9 days tour

Costa Rica Family Holiday With Teenagers

Costa Rica Family Holiday With Teenagers

This tour includes:

Transport

Private vehicle,Boat,Public Transportation

Guide

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, 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. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation

Accommodation is clean and simple. Youโ€™ll mainly stay in small, locally-run, 2-3 star hotels and guesthouses, which reflect the character of the area,generally these will be a twin room with private facilities. Sometimes youโ€™ll stay in larger, more comfortable hotels or occasionally rustic accommodation with basic facilities. We use a variety of accommodation on most trips; chosen for their value for money, location and atmosphere. We also try and incorporate unique accommodation experiences, such as a night with a local tribe, or sleeping under the stars in the desert. GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room. Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room. Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we canโ€™t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this. Hotels (8 nights)

Others

San Jose - Poas Volcano National Park San Jose - City Tour San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum Arenal - Ecotermales Hot Springs Whitewater Rafting Monteverde - Sky Walk Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee) Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included Passports, visas and entry requirements PASSPORT You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. As a general rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time. It is important that you check your governmentโ€™s foreign travel advisories along with the consular website of the country or countries you are travelling to for the most up to date information specific to your nationality and circumstances. Please be aware that not all visa information found online from other sources may be valid while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time. Your booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service or you can apply yourself directly through a consulate. Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Due to constantly evolving COVID-19 requirements and restrictions, please refer to your governmentโ€™s foreign travel advice for most up to date information. COSTA RICA VISA Passport holders from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand and The United States of America are not required to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Some nationalities will require a visa but be aware that you cannot get it at the border. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica for the most up to date information. To enter the country visitors are required to have a return or onward travel ticket. Visitors generally get a 90-day stamp in their passport upon entering Costa Rica. COSTA RICA COVID-19 ENTRY & EXIT REQUIREMENTS For the latest update of what is required in order to enter Costa Rica, please check your governmentโ€™s foreign travel advice as well as see the following website: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/statement-costa-rica-touris.... Requirements include a Digital Health Pass and specific health insurance. Please note that as well as the health insurance required by Costa Rica, you will also need to have a travel insurance policy that covers you for travel to and from Costa Rica as well as other expenses outside of COVID-19 related illness within the country. Most air passengers are now required to get a COVID-19 test within 3 days of boarding their return flight. This includes citizens returning to their home country after their travels. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers before they board otherwise boarding will be denied. We are able to facilitate taking a COVID-19 test while on trip when your group is in Costa Rica. Results take approximately 48 hours and the cost is approximately USD 160 per person. Please ensure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test which will be payable directly to the testing site. Your Intrepid leader will provide more details at the group meeting as well as book appointments for all travelers who need to be tested. MANDATORY VACCINATION POLICY From 1 December 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. This policy is in addition to any specific testing or vaccination requirements for entry or exit to a destination or required by your airline. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19

Flights

International flights not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance). Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance companyโ€™s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bankโ€™s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Optional

Other activities and services not included A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isnโ€™t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and donโ€™t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When itโ€™s recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Costa Rica Family Holiday With Teenagers

  • Day 1 Day 1: San Josรฉ
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: San Josรฉ

      Welcome to subtropical San Jose! Meet your leader and fellow family travellers at a welcome meeting at 5 pm at the hotel. If you arrive early there is plenty to see in this bustling city, and as the streets are laid out in a grid pattern itโ€™s relatively easy to navigate too. Check out a few of the optional activities below, just note that as these activities are not included, they may incur an extra charge. The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, for example, is the perfect way to introduce kids (and adults) of all ages to Costa Rican biodiversity while getting some respite from the clamour of the city. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a taste of โ€˜Ticoโ€™ food (and get to know the other families and your tour leader) with an optional dinner as a group.

      Accommodation: Hotel Autรฉntico or similar

  • Day 2 Day 2: Sarapiquรญ
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Sarapiquรญ

      Kick off your Costa Rican adventure with a hearty breakfast before hitting the road to make our way to Poas Volcano National Park. In the park youโ€™ll discover untouched nature, an active volcano, and have the chance to breathe fresh, cool mountain air. At the top of this volcano, 2,700 metres above sea level, you can step to the edge of a platform and look down on a smoking sleeping giant โ€“ steam can pour out around a sulphuric, bubbling, green crater lake. In the afternoon, make your way to Sarapiqui, a town known for its rich biodiversity. On arrival settle into your hotel then join your leader on a walk through the rainforest, crossing trails as you look out for wildlife. This evening is free for your own discoveries โ€“ you may like to book an excursion to learn about the regionโ€™s nocturnal creatures.

