A 9-day Ultimate Family Adventure in Costa Rica is for families who love adventure and adrenaline in a fine way. Explore the majestic nature of Costa Rica as you deserve. From volcanoes to rivers, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the less visited spots, true wilderness, where the jungle meets the sea.
This Costa Rica family adventure itinerary was designed for a family of six: mom and dad with 2 adult children and their spouses. They wanted physical challenges and really wanted to avoid mass tourism mentality.
What are they in for? Everything the connoisseur traveler wants when taking on Costa Rica. Comfortable hotels, but also unique adventures — hiking, rafting, nature observation, tree climbing, hiking, canopy zip lines, canyoning , white water rafting, 4×4 exploration. Where? All over the heart of Costa Rica — with volcanoes and natural hot springs, cloud forest, rainforest, beach, misty mountains, crystalline rivers, waterfalls, classic jungle, and best of all, Costa Rica’s remarkable people and private places.
Family-friendly Itinerary in Costa Rica
Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica
Meet your private transfer service, rental car, or Serendipity guide at the San José airport. You’ll ascend to the cloud forest – as remote from city life and bustling airports as you can imagine. The lodge is peaceful, surrounded by nature.
Day 2: Enjoy the Mystic Cloud Forest
This morning we’ll enjoy hiking in the cloud forest. We’ll hike on trails to waterfalls and through forest. The hummingbirds will leave a print on your memory, simply beautiful. Sometime after lunch we’ll descend to the San Carlos plains where you will stay at a well-located hotel away from the masses.
Day 3: Costa Rica River Float Safari
We leave for intense nature watching in the Northern part of Costa Rica, on the Rio Frio. Serendipity’s “boat” is quite different. Propelled by an electric motor and sitting at water level, it has stealth capabilities. You can silently approach everything from Jesus Christ lizards and Cayman to monkeys, and glide silently right next to giant herons and under nesting trogons.
Day 4: Hiking Arenal Volcano Lava Trails
Your choice of hikes today: some serious climbing up unimproved trails to the top of Cerro Chato (and a remarkable view of Arenal volcano’s peak, 500 yards away), or a very gentle hike at the base of Arenal volcano, or a moderate hike, with chances for spotting the turquoise waters of the Celeste river.
Day 5: Tree Climbing in Primary Rainforest
Today we are moving on towards the white water area, but first we’ll go on a hike in primary rainforest and climb one or two interesting trees. We’ll ascend Abraham to a secure platform 110 feet above the jungle floor, hanging in the lowest branch. We’ll have lunch up here and you can stay for as long as you wish, enjoying the noisy top of the forest. Descend Abraham, and hike to Joseph, an ancient ficus, already a venerable old tree when Columbus first arrived in Costa Rica. If you still feel like climbing, you can ascend Joseph — scale the roots structure on the inside of the tree, then descend 50 feet by rappelling the exterior. Then we´ll move on towards our next destination, and late this afternoon we’ll arrive in Turrialba.
Day 6: Costa Rica Canyoning Paradise
Canyoning is descending in harnesses with ropes and rocks and waterfalls and deep crevasses. The adrenaline rush is high and the natural jungle setting is breathtaking —. We have a few different sites where we can go, so we’ll discuss with you which one will be best for your family or group.
Day 7: Whitewater Rafting the Magnificent Pacuare River
The first day of an overnight river expedition. The first part of the Pacuare adventure is class II and III, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy the river to the fullest by playing and swimming, and also enjoy the surrounding forest. The Serendipity crew will cook for you at our beautiful campsite at the river’s edge.
Day 8: Second Day Pacuare Adventure
Today will be the payoff for the hard pushing all week is the magnificent Pacuare River — 18 miles of roaring Class IV whitewater. Named by National Geographic as one of the 10 most beautiful rivers of the world, the Pacuare with Serendipity brings you to life — teamwork, adrenaline, a thrilling experience to share with your own select team of friends or family. Serendipity approaches white water differently from day-trip tour companies – it is a team, not a tour. You’ll remember your guides, you’ll remember the lunch, and you’ll remember the thrill of taking on the amazing challenge. This is, without a doubt, a very good way to complete your family adventure in Costa Rica.
This evening we’ll be back in San Jose where your guide will take you out for a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Departure or Travel to the Coast
If you are going back home today, we’ll arrange for an airport transfer in time for check-in.
You’ve covered the best of the interior of Costa Rica, but if you have a few more days at your disposition, you may enjoy some time to relax, on the beach. The hard part is deciding what is your perfect beach… Serendipity knows where to find quiet, uncrowded, clean beaches — for scuba? Snorkel? Sailing? Surfing? Horseback riding? Skinny dipping? White sands, beautiful sunsets (these you find everywhere).
Pricing
Your final price depends on how many people will be in your group, your preferences for action, hotel choices, and what tourist season or holidays are involved. Please note that our itineraries do not include international airfare, travel insurance, lunch and dinner (unless stated as included), optional activities and tips, and additional services (e.g. laundry).
When you speak with one of our Travel Specialists, they will ask you what your individual or family budget is. This is so they can create a trip plan that fits your needs, while also respecting the budget available.
| Style of Travel | Price per Person, per Week |
|---|---|
| Fully Independent | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Mix of Independent & Guided | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Fully Guided Trip | $3,500 – $4,000+ |