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Family: Tortuguero, Arenal & beach relax
Costa Rica in 12 Days, 11 Nights in Destination
From
$3,389
$2,199
/person
-35%
Rachel
Travel crafter
Explore the richness of Costa Rica's flora and fauna in three distinctly biodiverse regions. Where memories are made on this trip: enjoying the stunning scenery at a paradisiacal all-inclusive resort on Tamarindo Beach.
Trip Highlights
- Arenal
- San Jose
- Tamarindo
- Tortuguero
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Some meals
Availability
Departures available until September 2025
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $1,100
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
charm included
- WHAT'S THIS?
Itinerary
Discover the contrasts of Costa Rica. Arrive in the picturesque capital, San Jose, where a local guide will show the amazing nature of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. From there, fly to Tortuguero to explore its canals and enjoy its rich biodiversity. Finish with an all-inclusive stay at a resort to relax as a family on the pristine beaches of Tamarindo.
1st Day: US - San Jose
Arrive at your US 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
2936 Reviews
See our full selection
2nd Day: San Jose
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
2936 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Moderate
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3rd Day: San Jose - Tortuguero
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, rise early to visit the Tortuguero Village, where you’ll be accommodated in a Full Board hotel!
You’ll discover an incredible diversity of landscapes. This was once a site for hunting, fishing, and agriculture for various ethnic groups including the Miskitos, the Miskito-Zambo, and the Afro-Caribbean population.
During the tour, visit the village school, the National Park, churches, stores, the community center that houses the local symphony, and the recycling plant, which is one of the most efficient in the country! Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
1383 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Tour of Tortuguero Village
Light
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4th Day: Tortuguero
Full Board. Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a 2-hour tour through the National Park's canals. Enjoy the lush biodiversity of plants and animals in this ecosystem, which is the most complex and dynamic in Central America. The tour includes lunch.
You and your family will be accompanied by a naturalist guide and an experienced boatman, who will help you appreciate the park's many animal species. See monkeys, thousands of bird species, hundreds of reptiles and amphibians, such as iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, turtles... and, of course, a great variety of mammals. Dinner and overnight stay in Tortuguero.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Laguna Lodge or similar
1383 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Canals of Tortuguero Boat Tour
Light
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5th Day: Tortuguero - Arenal
Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning, head to Guápiles, one of the most popular cities in Costa Rica, a lush tropical landscape located within the country's banana growing region.
In addition to jungle adventures, visitors can also try a trip to one of the nearby botanical gardens. From wild colorful orchids to other types of flowers and wildlife native to the region, travelers will be amazed by the number of plants they can witness in one setting!
In the afternoon, head towards Arenal, where you can join an optional visit to the famous volcano the following day. Arrive, check-in at your hotel, and overnight stay in Arenal.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
2405 Reviews
See our full selection
6th Day: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for a half-day Floating Safari excursion in Arenal. Travel along the Peñas Blancas River with our expert English-speaking safari adventure guides.
They will help you appreciate the incredible fauna and flora of the region, where you will see the diversity of animals such as sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, “Jesus Christ” lizards, turtles and even colorful tropical birds! Ready to visit the volcano? Now’s your chance with our optional hike*. Overnight stay in Arenal.
*Hike to the Arenal Volcano: Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters.
Along the hike you’ll discover the abundant flora and fauna that inhabit the rainforest under re-generation; your guide will tell you all about the Arenal Volcano’s history and activity. After the hike, you may choose two different options to experience the popular hot springs in the area to relax in the warm waters, heated by the volcano.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
2405 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Peñas Blancas River Adventure
Light
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Guided hike to the Arenal Volcano
Active
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7th Day: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll go on a Sloth Observation Excursion. La Fortuna is a unique environment and the climate, food, and lack of predators make it a perfect home for sloths.
Take a 2-hour tour through the Sloth Territory, a small family ecological project just 5 minutes from La Fortuna. The project features a 1-mile trail suitable for adults, families, and children of all ages. Pay attention to the two and three-toed sloths and also Guarumo trees, their favorite food! We also recommend our optional Monteverde Cloud Forest route.* Overnight stay in Arenal.
*Monteverde Cloud Forest: Explore the rich cloud forests and extensive nature trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Observe wildlife ranging from jaguars to butterflies and quetzals as you traverse a number of different trails through 8 different ‘life-zones’ ranging from swamps to cloud forests.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Lomas del Volcán or similar
2405 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Sloth Observation Excursion
Light
See more
Cloud Forests Excursion
Moderate
See more
8th Day: Arenal - Tamarindo
All-inclusive. In the morning, we head to Playa Langosta (Tamarindo) to enjoy this paradisiacal place at an all-inclusive resort. Arrive, check-in, and spend free time in an oasis of peace. Take advantage of the swimming pool to have a good time with your family, or spend time relaxing in the spa! Overnight stay in Tamarindo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Occidental Tamarindo or similar
5148 Reviews
See our full selection
9th Day: Tamarindo
All-inclusive. Enjoy the incredible resort facilities, the wonderful natural surroundings, and the on-site restaurants full of exquisite dishes. If you wish, you can also participate in our optional boat safari in the Tamarindo Estuary*. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.
*Optional Boat Safari Tamarindo Estuary: Discover the unique flora and fauna which inhabit the lush mangroves. Look out for noisy howler monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas, whilst appreciating the colorful bird life above. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of the reserve.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Occidental Tamarindo or similar
5148 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Boat Safari on Tamarindo Estuary
Light
See more
10th Day: Tamarindo
All-inclusive. Today is your last day to enjoy the wonderful white sandy beaches of Tamarindo. You have the entire day free to enjoy with your family in this incredible natural setting and all the activities offered in the resort. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Occidental Tamarindo or similar
5148 Reviews
See our full selection
11th Day: Tamarindo - San Jose
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San Jose. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. For a great overview of the city, we recommend an optional city tour of San Jose*. Overnight stay in San Jose.
*Optional San Jose City Tour: Visit the most prominent sights of the city such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other places. Traditional dinner included.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Barceló San Jose or similar
2936 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
San Jose City Bus Tour
Light
See more
12th Day: San Jose - US
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US. Arrive in the US 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.
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Categories Available:
charm
From $2,199
Selected
Accommodation: 11 Nights
Included activities
Show more
Available Activities
The price includes
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - San Jose - US
- 11 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 9 Breakfasts, Full Board in Tortugero and All Inclusive in Tamarindo.
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Safari boat in Arenal.
- All inclusive in Occidental Tamarindo.
- English speaking guide only during the excursions.
*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.
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
60%
At time of booking
40%
60 days before departure
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