7 Day Costa Rica with Kids Tour: Rainforest and Volcano

All tours include a Private Naturalist Guide for your family

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA – BIENVENIDOS

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose.  Hotel shuttle to nearby quiet hotel.

Days 2-3: SARAPIQUI and TIRIMBINA RAINFOREST RESERVE

Your private guide picks you up in the morning for the transfer to your first location (2 hr). The tour begins! Stop at Poas Volcano or La Paz Waterfall Gardens on the way if you like. You arrive with your bilingual naturalist guide in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, nestled in the lowland tropical rainforest.

Choose your optional activities with your guide. You can cross the longest suspension bridge in Costa Rica to explore the rainforest at nearby Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve.  Majestic tall trees, birds and colorful tiny frogs abound! Early-risers can opt for a guided birding walk. Visit the rainforest at La Selva, one of the top tropical ecology research stations in the world, or take a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the Rio Sarapiqui (Class 1-5 rapids). The morning family boat ride on a slow, shady boat to look for monkeys, sloths, toucans, caiman and crocodiles is always a hit with kids who might get worn out on a hike! Kids 6 and up can try out the zipline at Hacienda La Linda.

Days 4-5: ARENAL VOLCANO and HOT SPRINGS

Afternoon transfer to La Fortuna (2 hours), at the foot of a spectacular classic cone-shaped volcano.  Settle in at cabinas outside of town and enjoy dinner.

Choose your optional activities with your guide. Check out old lava flows (and maybe current smoke) of Volcan Arenal.  Those interested in adventure and scenery can opt for the steep hike to a spectacular waterfall (La Catarata de la Fortuna) with refreshing swimming holes. An afternoon family visit to Hot Springs (Baldi, Tabacon, or Los Laureles) with lots of volcanically heated pools is fun too- each has 1 or 2 pools that are cool enough for even babies. There’s a great hanging bridges walk or tram ride through the rainforest canopy here for everyone and a zipline for those over 8. You have a good chance to see a sloth and poison dart frogs at EcoCentro Danaus or check out traditional cultural food, sugar cane candy and visit a school with Cultour at La Casona.

Day 6: HEAD BACK TO ALAJUELA

Time for one more activity near the Arenal Volcano in the morning. Then head back to your hotel in Alajuela near the airport (about 3 hours) with your guide. The guided portion of your tour ends here.

Day 7: TRANSFER OUT – ADIOS and GRACIAS!

Transfer (15 minutes) to Airport by hotel shuttle.

Please note: Global Family Adventures strives to follow the schedule, but changes may be made due to weather conditions and interesting new opportunities.