This family activity holiday is designed to showcase the best of Costa Rica's activities and landscapes whilst positively benefiting the local communities which we visit.

Our Costa Rican partner was the first tour operator in Costa Rica to win the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism. They put a great deal of emphasis on using hotels and suppliers with well implemented policies regarding sustainability and the environment.

Throughout this holiday we use smaller, family run accommodation and local activity providers. These establishments provide vital employment in rural areas of Costa Rica where young people may otherwise be forced into urban areas to find work.

Throughout the trip we encourage our clients to eat in local restaurants and purchase goods from local suppliers thus stimulating the economy of the areas we visit. We also encourage the learning of some basic Spanish to allow for a better cultural exchange.

This holiday also incorporates a visit to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation where clients will learn about the plight of the endangered Sea Turtles that nest along the Caribbean coast.

We also include a day of volunteering at an Eco Centre in Arenal where guests will aid with the reforestation projects and interact with the local community.

We hope that families will return from this thrilling holiday with a true sense of having experienced the real Costa Rica. We always ensure that all litter is removed from any of our activity sites, we strongly encourage group transfers to reduce traffic volumes and we make our clients aware of their obligation to the environment.

We always offset our air travel emissions and would encourage you to do the same.
 

Day 1: Arrival and introduction
You will be met at Juan Santa Maria Airport and transferred to your hotel in San Jose. There will be a brief introduction en route followed by a free evening to relax.

Day 2: San Jose and coffee tour
After a lie in and breakfast we get together for an introductory meeting, before our sightseeing and shopping excursion into bustling San Jose. We then transfer to Doka coffee estate for an interactive and educational tour, giving us an insight into Costa Rica's coffee industry, followed by lunch. In the evening we visit a downtown restaurant for our welcome meal featuring typical local dishes to get you in the Costa Rican spirit.

Day 3: Rainforest boat trip and Tortuguero
An early start today as we drive through beautiful mountains and plantations to the Tortuguero Canals. We change our mode of transport for a two hour boat trip through the rainforests to Mawamba Lodge. Look out for caiman on the way!!

In the afternoon we'll explore with a guide who will show us some of the local attactions such as the frog farm. You can also head to Tortuguero Village, explore the beach and learn about turtle conservation. In the evening you can take an optional turtle watch tour (payable locally).

Day 4: Tortuguero exploration day
After breakfast we transfer by boat to a private trail where we will hike into the rainforest to explore the flora and fauna. After lunch we will enjoy a wildlife viewing tour by boat giving you the chance to see howler monkeys, caiman, otters, toucans and iguanas in their natural habitat.

Day 5: Tortuguero to Sarapiqui
We leave the canals behind today and head inland to beautiful Sarapiqui. En route we stop at the Museum of Indigenous Cultures and will arrive at the hotel with time to relax and explore.

Day 6: Adrenaline day
A day of pure fun and adrenaline which includes: an exhilarating three hour rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River, horse riding and finally, zip wires through the forest canopy. We then head to our forest camp for a well earned rest under canvas. And, even if you don't fancy sleeping in a tent, wait until you hear the sounds of the rainforest at night!

Day 7: Volcano hike
We transfer to Arenal and our luxury hotel with amazing views of an active volcano! After lunch, we trek towards the volcano. Our efforts are well rewarded when we arrive at an awe-inspiring view point in time to see the sun go down and the lava glow.

Day 8: Rainforest canyoning
After a free morning we will be picked up and taken for lunch at the canyoning base camp. A 30 minute drive in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano takes us to the edge of the rainforest. From there, a short descent on foot takes us to the top of our first abseil, a stunning 50m waterfall. Four more descents await us in this tropical paradise before we reach the foot of the canyon and return to the hotel doubtless reliving the experience as we go. (Breakfast and lunch).

Day 9: Volunteering and cultural day
Costa Rica is at the forefront of responsible tourism and travel management. We are trying to play our part by encouraging our clients to get closely involved with local communities and conservation projects.

We visit La Casona, a unique country house, and learn about local agriculture as well as tasting local dishes. We then visit a local school where we interact with local children and they tell us about their lives and show us some dances. We will then spend time planting trees and seedlings at the school and generally getting a bit mucky as well as witnessing local lifestyles at close quarters.

Day 10: Arenal to the Papagayo Gulf
From Central Costa Rica we head to the Pacific Coast and with a late afternoon arrival the rest of the day is free to relax. Our hotel boasts one of the best positions on the Papagayo Gulf.

Day 11: Relaxing or additional activities
The Pacific Coast is the ideal place to relax and reflect upon your adventures. Alternatively, you can try out one of the many other activities available locally. The choice is entirely yours.

Day 12: Adios Costa Rica!
After breakfast we head to Liberia Airport for our return flights home. We can also arrange for you to extend your stay at the beach. Please contact us for details.

Would you like this holiday tailor made especially for your friends and family?

If you have a group of at least 4 people then please contact one of our travel experts to discuss the options of a private or tailor made programme.
 

If there is another country of Costa Rica's size that offers as much in terms of activities, wildlife, diversity of landscapes and the friendliness of its people we would certainly like to hear about it - to be honest, we don't think such a place exists!

With 762 miles of castline, 6% of the world's biodiversity, volcanoes, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, more than 845 species of birds and some fantastic activities, not bad for a country just 200 kilometres long.
 

Families with children over the age of 9 years (please note that this does not preclude younger children but participation in the activities will be at the discretion of our instructors).