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Adult price from £3,825pp
All prices include: transfers, accommodation, meals and guided activities; all as listed.
VISITING: Costa Rica
BROCHURE CODE: 4020

Key facts

  • Duration:12 nights
  • Suitable for: Children aged 8 years and over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
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What's included?

  • Transfers: private airport and activity transfers and a mixture of private and shared activity transfers (optional domestic flights may incur a supplement)
  • Accommodation:12 nights’ accommodation including: 2 nights in double room at Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana or similar, 2 nights in a Lodge Double Room at Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero or similar, 2 nights in standard double room at Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui or similar, 2 nights in a bungalow room at Lomas del Volcan in La Fortuna, Arenal or similar, 2 nights in a villa room at Hacienda Borinquen Hotel in Rincon de la Vieja National Park and 2 nights in a deluxe superior room at Tamarindo Diria Beach front Hotel in Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste or similar.
  • Meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 3 dinners
  • The following activities are included: Visits to Poas Volcano National Park, La Paz Waterfalls Gardens, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Gallery & Animal Rescue, Tortuguero National Park, Canals Wildlife observation on boats, Turtle Museum and Village of Tortuguero, Peach Palm Plantation, guided hike in Selva Verde Private Reserve, Nocturnal Wildlife observation, Organic Pineapple Farm, La Fortuna Waterfall, visit to La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Sky Limit Adventure activities including Repelling, Canopy Zip Lining, Sky Tram, Guided Trails and Hanging Bridges, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Las Pumas Rescue Centre, Llanos del Cortes Waterfall, Hacienda Borinquen at Rincon De la Vieja National Park, Volcanic Thermal Springs and Therapeutic Muds, Choice of one Guided Tour at Hacienda Borinquen Thermal Resort. Choices include: Horse Back Riding, Zip-Line, Bird Watching, Tour of Cloud Forest Night Tour (the order of activities is subject to change)
  • All equipment, tuition and supervision from fully qualified instructors/guides
  • Services of our representatives or local guides
  • Please note: Optional domestic air transfers are not included
  • 24/7 assistance from our UK based operations team and in destination support from our local partners

The saying ‘Good things come in small packages’ was practically created for Costa Rica.

Despite covering less than 0.05% of the world’s landmass, this wonderful country offers a staggering variety of landscapes: pristine coastline, rainforest, cloud forest, mountain ranges, wetlands, and other aquatic habitats. Another huge attraction of Costa Rica is, of course, the incredible variety of fauna and flora, with some five per cent of the world’s biodiversity, found within its borders.

Our active holiday itinerary has been crafted to ensure that your family gets to enjoy as many of these natural wonders as possible in an active and fun-filled way. During our adventure holiday you will stand in awe at the foot of a volcano, fly through the treetops, and boat through incredible rainforest canals – all activities are included in the cost of the holiday. One of the advantages of the country’s small size is that there are no arduous days full of travel or internal flights in order to enjoy them, as everything is within a manageable distance.

A key highlight of any family holiday to Costa Rica is the fact that you will meet some of the friendliest people on the planet. It has frequently been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world – from our experience, we can safely say that this is completely true! Studies have determined that locals have the highest level of life satisfaction on Earth. When we asked our friends in Costa Rica if they agreed, they simply replied, “Look around you, who wouldn’t be happy here?”

They couldn’t be more right!

Show full agenda

Included in price

  • Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana

    Nights: 1-2

    Situated within a quiet neighbourhood yet a mere ten-minute walk from the centre of San Jose, the Hilton Garden Inn Santa Anna is the perfect place to recover from your long flight.

    FACILITIES  

    • Enjoy both traditional and international food in the in-house restaurant 
    • Admire views of San Jose in the astonishing outdoor infinity pool 
    • Soak away your travel in a hot tub 

    ROOM TYPE  

    Double room: Your room is your retreat, complete with two full-sized beds, and convenient amenities including a large desk, complimentary Wi-Fi and a HDTV. Fill the mini refrigerator with cold drinks and snacks or enjoy a cup of coffee from your personal coffeemaker. Each room also contains a desk, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. 

    Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero or similar

    Nights: 3-4

    Situated just 5 minutes from Tortuguero National Park, where green turtles come to lay their eggs sits the Pachira Lodge. Surrounded by scenic canals and facing the town of Tortuguero, the lodge puts you in a tropical getaway in the Costa Rican jungle.

