Best of Costa Rica Family Holiday
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
QCFB
Start City:
San Jose
End City:
San Jose
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
14 days
Age Requirement:
2+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
16
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Jul 06, 2024 | Friday, Jul 19, 2024 | $3,392 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jul 20, 2024 | Friday, Aug 02, 2024 | $3,328 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 03, 2024 | Friday, Aug 16, 2024 | $3,426 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 10, 2024 | Friday, Aug 23, 2024 | $3,494 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Sunday, Dec 15, 2024 | Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 | $3,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 | Friday, Jan 10, 2025 | $3,915 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jan 04, 2025 | Friday, Jan 17, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Apr 05, 2025 | Friday, Apr 18, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Apr 12, 2025 | Friday, Apr 25, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jul 05, 2025 | Friday, Jul 18, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jul 12, 2025 | Friday, Jul 25, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jul 19, 2025 | Friday, Aug 01, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Jul 26, 2025 | Friday, Aug 08, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 02, 2025 | Friday, Aug 15, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 | Friday, Aug 29, 2025 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 | Friday, Jan 02, 2026 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Thursday, Dec 25, 2025 | Wednesday, Jan 07, 2026 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
| Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 | Friday, Jan 09, 2026 | $4,380 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
Call or submit a quote for award-winning value and service!
Book With Flexibility
- Peace of Mind
Avoid fees and frustration with cancellations up to 56 days before departure on select eligible trips and easy deposit transfer. - Change Destination / Vacation
Change to a different destination or vacation. - Change Dates
Choose new departure dates if your plans change. - Great Service
Award-winning service, low prices, client satisfaction
Tour Itinerary
Get off the beaten track on this two-week family holiday in Costa Rica, exploring all the best highlights and hidden secrets. Starting in subtropical San Jose, you'll explore Tortuguero National Park - home to 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered mammals and the nesting ground of the green turtle. Spend some time in biodiverse Sarapiqui and maybe take on a few fun, active adventures with the kids. Stay in La Fortuna under the mighty gaze of Arenal Volcano and soak in your onsite hot springs before heading to the cloud forest in Monteverde. Learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food in Dominical with three generations of locals and then take a day trip to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. After a huge adventure full of natural wonders and wildlife, meet the Indigenous community along the Terraba River and learn about their matriarchal society before ending it all back in San Jose.
Dominical , La Fortuna , Manuel Antonio , Monteverde , San Jose , Sarapiqui , Tortuguero
-
Day 1
San JoseBienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure starts in subtropical San Jose, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at the hotel. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see in this bustling city. Maybe take the kids to the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden – the perfect way to introduce the family to Costa Rican biodiversity (while also getting respite from the clamour of the city). After the meeting tonight, maybe get a taste of Tico food (and get to know the other families and your trip leader) with an optional group dinner.
-
Day 2
TortugueroThis morning, you’ll descend to the Caribbean lowlands on a scenic (and slightly bumpy) bus journey that ends at the port of La Pavona – this rustic port is your entry point to Tortuguero. Hop aboard a small boat and journey into the depths of the Costa Rican wilderness. Arrive in the middle of this biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons rest under the canopy of rainforest bordering the ocean. Many animals call this place home, so look out for jaguars, various birds and turtles as you sail quietly across the water and traverse the lush jungle.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 3
TortugueroThis morning, head to Tortuguero National Park for a boat tour of the canals. This park, established in 1970, is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals, including manatees, ocelots and jaguars. This is also the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between July and October to lay its eggs on the beach. The hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and giant leatherback turtles also nest within the park, but at different times of the year. This afternoon, maybe wander around some of the park’s walking trails or just kick back and relax at your lodge. Tonight, you might want to head out on a turtle-watching tour – part of the cost of this optional activity will support a program to patrol the beach for poachers, keeping the turtles and their eggs safe.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 4
SarapiquiThis morning, say goodbye to the evergreen rainforest and make the journey to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity. When you arrive you'll have time to settle into your hotel. This evening join your leader for a walk through the rainforest, crossing trails as you look out for wildlife, an excursion to learn about the region’s nocturnal creatures – including sloths, howler monkeys, snakes and frogs.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
SarapiquiToday is a free day to explore Sarapiqui. Maybe you and your family could take a trip down the river on a float or get adventurous and go white water rafting through the rapids. Maybe you’d like to jump in a kayak and discover the lush surroundings on a more leisurely on-water experience. If you need to recharge, maybe you’d like to just relax by the pool at your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
La FortunaToday, you’ll cross west through the north of the country to the Arenal volcano area, which lies beneath the volcano of the same name. Rising from verdant plains, Arenal Volcano shoots up 1633 m in a perfect cone and in certain lights, it resembles a storybook drawing. The landscape is mainly cloud forest and rainforest, cut through with rivers, lakes and (thanks to the volcano’s inner workings) thermal hot springs. When you arrive in La Fortuna, you’re free to explore the area at your own pace. Maybe just unwind by the hotel pool in view of the mighty Arenal volcano and get the kids to practice their drawing skills.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
