The "Swiss Family Robinson" Vacation Experience

While this family vacation in Costa Rica won’t strand you on a desert island, it will provide an abundance of excitement, learning, and recreation for you and your family. This experience has been tailored to appeal to families with kids as well as teens. You’ll witness nature like you’ve never imagined, see animals you’ve only ever seen on TV, and participate in activities that will leave unforgettable memories.

San José – Sarapiqui – Arenal Volcano – Manuel Antonio National Park

8 days / 7 nights

From $1,903* per person

Day 1: San Jose
Arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO). Meet & Greet outside the airport terminal and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Park Inn

Day 2: San Jose – La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Sarapiqui
Breakfast, Lunch
The adventure begins with the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Stroll through the cloud forest, discovering waterfalls around each corner. At the wildlife refuge, visit the hummingbird garden, serpentarium, sloth habitat, aviary, butterfly garden, jungle cats habitat, and frog exhibit for an outstanding introduction to Costa Rica’s beloved creatures.
Following, you’ll continue to Sarapiqui in the Caribbean lowlands. Experience a night walk through the forest, where you’ll all learn about the natural history of several of our nocturnal species.
Overnight at La Quinta Lodge

Day 3: Sarapiqui – Arenal
Breakfast
Choose one of the following morning adventures:

• A 2.5 hour guided canoe or duckie boat float on the Sarapiqui River.
• A thrilling 45 minute river tubing experience for a family-friendly rush of adrenaline.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to La Fortuna town in the northern lowlands, where the famous Arenal Volcano is located. Take the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Overnight at Arenal Springs

Day 4: Arenal
Breakfast
The highlight of this morning is a visit to the Sloth Territory, a unique family project where expert guides take you through a part of the forest where several sloths live. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see several of these tranquil animals in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, choose an optional tour in the area or relax at the hotel’s facilities.
Overnight at Arenal Springs

Day 5: Arenal – Manuel Antonio
Breakfast
Start the day out with a ride up the side of the mountains in open-air gondolas, where you’ll be able to see the majestic volcano rising up beside you and the lake spreading out below. Once at the top, your family will head back down to the bottom of the mountain on 2 miles (3 km) of zip line cables. There’s nothing quite like gliding above the rainforest this way!
In the afternoon, you’ll depart for Manuel Antonio on the mid-Pacific coast.
Overnight at San Bada

Day 6: Manuel Antonio
Breakfast
This morning, you’ll get a chance to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park. This protected land forms around the Punta Cathedral, which often looks like a whale’s tale. Here, you’ll find three unique beaches and a wide variety of protected flora and fauna. There’s a trail to the highest point in the park, where you can see the ocean and rainforest from up high, before enjoying some time relaxing on the beach.
Overnight at San Bada

Day 7: Manuel Antonio
Breakfast
Today is up to your family to decide what to do. Visit one or more of the nearby beaches to play in the sand and water, return to explore more of the national park, or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
Overnight at San Bada

Day 8: Departure transfer
Breakfast
You’ll depart on a transfer from Manuel Antonio to the Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO).

Accommodations:

• 1 night at Park Inn by Radisson San Jose
• 1 night at La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
• 2 nights at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
• 3 nights at Hotel San Bada

Guided tours/activities:

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens (self-guided, unless you prefer to hire a private tour guide for your trip)
• Night walk in the forest
• Choice of Safari Floating or Tubing on the Sarapiqui River
• Sloth’s Territory
• Sky Tram & Sky Trek
• Manuel Antonio National Park

Transfers and transportation:

• Private transfer from San Jose to Sarapiqui, visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens on the way
• Private transfer from Sarapiqui to Arenal (approx. 45 min)
• Private transfer from Arenal to Manuel Antonio (approx. 4.5 hrs)
• Private transfer from Manuel Antonio to Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (approx. 3 hrs)

Meals as specified

Dedicated 24/7 in-country support and emergency assistance

Optional activities are not included

• *Price is based on a minimum of 2 people occupancy
• Local taxes are included in prices
• Accommodations will be in the above-mentioned hotels or alternative properties of similar style and ambience, according to availability at the time of booking.
• Tours on the package may be adapted according to traveler preference.
• The itinerary can be adjusted based on the arrival and departure airports (San Jose/SJO or Liberia/LIR).
• You will receive a 100% accurate price when you inquire with us and share your travel dates.