9-Day Costa Rica Family Experience Tour from San Jose: La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio | Small Group Tour

(5 Reviews)
Product Code: 496663

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • Kick back on Costa Rica's pristine beaches
    • Visit a local family to learn to make tortillas
    • Spot nature in a dense cloud forest
    • Enjoy the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park
    • Kayak and paddle-board in La Fortuna
Tour Code
496663
Duration
9 day
Departure City
San José, Costa Rica
End City
San José, Costa Rica
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Cultural & Historical

Learn about history and local culture with in-depth tours and activities

Tour Type: Guided Tour

Multiple local tour guides/drivers available throughout your tour/activity

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

Day 01
San José, Costa Rica

San José

Hotel: Hotel Radisson San Jose or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Amid the hustle and bustle of this busy capital, San José has beautiful parks, museums and an ornate National Theatre. Start your exploration of the city in the central plaza, a great place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】

A representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our joining point hotel. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.


Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 02
La Fortuna

San José - La Fortuna

Hotel: Magic Mountain or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Excluded

Set off from the capital and enjoy the countryside of the Central Valley. Stop for a tortilla-making lesson, along with a typical Costa Rican lunch.

A three-hour van trip brings us to La Fortuna, near the base of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is a great base for active adventures. Along the way, stop to meet Doña Mara and learn the art of making (and eating!) tortillas.

Once we arrive, there's time to relax in the hot springs that are heated by the volcano's lava.

During our stay in La Fortuna, there is a wide selection of activities sure to please every member of the family. From river rafting, to rappelling down waterfalls, to floating along the canals of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge in search of caiman, there is no excuse to be bored!

【Your Local Living Moment: Tortilla Making and Local Lunch】

Visit a local's home to learn the art of tortilla making. Grind the corn, mix the “masa” (dough) into balls, flatten into circles, and then cook them up on a wood-burning stove. Afterwards, dig into a tasty “casado” – a typical Costa Rican dish including black beans and plantains – complete with your own hand-made tortillas.


Visiting Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Excluded
Day 03
La Fortuna

La Fortuna

Hotel: Magic Mountain or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Take to the lake for a morning of stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Arenal, before a free afternoon.

Get your adrenaline pumping and pre-book the Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

【Your Hands-On Moment: Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour)】

Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

【Your Hands-On Moment: Kayak Lake Arenal】

Zip up your life jacket, grab a paddle and get ready to be wowed by beauty in every direction. Admire Arenal Volcano as you kayak the blue-green waters of Lake Arenal, Central America’s second largest lake. Scan the shores for more than 300 species of birds, listen for howler monkeys and fish for sharp-toothed rainbow bass. Take time to float and soak in the stunning scenery of the rolling hills, secret coves and sky that stretches forever.

【Free Time】

Free afternoon in La Fortuna. Experience the outdoor adventures and amazing wildlife and natural wonders in this area.


Tips:
* Please note that there is often not enough time for the group to do both stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. You will need to pick only one of the two activities to do that morning.

Visiting Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 04
Monteverde

La Fortuna - Monteverde

Hotel: Hotel Fonda Vela or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Travel by bus and boat through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into the cloud forest. Take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand.

From La Fortuna, we make our way first by boat, then by van up the rough mountain roads to reach the fresh misty air of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spend two days exploring the community and nearby forest, truly a bird lover’s paradise.

【Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk】

Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!


Visiting Attractions

  • Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 05
Monteverde

Monteverde

Hotel: Hotel Fonda Vela or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Enjoy a free day in this lush cloud forest region. Opt to fly above the trees on a canopy zipline tour, go horseback riding in the hills or visit the butterfly garden.

【Your Discover Moment】

There's plenty to see and do in Monteverde, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like ziplining, visiting the hanging bridges, and horseback riding. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 06

Monteverde - Manuel Antonio

Hotel: Hotel Tabulia Tree or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Travel to Manuel Antonio and enjoy free time for several optional activities like mangrove kayaking, surf lessons, a sunset catamaran tour, or take some time to relax on the beach.

The white sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. Manuel Antonio NP offers excellent hiking, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife viewing. An included hike goes deep into the park, to explore everything that can be found here.

Enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches and discover why the warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing - the perfect finale to an exciting family adventure!

Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

【Free Time】

Relax and enjoy the delightful Pacific coastline or enjoy some of the activities available in Manuel Antonio.


Visiting Attractions

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Manuel Antonio National Park

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 07

Manuel Antonio

Hotel: Hotel Tabulia Tree or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Take a guided hike through the national park keeping an eye out for the wildlife that can be seen through the trees.

【Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike】

Pack your sunscreen, camera, hiking shoes and bug repellent and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest yet biodiverse national park. Manual Antonio offers four white sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Head to the shade of the nearby tropical forest in search of sloths, monkeys, armadillos and iguanas. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands. Learn how the wildlife has adapted to their environment and enjoy your exotic experience.


Visiting Attractions

  • Manuel Antonio National Park Manuel Antonio National Park

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 08
San José, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio - San José

Hotel: Hotel Radisson San Jose or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Free morning to enjoy more time at the beach. Return to San José in the afternoon. Free evening in San José.

After one final morning to soak up the sun on the beach in Manuel Antonio, we return to San José, and have time to enjoy one final evening together with our group.

【Free Time】

Take advantage of your final hours in the capital and buy some last-minute souvenirs, sit in the park or just pack and relax.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 09
San José, Costa Rica

San José

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Depart at any time.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.

Own Expenses

Day Activity Price Additional Information
D2 La Fortuna Waterfall Swim $20.00/Person
D2 Baldi Hot Springs $64.00/Person
D2 Whitewater Rafting $61.00-86.00/Person
D2 Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour $65.00/Person
D3 La Fortuna Waterfall Swim $20.00/Person
D3 Whitewater Rafting $61.00-86.00/Person
D3 Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour $65.00/Person
D3 Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning $99.00/Person
D3 Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping $125.00/Person
D3 Hanging Bridges $75.00/Person
D3 Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle $149.00/Person
D4 Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit $20.00/Person
D4 Arenal Horseback Riding $66.00-$68.00/Person
D5 Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit $20.00/Person
D5 Monteverde Horseback Riding $45.00/Person
D5 El Trapiche Tour Monteverde $33.00/Person
D5 Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour $40.00/Person
D5 Hanging Bridges Monteverde $47.00/Person
D5 Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour $50.00/Person
D5 Ziplining $60.00/Person
D6 Surfing $55.00-75.00/Person
D6 Kayaking $70.00/Person
D7 Surfing $55.00-75.00/Person
D7 Kayaking $70.00/Person
D7 Whitewater Rafting Manuel Antonio $75.00-98.00/Person
D7 Manuel Antonio National Park Visit $16.00-50.00/Person
  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your Local Living Moment: Tortilla Making and Local Lunch, La Fortuna
    • Your Hands-On Moment: Stand Up Paddle (Lesson and Tour), Arenal
    • Your Hands-On Moment: Kayak Lake Arenal, La Fortuna
    • Your Discover Moment: Monteverde
    • Arrival transfer
    • Kayaking and paddle-boarding in La Fortuna
    • Guided cloud forest night walk (Monteverde)
    • Guided hike in Manuel Antonio NP
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    • Accommodations: Hotels (8-night)
    • Transportation: Private vehicle, boat, walking
    • Staff & experts: CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
    • Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Allow USD380-495 for meals not included)

Package Excludes

    • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
    • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
    • Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
    • It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Tipping of your Chief Experience Officer is very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5- 7 USD per person, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount will always be welcome.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
Please Note:
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Special Notes

    • Dossier Disclaimer
      * The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
      * VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
    • Itinerary Disclaimer
      * While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
      * Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
    • Itinerary Notes.
      * This trip is designed for parents and children to enjoy together. You will be travelling as part of a group of families with other children. The itinerary has been designed with the needs of the whole family in mind. We have given this trip a minimum age for this trip to allow you to be sure that you have the right trip for you and your family. Minimum age of 6 years for this trip. Please see the activities for any specific minimum age requirements.
      * Family adventures are designed for groups travelling with children between the ages of 6 and 17. Your group must have a child in order to book a Family tour, and anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    • Important Notes
      * Costa Rica will not be allowing anyone to enter the country without proof of a departure ticket (bus, airplane, boat, etc.). If you are travelling through a few countries in Central America, you will need to show proof of your itinerary and a departure ticket from your last destination. Please print the itinerary and voucher and bring it with you.
      * Be prepared for rain and lower temperatures during the winter season (June-November), especially in Costa Rica's central valley.
      * Please note that on all Family Adventures one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors planning on travelling then a second adult will be required to attend.
    • Group Leader Description
      * All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues 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. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
    • Meals
      * Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with us you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to group trips.
      * Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
    • What to Take
      * We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
    • Laundry
      * Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
    • Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
  • Depending on your arrival time, your hotel room may not be available until the afternoon. Most hotels allow check-in between 1:00pm-3:00pm, however some charge a fee for early check-in. Please check at the hotel desk to see if you may store your luggage at the hotel if you wish to explore the city on your own before check-in.
  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Children under 6 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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    Conditional Cancellation
    This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
    • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
    • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
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