Family Costa Rica

Luxury Small Group Journeys: The finest small-group travel experience

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica

Arrive in San Jose, and settle in to your colonial hacienda-style hotel, located on a flourishing, 30-acre coffee plantation.

Marriott Hotel

Day 2: San Jose/Tortuguero

This morning, embark on a heart-thumping zipline adventure between six panoramic platforms. Watch for local wildlife as you zoom through tree canopies and across the magnificent Molinete River within the verdant natural surroundings of the 1,200-acre Rain Forest Aerial Tram Park. Later this afternoon, board a private boat from the Caño Blanco dock, continuing to Tortuguero and your lodge, nestled amid a tangle of tropical foliage.

Tortuga Lodge   |   Meals: B L D

Day 3: Tortuguero

Today, you start your adventure exploring this tropical paradise. You may take a guided bird walk before voyaging down the slow- moving tropical rivers that define Tortuguero National Park, one of the last large, intact tropical rainforests in Central America. Search for wildlife hidden within the thick flora, perhaps spider, howler and white-faced monkeys; three-toed sloths; river otters; caimans; iguanas; river turtles; basilisk lizards; and poison dart frogs. This region is also perfect for birders, as it showcases a multitude of bird species. Later, explore the village of San Francisco. If time permits, you may also visit a neighborhood school (when in session), or join local children in a game of soccer.

Tortuga Lodge   |   Meals: B L D

Day 4: Tortuguero

This morning, head north by motorized boat to Caño Palma (Palm Canal) for an exciting kayak adventure, travelling to places motorized boats cannot reach. Paddle through the wildlife-rich canal, visiting one of the most magical places in the flooded forest. The Tortuguero area is situated on an ancient floodplain and consists of lowland tropical wet forest; it is the richest biological ecosystem in all of Costa Rica. Later this afternoon, take some time to relax and unwind, gathering the children for a garden walk. Those who prefer may also have fun in the sun at the pool.

Tortuga Lodge   |   Meals: B L D

Day 5: Tortuguero/Fortuna (Arenal)

Depart on a short private charter flight to Arenal. Upon arrival, a private van and driver transfers you to your hotel at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Marvel at the famed volcano’s near-perfect cone, which soars 5,357 feet above sea level and has a crater over 450 feet deep. Afterward, visit Finca Burio (Burio Farm), which is owned by Don Juan. Take a comprehensive tour through the plantations with the farmer himself, while learning about the benefits and uses of fruit you may never have seen. You may also watch for many resident birds, and learn to process sugar cane at a trapiche (sugar mill). Next, sit down for an organic lunch, prepared just for you by Don Juan’s wife, Doña Yamileth.

Arenal Nayara Hotel   |   Meals: B L

Day 6: Fortuna

After breakfast, set out for the picturesque Arenal hanging bridges with your private guide. The site was designed to blend with the natural environment, while leaving the forest habitat virtually intact. As you walk, absorb the diversity of flora and wildlife that call the rainforest home; meanwhile, see imposing views of the volcano (weather permitting) from your perch. Later this afternoon, visit the Hidalgo family’s hot springs, a less-populated alternative to the overcrowded hot springs found elsewhere in the Arenal area. Tucked nearly a mile off the main road connecting Lake Arenal Dam and La Fortuna, the springs consist of five free-flowing pools situated amid a natural river gorge. The water temperature in the pools can get as high as 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool off after your dip with blended smoothies and cocktails made with delicious local ingredients at the pool area bar. Afterward, enjoy an authentic homestyle meal during your farewell dinner at the on-site restaurant, which is modeled after the first house that Don Manuel and Doña Hortemida Hidalgo built when they settled on the farm in 1940.

Arenal Nayara Hotel   |   Meals: B D

Day 7: Depart San Jose

This morning, return to San Jose. Later this afternoon, board your homebound flight, or continue to your next Latin American destination.

Meals: B