      Accommodation: Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge and Hotel or Similar

  • Day 3 Day 3: Arenal
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Arenal

      Today youโ€™ll cross west through the north of the country to the Arenal volcano area (approximately 1 hour), which lies beneath the volcano of the same name. Rising from verdant plains, Arenal Volcano shoots up 1633 metres in a perfect cone and in certain light resembles a storybook drawing. The landscape is mainly cloud forest and rainforest, cut through with rivers, lakes and -- thanks to the volcanoโ€™s inner workings -- thermal hot springs. On arrival you are free to explore the area at your own pace. Or perhaps youโ€™d prefer to unwind by the hotel pool in view of the mighty Arenal Volcano. Your accommodation also features onsite hot springs where you can relax your muscles.

      Accommodation: Hotel Magic Mountain or similar

  • Day 4 Day 4: Arenal
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Arenal

      Get and explore the lush tropical surrounds of this idyllic location with the family. For many, one of the highlights of this trip is the exhilarating fun of battling the gushing rapids of the Balsa River. The level of rafting here is very suitable for families (Class 2 to 3), but please note that the minimum age is 8 years old. After a safety briefing and getting kitted out with an orange vest, youโ€™ll get wet and wild, working your way as a team through increasingly challenging rapids with names like โ€˜Magnetic Rockโ€™, โ€˜Congo Locoโ€™and โ€˜Dredgesโ€™. Along the way, look out for wildlife such as sloths and Toucans โ€“ if youโ€™re not too busy getting wet that is. When you finish and return to the hotel.

      Accommodation: Hotel Magic Mountain or similar

  • Day 5 Day 5: Monteverde
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Monteverde

      Today youโ€™ll take the scenic route to Monteverde (approximately 4 hours in total). Travel by minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross the water by boat. On the other side of the lake, re-board a minibus and continue on to our destination. In 1951 North American Quakers founded the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a sanctuary for the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica. More than 2000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call the reserve home, and over the next few days youโ€™ll get acquainted with some of them. There may be time to make an optional visit the nearby Butterfly Garden today upon arrival (an additional cost). Otherwise, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

      Accommodation: Villa Lodge and Hotel or similar

  • Day 6 Day 6: Monteverde
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Monteverde

      See the forest from a different perspective on an included canopy walk across the suspended bridges of Monteverde. The sheer variety of bird life in Monteverde is enough to make an ornithologist out of anyone, so donโ€™t be surprised if younger children have a new answer to the question โ€˜what do you want to do when you grow up?โ€™ While youโ€™re up among the treetops look (or listen) out for the reclusive resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot or the emerald toucanet. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or partake in some optional activities. You could visit an orchid farm or whizz through the trees on zip-lines. If conditions are right, there might be a chance to hike through the forest at dusk, a unique opportunity to see the areaโ€™s nocturnal creatures begin to stir.

      Accommodation: Villa Lodge and Hotel or similar

  • Day 7 Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park

      Wave adios to Monteverde and hit the Pan-American Highway for a southward journey past beaches and palm plantations to Manuel Antonio (around 6 hours). Along the way we stop a local family home where you will have the opportunity learn how to cook authentic local Costa Rican food and share time with 3 generations of Costa Ricans. Enjoying the essence of the Pura Vida. An experience you will enjoy as a family. Enjoy a free evening to relax before exploring the park on foot tomorrow.

      Accommodation: Hotel Divisamar or similar

  • Day 8 Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park

      After breakfast enjoy a 3-hour guided walk along the trails that snake through Manuel Antonio National Park. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about the areaโ€™s diverse wild and plant life from your guide. Look and listen carefully and you may be able to spot howler monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas and more. The afternoon is free to explore this magical area further at your familyโ€™s desired pace. Maybe youโ€™d like to relax on one of the idyllic palm-lined bays while the kids splash in the water. Active types have the option to rent equipment to kayak, surf or fish in the glittering ocean (for an extra cost). There are no wrong choices in this balmy paradise.

      Accommodation: Hotel Divisamar or similar

  • Day 9 Day 9: San Josรฉ
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: San Josรฉ

      Rise and shine for your final morning in this beachside haven. Enjoy your last hours in Manuel Antonio with some free time before making the return drive to San Jose in the mid-afternoon (approximately 3 hours). There are no activities planned on arrival at San Jose. If youโ€™re flying out today, itโ€™s important to book your flight for no earlier than 6pm. The group will be dropped back off at the starting point hotel. Note there is no accommodation included today. If you wish to stay longer in San Jose weโ€™ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability)..

      Accommodation: Hotel Autรฉntico or similar

+6
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. Youโ€™ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 10 / Max: 99

Suitable age range for the experience. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Select a country to define if the visa is required