Costa Rica Family Adventure

Morning Coffee Tour at 8.30am - Skye, Luke and Laura. This is payable locally - US$50.85 per person.

After a leisurely morning at Finca Rosa Blanca, you will be privately transferred at 1pm to Bajos del Toro, and El Silencio Lodge. The drive takes around 1 hour and 45 mins.

Driver contact: David Jimenez
Mobile: (506) 7225-4269

During your stay, the following activities are included:
- Wellness classes (yoga and sound therapy, every day at 8:00 hours),
- Archery classes (at 16:00 hours),
- Access to the waterfalls
- Use of bicycles at any time between 9:00-14.00 (without a guide)
- Planting a Tree: the schedule is upon request. Duration: 20 min approx. Includes: Guide.
- Organic Garden’s Visit: Become an organic farmer by waking up the chickens for their morning feeding and harvesting the still-warm organic eggs they use for breakfast. Feed the hungry trout, and help harvest the farm fresh vegetables from the on-site organic farm. The operation schedule is upon request. Duration: 20 min approx. Includes: Guide.
- Mystique hike: the perfect chance to experience the cloud forest from a different and holistic perspective. Take an inspiring walk through a magical knot garden, hidden paths that embrace nature’s elements, and the delightful hummingbird garden.

Introducing Bajos del Toro

Bajos del Toro is a unique private reserve in the Central Highland area, hidden on the backside of Poas Volcano. It is blessed with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, a couple of which are Costa Rica’s largest; other smaller ones make for perfect swimming holes. There are plenty of fantastic hikes in this region, passing through pristine rainforest and dairy farms, offering a rare glimpse into traditional rural life.

Bajos del Toro Cultural Tour

Pick-up from the Lodge at 9am.

For your first full day, we suggest a leisurely start and a little introduction to the area by way of a walk in the local village.

Embrace the living culture of Bajos del Toro, by visiting one of Costa Rica’s rural communities, just 5 minutes down the road from the Lodge. Learn the traditional way of making fresh tortillas at Doña Olga's house and share a memorable exchange with her. This charming experience is wonderful for all ages.

Total duration: 1.5-2 hours.

Spa Treatment

A Deep Tissue Massage treatment has been booked at the Hotel Spa for Laura for 3pm. Payable locally.
60 minutes - US$203.40
90 minutes - US$226.00

Las Gemelas Waterfall

Pick-up at 9am.

Transfer the short distance (25 mins) to the start of the Las Gemelas Waterfall hike (7kms). Your private guide will lead you along well-groomed trails, which trace a pristine stream to discover three of the most impressive blue waterfalls in Costa Rica. The scenic waterfalls are caused by the volcanic mineral content of the water, creating a unique photo-worthy spectacle. This experience will teach you all about the fascinating cloud forest ecosystem.

Total duration: 3.5.-4 hours.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, and to take a waterproof camera. Walking sticks are also an option for greater safety and comfort. (This service is on a private basis.)

Private Transfer from Bajos del Toro to Arenal with Rafting at Sarapiqui enroute

Pick-up at 8.20am.

Private transfer this morning from Bajos del Toro to Arenal. Stop off enroute at Hacienda Pozo Azul in Sarapiqui to enjoy some white-water rafting on a private basis.

Drive contact: Volcano Travel
Mobile: (506) 4070 0960

From the Hacienda, you will be transferred to the upper Sarapiquí river launching site. The II-III class rafting adventure takes you about 13 kilometers down the Sarapiquí River, which is surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the tropical rainforest. This tour is perfect for beginners and intermediates and nature lovers.
Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

Afterwards, there will be time to change before heading on to your accommodation in Arenal.

7.15pm - dinner reservation at Ayla Restaurant.

Introducing Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal is a spectacular region, named for the huge Arenal volcano which dominates the skyline on a clear day. The area is popular among adventurous travellers as the volcanoes and rainforests provide a range of exhilarating activities, from ziplining to trekking. Outside of the main tourist area lie acres of rolling countryside.

Restaurant Reservation

A table has been reserved at Ayla Restaurant for 7.15pm. Dinner payable locally.

Arenal Volcano Hike

Pick-up at 9am.

The hike begins at El Silencio Private Reserve from where you begin a 1 km walk along a trail of volcanic rock, to reach the observation point. This is the closest point to the base of the volcano which is permitted by the park authorities. At the observation point, your guide will provide interesting information regarding the formation of the Arenal Volcano, its activity periods, and unedited details of its major eruption in 1968, as well as giving you the opportunity to enjoy the incredible views of the Green Lagoon and Arenal Lake. Later, begin the return trip down the same trail to the starting point. For the next part of the hike, the scenery will change as you enter into the regenerating forest and a small area of primary rainforest found at the base of the volcano. This trail is about 1.5 km in length, and with a little luck, you will have the opportunity to discover a large variety of flora and fauna, including toucans, wild turkeys, orioles, wild boars, snakes and monkeys. After a delicious picnic lunch, you'll be driven back to your hotel in Arenal. (This service is on a private basis.)

