Blanketed in pristine rainforest, lined by golden sands, and brimming with curious-looking creatures, Costa Rica is the ultimate family playground. Explore inland jungles and volcanic wonders in every way possible: soaring on a zip line, riding on horseback, and hiking misty trails. Then head for the Gold Coast on the Pacific Ocean for some sun, surf, and adventures out at sea.

Cost

Starting from $2137
Arrival City

San Jose, Costa Rica
Departure City

San Jose, Costa Rica
Guide

Guided
Insurance Coverage

Travel Insurance Required
Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners Allow USD270-355 for meals not included.
Minimum Age

7
Maximum Age

100
Activities

Beach, Cultural Tours, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Sailing, Surfing, Swimming, Ziplining
Difficulty

Easy

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions

FAQs

Map

Overview

Every trip features interactive activities inspired by National Geographic’s unique legacy and expertise in photography and storytelling, wildlife and conservation, history and culture, and exploration.

Family Journeys illuminate the art of photography and storytelling in the great tradition of National Geographic. Customized National Geographic resources for kids and adults provide inspiration to see the world with new eyes, make real-world connections, and craft compelling travel tales during the trip.

ON-TRIP EXPERIENCE:

Kids and parents alike can enjoy custom resources from National Geographic built around photography and storytelling that will inspire them to chronicle their on-trip adventures and discoveries in new ways.

National Geographic is committed to conservation and strives toward a planet in balance. On many Family Journeys, on-trip wildlife and conservation experiences will provide information and inspiration for travelers to remain engaged in wildlife conservation efforts long after returning home.

ON-TRIP EXPERIENCE EXAMPLES:

A thrilling safari ride in Kruger National Park on Southern Africa Family Journey
Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, which collaborates with National Geographic for wildlife initiatives on Alaska Family Journey

National Geographic celebrates the history and diversity of human life on Earth. Family Journeys reveal the richness of local cultures in its many forms, whether through language and music, art and architecture, cuisine, clothing, and more.

ON-TRIP EXPERIENCE EXAMPLES:

Young travellers can try their hand at inventing a machine using tips from Leonardo da Vinci on France Family Journey

National Geographic has a legendary legacy of exploration. Family Journeys seek to cultivate tomorrow’s explorers—people who are infinitely curious about our planet, committed to understanding it, and passionate about helping make it better

ON-TRIP EXPERIENCE:

Each Family Journeys itinerary features activities and experiences that inspire hands-on discovery, and a fun and interactive exploration-themed challenge for the whole family!

Day 1 :

San Jose

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Arrival Transfer
Juan Santamaría International Airport – San José
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Accommodation
Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

Day 2 :

San Jose/Monteverde

This morning, travel up into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where we’ll visit a working farm and coffee cooperative for an earth-to-table lunch, followed by a property tour. Learn the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine and test your cooking skills at an afternoon class, then attend a coffee-making demonstration. Enjoy some free time to get settled in our hotel. This evening, follow a naturalist into the forest to seek out the fascinating nocturnal creatures that spring to life after the sun goes down, from red-eyed tree frogs to spiny porcupines.

Your G for Good Moment: Cafe Monteverde Experience
Enjoy a visit to Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative made up of 12 local families, dedicated to educating Costa Rica and the world about sustainable farming and conservation. Your visit here directly benefits Life Monteverde's educational programs, which provide free access to local school groups, and training for Costa Ricans. Walk through the plantations of various tropical plants including bananas and pineapples, and learn about coffee growing and production, as well as various sustainable agriculture techniques like converting animal waste to fuel. Also make sure to taste the delicious coffee before you go!

Your Family Journeys Moment: Life Monteverde Community Lunch, Tour, and Cooking Class

Upon arrival, enjoy a brief introduction before having lunch made with fresh ingredients from their organic farm. Afterwards, tour the working coffee farm and meet some of the farm animals that help support this organic land. Then, get hands-on with a traditional Costa Rican cooking class followed by a coffee-making demonstration.

Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk

Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!

Accommodation
El Establo Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3 :

Monteverde

Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear about reforestation projects spearheaded by the institute, then roll up your sleeves and lend a hand in the tree nursery. The rest of the day is free for poolside relaxation or optional excursions in the clouds, including zip-lining, hiking in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, or a walk through the forest canopy across hanging bridges.

Free Time
Monteverde Morning

Get up early to check out some of the optional activities on offer around Monteverde.

Your Family Journeys Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project

The Monteverde Institute is a base for National Geographic-funded explorers and researchers studying the famed canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. A researcher will present the various projects National Geographic has sponsored including new discoveries, insect and bird studies, and the reforestation of tropical regions. Then, play an active role in this project by visiting the National Geographic-sponsored research plot and getting your hands dirty by either planting trees to restore habitat or assisting in tree care in the nurseries.

Accommodation
El Establo Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 :

Monteverde/Rincon De La Vieja Volcano National Park

Today we travel into Rincón de la Vieja National Park, an otherworldly land of smoking volcanoes, bubbling mud pots, and thermal hot springs—all shrouded in thick tangles of rainforest. Channel your inner Tarzan as you swing across zip lines strung through the forest canopy; then visit thermal hot springs and mud baths, where playing in the mud isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged.

