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Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes
8 Day Costa Rica Family Tour from San Jose to Tortuguero
The entire family will delight on this Costa Rica tour with endless days spent ziplining through a cloudforest, gliding along the canals of Tortuguero under the watchful eyes of colourful toucans, and trekking up the slopes of a volcano in this action-packed family adventure in the Pura Vida playground.
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Trip code
LFCA
Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes
8 Day Costa Rica Family Tour from San Jose to Tortuguero
The entire family will delight on this Costa Rica tour with endless days spent ziplining through a cloudforest, gliding along the canals of Tortuguero under the watchful eyes of colourful toucans, and trekking up the slopes of a volcano in this action-packed family adventure in the Pura Vida playground.
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica. Leave your gringo boots at the door and embrace the Pura Vida playground of Costa Rica. A local host will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Chill at the pool or go walkabout before meeting your Travel Director and fellow adventurers this evening for some fiesta fun at our Kickoff Party.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Sheraton San Jose
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Kickoff Party
Day 2
Float Through Tortuguero National Park
Rise this morning and head east through Braulio Carrillo National Park toward the Caribbean Sea. Board a river boat, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest teeming with wildlife. You'll be amazed at how many kinds of animals live here—six species of sea turtles, monkeys, caimans, tons of exotic bird species plus rare and endangered ocelots, river otters and manatees. Join a Local Specialist from the Sea Turtle Conservancy Foundation at your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn about the turtles that nest in Tortuguero. This evening, we enjoy a buffet dinner at the resort's open-air restaurant along the Tortuguero lagoon.
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. If you're visiting during nesting season (Jul-Sep), choose to join an optional experience night walk with a naturalist guide to witness some of the world's largest turtles laying their eggs. A buffet dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
Bid adiós to the monkeys for now as you boat back to the mainland and travel to Horquetas. Here you'll Connect With Locals and visit a 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. Continue travelling to quaint Sarapiquí where your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is at the Snake Garden Wildlife Center, which rehabilitates animals that can no longer live in the wild. This evening, enjoy a pizza party in an open-air kitchen where you can make your own pizza.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
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 at Arenal National Park. 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. Later, relax in the thermal springs or take a swim in the pool back at the hotel.
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Fly above Arenal National Park
Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you zipline (Waiver Required) through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and exotic rainforest creatures for some Family Fun. Later, head south to Manuel Antonio, renowned for its warm blue waters, beautiful beaches and abundant exotic wildlife.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Parador Resort and Spa
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Marvel at Manuel Antonio National Park
Walking deep into the national park with your Local Specialist guide, 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 Mangrove Kayak tour^ or Open Sea Kayak and Snorkel 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.
Explore the Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem on a comfortable boat gliding along the water while birdwatching and admiring the verdant flora of the area. Wind through this natural sanctuary made up of canals and natural tunnels as your experienced guide points out flora and fauna along the way as you keep an eye out for reptiles, anteaters and monkeys. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of Herons, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Frigate birds and more. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kayak Tour
Option 1 Damas Island Mangroves: Gently row along the soft currents under a verdant forest canopy, to explore the wonders of the unique Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem. Kayak through natural canals and keep your eyes wide open to spot a variety of bird species, reptiles, ant eaters and white-faced monkeys. Option 2 Open Sea: Kayak and snorkel exploring marine wildlife during this exciting excursion departing from the pier in Quepos. Paddle your kayak for a little over an hour navigating past tiny islands and observing marine birds and their nesting grounds, Biesanz Bay, a hidden beautiful inlet where you can rest, enjoy a snack and snorkel. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Back To San Jose
Travel back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight or consider extending your stay at the Sheraton San Jose.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Kayak On Lake Arenal*
Arenal Lake is the largest in the country and home to a wide diversity of birds, both resident and migratory, such as flycatchers, kingfishers and great blue herons. Kayaking on Arenal Lake is a great way to take part in an outdoor activity while you enjoy the amazing, one-of-a-kind views of Arenal Volcano. Along the shoreline, watch for howler monkeys enjoying the good life high in the trees. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Damas Island Estuary Boat Trip
Explore the Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem on a comfortable boat gliding along the water while birdwatching and admiring the verdant flora of the area. Wind through this natural sanctuary made up of canals and natural tunnels as your experienced guide points out flora and fauna along the way as you keep an eye out for reptiles, anteaters and monkeys. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of Herons, Kingfishers, Ospreys, Frigate birds and more. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 Guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Kayak Tour
Option 1 Damas Island Mangroves: Gently row along the soft currents under a verdant forest canopy, to explore the wonders of the unique Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem. Kayak through natural canals and keep your eyes wide open to spot a variety of bird species, reptiles, ant eaters and white-faced monkeys. Option 2 Open Sea: Kayak and snorkel exploring marine wildlife during this exciting excursion departing from the pier in Quepos. Paddle your kayak for a little over an hour navigating past tiny islands and observing marine birds and their nesting grounds, Biesanz Bay, a hidden beautiful inlet where you can rest, enjoy a snack and snorkel. Gratuity Included (Minimum 2 guests)
Adult Price: $72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Visit a local Tico family's palm plantation to learn about and taste the delicate heart of palm.