    Hotel facilities:

    • Enjoy the delicious international cuisine from the buffet-style meals in the restaurant
    • Cool off in the outdoor pool
    • Spot wildlife in the lush Tortuguero National Park, just minutes away
    • Unwind in the spa facilities, payable locally

    Room types:

    Standard room: These comfortable rooms feature either a king-sized bed or two double beds and come equipped with a ceiling fan, private bathroom and screened windows. You can also enjoy views of the garden from your terrace.

    Selva Verde Lodge in Sarapiqui or Similar

    Nights: 5-6

    With elevated wooden corridors taking you through the rainforest canopy and astonishing views of the Sarapiquí river, the Selva Verde Lodge will truly immerse you in the wildlife you are here to seek. 

    FACILITIES

    • Dining room which overlooks the Sarapiquí river and serves a wide range of fresh local cuisine. 
    • Hammocks surrounded by rainforest canopy.
    • Sip cocktails by the side of the Selva Verde pool. 

    ROOM TYPE

    Double room: Nestled amongst the forest, each room is air conditioned and contains two double or queen beds, with astonishing views of the rainforest canopy from the balcony attached to each building. Equipped with a ceiling fan, private bathroom and screened windows, as well as a reading lamp and telephone. Each room contains a hair dryer, safety box, desk and bath in private bathroom. 

    Lomas del Volcan in La Fortuna, Arenal or Similar

    Nights: 7-8

    Enjoy rustic rainforest romance in Lomas del Volcan’s wooden bungalows. Each provides an outdoor terrace for rest, relaxation and drinking in the sights and sounds unique to a rainforest.

    FACILITIES

    • Enjoy views of Arenal Volcano as astonishing as the food in Restaurant Hojarasca. 
    • Be one of the first to experience drinks and dancing in recent addition La Arboleda. 
    • Relax in a jacuzzi or do laps in front of the rainforest. 

    ROOM TYPE

    Bungalow: Enjoy all the privacy of your own space with room service a mere phone call away in a beautiful wooden bungalow. Sit and enjoy a latte straight from your coffee machine on your private patio and unwind in a hot bath. With a safe deposit box, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a hair dryer and a minibar, you have all you need for a relaxing self-contained stay. 

    Hacienda Borinquen Thermal Resort

    Nights: 9-10

    Hotel facilities:

    • Savour delicious national and international cuisine from the on-site restaurants. Many dishes are created using an ancestral technique based on different types of firewood, fire, coals and aromatized smoke
    • A snack and a swim-up bar where you can enjoy tropical drinks.
    • Hot spring-fed pool
    • Luxurious Anáhuac Spa offering a variety of treatments payable locally

    Room types:

    The hotel's 39 rooms present a luxury boutique concept that incorporates the sophistication of the contemporary and the elegance of the Guanacaste haciendas, which creates a unique peaceful and calm environment for you to enjoy a tranquil and comfortable stay.

    All rooms have an array of high quality services, technology, and sustainability in harmony with nature. Each room has a private deck or balcony with great mountain views and breathtaking sunsets. 

    Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

    Nights: 11-12

    Hotel facilities:

    • Costa Rican and international culinary styles are served up at the resort's restaurants. From wood-fired pizzas to authentic Mexican dishes, heatry American grills to fine dining overlooking Tamarindo Boulevard. There's something for everyone
    • A selection of four ambient pools to relax in
    • Close to Tamarindo town and Blue Flag awarded Tamarindo Beach, part of Las Baulas National Park
    • Secluded cabanas offering outdoor massages, payable locally

    Room types:

    Standard room: These charming rooms are located close to the beach and offer plenty of space and all the amenities guests require for a comfortable stay such as air conditioning, a mini fridge, cable TV and a capsule coffee maker. Upgrades are available should you wish to guarantee beautiful ocean views or add a touch of romance to your trip with a stay in a Junior Suite featuring a large terrace with jacuzzi overlooking the Tropicana pool and gardens. 

Personalise this tour

Our pick

  • Turtle Spawning at Night

    At night from July to September, in the nesting season of the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Tortuguero offers one of the most captivating spectacles of nature with the Green Sea Turtles that come to the beach to lay their eggs. Book directly upon arrival at the hotel. You are required to wear dark clothing, keep quiet, have no smoking, and no photographic equipment of any kind is allowed. Groups cannot exceed more than ten people. Includes: transportation by boat from the hotel to the beach and vice versa, administrative costs, payment of trackers and local guide. The duration of the tour is approximately 2 hours. The park administration defines entrance time according to ocean tides, the moon, turtle(s) locations and the number of reservations (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm or from 10:00 pm to 12 midnight).