Restaurant Suggestions in Arenal

La Choza de Laurel
Costa Rican cuisine served by waiters and waitresses in traditional dress
Address: 142 Road, La Fortuna. Only 2 minutes from the downtown and 5 to 15 minutes from Arenal hotels.
Tel: +506 2479 7063

La Street Bistro
Local and international fusion cuisine
Address: 150 metres west from La Fortuna Park. Approx. 10-15 min from the Arenal hotels.
Tel: +506 2479 7518

La Terraza del Arenal
Local and international fusion at the Arenal Nayara Hotel served in an open-air terrace with farm to table food and great views of the volcano. High-end dining.
Address: 702 Road, La Fortuna. 10 mins from downtown, and only 5 minutes from Arenal hotels.
Tel: +506 2479-1600

Mercadito Arenal
Artisanal fast food
Address: 500 metres west from La Fortuna Catholic Church. Just 10-15 mins from Arenal main hotels.

Cafe Mediterraneo
Italian cuisine served in rustic but stylish surroundings
Address: 500 metres south from the La Fortuna Catholic Church. And 10-15 mins from Arenal hotels.
Tel: +506 2479 7497

Lava Lounge
Local and international cuisine
Address: 142 Road, La Fortuna. Just 2 mins from downtown and 5-10 mins from Arenal hotels.
Tel: +506 2479 7365

Spa Treatment

A Romantic Couples Massage (Laura and Luke) has been booked at the Hotel Spa for 3pm. Payable locally.
US$396.00 per couple - 60 minutes.
(Additional information from the hotel: Please show up 20 minutes before at the appropriate Spa Reception for your Treatment. Please advise cancelation or modifications 24 hours in advance to avoid any penalty.)

Canopy Ziplining - Private

Pick-up at 8.15am.

Prepare for a morning of nature and adventure in La Fortuna with some zip-lining. The zip line has two cables that travel in parallel, one for sliding and the other for safety, plus two pulleys for added safety. This particular canopy consists of 12 cables and 14 platforms that are mainly among the trees, so you can have more contact with the flora and fauna of the rainforest; keep an eye out with the help of your guide for monkeys, snakes, sloths, frogs, peccaries, raccoons and a great variety of birds.

What to bring? Comfortable and light clothes, a jacket or raincoat, hiking or tennis shoes (preferably something comfortable and enclosed), sunscreen, and insect repellent (preferably biodegradable).

Arenal Safari River Float

Pick-up at 2pm.

This afternoon, you will be driven to the put-in of the Peñas Blancas river, to embark upon a river safari adventure. Board an inflatable raft and begin your relaxing cruise down the river. The forest along the river is known as the gallery forest, and it is a rich ecosystem where you can find different species of plants and animals, including monkeys, sloths, lizards, caimans, bats, turtles, lot of aquatic birds, among others. Your guide will be on hand sharing interesting snippets about the natural history of the flora and fauna.

Afterwards, you will be taken back to your hotel, and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax.

What to bring: comfortable clothing and shoes, swimming suit, towel, change of clothes, sunglasses, a hat, binoculars, camera, sunscreen lotion, and insect repellent (preferably biodegradable). (This service is on a private basis.)

Pick-up at 6am.

Private transfer from Arenal to Cano Blanco Dock, La Pavona, a drive of approx. 4 hours. Here, you will board the shared boat (approx. 1.5 hours) to Tortuga Lodge.

Drive contact: Heiner Herrera
Mobile: (506) 8813-7961

Note: A maximum of 30 pounds of luggage is allowed per person (10 additional pounds per person subject to the shared boat occupancy).
You can pay extra per way to carry an additional 40 pounds per booking or we can store luggage for you during your stay here and bring it back for your next stop.

Introducing Tortuguero

Tortuguero is a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals (both natural and manmade) that are used for transportation and are a great place for observing local wildlife. The climate is warm and humid, with daily temperatures of 26°C on average, with an annual average rainfall of over 5,000mm. Warm days are tempered by trade winds and cool nights. Abundant wildlife inhabits Tortuguero, including 57 species of amphibians, 111 species of reptiles, and 60 species of mammals. More than 300 species of birds live in Tortuguero for all or part of the year. Birdwatchers commonly see keelbilled toucans, slaty tailed trogons, Montezuma oropendulas and a variety of parrots.

