Costa Rica Family Vacation

Arrive in San Jose and make your way to your hotel. Overnight in San Jose.

This morning head off to your hotel in Arenal. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano.

Stop en route to Arenal for a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall. The Fortuna River Waterfall is located in a 210-hectare biological reserve for premontane tropical rainforest. The waterfall is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park and is located 520 meters above sea level, where mountains and waters of the Fortuna River spring. To observe this splendid 70 meter-high waterfall, climb 530 steps through native forest--you are provided plenty of opportunity to re-hydrate and rest along the way. Once in front of the waterfall, take a photo opportunity on a wide and comfortable viewpoint.

After the hike, stop for lunch on the way at a local restaurant.

Today enjoy some free time in the Arenal area. A variety of optional excursions are available in this area. Opt to go mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding or even take a hike in the miles of trails in the area. Visit a hot springs such as Ecotermales Hot Springs in the evening. Your guide is on hand to help you plan your day as you wish!

After breakfast take a morning hike into the national park to see old lava flows and enjoy the unique flora.

After the hike say goodbye to Arenal Volcano and head across Lake Arenal on your way to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloud forests on the continent. Founded in 1972, the Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and upwards of 1,500 plant species. In your explorations, keep watch for one of the area's most famed residents, the Resplendent Quetzal.

Today, explore the tree canopy high above the ground by zip-line, and try the famous Tarzan Swing drop! For the less adventurous, there's a nearby sky walk suspended in the canopy that's great for birding and learning more about the local ecology (please let us know ahead of time if you prefer this option). This afternoon, hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees.

This morning, make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos where you stay in a hotel near Manuel Antonio. Spend the afternoon relaxing or schedule an additional excursion. Say good-bye to your guide this evening.

Get up early to hit the Savegre River for some Class II-III whitewater (or try class III on the Naranjo River during green season). Plunge through jungle clad gorges and float past cascading waterfalls. Along the way enjoy the variety of bird life such as egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots, and more. Return to Quepos for the evening.

This morning spend your time as you like. There is no guide service today, so you are free to explore Quepos at your own pace. Walk along the expansive white beaches of nearby Manuel Antonio Park, or explore the lush vegetation, alive with 109 species of mammals and over 184 species of birds.

Later this afternoon, transfer back to San Jose. Or, if your international flight does not depart until late on Day 9, spend tonight relaxing in Quepos.