Trip Highlights
Organic Farm Experience at Finca Sur
Get hands-on at an authentic organic farm in Sarapiquí, where you’ll learn about sustainable agriculture, sample fresh produce, and experience life on a pineapple, cacao, and medicinal plant farm.
Relax at Baldi Hot Springs
Unwind in the natural thermal pools of Baldi Hot Springs, offering fun water slides and serene hot springs with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano.
Wildlife Encounter at Proyecto Asis
Participate in a wildlife rehabilitation project and get a chance to feed, care for, and learn about rescued animals like monkeys, parrots, and sloths.
Hanging Bridges at Mistico Park Walk
Walk through the rainforest on 15 breathtaking hanging bridges with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano, guided by a naturalist who will explain the local ecosystem.
Crocodile Watching on the Tárcoles River
Enjoy an exciting boat tour on the Tárcoles River where you’ll observe crocodiles up close, plus a variety of other wildlife like birds and iguanas.
Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Golfo Dulce
Work alongside scientists to protect sea turtles, monitor nesting beaches, and learn about conservation efforts in this biodiversity hotspot.
Chocolate-Making at Finca Kobo
Discover the art of chocolate-making at Finca Kobo, from harvesting cacao pods to crafting your own chocolate treats while learning about the farm’s sustainable practices.
Ziplining at Hacienda Baru
Soar through the rainforest canopy on a thrilling zipline adventure with panoramic views of the tropical landscape and wildlife.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to San José – Your Costa Rican Adventure Begins!
Your adventure begins as you touch down at Juan Santamaría International Airport, where your friendly guide and driver will be waiting to greet you.
Enjoy a comfortable transfer through the bustling capital city to your hotel, where you’ll have time to unwind and soak in the excitement of the journey ahead.
San José is the heart of Costa Rica’s rich culture and history, offering a perfect introduction to this beautiful country.
In the evening, gather for a delicious dinner at the hotel and prepare for the incredible experiences to come.
Journey time: Approx. 25 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de Ameria (or similar) – Standard Room
Meals included:
Day 2 - Sarapiquí - Organic Farm Experience and Relaxing Hot Springs
Wake up to the fresh mountain air and set off towards Sarapiquí, travelling through the misty landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park. The journey itself is a treat, with lush rainforests stretching as far as the eye can see.
Your first stop is Finca Sura. Finca Sura is a welcoming, family-run organic pineapple farm, perfect for families looking to experience Costa Rica’s agricultural life. The tour offers a hands-on exploration of the farm’s diverse crops, including pineapples, cacao, and medicinal plants like turmeric and ginger. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning how these crops are grown sustainably and sampling fresh produce. The warm hospitality of the farm’s owner, Don Rodolfo, makes the experience both educational and fun.
Enjoy a typical lunch on-site, featuring fresh produce from the farm.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to La Fortuna de San Carlos, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal volcano has experienced one of the most eventful volcanic histories of the last century in Central America. A perfect cone of 1633m altitude, which adjoins the lake of the same name, it offers spectacular landscapes which make it one of the unmissable destinations in Central America.
Free afternoon, recommended activities: visit to the La Fortuna waterfall, zip lines, visit to an organic garden, among others.
At the end of the day, you will enjoy the thermal waters at Baldi Hot Springs where you will find different pools at different temperatures coming from the Tabacon River at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy.
There are fun water slides and shallow pools for children, while parents can relax in the more serene hot springs.
Journey time: Approx. 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Arenal Oasis & Wildlife Refuge – Bungalow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Wildlife Rehabilitation And Walking Among The Tree Canopies
Today, step into the world of wildlife conservation with a visit to Proyecto Asis, a rescue centre dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals. This immersive experience allows your family to prepare food for monkeys, parrots, and coatis, and create toys for them to enrich their daily routine, while learning about Costa Rica’s conservation efforts from expert biologists.
These animals, often rescued from trafficking or injury, are cared for by expert staff and volunteers. The centre’s goal is to release them back into the wild when possible. Guided tours are led by highly trained staff, many of whom have studied veterinary medicine, biology or zoology at Costa Rican universities. Proyecto Asis staff provide visitors with valuable insights into animal behaviour and useful tips for observing wildlife safely and respectfully during their stay in Costa Rica.
After lunch, set off on an awe-inspiring walk through the treetops at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Wander along 15 suspension bridges from 5 to 100 metres long along a 3km circuit of interpretive trails with breathtaking views of the rainforest and Arenal Volcano. The tour is led by a naturalist guide, who through the natural history, will open the doors of a fascinating and colorful Tropical Rainforest world.
The imposing vistas of the Arenal Volcano and over the forest, from the hanging bridges, make a perfect combination for an unforgettable experience. If weather permits, you will also see different angles of the Arenal Volcano. If you’re lucky, you might spot toucans, sloths, and howler monkeys!