La FortunaToday is a free day to explore La Fortuna and all it has to offer. Maybe grab the kids and head to the La Fortuna Waterfall – at the base of the dormant Chato volcano, the waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, and you can even swim at the base of the cascades! Maybe the kids would rather get a new perspective of Arenal Volcano from the 1968 trail, where you can also explore lava trails.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
MonteverdeToday, you’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. Travel by minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross the water by boat. On the other side of the lake, re-board a minibus and continue to your destination. In 1951 North American Quakers founded the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve – a sanctuary for the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call the reserve home, and over the next few days, you’ll get acquainted with some of them. Tonight you will be able to relax in your boutique accommodation on a family-run farm, surrounded by spectacular cloud forest, gardens, coffee fields and views of the Nicoya gulf.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
MonteverdeStart the day experiencing life on the small family run farm of the Torres family. The farm has been in the family since 1954, and is the current home of 2 grandparents, their 5 children and 9 grandchildren, all of whom are comitted to sustainably managing the farm and conserving the forest. Learn more about small-scale farming and campesino life, in this hands-on breakfast & farm visit in which you can feed chickens, harvest eggs, and meet the family. Mid-morning, see the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of the cloud forest. The variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so don’t be surprised if younger children have a new answer to the question – what do you want to do when you grow up? While you’re up among the treetops, look (or listen) out for the reclusive quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on ziplines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk – a unique opportunity to see the area’s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
DominicalWave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to the beachside town of Dominical. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local family home where you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food. Spend some time with the three generations of Costa Ricans here and learn about their stories as you enjoy the essence of the Pura Vida lifestyle. Your accommodation while in Dominical is an eco-hotel, surrounded by lush rainforest, with all the comforts you could want.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 11
DominicalToday is a free day in Dominical. Flanked by the Baru River, this town is known for its surfing beach and tropical forest hiking trails, so there are plenty of options if you and the kids want to get outdoors (and who wouldn’t when you’re in this natural paradise?).
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 12
Dominical / Manuel Antonio National ParkThis morning after breakfast, you’ll take a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park – the most popular national park in Costa Rica. When you arrive, enjoy a guided walk along the trails that snake through the park with your leader. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the area’s diverse flora and fauna. Look and listen carefully, and you may just be able to spot howler monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, iguanas and heaps of various birds. This afternoon, make your way back to Dominical for the night.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
San JoseThis morning, head to San Jose and on your way visit a small Indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage – The Terraba (or Teribe). Located on approximately 34.7 square miles (9000 hectares) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for over 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal, and women are the teachers responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to carve your own wooden mask and participate in some chocolate-making before sitting down for a shared local lunch with the community. Tonight, you’ll return to San Jose for your final night – maybe head out for a farewell dinner with the other families when you arrive.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 14
San JoseThere are no further activities planned for today, and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
- Tortuguero - Boat ride to Tortuguero
- Tortuguero - National Park Entrance
- Tortuguero - Boat tour of the canals
- Sarapiqui - leader led rainforest night walk
- La Fortuna - Los Laureles Hot Springs
- Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
- Monteverde – Hands on breakfast activity & Farm tour
- Manuel Antonio - Cooking Class & Lunch
- Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
- Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide
- Terraba community - Indigenous Community Visit & Mask Carving Lesson
- Terraba community- Chocolate making
Meals
13 Breakfast(s) Included
4 Lunch(es) Included
2 Dinner(s) Included
Style: Original
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, fun, energetic, and made our week run very smoothly. The trip itself was fantastic! We saw a lot and the islands are absolutely beautiful. Great food, great new friends made on the tour, and would absolutely book with Intrepid again.
Intrepid tour is great company. Will use this company again.
The trip was both both educational and exciting. I very much enjoyed the sights and culture.
The itinerary was just as I expected! The guide was very good as were the accomodations
Intrepid did such a great job. I never had to worry about where I was supposed to be and it felt so good not to worry about a thing but just to enjoy myself. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about culture and history.
Taiwan people very friendly. Accommodation were centrally located and easily accessible. Did extra activities then in brochure which was greatly.
Larus our tour guide did an excellent job and was very attentive to our needs. He is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Our guide Tarang chandola was exceptional. Courteous, knowledgeable, organized, polite, professional and went above and beyond taking care of our needs and requests offen anticipating what that might be. He made sure we all had the best possible time and offered suggestions to meet the needs of everyone on the tour. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
-
Operator: Discovery By Gate1Starts
San JoseEnds
Panama CityDays
12From
$3409 -
Operator: Gate1Starts
San JoseEnds
San JoseDays
13From
$1799 -
Operator: Gate1Starts
San JoseEnds
San JoseDays
13From
$1779 -
Operator: Gate1Starts
San JoseEnds
Manuel AntonioDays
14From
$2249
Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620
How It Works
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
1. Free Quote
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!
2. Dedicated Travel Consultant
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
3. Lowest Price Guaranteed
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
4. Stress Free Travel
Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
Intrepid is awesome. Our guide was superb. Everything went smoothly!