Costa Rica (Easter & Christmas)
This itinerary is ideal for those with younger children or for families looking for a mixture of activity and relaxation. As always the itinerary will be tailored to your own family so if you want longer on the beach or if you want to throw in a few extra activities, just let us know. We will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for your family.
Highlights
Snorkelling & whale watching
Superb wildlife in Manuel Antonio
Zip-lines at La Fortuna
Rainforest & jungle hikes
Relax on beautiful Pacific beaches
15 days from £2,625 pp
Plus international flights starting at £750
A two-week holiday at Easter or Christmas usually starts from £10,500 plus flights for a family of four.
Costa Rica Easter & Christmas day-to-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.
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 – Uvita
After breakfast, drive along the beautiful coastal road south to Uvita. On the way you may wish to break the journey at Tarcoles, where you can spot crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks of the river from the bridge.
When you arrive, you can either relax at the hotel or head out and explore the area. Uvita is home to the Marino Ballena National Park. There are some spectacular beaches to explore and it is also home to lots of waterfalls which you can visit for a refreshing dip.
Day 3 Uvita
Today you will enjoy a half-day boat trip out to the off-shore Marino Ballena National Park. The coastline here is stunning, with volcanic beaches backed by lush rainforest and palm trees. The area is home to a significant dolphin population and with a bit of luck, pods of dolphin will come to swim alongside the boat. Depending on the season, you may also see whales – they can be usually be seen from mid-July to November and also from mid-December to March/April.
Day 4 Uvita to Manuel Antonio
Drive north along the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio National Park.
In the afternoon you can either relax on the beach or perhaps take a sea-kayaking excursion off the coast from Quepos. Heading into the open water with a guide, you will get magnificent views of the coastline with its jungle clad cliffs and prolific birdlife. You will also stop in a small secluded bay for a spot of snorkelling. Two man kayaks can be arranged so that younger children can also take part.
Day 5 Manuel Antonio National Park
A morning guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. This stretches from the pristine white sands of the Pacific coast to the rugged jungle interior. It encompasses lush rainforest, remote mangrove swamps and idyllic beaches. Capuchin monkeys leap from branch to branch in the forest canopy, three toed sloths make their way slowly through the jungle and brightly coloured kingfishers dart above the river in search of small fish.
The guide will accompany you for a couple of hours, following trails through the jungle to help you spot the animals. At the end of the tour you can remain in the park for the rest of the day, to enjoy the beaches.
Read More Day 6 Manuel Antonio – La Fortuna This afternoon there are lots of activities you can take part in (biking, hiking, paddle-boarding or horse-riding to name a few) or perhaps head to one of the hot springs resort to bathe in the rejuvenating waters. Day 7 La Fortuna Those with younger children will enjoy a more peaceful raft experience on a flat section of the river. Giant trees overhang the banks with monkeys swinging from branch to branch and sloth curled up taking a snooze. Crocodiles bask in the sun on the sand bars at the edge of the river and birds dart across the water. You will stop at a local farm for delicious local snacks. Day 8 La Fortuna 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 9 La Fortuna – Bijagua Day 10 Bijagua Younger children may want to further explore the farm or perhaps take a short walk in Tenorio National Park. Day 11 Beach Days 12-14 Beach Day 15 Beach – San Jose
Today you will leave the coast behind you to head inland to the picturesque town of La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano.
This morning those with older children enjoy an exciting rafting tour on the Balsa River. This adrenalin fuelled activity will take you paddling down crashing rapids as the river descends through a beautiful landscape. The river is surrounded by forest so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife whenever you have a moment between rapids!
Today you head deep into the rainforest. Your tour starts with a walk over the hanging bridges, giant 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.
Drive north to the quiet village of Bijagua where you will stay on a working organic farm in beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon take a hike along some of the short private trails through the farm grounds or perhaps visit a waterfall or go horse riding.
This morning those with older children will enjoy an exciting morning tubing expedition, during which you float on giant inner tubes down the turquoise 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.
Now it’s time for the beach! The northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica is home to a series of glorious beaches and we will suggest one that we think will suit your family. If you want some action, perhaps head to Tamarindo with its lively nightlife and vibrant restaurant scene. If the family like surfing, perhaps Nosara will suit, with its long surf beach and laid back vibe. Our favourite is probably Samara, a picture perfect bay with a lovely golden sweep of sand backed by palm trees but there are plenty of options.
Three full days to relax and enjoy the beach.
Travel back to the capital in time for your flight home.
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
Costa Rica in pictures
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