At the end of the afternoon, there is a night tour at Arenal Oasis wildlife refuge. It offers families a magical experience in the lush rainforest. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, you’ll explore the reserve’s unique nocturnal wildlife, including frogs, insects, and various creatures that come alive at night.
Along the way, families can learn about the ecosystem and conservation efforts while enjoying the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark. This immersive adventure promises an unforgettable evening filled with discovery and wonder.
Journey time: Short transfers throughout the day
Accommodation: Hotel: Hotel Arenal Oasis & Wildlife Refuge – Bungalow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Crocodiles and Scarlet Macaws in Carara
Leaving La Fortuna behind, journey towards Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast and stop at the Tárcoles River, home to some of the largest crocodiles in the world!
An exciting and educational experience for families that allows you to explore the wildlife-rich waters of Costa Rica. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will observe crocodiles up close and learn about their habitats and behaviours. The tour also features opportunities to see a variety of other wildlife, including birds and iguanas, all in a safe and engaging environment. This interactive adventure promises to be both fun and informative, making it perfect for all ages.
Possibility of visiting the Carara National Park (entrance fee $10 per adult and 5$ per child). This park has the particularity of being in a transition zone between the dry tropical forests of the north and the humid tropical forests of the south.
It is also one of the best places in the country to observe the Scarlet Macao. On the Laguna Meandrica trail, you are also likely to encounter more than 400 different species of birds: great-crested savacou, herons and night herons, scarlet macaws, tanagers, warblers, etc.
Once at the hotel you will be able to enjoy a refreshing swim in the hotel’s pool or a walk in their beautiful garden.
Journey time: Approx. 3.5 hours
Accommodation: Cerro Lodge – Standard Room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Beaches and Wildlife in Puerto Jimenez
After a delicious breakfast, head to the south of the Osa peninsula to Puerto Jimenez.
On the way we will stop at Uvita for lunch and a gentle stroll at Marino Ballena National Park. This park occupies an area of 683 hectares and is famous for its long beaches, lush mangroves and coral reefs.
One of the coolest features is the “Whale Tail” – a natural sandbar shaped like a whale’s tail that appears at low tide. It’s a great spt for families because kids can splash in the calm waters, explore tide pools full of little sea creatures, and you might even spot real whales and dolphins offshore!
Entrances to Marino Ballena National Park included.
We then drive down to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park which was considered a wild and unknown no-man’s land until the 1960s. The firsts pioneers were gold prospectors and new inhabitants in search of land braving inhospitable conditions to exploit natural resources which seemed inexhaustible.
Currently the Corcovado National Park covers 27,000 hectares of virgin forest, 5% of the world’s biodiversity, which delights adventurers braving the humid heat of the tropics to discover these natural wonders.
You will settle in a beach-front hotel in Puerto Jimenez, nestled between lush rainforest and the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce. The hotel offers the perfect balance between nature, comfort and relaxation.
Families will appreciate the spacious bungalows and rooms with air conditioning, often surrounded by gardens teeming with wildlife such as monkeys, scarlet macaws, and iguanas. The resort features a large outdoor swimming pool, direct access to a quiet beach with gentle waves safe for children, and an open-air restaurant serving Costa Rican and international cuisine.
Journey time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Playa Blanca Cultural Tour
Today we spend the day with a local community in Playa Blanca, where you’ll get a deeper understanding of Costa Rican traditions.
It goes beyond the tourist facade of the town, allowing travellers to understand how people live and their daily routines. While sharing valuable information about the lifestyle and history of the village.
Engage in hands-on activities such as cooking local dishes, crafting, cooking and learning a recipe for a typical local drink.
Additionally the guide will reeal the natural secrets of Playa Blanca, with opportunities to observe various animals like sloths, toucans, macaws and stingrays.
The tour includes:
– The art of artisanal fishing with Dona Maria
– Craft workshops with Mama and daughter Calderon
– Collection center for recyclable waste
– Cajeta workshop with Dona Cristina
– Sonia’s restaurant offering a typical drink (for both children and parents)
We then head back to Puerto Jimenez to enjoy Playa Preciosa and its amazing sunsets and dinner at the hotel.
Journey time: Approx. 40 mins each way
Accommodation: Hotel Agua Dulce Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Sea Turtle Conservation in Golfo Dulce
Today is very exciting… You’ll be heading out to sea with scientists where you’ll work alongside marine biologists in a sea turtle conservation project. Help collect data, relocate nests, and, if lucky, release baby turtles into the ocean!
The organisation is dedicated to the protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica through conservation and awareness-raising activities. Its main activities include monitoring nesting beaches to protect eggs, rehabilitating injured turtles, and research projects on their behaviour and migrations.