Laguna 4 with Optional Kayaking

Travel by boat down the Caño Palma channel through the thick jungle foliage. The canal’s surface reflects light, producing a magical mirror effect, a natural phenomenon resulting from the accumulation of tannins in the water.

Upon arrival at Laguna 4, enjoy a wander around the neighbouring rural community and a small farm nestled along the beautiful Caribbean coastline. There you will meet the family of don Coco and doña Katherine, who will provide a fascinating insight into local life, and they will share some of their local gastronomy prepared over a crackling wood stove.

There is the option of kayaking the inlet canals before arriving at Laguna 4 and the final destination. The kayaking is rated as intermediate and is suitable for those aged 6 years plus.

Timings for this tour will be confirmed locally, but usually start around 8am, and finish at 12 noon.

Activities at Tortuga Lodge

Today, choose up to 2 activities from an exciting selection of included on-site experiences:

- Natural History Boat Tour
- Twilight Tour (Minimum age 7 years old)
- Tortuguero Village & Sea Turtle Conservancy Center
- Kayak in Tortuguero (Minimum age 9 years old. Children between 9 and 14 years old must share the kayak with a responsible adult)
- Tour to Cerro Tortuguero (Minimum age 7 years old, must be in good physical condition)

All activities operate on a small group basis with other guests.

Pick-up at 10am.

Depart by shared boat this morning to Cano Blanco Port (approx. 1.5 hours). From here, a private car and driver will transfer you to your accommodation in Puerto Viejo, a drive of approx. 4 hours.

Driver contact: Edgar Esquivel
Mobile: (506) 8465-8458

Introducing Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean Coastline

Costa Rica's South Caribbean region remains firmly off the beaten path, yet those who do venture are quickly charmed by the laidback Afro-Caribbean culture which also plays a key roll in influencing the local cuisine. Limon is the gateway city, around 4 hours from San Jose and to the south is Cahuita National Park, the bohemian village of Puerto Viejo, and Gandoca – Manzanillo. Historically, Spanish conquerors arrived in Limon around 1500-1502 A.D and prior to this, the area was inhabited by the Bribri and Cabecar indigenous communities - descendants of these communities are still resident in the region. During this era, locals began to grow cacao as a primary activity. Then, the railroad construction started, which allowed banana production to strengthen the local economy. Port activity and the construction of Victorian style houses finally established the city of Limon as a key industrial centre in the region.

Puerto Viejo is located about 1 hour south from Limon and 40 minutes from Cahuita. The town and the surrounding area is best explored on foot or by bike. You'll encounter friendly locals and a range of food shacks, cafes and little independent shops.

Restaurant Suggestions in Puerto Viejo

Days at Leisure in Puerto Viejo

Days at leisure to enjoy the local area and the facilities at beautiful Aguas Claras. Soak up the Caribbean culture and try the local cuisine which takes influence from neighbouring countries, using plenty of spices and coconut milk.

Alternatively, book one of our optional tours, which include a hike through Cahuita Park with some snorkelling, or a Food and Culture guided walk.

Additional Options for Day 12

Puerto Viejo Food & Culture walking tour

Join your private insider guide this morning on a three-hour walking tour during which you will experience the Afro-Caribbean culture and taste some of the best local tropical flavours. During the activity, stroll around the picturesque Puerto Viejo, an authentic Caribbean town and visit different locations, sampling local foods, meeting local cooks, learn about the traditions, ingredients, recipes and those meals that are part of the culinary heritage. (This service is on a private basis.)

Cahuita National Park Hike & Snorkel

Explore Cahuita National Park on a privately guided excursion including hiking and snorkelling.

Take a small group boat ride around the bay of Cahuita National Park and spend a couple of hours snorkelling in some of the most impressive reefs in the area. It is possible to observe different species of coral, tropical fish, sharks, urchins, mollusks, crustaceans, seaweed, sea turtles, lobsters and shrimp. Later, your guide will take you on a hike through different points between Punta Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, observing various species of monkey, snake, sloth, butterflies, birds, as well as medicinal plants, orchids and bromeliads.

Included today is snorkelling equipment, life jackets and lunch. (This service is on a private basis.)

Pick-up at 11am. Private transfer to your hotel in San Jose, a drive of approx. 4 hours.

Driver contact: Edgar Esquivel
Mobile: (506) 8465-8458

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and explore your new surroundings.

Dine tonight at Silvestre Restaurant (booked independently).
Address: Avenida. 11 Calle 3A # 955, Barrio Amón, San José, Costa Rica.
Tel: +506 2221 2465

We recommend taking a taxi to/from the restaurant.

Pickup at 9.00am for the private transfer, approx. 40 mins, to San Jose International Airport for your departure flight.