Indulge in a spa treatment or 18 holes on the Arnold Palmer signature course while younger travellers discover a range of activities in the kids’ club. Alternatively, enjoy a family outing to one of Costa Rica’s prime wildlife-spotting locations. With four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 200,000 hectares of eco-parklands, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Depart Papagayo Gulf
Today, enjoy one final breakfast in Costa Rica before your private transfer to Liberia International Airport. Arrive with time to spare and relax before your connecting flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, meet with a Costa Rican Trails representative who will transfer you to Juan Santamaria International Airport to pick up your return flight to the UK. Unwind and enjoy the onboard amenities. Reflect on a marvellous adventure and look at the fantastic photographs you’ve captured during your stay. Later, touch down on UK soil and meet with your onward transfer.
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