Taste of Costa Rica
8 night / 9 day Costa Rica family vacation
Manuel Antonio – Monteverde – all inclusive Guanacaste beach resort

A spectacular Costa Rica vacation package that brings the family to three of the most unique and diverse regions of Costa Rica – the wildlife rich Manuel Antonio beaches and National Park, the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest and the sunny and relaxing beaches of Guanacaste.  The itinerary is designed to start with adventure in nature for the first three nights in Manuel Antonio, followed by two nights in the mountain region of Monteverde, ending at an all inclusive Guanacaste beach resort for 3 nights.  Popular changes to the itinerary include upgrades to room types, car rentals, adding tours and activities, extending the beach stay.

Day 1: Arrive at the San Jose International Airport.  Exit the airport and board the private van for the 3½ hour drive to Manuel Antonio.  This beautiful ride takes you west of the Central Valley to the town of Atenas.  Traverse the southern mountains towards Orotina, home to some of the country’s top fruit producers.  Continue towards the beaches of the Central Pacific, passing Herradura, Jaco, Hermosa, Esterillos, and Parrita, en route to Quepos, a fishing town near Manuel Antonio.  Check into and spend the rest of the day to enjoying the hotel facilities.

Days 2 - 3: Relax or take advantage of the many activities available in the magnificent Manuel Antonio region:  (These optional activities are not included.).  While in Manuel Antonio / Central Pacific:

It’s a must to visit Manuel Antonio National Park.  Observe spider and white-faced monkeys, sloths and iguanas, hike through the mangroves, and lounge on the pristine beaches.

Quepos is home to some of the world’s best sport fishing.  Boats with experienced crews and great service can be reserved for a half day in-shore outing or a full day offshore billfishing adventure.

Experience sea or estuary kayaking in the warm waters of the Damas Island estuary and mangroves, and get a great workout at the same time!

Marvel at the unspoiled beaches of Manuel Antonio and the mysterious islands that lay just offshore as you sail on a 37-foot catamaran off the Central Pacific waters.  Jagged rock formations and towering cliffs are host and nesting grounds to countless marine birds and their young.  Search for spotted dolphins and keep an eye out for giant sea turtles and migrating humpback whales.  The tour will stop in one of the many protected jungle coves to swim, snorkel and enjoy lunch or dinner.

Explore the mangroves on a motorized boat tour guided by experts.  This tour presents a unique opportunity to spot local wildlife while traveling by boat through this pristine ecosystem.  Expect close encounters with white-faced monkeys, sloths and many bird species.

Join other horse lovers on a guided horseback tour through the Pacific Lowland Rainforest Reserves in Manuel Antonio to a spectacular waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine lagoon.

Spend a half or full day white water rafting two of Costa Rica’s most picturesque rivers, the Naranjo River (Class II / III) or the more challenging Savegre River (Class III / IV), accompanied by expert bilingual guides.

Glide through the rainforest in a challenging canopy tour experience.  Enjoy a trademark Costa Rican nature adventure while learning about this unique ecosystem.

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day 4: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning at the hotel.  At a time to be determined, check out of the hotel, boar the van and start the 4 hour drive to Monteverde.  This scenic drive takes you up the Central Pacific coast line past the port of Puntarenas.  You will merge into the Interamerican Highway north.  About 45 minutes north of Puntarenas the driver will veer north and start the climb to the Cloud Forest Region, to an altitude of over 1,400 meters (4,200 feet) over sea level. Arrive into the Monteverde area, check in and take the rest of the day to explore the area.

Day 5: Enjoy the hotel and the many activities available in the region.  While in Monteverde (activities not included):

You must visit the Cloud Forest National Parks of Monteverde and Santa Elena.  Both parks have short and long hiking trails, which take from two to six hours to climb.  As two of only a few unspoiled cloud forests on earth, they are truly a unique experience.

Experience the Sky Walk / Trek / Tram or the Canopy Tour.  Costa Rica boasts over 50 canopy tours, but two of the originals are in Monteverde.  The mist of the cloud forest makes this the most magical canopy experience in Costa Rica.

Learn about the coffee growing and processing industry on the Monteverde Coffee Tour.  Taste some of Costa Rica’s best coffee as you learn about one of the country’s most important and traditional agricultural products.

Tour the Cloud Forest private reserves on guided horseback or ATV -- a more adventurous way to enjoy this unique eco-system.

Overnight in Monteverde

Day 6: At time to be determined, check out of the hotel and board the van for your private transfer to Guanacaste. The drive will transfer you from lush rainforest to the tropical dry forests of the Guanacaste Savannah.  Drive through Tilaran and Canas and merge into the Interamerican Highway en route to Liberia, the capital of the Guanacaste Province.  Arrive and check into your all inclusive Guanacaste beach resort.

Day 7 – 8: Days at your leisure to enjoy the hotel and the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste. (Optional activities are not included.)  While in Guanacaste area:

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the dry tropical forest on a tour to the Palo Verde National Park.  A unique opportunity for bird watchers and wildlife lovers in general.

Visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park which offers a wide range of activities, including challenging hikes, relaxing mud baths and hot springs, exciting tours on horseback, and one of Costa Rica’s top canopy adventures. 

Play golf at Reserva Conchal or Hacienda Pinilla

Experience the thrills of the Witches Rock Canopy Tour, one of the country’s top-rated adventures.

Spend a couple hours in a snorkeling or diving expedition off the Catalina Islands near Flamingo.  Spot the unique marine wildlife of the Pacific shores of Guanacaste.  If you’re lucky, you may get to see dolphins and even humpback whales.

Go Fishing!  Stay in-shore for a half-day outing in search of snapper, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and mackerel, or spend the full day offshore fishing for sailfish and marlin with an expert crew professionally equipped and guided by late model electronics.

Overnight in the Guanacaste all inclusive beach resort.

Day 9: At a time TBD, the driver will pick you up in the lobby for the transfer to the Liberia International Airport.  Arrive and check into your return flight home.

Total for this 8 night / 9 day package for four guests:

Package includes:
3 nights in a beach hotel at Manuel Antonio Area
2 nights in a mountain hotel at Monteverde area
3 nights in a beach hotel at Guanacaste area
Daily breakfast at hotel in Manuel Antonio & Monteverde.
All inclusive plan at resort in Guanacaste.
Private transfer SJO International Airport – Manuel Antonio
Private transfer Manuel Antonio – Monteverde
Private transfer Monteverde – Guanacaste beach resort
Private transfer Guanacaste beach resort – Liberia Airport
Hotel & sales taxes

May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 5,255 per family in one room
May 1 - Nov 15, 2010: from $ 6,250 per family in two rooms

For travel during peak holiday season, including Christmas and Easter, please contact our Costa Rica vacations experts at (888) 928-3688

The Taste of Costa Rica family vacation package is ideal for families with children old enough to enjoy long hikes, wildlife watching and adventures such as horseback riding, snorkeling, zip lines and in general outdoor activities.  Please call us toll free at (888) 928-3688 or email us at info@memorablecostarica.com to customize this Costa Rica vacations package to meet your family’s interests and budget.  Our Costa Rica travel experts are knowledgeable professionals that will work with you in planning a memorable Costa Rica vacation.

Costa Rica is a tropical country with only two seasons: dry and green! Click here for forecast Exchange Rate for July 30 515.33 CRC for each USD 695.70 CRC for each EUR