White beaches, abundant bird life, active volcanoes and magical cloud forests. Costa Rica is the ideal destination for the active family seeking an exciting alternative to traditional family vacations. There are plenty of kid friendly activities for the enjoyment of the entire family. Animal life includes sea turtles, boa constrictors, toucans and macaws. Costa Rica is a fantastic nature experience for families!

Itinerary:

Day 1, SAN JOSE Arrive and transfer to hotel.Day 2, SAN JOSE - POAS VOLCANO The Poas Volcano National Park is one of the most visited protected areas in the country. The ride there is scenic and pleasant. The La Paz waterfall is the most photographed waterfall in all of Costa Rica. In the same complex we can enjoy the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden and the Serpentarium. (B) Day 3, SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NP Travel by bus and boat into the Tortuguero National Park. This vast park is one of the jewels in Costa Rica's crown and features miles of jungle-fringed canals and lagoons that are home to howler monkeys, brightly coloured parrots and a wide variety of other wildlife. We spend two nights in a comfortable lodge with swimming pool. (BLD) Day 4, TORTUGUERO NP We spend a full day exploring the National Park by boat with our knowledge local guide. (BLD) Day 5, TORTUGUERO - SARAPIQUI We leave the rainforest behind and head for La Quinta de Sarapiqui Inn. This is a country inn run by a Costa Rican family. The hammocks at the wooden deck in front of the small swimming pool and the river invite you to relax. Day 6, SARAPIQUI - FORTUNA After breakfast we drive through mountains and typical small villages to Fortuna, a small town nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano. (B) Day 7, ARENAL VOLCANO The Arenal Volcano is highly active and its cone-shaped peak constantly emits explosions of sulphurous gases, streams of red-hot lava and loud rumbles. We have a full day to explore around the lower slopes of the volcano. In the evening you will enjoy a perfect view of the volcano from the porch of your own room. (B) Day 8, FORTUNA - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST Early in the morning a short ride take us to Arenal Lake. We drive to the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde, an astonishingly beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna of every description. Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. (B) Day 9, MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST Today we try the Sky Walk, a combination of suspension bridges and platforms built in the cloud forest, that offers an opportunity to explore the forest canopy in a safe and easy manner. The Sky Walk allows a vision of the forest from a different perspective which starts with a walk on the ground through the forest, and takes you up to explore the tops of the trees! There is abundant wildlife and we hope to spot the resplendent quetzal as well as a variety of monkeys, wild cats and reptiles. (B) Day 10, MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST - MANUEL ANTONIO NP Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, where we spend two nights. This park features some of Costa Rica's finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle, from which iguanas and monkeys often emerge. (B) Day 11, MANUEL ANTONIO A full day to relax on the beach or follow hiking trails through the tropical forest. (B) Day 12, MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE After a relaxing morning we travel back to San Jose. (B) Day 13, SAN JOSE Tour ends. (B)

Group Size: Max 20
Activities: Hiking in National Parks, Skywalk canopy tour
Accommodation: 12 nights tourist class hotels and lodges
Transport: Bus, boat
Airport Transfer: To hotel on day 1
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of guides in Tortuguero NP
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites visited as part of the itinerary
Trip Reference: FLWD08