- Watch wild animals up close – better than any zoo in the world
- Warm climate suitable for swimming and snorkelling (Caribbean coast and beautiful Pacific beaches)
- Beautiful nature, eco-run resorts, jungle walks (even at night)
- Shimmering volcanoes, waterfalls, thermal springs, treetop rainforest trails
- Whale watching or turtle watching
- A range of activities for you and your children according to age (rafting, canoeing, swimming, hiking…)
- Possibility of private transport, transfers or renting a car (driving in Costa Rica is not difficult)
- A holiday full of relaxation, sun, swimming, but also activities of your choice
- Date: according to your specifications (November – July), our tip is the beginning of the summer holidays
Sample programme:
Day 1 : FLIGHT TO COSTA RICA (SAN JOSE)
Fly to San José, the capital of Costa Rica; upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest after the long journey. Welcome to Costa Rica.
Day 2-4: THREE DAYS IN THE AREA AROUND RIO SAN CARLOS – OVERNIGHT IN THE CROWNS OF TREES
Day 2: After breakfast, transfer to the area on the banks of the San Carlos River. This protected area of tropical rainforest is home to many wildlife species – especially a variety of birds and animals whose life is closely linked to the river. In the afternoon, you’ll begin to explore the local enchanting wildlife. You will stay in the eco-resort in treehouses.
Day 3: Today you will enjoy a boat trip on the San Carlos River. During the trip you will have many opportunities to observe animals (the most common species are monkeys, crocodiles, bats, herons, kingfishers, frogs, king vultures and many others). The afternoon will be free – relaxing at our resort.
Day 4: Today you can spend time observing and photographing the surrounding nature or take a night walk through the rainforest. The night rainforest is an absolutely magical experience.
Day 4-6: 3 DAYS IN THE VOLCANO AND LAKE ARENAL AREA
Day 6: Today we have a day of adrenaline and rafting fun! The Balsa River with its gentle but dynamic rapids is the perfect place for anyone looking for an adventure with family or friends with no previous rafting experience necessary.
Your adventure will begin a pick up directly at your hotel, from where we will set off together on an hour-long journey to the river. Here, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, you will meet your experienced guides who will equip you with all the necessary equipment and guide you through important safety instructions. And then? Then you can let yourself go with the flow of the Balsa River and experience the best that rafting has to offer in just two hours. Lunch is included in the price of the trip.
Day 7: Free day in the Arenal area (many options – walking, suspension footbridge, waterfall, thermal baths).
Optional canyoning at the Arenal River, rappelling into the canyon, lots of refreshing swimming or crossing over the canyon tethered to a rope during the so-called canopy. All this surrounded by the beautiful Costa Rican nature. The experience culminates with a walk along the banks of the Arenal River with its calm and clear waters. At the end, after a rest and a breather, you will enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.
Day 8-9: 2 DAYS IN THE MONTEVERDE – SANTA ELENA MOUNTAIN AREA
Day 8: Drive around Lake Arenal from La Fortuna to the evergreen mist forest area of Monteverde. This place is home to many species of birds. Rare quetzals live here too. This is a very rare species that has been associated with the history of the Mayan civilisation – its tail feathers were used as a means of trade. In the afternoon you will take part in an excursion to the Trapiche plantation. You will have the opportunity to learn about the local traditional farming life. Among tilapia ponds, plantations of bananas, macadamia nuts, oranges, sugar cane and coffee trees you will learn about the traditional process of coffee, sugar cane and cocoa processing. A tasting will also be included.
Day 9: Free day in the Monteverde area for a program of your choice.
Optional canopy: Inherent to Costa Rica is the canopy (riding on ropes at a level above the treetops). It is truly an experience that we recommend to experience.
In the afternoon, an optional visit to the nearby Curicancha Park with a local guide who will show you many animals and birds that you wouldn’t even notice on a walk. You can also arrange a night walk through the rainforest with your guide.
Day 10-11: 2 DAYS IN THE BIJAGUA AREA
Day 10: Transfer from Monteverde to Bijagua, a small town hidden between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcano. The pristine rainforest is home to tropical animals such as pumas, tapirs, sloths, anteaters, coatis, giant butterflies and rare plant species such as wild orchids; and is a paradise for birdwatchers, green parrots, green macaws, hummingbirds and toucans. Bijagua is also famous for its history of local cheese production.
Day 11: The Volcán Tenorio National Park, made famous by the color of the Celeste River and surrounded by lush forest, offers a natural spectacle worthy of admiration. There are not many places in the world where you can watch crystal clear waters turn turquoise. You’ll walk the 3.2km ‘Mysteria Tenoria’ trail, which takes you to the Río Celeste waterfall and the Blue Lagoon (you’re not allowed to enter its waters because they contain a high concentration of natural chemicals), to the hot springs and bubbles that escape at high temperature from the gaseous exhalations of volcanic activity, and to the indispensable Teñidero, the place where the phenomenon that gives the river its sky-blue colour begins. (Admission is payable locally at US$15/person)
Optionally, tubing can be done not far from here – tubing down the Celeste River on inflatable inner tubes offers an adventure in the white and pristine waters of the Guanacaste region. The water rises from the Tenorio volcano through the Guanacaste mountain range, and the area offers about 20 kilometers of rapids and beautiful tropical forest landscapes. Accompanied by an experienced guide, hikers will be equipped with modern and certified equipment that will allow them to navigate the rapids with ease. Lunch is included in the price of the trip.
Day 12-15: THREE DAYS ON THE PACIFIC COAST
Day 12: After breakfast, transfer to the Nicoya Peninsula to the Pacific Coast where you will spend the next three days in a comfortable hotel. There are many excursions on offer here such as horseback riding on the beach, kayak or motorboat trips, and surfing lessons. There is also a large coral reef close to the shore, which invites you to snorkel.
Day 13-15: Relaxing days by the sea and a program of your choice
Day 16-17: Departure from Costa Rica and return to the Czech Republic
Transfer to the airport, return the car and depart for Europe as scheduled. Return to the Czech Republic the following day.
The price of the program usually includes:
- Accommodation in comfortable 3* hotels with breakfast (family or double rooms).
- private transfer to and from the airport
- car rental (includes: car rental, basic and full coverage insurance, WiFi facilities)
- a daily detailed itinerary – a “travel book” – detailing your itinerary so you can set off to explore Costa Rica with ease
- boat trip on the San Carlos River (transport, guide, lunch),shared group trip.
- Rafting on the Balsa River (transport, guide, refreshments), trip in shared group mode.
- Trapiche trip in Monteverde (transport, guide), trip in shared group mode.
- insurance against bankruptcy
Not included in the price:
- international airfare (we will help you choose the most suitable connection).
- other meals (but we will give you tips on the most suitable restaurants along the way)
- optional activities and other programs not included in the price
- fuel when renting a car
- entrances to national parks or tourist attractions not included in the itinerary
- cancellation and medical expenses insurance
Note: Each of our programs can be tailored to your requirements.
