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Costa Rica Family Journey: From Cloud Forests To The Beach
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Length
8 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
San Jose (Costa Rica)
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Ends in
Guanacaste (Costa Rica)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JUL 23, 2027 to DEC 30, 2029
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Activity Level
Easy
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic
Trips for adventure-loving families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$2,399.00
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
Shrouded in green rainforest, lined with sunny sands, and full of curious creatures, Costa Rica is a playground for the whole family. Fly along forest ziplines, ride horses beneath volcanic peaks, and plant trees with local researchers. Then head to the Pacific coast for sea breezes, sundrenched beaches, and family fun. Together, discover a land where nature and community welcome you with open arms.
Visited During Tour
Guanacaste (Costa Rica) | Monteverde (Costa Rica) | Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park (Costa Rica) | San Jose (Costa Rica)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Costa Rica Family Journey: From Cloud Forests To The Beach tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code CRJNF-11961
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Day
1San Jose
Welcome to San Jose-your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Costa Rica has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and is a top destination for nature lovers. As such, there is a lot of rain, regardless of the season, allowing for its lush green rain forests and cloud forest, in which flora and fauna thrive. Please come prepared for the possibility of wet weather and variations in temperature.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
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.
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Day
2San Jose/Monteverde
This morning, travel into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to visit a rural community for a farm-to-table lunch. Your hosts share the local ingredients behind the meal: rice, beans, vegetables, and homemade tortillas, all fresh and locally sourced. After lunch, head to the farm, where children can try hands-on agricultural activities: sampling tropical crops like coffee and fruit, watching sustainable farming in action, and learning to make sugar cane juice using a traditional "Trapiche" mill. Later, settle into your hotel with some free time. In the evening, follow a naturalist into the forest to seek out nocturnal creatures like red-eyed tree frogs and spiny porcupines.
The town of Monteverde is fairly small with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations in this area are located outside of the main town centre - to take better advantage of the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of the area. Taxis are readily available to take you into town and back and can cost approx. $10USD each way.Accommodations tend to be a bit more simple here, with fewer amenities. Its important to remember that the cloud forest sits at a higher elevation and offers a cooler but humid climate - which is why hotels in this area do not have A/C. It can also feel damp in rooms which is unavoidable in such a climate.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
San Luis Rural Community Experience & Lunch
Enjoy a visit to the rural community of San Luis. Your time here directly benefits the economic development of this local community and helps expand their community services. Observe snapshots of rural life in Costa Rica before sitting down for a farm-to-table lunch featuring a hands-on demonstration of the local ingredients. Learn together as a family about the important knowledge of native plant species in the area along with conservation efforts, and some birdwatching.
Traditional Sugar Cane Press
See a traditional sugar cane press in action and try your hand at squeezing your own for a glass of the sweet natural juice. Lean about the importance of sugar cane in these rural parts of the country and to the many different uses that the plant provides, from sustainable packaging and animal feed to consumable products like spirits, molasses and of course the bags of sugar that we find at the grocery store.
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!
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Day
3Monteverde
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 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
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.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to get out and explore Monteverde and the surrounding areas with plenty of options available, or relax at the hotel.
3Optional Activities for Day 3
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Day
4Monteverde/Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Leave the misty highlands behind and travel toward Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This volcanic wonderland welcomes you with thick rainforest trails, bubbling mud pots, and steaming thermal vents rising from the earth. After arriving, gear up for an afternoon flying across ziplines strung high above the forest canopy, taking in sweeping views as you glide through the trees. Check into your rainforest lodge and relax to the sounds of nature as evening settles over the mountains.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Zip Line Rincon de La Vieja
Fly through the trees over a narrow river canyon while navigating zip lines and hanging bridges.
Free Time
Take the afternoon to relax or visit the local butterfly gardens.
