Costa Rica Family Vacations

White water rafting for all ages, rappelling down waterfalls, ziplining across the rain forest canopy, ATV trips, kayaking through mangrove swamps, volcano hikes – it’s non stop action!

Visit a coffee farm and learn the secrets of how some of the best coffee in the world is made, or see how chocolate is made, from the very moment you open up the cacao fruit! Learn to milk a cow at a sustainable dairy farm, and make your own sugar cane juice. Learn the amazing secrets of how pig and cow manure is turned into natural gas used in kitchens!

Sloths, huge iguanas, poison dart frogs, giant turtles, amazing bird and insect life – it’s all there and easy to see. Think night safaris in search of amazing nocturnal creatures you never knew existed, visiting beaches to see turtles laying eggs and perhaps witness a new hatchling running down to the sea, or hundreds of dolphins playing around your boat – Costa Rica has this and much more.

For when you just want to relax, there are great beaches, hot springs, very kid friendly local food and great resorts!

Day 1
Arrive in San Jose and transfer to an authentic coffee plantation overnight. What a cool way to start a trip!

Day 2
Costa Rica is a leading coffee manufacturer and this morning learn how coffee is grown and processed into that perfect cappuccino for your local coffee store. Later, take an internal flight to the southern region, home to the incredible Osa Peninsula and the Corcovado National Park, the most pristine jungle region in the country. Check into your jungle lodge or boutique ocean fronting accommodation.

Days 3 & 4
Spend two days exploring the incredible diversity of the jungle and the wild coastline. You may hike in old growth forests or seek out the amazing wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, caimans and monitor lizards. You could go on a guided night walk in search of poison tree frogs, search for dolphins, go snorkeling or visit local schools and communities!

Day 5
Fly back to the center of the country and hop onto your raft for a 1.5 hr white water rafting trip which will take you directly to your next lodge! Now that’s an adventure! Check in for a 2 night stay.

Day 6
Today enjoy a jungle canyoning adventure – a mix of hiking, rock climbing and rappelling!

Day 7
It’s time to get back on the white water as you raft your way back to civilization and proceed to the Arenal volcano region or the Monteverde cloud forest area. These regions are rich in adventure! Check in for a 3 night luxury glamping or lodge experience.

Day 8
This morning enjoy a zipline adventure explore and then later, explore the rainforest canopy by way of a series of high suspension bridges.

Day 9
This morning visit a famous birding sanctuary on foot or by slow boat with your experienced guide. Later, relax at a hot springs resort. What a great way to end the day!

Day 10
Travel back to San Jose and check in for home, with memories to last a lifetime!

Extend your trip?

Spend 2 or 3 nights at an ocean resort enjoying the beaches, learning to surf, as well as snorkeling, kayaking and SUP!

Costa Rica is excellent at all times of year. Temperatures in Central America are constant all year round. Seasons are divided into wet and dry, with the wet season running usually from May to mid November, and the dry season from mid November to the end of April. Both seasons are highly recommended. In the wet season, it usually rains overnight and an hour or two in the afternoons, leaving the land fresh and green. Prices are also cheaper during the wet season.

Costa Rica has established itself as a perfect destination for families!

Trips are based on nature, wildlife and adventure activities. nature and wildlife experiences are great for all ages, while adventure experiences are ideal for kids aged 8 and up.

Great beaches are everywhere as well!

Enjoy nature and wildlife: Hike in the jungles in search of sloths and iguanas, go on a night expedition in search of poison dart frogs and other amphibians, watch turtles laying eggs in their natural environment, and visit a butterfly house!

Action Adventure: White water rafting, hanging bridges over the jungle, canyoning, snorkeling, searching for dolphins and ziplines! And let’s not forget the beach!

Food is based on rice and beans, often served with chicken, beef or fish. Vegetarian and vegan food is available. The food is not spicy, is healthy and there is amazing fruit too!

Accommodation can include intimate boutique hotels, large North American and European chain hotels, and incredible, remote, jungle lodges.

Costa Rica is not a cheap destination. It is very popular, especially over the Xmas/New Year period. It attracts plenty of North American guests, standards are good and English is spoken in all areas frequented by tourists. A typical Quivertree trip will include 4* and 5* accommodations as well as exclusive lodges.

Nicaragua is very similar in many ways, including many nature and wildlife experiences. Adventures can include hiking, ocean activities such as surfing, and volcano boarding! Nicaragua also has amazing old colonial towns. Hotels are mostly small and boutique style. Nicaragua sees far less visitors than Costa Rica. It is also a cheaper destination than Costa Rica.