Travel to Costa Rica: Costa Rica Family Vacation

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Costa Rica Family Vacation

			DAYS: 9 GRADE: I-II define PRICE: From $1995 per person (Includes Local Air) * $100 child discount May thru Nov 2009 departures * HIGHLIGHTS: For children 5 and older Don Juan Bautista's Farm La Fortuna Waterfall Hotsprings Arenal Volcano Hanging bridges Danaus Ecocenter Los Angeles Cloud Forest Villa Blanca zipline canopy tour Nocturnal Walk Damas Island Kayaking float tour Interaction with the locals Family friendly hotels in Costa Rica ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Explore Costa Rica with your family on one of our most in-depth, easy and exciting tropical adventures with kids! Designed for families with children of all ages we watch wildlife from hanging bridges and fly on a zip-line through the forest canopy, explore nocturnal wildlife on jungle night walks, swim under waterfalls and soak in hot springs. On this Costa Rica family tour we witness the fiery cascade of lava from thundering Arenal Volcano, the mystical Los Angeles Cloud Forest, and then enjoy relaxing beach time and easy sea kayaking among the rainforests, wildlife, and white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Ricas best national parks to see wildlife! Along the way our expert naturalist guide will introduce us to local Costa Ricans stopping to visit Don Juan Bautistas farm, and to enjoy several meals with local families who take great pride in sharing typical Costa Rican life!

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE COSTA RICA
Receive a warm Costa Rican Tico welcome after passing through customs. Hotel transfer and overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea or similar. [meals on own]

Your guide will educate you on the wonders of the forest.

DAY 2 :  DON JUAN'S FARM AND LA FORTUNA WATERFALL OR RAIN FOREST WALK
Our Costa Rica adventure begins with a scenic drive through the countryside. At El Bosque, a small town near the Arenal Volcano we visit Don Juan Bautista, a local farmer who loves to show his 60 crop species and teaches visitors about tropical farming, native and introduced plants, including their medicinal uses. He is especially proud of his bio-digester methane gas production system that uses cow manure as a fuel source to produce methane gas for cooking! Well harvest some crops and conclude with a tortilla making challenge for participants and a delicious lunch prepared by Yamileth, his wife, using our freshly picked produce.

Further into the Central Highlands we hike through a lush canyon for a refreshing swim under La Fortuna waterfall or take a rain forest walk to look for different species of monkeys and other type of wildlife. Then its a short jaunt around the volcano to Arenal Observatory Lodge. Arenal Volcano is one of the worlds most active volcanoes. During the day we can observe the steaming volcano and hear its thundering roar and at night we observe fiery cascades of lava flowing down the sides of the volcano (from a safe distance). Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar [BLD]

DAY 3 :   HANGING BRIDGES, ARENAL VOLCANO AND HOT SPRINGS

Grab your binoculars and water bottle as we head out to experience the rain forest canopy through a series of hanging bridges winding through the old growth forest. Over 250 species of birds and animals, including the White Hawk, Great Curassow, Rufous Motmot, Howler Monkey, Spider Monkey, Coatimundi, Sloth, and White-collared Peccary are easily seen here.

We are reminded of Earths origins as we explore the Arenal Volcano and surrounding areas.  The Arenal Volcano has an almost perfect cone, which soars 1,633 meters above sea level.  The crater is 140 meters deep formed over an ancient caldera. From time to time loud explosions are heard and a mushroom cloud of gray, brown, orange or blue smoke billows out of the top.

In the afternoon we take a dip in a large hot spring locally owned by Dona Mireya and her family. There are five creek-fed pools, one of which is always the perfect temperature for relaxing as the sun sets, after which we are treated to one of Dona Mireya's delicious home-style meals served in a rustic wooden rancho. Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar [BLD]

	Watch for Keel billed toucans in the cloud forest.