Private Vehicle
Monteverde – Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Zip Line Rincon de La Vieja
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Fly through the trees over a narrow river canyon while navigating zip lines, natural rock climbing walls, Tarzan swings, rappelling and hanging bridges.

Hot Springs and Volcano Mud Bath
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Visit natural hot springs which give rise to very hot mountain streams; sulfuric ponds filled with bubbling mud. Dare to step in and get muddy. Soak in the hot, therapeutic waters and feel invigorated and alive.

Free Time
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park - Evening

Take the evening to relax or opt to visit the local butterfly gardens.

Accommodation
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin Superior Room (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5 :

Rincon De La Vieja National Park

Rise early for a full day of adventure in the national park. Saddle up for a horseback-riding excursion, get introduced to the park’s creatures on a naturalist-guided wildlife hike, and swim beneath the soaring canyons and tumbling waterfalls of the Río Negro. There is also the option to stay back at our hacienda and relax by the pool.

Free Time
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park - Evening

After the days' activities, enjoy some free time to wander around or lay by the pool.

Horseback Ride and Hike to the Cangreja Waterfall
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

Saddle up to ride from our family hacienda on a beautiful path until we reach the entrance of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Set off on foot and hike 5km (3 miles) into the park in order to get to the waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, white-faced howler or spider monkeys, armadillos, and many types of tropical birds. Spot La Cangreja Waterfall flowing down 130 feet from the rocks above. Relax with a picnic lunch as our naturalist guide explains how the volcano's minerals create this unearthly blue pool at the bottom of the waterfall. After lunch take a dip in the clear blue water if you wish before heading back.

Accommodation
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin Superior Room (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6 :

Rincon De La Vieja National Park/Playa Potrero Area

Journey toward the Pacific Ocean to Playa Potrero on the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. The afternoon is free to play in the sand and surf; or opt to set sail across the bay and around the Catalina Islands.

Private Vehicle
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park – Playa Potrero

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Playa Potrero - Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at leisure in this quaint beach town, or opt to go sailing.

Accommodation
Hotel Bahia del Sol (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 :

Playa Potrero Area

The day is free to do as much or as little as you like. Relax at the pool or on the beach in this tropical paradise. Opt to join a yoga class, or take a long walk along the beach.

Free Time

Playa Potrero - Full Day
There's plenty of exploring to do here, opt for a yoga class or choose to play at the beach or pool all day.

Accommodation
Hotel Bahia del Sol (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 :

Playa Potrero Area/San Jose

Leave the beach behind for our return trip to the capital. Stop en route for a jungle boat cruise through Palo Verde National Park. The river is a wildlife-lover’s paradise: crocodiles glide beneath the water’s surface, monkeys swing through the surrounding treetops, and numerous winged wonders wade and fly at the river’s edge—including ospreys, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. Continue to San José and celebrate our adventure at a farewell dinner.

Private Vehicle
Playa Potrero – Palo Verde

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour
Palo Verde

Enjoy a boat ride, travelling along the Tempisque River to discover Palo Verde National Park. Learn about the park and the creatures that call this region home from our local guide on board. Keep a keen eye out as the guide helps spot wildlife in the water, trees, and sky.

Private Vehicle
Palo Verde – San José

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation
Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9 :

San Jose

Depart at any time.

Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Important Notes

1. All parents/guardians are required to supervise their children at all times throughout the tour and may not leave their child under the supervision of the CEO, local guides, drivers, etc. Children are not to be left unattended.

2. PROOF OF DEPARTURE
Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.

3. WEATHER
Be prepared for rain and lower temperatures during the winter season (June-November), especially in Costa Rica’s central valley.

4. FAMILY INSURANCE
Options for family travel insurance are available. Please enquire with your Family Trip Specialist for more information.

5. Please note that on all Family Adventures one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors planning on travelling then a second adult will be required to attend.

6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

What is the recommended packing list?

Costa Rica Water Activities:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• Sport Sandals or Water Shoes (if you plan to do waterfall rappelling and/or rafting)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: Be prepared for rain and humidity at any time in Costa Rica – in particular during the “green” season (May-November).

Lightweight, quick-drying, clothes are advisable; as well as a light waterproof jacket. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and sometimes cool evenings.

We’re working with our accommodation partners to reduce single-use plastic on our tours by providing safe drinking water for refillable bottles wherever possible. Find out more about our Plastics Partnership Project here.

Can I do laundry on the trip?

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

What are the visa and entry requirements?

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

What optional activites are there on the tour?

Monteverde
– Hanging Bridges Monteverde (47USD per person)
– Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit (25-50USD per person)
– Ziplining (60USD per person)

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
– Rio Negro Tubing Adventure (60USD per person)
– Hot Springs and Volcano Mud Bath (Free)

Playa Potrero
– Sunset Sail (85-95USD per person)
– Horseback Riding (55USD per person)
– Yoga – Playa Potrero (Free)

Do I need travel insurance for this trip?

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.