The rich coast – rainforests, volcanos and more

Translating to ‘rich coast’ Costa Rica got its name from early explorers who noted the local’s huge amount of gold. Nowadays, whilst the gold may have diminished somewhat, the name remains meaningful – Costa Rica is a rich wealth of dramatic landscapes, incredible nature and adventures to be had! Known the world over for its biodiversity, eco-tourism and activities, it is also a prosperous and progressive place where your family can be assured the warmest of welcomes.

The landscapes here are a wealth of delights to experience from the sandy beaches to the tropical rainforests and to a landscape littered with volcanoes. You will get up close to all of these during our active adventure.

One of your first highlights is sure to be the visit to Poas Volcano National Park, home to numerous volcanoes (including some of Costa Rica’s largest and most active) as well as magical cloud forests and crater lakes.

In the rainforest region of Sarapiquí you will not only encounter rich biodiversity but will get up close to the jungle during a night in a tented suite. Lying in bed and listening to the sounds of the surrounding rainforest is a spectacular shared family experience as you try and identify the frogs, monkeys and insects keeping the night alive with their calls!

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You will also visit the incredible beaches of Guanacaste – perfect for some down time (or additional activities if you would like!).

Costa Rica’s delightful mishmash of cultures offers a taste of Central and South America as well as touches of Spanish influences. You can enjoy this taste quite literally in the delicious food which you can sample throughout your time including rice and beans and plenty of fresh fruit. Our trip also includes a visit to a traditionally owned family estate close to the Arenal Volcano where you can try your hand at making (and then of course eating) delicious spicy tortillas!

The land of active adventure

Costa Rica is ideal for activity travel and there is a multitude of ways for you to experience this delightful country in an unforgettable and active way.

How about exploring rainforest canals by boat, looking out for the local fauna as you go? There can be no better way to get up close to this unique eco-system and in the company of expert guides you will see a great deal. Monkeys will swing high above you (if you don’t see them you will certainly hear them), tropical birds pass by in a flourish of colour, and an array or reptiles will be watching as you paddle by, spotting them often requires the guide’s trained eyes! A rainforest hike will also get you closer to some of the flora and smaller inhabitants of the jungle – an unforgettable experience.

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Later in the itinerary, our adrenaline day sees you take to the rapids on a white water raft, explore on horseback and fly through the trees on a canopy zip wire tour; an exceptional trio of activities to make the most of surroundings.

Arenal Volcano is an attraction in its own right but the nearby Arenal Hanging Bridges give you a whole new perspective on the rainforest as you walk along the bridges suspended in the trees.

The biggest thrills arguable come from the rainforest canyoning trip. With a focus on rappelling (abseiling) this activity sees you tackle some hidden jungle waterfalls as you descend the canyon. It’s one of those activities which you will remember for many years to come!

The rich Costa Rican culture is as flavourful as their wonderful coffee and so we try and also ensure your family leaves with a deeper understanding of what makes this place tick. You’ll visit a coffee estate, a conservation centre and get to meet some of the locals. 

Creatures great and small

Occupying only 0.01% of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica impresses with 5% of the world’s biodiversity and the largest percentage of protected parks and areas in the world. What this means of course is that it is a land filled to the brim with thousands of the world’s most exotic mammals, insects and birds and you’ll get to see many of them during your stay.

In Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by boat, you will get up close to rainforest and its inhabitants. White headed, howler, spider and capuchin monkeys all inhabit the trees along with tapirs.

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The canal banks are home to a wealth or reptiles and caiman can often be seen in the water. Birdlife if abundant and even turtles can be seen nesting on the beaches here at certain times of year, a sight that is just magical.

A trip to Costa Rica is like watching a live BBC wildlife show, it is an education for adults and children alike and families always find it a real privilege to witness so many natural wonders in one holiday.

This is a relatively small country in comparison to its other Central and South American cousins but it packs a huge punch when it comes to unforgettable family experiences and its size makes them all the more accessible. 

Get an expert opinion

Family holidays are so important so please get in touch and let our Travel Experts use their firsthand experience to help you make the right decision for your family. We’ve explored our destinations with our own families, we’ve slept in the accommodation, dined in the restaurants, rafted on the rivers, zip wired through the tree tops, played in the snow, marvelled at the Northern Lights… So please contact us if you have any questions.

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