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Day
5Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Wake up early for a day full of discovery. Join a naturalist guide on a wildlife hike to search for monkeys and tropical birds, stopping for a splash beneath a cool, tumbling waterfall. Next, saddle up for a horseback ride back to your lodge in time for a hearty lunch. Afterwards, head to the natural hot springs and warm mud baths, where slathering yourself in squishy volcanic mud isn't just allowed, it's encouraged! Tonight, gather for dinner and a game of wildlife bingo led by your National Geographic Expedition Leaders to track all the plants and animals you've spotted.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Waterfall Hike
Set off on foot alongside your naturalist guide to explore the flora and fauna of Rincon de la Vieja. Keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, white-faced howler or spider monkeys, armadillos, and many types of tropical birds. Your walk culminates at a waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water. Then saddle up to ride back to the hacienda.
Hot Springs and Volcano Mud Bath
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.
Nature and Wildlife Bingo
Join your Expedition Leaders for an entertaining and educational game of nature and wildlife bingo. Check off the things we have seen so far in the trip and get excited for the chance to see any that haven't been spotted yet. Delicious plates of typical Costa Rican food will accompany the activity.
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Day
6Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park/Guanacaste
Spend a relaxed morning at your own pace, soaking in the quiet surroundings of the lodge. If you're looking for something more active, opt to splash down the Rio Negro on a water-tubing run. By afternoon, board your vehicle and head west toward the Pacific Ocean and Guanacaste's famed Gold Coast. Watch the dry forest shift into sunny beachscapes, and check into your beachside home for the next two nights. Put your toes in the sand and listen to the waves as the sun sets over the ocean.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Take the evening to settle in, relax and take in the vibes of this quaint Pacific beach town.
1Optional Activities for Day 6
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Day
7Guanacaste
Spend a full day playing and relaxing by the ocean. Splash in the warm Pacific waters, build sandcastles on the shore, or lounge poolside under the tropical sun. If you feel like exploring, choose an optional boat trip across the bay to spot marine life around neighbouring islands. Tonight, gather with the whole group for a farewell dinner to laugh, trade photos, and celebrate your favourite moments from the week.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
There's plenty of exploring to do here, opt to get out on the water or choose to play at the beach or in the pool all day.
1Optional Activities for Day 7
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Day
8Guanacaste
Depart at any time.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Costa Rica Family Journey: From Cloud Forests To The Beach tour:
Group Size
Max 22, avg 16
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: San Luis Rural Community Experience & Lunch, San LuisMade Together Moment: Traditional Sugar Cane Press, San LuisYour Family Journeys Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project, MonteverdeJunior Explorer's Night: Nature and Wildlife Bingo, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. Arrival transfer. Naturalist guided cloud forest night walk. Canyon canopy tour in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Rio Negro Hot Springs and volcanic mud bath. Horseback riding and guided hike in Rincon de la Vieja. All tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leaders and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Soar through the jungle canopy on zip lines, Join a naturalist on a night walk through the cloud forest, keeping your ears open for the symphony of hooting owls, croaking frogs, and chirping insects, Test your skills at a cooking class as you whip up delicious Costa Rican dishes, Jump into a natural mud bath, and swim in pools heated by area volcanoes.
Optional Activities
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Monteverde- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit (35-50USD per person)- Ziplining - Hanging Bridges Monteverde (56-60USD per person)Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park- Rio Negro Tubing Adventure (60USD per person)Guanacaste- Guanacaste Sailing (85-95USD per person)
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements 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. 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.
Accommodation Summary
Hotels (7 nts)
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
What are the meals like on this trip?
Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. It's important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries.Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our Expedition Leader will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip). Drinking water is available throughout (don't forget your refillable water bottle as you will have access to either filtered water from hotels or as made available by the Expedition Leader). Healthy, local snacks will also be available.Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
Group Leader
Two National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout, local guides.
What is the role of the group leader during this trip?
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Private vehicle, boat, horse, walking
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Notes
Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Checklist
Costa Rica Water Activities:o Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)o Sport Sandals or Water Shoes (if you plan to do waterfall rappelling and/or rafting)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso 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)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: 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.
Packing 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.
What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters may not always be available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.
Service Level
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?
Local tipping is included on this Family trip which covers local guides, drivers and gratuity for included meals. At the end of your trip if you felt your National Geographic Expedition Leaders did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline; per Expedition Leader $8-10 USD per person, per day can be used.For non-included meals in restaurant, a guideline is 10-15% of cost of bill.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.