DAY 4 :   DANAUS ECOCENTER AND NIGHT WALK TOUR VILLA BLANCA

Our first stop at the Danaus Ecocenter is a wonderful opportunity to see Costa Rica's infamous Red Poison Arrow Frog, the Red Eye Frog, and a variety of spectacular butterflies in the butterfly garden. The Center hosts an amazing diversity of mammals and reptiles, including sloths, marsupials, agoutis, coatis, caimans, and lizards in a natural tropical forest preserve.

Over lush farmlands and forests we reach Los Angeles Cloud Forest located in San Ramon, a small farming community in the heart of Costa Rica Central Highlands. We spend the night in a tranquil hacienda, featuring twenty cozy chalets with private baths and plenty of charm. This is the perfect base from which to explore the adjacent Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Trails through this private 800-hectare reserve begin at an elevation of 2,300' and wind upwards through the lush tropical cloud-forests to 6,000 feet. Listen for the calls of Howler Monkeys and watch for Spider Monkeys and Capuchins. Some 210 species of birds have been identified including Bellbirds and Trogons. After dark, our guide takes us on a walk in the forest to observe the variety of nocturnal insects and wildlife. (It is recommended for children to bring their own headlamps.) Overnight at Hotel Villa Blanca or similar. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  VILLA BLANCA CANOPY TOUR-MANUEL ANTONIO
Today begins with an adrenaline rush as we fly through the forest canopy on a zip-line adventure (optional) that takes us between seven different platforms connected by cables hanging from a secure harness; a truly exhilarating experience! Climbing back into our vehicle we descend toward the Pacific coast and the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio.  En route we make a short stop to view the huge American Crocodiles basking in the sun at the Tarcoles River bridge. Lunch may be one of your most memorable highlights: an authentic homemade Costa Rican meal deliciously prepared with pride and served in the home of Dona Miriam and Don Urbano. Their home is the perfect setting to enjoy the ocean view while we savor Dona Miriams delicious patacotes (fried plantain), hand-made tortillas, coconut cajetas (a sweet dessert treat) and Don Urbanos fresh catch of the day. Keep your binoculars handy as we have a good chance to see Scarlet Macaws feeding on the almond trees near the house. After lunch reach Manuel Antonio in time to enjoy a refreshing swim before dinner. Our tropical hotel offers spacious rooms, private bath, comfortable beds and splendid views. Hotel Villas Si Como No, El Parador or similar. [BL]

Squirrel monkeys are one of the species of primates in the Manuel Antonio area.

DAY 6 :  DAMAS ISLAND KAYAKING TOUR - MANUEL ANTONIO
Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Damas Island paddling quietly in single or double kayaks through the inland waterway as our guide points out wildlife and shares information about the mangrove habitat. Watch for sloths and monkeys gracefully navigating through the canopy. Listen for parrots and keep your eyes open for toucan and scarlet macaws. We will stop for either a typical lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Note: A boat trip can be arranged for anyone who does not want to kayak. Overnight at Hotel Villas Si Como No, Hotel EL Parador or similar. [B & L or D]

DAY 7 :  MANUEL ANTONIO FREE DAY
Enjoy a day to relax and explore on your own. Choose from a variety of adventures (cost not included). Optional activities available in Manuel Antonio include rafting, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing lessons, snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin and sea turtle viewing, beachcombing, horseback riding, or hiking in the national park. Or, you may want to enjoy a quiet day relaxing at the beach or the hotel pool. Overnight at Hotel Villas Si Como No, Hotel EL Parador or similar. [B]

DAY 8 :  SAN JOSE
The morning is free for a last-minute swim or walk on the beach before transferring to the Quepos airstrip for our 30 minute flight to San Jose. (This depends on the time of your international departure the following day.) Those with a later international departure may choose to spend an extra night in the Manuel Antonio area on a space available basis.  Overnight Hotel Bougainvillea, or similar [B]

DAY 9 :  DEPARTURE
Depart for the airport approximately two hours before your scheduled international flight. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Grettel Calderon 1(800)345-4453