Our top Costa Rica family vacations expert designed this 9 night / 10 day itinerary with the idea to feature three of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, all rated in the luxury category, without breaking the bank. In the Costa Rica luxury vacation version, a Leading Hotel of the World is paired up and complemented by the unique Peace Lodge, a favorite among many travelers to the world’s ecotourism destination or Villa Blanca, an affordable Cloud Forest Lodge. The itinerary has a smooth flow that reduces the amount of land travel time and selects three picturesque yet very different regions in Costa Rica: the Poas Volcano, the Arenal Volcano and rainforest and the beach at Conchal or RIU in Guanacaste. After two days in the relative tranquility of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the family will move the Arenal Volcano Region, renowned for its hot springs and wide range of adventure and nature activities. Four nights at the all inclusive Westin Conchal or newly opened RIU provide the perfect amount of time at the beach with the convenience of the all inclusive features. This itinerary is also ideal for families that wish to have a car rental and drive themselves around the country.
Day 01: SAN JOSE ARRIVAL – PEACE LODGE or Villa Blanca
Arrive to the San Jose International Airport. Meet the driver as you exit the San Jose International Airport. Enjoy the 1 hour drive up the mountains to the renowned Peace Lodge, nested amidst the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park. Here you will spend two days exploring the park and region in one of the country’s most picturesque spots. The Peace Lodge is located on the northern mountains of the Central Valleys, offering spectacular views of the valley. This is one of the country’s prime coffee plantation regions, known also for the strawberry and ornamental plant production.
Day 02: PEACE LODGE or Villa Blanca
Enjoy the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, gaze at the five waterfalls and many nature attractions or explore the Poas Volcano Region. While in the Mountains North of the Central Valley (activities optional)
Take full advantage of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park. Enjoy the magnificent hikes, view the spectacular waterfalls, and visit the hummingbird gallery and butterfly farm (included).
Visit the Poás Volcano National Park and hike up to the crater’s edge, one of the largest on earth. Complete your visit with a 30-minute hike to the lagoon, located near the crater.
On the way down from the mountains, visit the Doka Coffee Plantation to learn about the process that produces the world’s best coffee.
Overnight at the Peace Lodge.
Day 03: PEACE LODGE or Villa Blanca – ARENAL VOLCANO
Have a leisurely breakfast at the resort. At a time to be determined our representative will pick you up for the 2 and ½ hour private transfer through the Northern Plains and to the Arenal Volcano Region. This drive will take you down from the mountains of the Central Valley into the rainforest of Sarapiqui and the San Carlos lowlands. Arrive in the Arenal Region and check into your room at Tabacon Grand Spa a member of the Leading Hotels and the Leading Spas of the World or the Royal Corin. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy the award-winning gardens and hot springs.
Day 04 - 05: ARENAL VOLCANO
Explore the Arenal Region or relax at the hot springs. While in Arenal (activities optional):
Relax at the country’s top hot springs resorts featuring breath-taking volcano views and lush tropical gardens. Some of Costa Rica’s top spas and therapists make Arenal their home. (included)
Visit the Fortuna River Waterfalls, located a short three miles from town. Here, you can see magnificent waterfalls cascade into the rainforest and have the opportunity to hike and swim in the river.
Go rafting on the Sarapiqui River. The river has Class III and IV rafting for adventure aficionados and
Floating Safari Class II rafting for slower paced, nature lovers. Both are excellent tours featuring amazing scenery, interesting wildlife and thrilling adventure.
Try canyoning, one of the country's top adventure activities. Rappel down a waterfall inside the rainforest, truly an unforgettable experience!
Tour the forest from the Hanging Bridges Tour. This is an impressive hike in the rainforest over a series of suspension bridges. View various types of flora and fauna at differing heights—from the ground to well above the canopy. What a way to see the jungle!
Experience the thrill of zip lining through the canopy of the rainforest on the Sky Trek and Aerial Tram, one of Costa Rica’s top canopy tours. A great way to experience the rain forest and a real adrenaline rush!
Overnight at Tabacon Grand Spa or Royal Corin
Day 06: ARENAL – PARADISUS PLAYA CONCHAL or RIU
Have a leisurely breakfast and check out. Our representative will pick you up and start the 4 hour drive to Tamarindo. This beautiful drive takes you around Lake Arenal into the town of Tilaran. 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. Veer south past the towns of Filadelfia and Belen on your way to the Pacific Shores. Upon arrival, cross the gates to Costa Rica’s premier all inclusive resort - Westin Conchal - or RIU, check in and enjoy the resort.
Days 07 - 09: PARADISUS PLAYA CONCHAL or RIU
Enjoy the Westin Conchal all inclusive Resort and explore the Tamarindo / Conchal region. While in Tamarindo / Conchal (activities optional):
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 the Rincón de la Vieja National Park and some of the mud baths and hot springs in the region. This can be combined with interesting tours on horseback in the rainforest and one of the country’s top canopy tour experiences. Go rappelling in the canyon or enjoy a unique canopy adventure in Hacienda Guachipelín.
Play golf at Hacienda Pinilla in Playa Langosta or at the Robert Trent Jones golf course at the Reserva Conchal.
Explore the native mangroves in Tamarindo on a sea kayaking tour. Spot two types of monkeys, exotic birds and other local wildlife while paddling down the estuary.
Enjoy surfing lessons taught by a professional in the beautiful beaches of the Tamarindo Bay.
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.
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 at Westin Conchal or RIU
Day 10: CONCHAL or RIU – LIBERIA DEPARTURE
At a time to be determined, board the van to start the private 75 minute transfer to Liberia airport. Check into your international flight back home
The Package includes:
2 nights at Central Valley Cloud Forest Hotel
3 nights at Arenal Hotel
4 nights at Westin Conchal or RIU
Private transfer SJO Airport to Peace Lodge or Villa Blanca
Private transfer Peace Lodge or Villa Blanca to Arenal Volcano
Private transfer Arenal Volcano to Guanacaste Beach Resort
Private transfer Guanacaste Beach Resort to Liberia Airport
Daily breakfast at the hotels
All inclusive plan at Guanacaste Beach Resort
Entrance to Hotel's Hot Springs throughout stay at hotel in Arenal
Hotel & Sales tax
For travel during peak holiday season, including Christmas and Easter, please contact our Costa Rica vacations experts at (888) 928-3688. We can quote a similar package for families staying in two hotel rooms or for small groups traveling together in their Costa Rica Vacation. |