Family Fun
Visit a wildlife center in Sarapiquí and interact with the resident reptiles and amphibians. Walk along the Arenal Hanging Bridges and go ziplining on the slopes of Arenal Volcano.
Family Fun
Cruise through Tortuguero's canals and lagoons seeking out incredible tropical wildlife species.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
The Sea Turtle Conservancy Tortuguero Visitor Center is an educational center located in the heart of Tortuguero National Park, one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world for green turtles.
Help to support a local community and the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor with a visit to the family run Snake Garden Wildlife Center.
Sightseeing highlights
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Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park
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Explore Tortuguero National Park with a Local Specialist
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Visit Tortuguero National Park, a wildlife centre near Sarapiquí, Arenal National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Elizabeth Hall in Baldwinsville, New YorkMy Account Icon
Was a wonderful experience. Especially loved our tour guide, *************. He was the best. I highly recommend him. He made our trip fun and enjoyable. 5 stars to him.*****
The trip was very educational and family friendly. The hotel accommodations were very adequate. For myself I don't require big fancy hotels. The facilities were fine. Staff at all locations very friendly and helpful.
Very thorough in letting us know what needed to be done especially in light of Covid -19. Took care of all the little details while in Costa Rica. Nice accomadations.
Shari Standridge in Saint Louis, MissouriMy Account Icon
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5
The itinerary for this trip was perfect! With 2 nights at each city, we were able to have 1 partial travel day and 1 full day of exploration and adventure in each area. The accommodations were great, and the food was outstanding which was a pleasant surprise! I actually really appreciated that the first lodge in which we stayed had no television and the wi-fi wasn't spectacular because it pushed our group to step away from the "comforts" of the cell phones and actually spend time diving into the culture of the area which put us in the right frame of mind for the rest of the trip.
This tour was incredible! So much more fun than we ever imagined!!! ************* was our tour director, and he was outstanding! Our group of 20 ranged from ages 10 to 82, and he was able to keep everyone engaged, interested, and excited all along the way. Victor's knowledge of the areas visited was so helpful as he was able to point out all kinds of animals (howler monkeys, sloths, caiman, crocs, toucans, macaws, iguanas, lizards, white-faced capuchins, spider monkeys, so many birds, and others) and educate us on them as well as the environment, the economy, and infrastructure of Costa Rica as we traveled through. The food and accommodations were also great at each of our destinations along the tour! We will definitely be planning another trip with Trafalgar!
If you are looking even further ahead, this trip is available to book in 2023. Visit our website for dates and today’s best prices.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Note: For the more remote areas of Costa Rica (such as Tortuguero), we use the best available hotel facilities with comfortable but simple guestrooms and eco-friendly amenities perfectly suited to the natural surroundings. This journey requires walking on uneven surfaces and steps and sometimes through heavy showers (rain ponchos provided). This journey is best enjoyed by the experienced traveler in good health and who can take such conditions in stride.
Luggage: For the two night excursion to Tortuguero National Park guests are permitted to bring a maximum of 25 lb/11 kg of luggage. Your primary suitcase will be transferred and securely stored at your Arenal hotel.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.