It also runs educational programmes to raise awareness of the importance of conservation among local communities and tourists, whilst working with fishermen to promote sustainable practices.
This full day will be an opportuity to accompany the scientists in their work collecting data on marine turtles and to gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding these species.
Dinner at the hotel.
Journey time: Approx. 40 mins each way
Accommodation: Hotel Finca Kobo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Dominical, Cocoa Tour and Ziplining
After breakfast, we hit the road to Domincal.
On the way we will make a stop at Finca Kobo for a chocolate tour!
The tour is an exciting and educational experience for families where you’ll learn about the entire chocolate-making process, from cacao tree cultivation to the delicious finished product. The tour includes hands-on activities, such as harvesting cacao pods and making your own chocolate treats. It’s a fun and engaging way for children and adults alike to appreciate the art and science behind chocolate.
We then head to Hacienda Baru, our ecolodge between the sea and mountains. This accommodation has its own private reserve on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and Playa Barú.
Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge is an internationally known nature reserve with 330 hectares of protected area, including primary forest, secondary forest, selectively logged tropical wet forest, swamp forest, mangrove estuary, brush land, river bank and seashore. Get ready to observe a rich and varied fauna!
In the afternoon you will enjoy The Vuelo de Tucán: an exhilarating zip-line experience that allows visitors to glide through lush rainforest. This adventure features multiple cables, providing stunning views of the diverse flora and fauna, and the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat. Suitable for families and thrill-seekers, it offers a fun and safe way to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
Lunch and dinner at the lodge.
Journey time: Approx. 3 hours
Accommodation: Hacienda Baru (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Relax at Dominical
Today is a day at leisure in Dominical during which you can enjoy the wildlife and pool around the accommodation, the stunning beaches of Uvita, Dominical, or even try your hand at surfing lessons, scuba diving, snorkelling and kayak tours.
Not far from there, you can find the Nauyaca Falls but also the Baru refuge which is of great biological importance as it is home to several different tropical habitats (mangroves, primary and secondary forests, beaches, rivers).
Accommodation: Hacienda Baru (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Morning at leisure by the Pacific Ocean
Morning at leisure by the Pacific Ocean.
After lunch, return to the Central Valley and your hotel situated near Alajuela.
Check-in at the hotel for your last night in Costa Rica. Dinner at the hotel.
Journey time: Approx. 3 hours 15 mins
Accommodation: Hotel La Rosa de America- Standard Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Depart
Morning at leisure. Depending on the departure time of your return flight.
Our driver will be waiting for you at your hotel reception at the agreed time depending on your flight. Private transfer to the terminal of San José’s Juan Santamaria airport.
From exploring lush rainforests and encountering exotic wildlife, to relaxing in natural hot springs and diving into local traditions, this journey has been filled with moments of wonder and connection.
Whether you were ziplining through the jungle, making your own chocolate, or contributing to important conservation efforts, each experience has left a lasting mark on your heart.
Now, as we bid farewell to this beautiful country, we hope you take with you not just souvenirs, but the warmth of its people and the magic of its landscapes. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Costa Rica someday!
PLEASE NOTE:
- The itinerary is subject to changes – Whilst we do our best to keep to our planned itinerary, on occasions things do have to be altered.
The room sizes vary at each hotel on this trip and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
- Beds are often different configurations – double beds for 2 children and simple mattresses are common.
- There are usually fans or air conditioning in rooms.
The USD price may differ upon booking due to the exchange rate at the time.
We reserve the right to adjust hotel accommodations if necessary. Rest assured, we strive to maintain the highest level of comfort and service.
Our travels will be conducted exclusively as a group, and wherever possible, tours will be private, provided we meet the minimum participant numbers required.
FAQ
What's Included
- Airport Pickup
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Transfers throughout the tour
- Entrance Fees – Admissions and Entrance fees
- Professional Guides
- Pre-departure Support – Facebook group and app
- 24hr On-Site Support – We will be supported by our suppliers in country as well as a Wild Hearted Advenutres host
- Airport Drop-Off – Return transfer to the airport – on the final day of the trip
What's not included
- Flights – International Flights
- Drinks – Additional Drinks throughout the trip
- Some Meals – Any meals NOT mentioned in the itinerary – Where meals are not included we will find places to eat in the local area
- Extra Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visas – Any visa required for the trip
- Personal Items – Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, landry & sim cards
- Gratuitues and Tipping – Additional cash for tips for guides etc.
- Travel Insurance – It is important that you purchase travel insurance as soon you book.
Your host
TBC
An experienced Wild Hearted Host will be there to make sure your family adventure is extra special!
At times, unforeseen circumstances may require a change in your assigned host. However, rest assured that you’ll always be in the capable hands of a passionate, knowledgeable, and exceptional host from the Wild Hearted team, ensuring an unforgettable experience.