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Family: Arenal & Jaco beach relax

Costa Rica in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

From

$7,859

$5,099

/person

-35%

, Travel Expert


Travel crafter

Enjoy the flora and fauna of Costa Rica’s rainforests with the whole family, always with expert guides. End at an all-inclusive resort in Jaco beach. Where memories are made on this trip: meeting sloths near the Arenal Volcano.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Arenal
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Jacó
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    San José

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + $1,040

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+61 02 8823 5094

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Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

Itinerary

Begin your family-friendly adventure in San Jose, visiting the La Paz waterfalls before you continue towards Arenal, contemplating the famous volcano and emblematic sloths of the region. Embark on an exciting floating safari on the Peñas Blancas River and finish the trip relaxing on an all-inclusive resort right in front of Jaco beach.

1st Day: Australia - San Jose

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Ready to discover the vibrant landscapes and abundant natural treasures of Costa Rica? Arrive at your australian departure airport to board a flight to San Jose*. Land in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in San Jose.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Barceló San Jose or similar
tripadvisor rating

2939 Reviews

See our full selection

2nd Day: San Jose

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a family excursion to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Upon arrival, walk along a beautiful trail that leads to the aviary, the largest butterfly observatory in the country, the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, and the frog, monkey and feline exhibits. Replenish your energy with a tasty lunch in the middle of the forest and then walk through this tropical rainforest following a paved path, with some steps, to visit the impressive waterfalls formed by the La Paz River. Return to the hotel and overnight in San Jose.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Barceló San Jose or similar
tripadvisor rating

2939 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Moderate

See more

3rd Day: San José - Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by bus to Arenal for an exciting sloth watching experience that is sure to delight young and old alike.

Arrive at La Fortuna, a unique place for the conservation of wildlife where the climate, availability of food, and lack of predators make it a safe environment and a true natural oasis! Enter Sloth Territory, located within a small family ecological plot with a trail suitable for people of all ages.

Discover the native plants, the river that borders the property and the Guarumo trees, the preferred food of the sloths. The guides are experts in locating these animals, so you may be lucky and able to observe two and three-toed sloths. Transfer back to the hotel and overnight in Arenal.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
tripadvisor rating

2406 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Sloth Observation Excursion

Light

See more

4th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to enjoy a wonderful half-day floating safari on the calm Peñas Blancas River aboard inflatable rafts. You will have an expert naturalist guide who will provide at all times a safe environment to discover the beautiful flora and fauna of this region. In addition, you will see sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, "Jesus Christ" lizards, turtles, and numerous tropical birds. Transfer back to the hotel and overnight in Arenal.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
tripadvisor rating

2406 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Peñas Blancas River Adventure

Light

See more
Optional
Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

Active

See more

5th Day: Arenal

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Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful natural environment, explore at your own pace or relax in the abundant hot springs. Also, we recomend you to join our optional Cloud Forest excursion*. Overnight stay in Arenal.

*Cloud Forest excursion: Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Return to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
tripadvisor rating

2406 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Cloud Forests Excursion

Moderate

See more

6th Day: Arenal - Jaco

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Breakfast at the hotel. Early this morning, leave the jungle behind, and set off toward Jaco Beach. Well known for its surfing, beaches and incredible sunsets, this beautiful spot on the Central Pacific Coast awaits. Arrive at your all-inclusive hotel, and spend the rest of your day at leisure, exploring the surroundings or relaxing by the pool. Overnight stay in Jaco Beach.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Best Western Jaco Beach A... or similar
tripadvisor rating

1882 Reviews

See our full selection

7th Day: Jaco

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All-inclusive at the hotel. Enjoy another day at your own leisure today, relaxing by the beach, enjoying the hotel pool or trying one of the many water sports on offer. We recommend our optional Crocodile Spotting Tour.* Overnight in Jaco Beach.

*Crocodile Spotting Tour: Pick-up at the hotel and transfer by road to the place where you will enjoy this vibrant adventure through the wonders of the rainforest. Explore the Tárcoles River and your guide will point out different types of mammals, birds and reptiles in this mangrove system. Depending on the season you will observe different species of migratory birds. For example, from October to April, ospreys, gulls, terns, cormorants, pelicans and frigate birds. At the end of the tour, transfer back to the hotel.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Best Western Jaco Beach A... or similar
tripadvisor rating

1882 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Crocodile Spotting Tour

Moderate

See more

8th Day: San Jose - Australia

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Breakfast at the hotel*. Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to Costa Rica as you take a private shuttle transfer to San Jose airport and catch a flight back to Australia. Arrive in Australia and end your trip**.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Australia the next day or two days later.

Select a day to go to next step

September 2024
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December 2024

Categories Available:

charm

From $5,099

Selected

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    Accommodation: 7 Nights

    Included activities

    Included

    Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens

    Included activity for day 2 in San José

    Arriving at the park you will walk through a beautiful trail and enjoy a delicious lunch in the middle of the forest. Then, continue exploring and visit the impressive natural waterfalls formed by the La Paz river.

    Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    This hike takes place in the tropical rainforest, along a trail that is paved and has steps.

    more information
    Included

    Sloth Observation Excursion

    Included activity for day 3 in Arenal

    Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Bring: Coat, Camera, Binoculars, Hiking shoes, Comfortable clothes and Insect repellent. All timings are approximate and dependent on different conditions. This timing schedule is intended for guidance only and is subject to change by our guide.

    more information
    Included

    Peñas Blancas River Adventure

    Included activity for day 4 in Arenal

    Set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colourful flora and fauna!

    Duration 04:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    It is recommended to bring a cap or hat, comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. This activity is not suitable for babies, if travelling with a baby the activity will be changed.

    more information

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano

    Suggested activity for day 4 in Arenal

    Take a guided hiking excursion to the Mirador el Silencio to discover the abundant landscapes of the incredible Arenal Volcano! Discover the rich flora and fauna of the rainforest and learn about one of Costa Rica's most iconic natural wonders.

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Active

    Recommended: cap or hat, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, closed shoes and camera

    more information
    Optional

    Cloud Forests Excursion

    Suggested activity for day 5 in Arenal

    Take a guided tour through the trails and suspension bridges of the Arenal Volcano jungle. Explore its tropical fauna, such as the quetzal bird and, depending on the season, the characteristic mist that envelops its vegetation.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:50 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Optional

    Crocodile Spotting Tour

    Suggested activity for day 7 in Jacó

    Explore the Tárcoles River and your bilingual guide will point out different types of mammals, birds and reptiles in this mangrove system. Depending on the season you will observe different species of migratory birds.

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 / 13:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information

    The price includes

    • Departures from main australian airports.
    • International flights: Australia - San José - Australia.
    • 7 nights hotel accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
      See hotels included
    • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and all-inclusive in Jacó.
    • All transfers
    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • English-speaking guide during the excursions only.

    *The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

    Not included

    Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. 

    Please note that the times shown in the itinerary may be affected by operational reasons. Follow the guidance provided in-country by the local provider.

    • Entry requirements

      Valid passport with at least six months validity.

    • Visa

      Visa is not required for stays less than 90 days.

    • Currency

      Costa Rican Colon

    • Language

      Spanish

    • Electricity

      110 V. Adapter required.

    • Health

      Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

    • Time zone

      UTC - 06:00

    • Other useful information

      Local emergency number: 128

    • Tourist Office website

      https://www.visitcostarica.com/en

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

    Triple room: the third bed will be a rollaway bed.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

    Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

    Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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