    From £53 per adult

Other options

  • Combined Palo Verde National Park Wildlife Boat Adventure and Cultural Tour at Rancho Los Coyotes

    Journey along scenic backroads through sugar cane fields, charming local towns, and rich cultural spots. Drift down the Rio Tempisque, Costa Rica's third longest river, and get up close with incredible local wildlife. At Rancho Los Coyotes, immerse yourself in an authentic Costa Rican farm experience. Stroll through the picturesque grounds and meet a variety of friendly animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, horses, and chickens. This hands-on encounter offers a glimpse into traditional farming life, where you’ll see how local families live in harmony with the land and animals. The excursion includes a three-course lunch.

    From: £84 per adult

  • Surfing Lessons with a Personal Instructor

    Departing from Tamarindo Diria Resort, take on the waves and enjoy a thrilling surf lesson with a personal instructor. The cost includes all surfing gear and tuition from professional instructors.

    From: £68 per adult

  • Sunset Sailing and Snorkelling Tour

    Enjoy an idyllic sailing trip with the chance to snorkel among Costa Rica’s marine life before savouring a light sunset dinner and an open bar. All snorkelling gear will be provided.

    From: £125 per adult

We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee

Price per person: based on 2 adults sharing a standard double/twin room with 1 child in an extra bed

Dates
Fri 01 Nov 2024 Adult price (per person): £3825.00
to £4285.00 		Child (age 6 - 11): £1345.00
to £1515.00 		Enquire

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

Minimum 2 people and maximum 20 (approximately)

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate

Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.

Minimum and maximum age

The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.

Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/                                                   

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/                                                 

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/                                                                                                     

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Costa Rica Cancellation Terms

Cancellation terms:

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

  • More than 84 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
  • 84 to 43 days prior to departure - 50%
  • 42 to 31 days prior to departure - 75%
  • 30 or less days - 100%

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions

 

Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only

Traveller Reviews

  • The overall trip was amazing 04 August 2018 by The Osborn Family

    The overall trip was amazing. All transfers were slick and bang on time. There were a range of different activities, that were family appropriate. Even though we didn’t have a guide travel with us, all the guides we met were very knowledgeable. We all Loved the white water rafting and the rappelling- they were both so Much fun. We would definitely recommend activities abroad again . Special…
    Read more     mention to Amy and Karen. Also to Barry, who I understand has now retired, he was so passionate about Costa Rica, and rightly so. Also Marcos - who we met in Costa Rica was lovely and hugely helpful and knowledgeable. Finally thank you to Julie, who helped us at CRT!
    Read less

  • Overall a wonderful holiday 27 July 2018 by The Wilding Family

    Overall a wonderful holiday, and we all really had a good time.

  • The holiday overall worked perfectly. 21 July 2018 by The White Family

    The holiday overall worked perfectly. The transfers all arrived on time. All the guides were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. There was a good range of activities to suit both of us as they covered both wildlife spotting and more sporty activities such as the zip lining, white water rafting, canyoning etc. The accommodation at all places was great, as was the food. I think the lodge at…
    Read more     Tortuguero (that was changed at the last minute) was in an excellent spot as was next to the canals and the beach. Also, the hotel at Arenal that was also changed) was brilliant. It was in beautiful surroundings and we all enjoyed the hot spring pools. It was also good having the few final days at the beach hotel with no activities as this gave us a chance to relax after a lot of early starts and travelling. Overall it was an amazing trip and everything I hoped for. Just a shame it's over!
    Read less

  • Wow, what an adventure 19 August 2017 by The Weetman Family

    Covered just about everything you could wish for on a family activity holiday. Children certainly enjoyed white water rafting and canyoning; adults enjoyed the variety of animals always on show. The guide and driver were fantastic, very knowledgeable, always had choices for us and made the trip all the more fantastic.

  • Just fantastic 08 August 2015 by Sue 'Watty' Sturges

    The most extraordinarily wonderful, diverse, happy holiday I can remember in Cost Rica, with the fantastic Joel 'Jox' as our guide, aided and abetted by Roy our driver. Just fantastic. I don't think we'll travel with any other company for the next few years.... Thankyou!

  • We couldn't pick a single fault 04 July 2015 by The Newman Family

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