Costa Rica

Costa Rica Summer Tour

As the name suggests, this itinerary is ideal for travel during July and August. At this time the best beach weather is to be found on the Caribbean coast and turtles can be spotted laying eggs in Tortuguero. The itinerary is therefore designed with this in mind. Plenty of activities are included but remember that this itinerary is just a sample to give you an idea of the kind of thing that you could do. We will then tailor this to your particular family and travel dates. Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.

Highlights

  Tubing in turquoise Rio Celeste
  Arenal zip-ling & hot springs
  White water rafting
  Turtles in Tortuguero
  Idyllic Caribbean beaches

15 days from £2,375 pp

Plus international flights from £750

A 2-week summer activity holiday in Costa Rica for a family of four usually starts from £9,500 plus flights.

View pricing guide

Costa Rica Summer Tour day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 San Jose
When you arrive you will be transferred to your hotel by a Stubborn Mule Travel representative and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax.


Day 2 San Jose – Bijagua
This morning drive north to the quiet village of Bijagua, in Costa Rica’s rural heartland. The area is much more agricultural and less touristy than other parts of the country and offers a great opportunity to see a different side of Costa Rican life. Here you might see locals getting about on horseback or carrying milk in the big old-fashioned metal containers over their shoulders. You are also perfectly placed to visit the stunning Volcan Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the area. There are walking trails you can follow as well as several local activities, such as a hike to a waterfall or horse riding.


Day 3 Bijagua
An exciting morning tubing expedition, during which you float on giant inner tubes down the beautiful Rio Celeste. This is a fantastic experience with a combination of calm water where you can relax, and rapids where you have to hold on tight!

In the afternoon return to your accommodation and the rest of the day is free.


Day 4 Bijagua
After breakfast, head further off the beaten track into rural Costa Rica to a small working farm nestled in the rainforest surrounding Tenorio Volcano. Your guide will take you around the farm, through picturesque plantations of cacao, coconut and fruit trees. Learn about the process of making chocolate, from bean to bar and sample a delicious cup of locally produced hot chocolate. This tour is always a hit with families, but if you prefer something else, you could take a guided hike or horse ride in Volcan Tenorio National Park.


Day 5 Bijagua – La Fortuna
This morning drive through the lush mountains of the Cordillera Central, past flourishing coffee and fruit plantations, en route to the picturesque town of La Fortuna and huge Arenal Volcano that towers over it.

This afternoon take a sloth tour. The Arenal area is well known for its diverse wildlife, including the two different sloth species living in Costa Rica. Always a favourite with children, this afternoon’s tour will see you heading into the beautiful countryside around La Fortuna to find as many wild sloths as possible. Borrow the guide’s binoculars to watch the animals as they snooze in the tree branches or make their way slowly (so slowly) through the forest canopy. Along the way you may also see Toucans, Red and Blue Jean Poison Dart Frogs, hummingbirds, iguanas and monkeys.


Day 6 La Fortuna
This morning those with older children will head off for a rafting tour on the Balsa River. This is an exciting adrenalin fuelled activity and you will paddle through crashing rapids as the river descends through a beautiful landscape of forest that is packed with wildlife if you have a chance to look around!

Those with younger children will enjoy a more relaxed raft experience on a flat section of the river. Giant trees overhang the banks with monkeys swinging from branch to branch and crocodiles bask in the sun on the sand bars at the edge of the river. You will stop at a local farm for snacks and may be lucky enough to see sloth in the jungle that surrounds the farm.

This evening perhaps head to some of the hot springs for a rejuvenating experience.

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Day 7 La Fortuna
Today you have an adventure in the rainforest. The experience starts with a walk over the hanging bridges. These are long suspension bridges that have been built high in the forest canopy. If you are lucky you might come across a troupe of howler monkeys but there are birds galore as well as iridescent flying beetles that will keep the children entertained.

Next up you get yourselves strapped into a harness and ride to the top of the mountain in a cable car. Then it’s time for an adrenalin rush! Fly across the valley on a series of descending ziplines, each several hundred metres long and high above the hillside. It is wonderfully exhilarating and a real adventure.


Day 8 La Fortuna – Tortuguero National Park
Rise early this morning to head for Tortuguero National Park, situated in a remote location on the Caribbean coast. The park is a protected area that is famous for the turtles that come ashore during the summer months to lay their eggs. There is no road access and the last part of the journey is by boat with excellent wildlife spotting opportunities en route.

In the afternoon you can visit the small museum or just sit on your porch and keep your eyes peeled for howler and spider monkeys jumping through the forest canopy, as well as tree frogs and the occasional iguana or sloth.


Day 9 Tortuguero National Park
This morning you will take a sunrise boat ride through on the canals surrounding the lodge. Your eagle-eyed guides will point out the incredible range of wildlife, including sloths, snakes, bats, iguanas, monkeys, caimen and a huge variety of birds.

Later you will head out on foot into the jungle to try to spot some of the beautiful birds and insects that live here.

In the evening there is the opportunity to head to the beach to see mother turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The visit is strictly controlled by the national park and the viewing times are in the late evening so can be difficult for younger children. However, it is completely magical to see these giant creatures wade onto the shore, dig a hole and then lays dozens of eggs, all under the moonlight.


Day 10 Tortuguero – Beach
After breakfast you will transfer by boat and vehicle to the southern Caribbean Coast for four nights on the beach. The coast here is an endless series of beautiful beaches backed by swaying palms with a wonderfully relaxed vibe. It’s time to find a hammock and relax!


Days 11-13 Beach
Three full days to enjoy the beautiful beaches. Cahuita National Park is also worth a visit and is home to sloths, white-faced monekys, howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, raccoons and many birds and butterflies.


Day 14 Beach – San Jose
Today you will head back to San Jose for a final night.


Day 15 San Jose
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.

01728 752751

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