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Costa Rica Holidays

Family Tour: National Parks, Volcanoes, Magnificent Wildlife and Beaches

14 Night Itinerary from  £3,542

Ninos Arenal Tour

A slow pace tour of Costa Rica, perfect for families; Arenal Volcano, rainforests, birdwatching and excellent lodgings with activities for families of all ages. Plus, relax on the beach near Manuel Antonio National Park and great surfing at Jaco Beach.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Our specially designed family tour to Costa Rica
  • Enjoy a landscape of smouldering volcanoes, tropical rainforest and golden beaches
  • Get closer to nature in a country famed for its abundant wildlife
  • Hike in the foothills of the Arenal volcano and take a dip in the thermal hot springs
  • Enjoy a range of optional activities in Arenal National Park
  • Relax at a hotel on a quiet Pacific Coast beach, with exciting watersports for the children to enjoy
  • Fly direct from London Heathrow to San Jose with British Airways

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

San Jose in Costa Rica.jpg

San Jose & Irazú Volcano - 4 Nights

Day 1 - Fly to San Jose

Day 2 - Day at leisure

Day 3 - Irazú Volcano

Day 4 - San Jose at leisure and family visit

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Fly to San Jose

Departure on a daytime flight to San Jose. On arrival, your body clock will feel like late at night. You will be met and taken to your hotel with gardens, tennis court, bicycles and swimming pools, for 4 nights.


Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Day at leisure

Day at leisure to relax after the long flight and explore San Jose at your own pace. Enjoy the facilities of your chosen hotel.


Thursday, 21 March 2024

Irazú Volcano

With our local guide, you visit the Irazú Volcano, with its impressive green crater lake rising out of a desolate grey moon landscape. Continue on to the stunning Orosí Valley, where the Reventazón River cuts its swirling swathe through the surrounding mountains. We visit the Lankester Botanical Gardens, housing thousands of species of plants endemic to Costa Rica. We also take an exciting ride on the aerial train into the rainforest canopy for amazing views.


Friday, 22 March 2024

San Jose at leisure and family visit

One day free for some shopping, swimming in the hotel pools, optional excursions of the city or just relax. Our guide can arrange for you to meet a local Costa Rican family with children of similar ages in San Jose to gain an exclusive insight into life in Costa Rica. This arrangement needs to be pre-booked in the UK before you travel, but is recommended. 

Balmoral Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - Tourist Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel is located on Avenida Central, San Jose’s most famous street and walking distance to the historic centre. It is easy to visit  the Iglesia de la Merced, the cathedral, the central and Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.

The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair dryer, FREE Wi-Fi, desk, and private bathrooms with power showers and complimentary toiletries.

There is a bar, restaurant, café, pizzeria and even a wine shop. The award-winning El Patio del Balmoral restaurant serves a variety of authentic Costa Rican specialties and international dishes in a casual and relaxing setting. There is also an on site gym.

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Hotel Presidente

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San José in the pedestrian zone of Central Avenue, 2 blocks from the National Theatre and the Cultural Square. The hotel has over 100 comfortable and spacious rooms, which all include cable TV, air conditioning, safety box and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers amenities such as a restaurant-bar, a casino, and a spa with beauty treatments.

4807 Hotel Presidente

Grano de Oro

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose's main street, the Hotel Grano de Oro is a welcome retreat in the heart of this bustling city. Converted from a tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel preserves the warmth and comfort of a private home, with its atrium terrace and corridors of sparkling fountains and lush tropical plants.

There is a rooftop deck ideal for sunbathing and also featuring a Jacuzzi. The hotel's restaurant is one of the best in San Jose and offers continental cuisine in an intimate and cordial atmosphere.

The rates include breakfast.

 

Grano de Oro Hotel

Buena Vista Hotel

San Jose & Alajuela - First Hotel

Buena Vista hotel is a Spanish colonial style resort located just outside San Jose, at the top of a mountain offering panoramic views of three volcanoes in the Central Valley - Poas, Barva and Irazu. It is a super place to stay when you arrive in Costa Rica.

The hotel has 30 air-conditioned and comfortable rooms. Deluxe standard rooms have private bathroom, TV and mini-bar.

Public facilities include the Quetzal Grille restaurant, of international and typical cuisine, a bar, an outdoor pool, gift shop, masseuse, free WiFi, and lush gardens ideal for walks.

Buenavista Hotel 01

Hotel Alta Las Palomas

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Hotel

Located on the outskirts of San Jose in Santa Ana, the 23 room Hotel Alta is an excellent base to explore the capital city and surrounding attractions, including the Poas Volcano.

Public areas include a swimming pool, excellent dining at the elegant La Luz Restaurant and bar or the more relaxed cafe de Verano.

There are 5 room types: deluxe queen, deluxe king, grand queen, grand king and a master suite. Each room is air-conditioned with private bathroom, balcony or terrace, TV, safe, hair dryer and iron/ironing board.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis.

 

Room

Xandari Resort

San Jose & Alajuela - First Boutique

Xandari Resort and Spa is perfectly located for excursions to Poas Volcano, La Paz waterfall gardens, and Doka coffee plantation, and is only 30 minutes’ drive from San Jose International airport. Over 3km of scenic trails through coffee and fruit orchards lead into a lush natural tropical setting with a year-round river and five beautiful waterfalls.

The hotel consists of 24 comfortable and spacious villas, decorated in bright colours and adorned with original works of art. Set on top of a hill on a 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation, all the rooms are overlooking the Costa Rica's Central Valley, featuring private terrace. Each room has a bar kitchen and a private bathroom with toiletries. The resort has 3 swimming pools, with one overlooking the valley, as well as a spa offering a variety of treatments.

4808 Xandari Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca

San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Resort

Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, offering amazing views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations and nestled amongst 10 acres amid hundreds of fruit trees and tropical flora. It offers luxurious rooms including mini bar, Jacuzzi bath and private verandas overlooking the Valley. Each room has its own decoration allowing its unique atmosphere.

The hotel provides lots of amenities such as games room, large swimming pool, TV and reading area and 2 large dinner tables for group dining. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the coffee plantation and serves delicious local cuisine with fresh products.

4810 Finca Rosa Blanca
best places to go in Costa Rica - Arenal.jpg

Arenal Volcano - 5 Nights

Day 5 - Travel to Arenal volcano

Day 6 - Hiking and hot springs

Day 7 - Optional hanging Bridges Tour

Day 8 - Optional sloth Encounter and Sky Tram

Day 9 - Other optional activities 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 23 March 2024

Travel to Arenal volcano

Transfer to Arenal for 5-night stay at your chosen hotel including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Sunday, 24 March 2024

Hiking and hot springs

Today enjoy included guided hiking tours in the park by the impressive active volcano and a dip in the Tabacon hot springs. Trek through pristine rainforest and understand the unique flora and fauna of the National Park dominated by the powerful volcano. A fascinating - and quite educational - day awaits!

 


Monday, 25 March 2024

Optional Hanging Bridges Tour

Today enjoy an optional half-day visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Here, observe the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. While walking along the trails in the forest canopy the fascinating world of the tropical forest will open to you as your naturalist guide explains the species you will discover during the walk.


Tuesday, 26 March 2024

Optional Sloth Encounter and Sky Tram

An optional morning guided tour in the beautiful open areas in La Fortuna where you will observe two or three toed sloths in the wild, as well as the multicoloured toucan, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog, iguanas and monkeys, among others.

In the afternoon, perhaps experience the Sky Tram gondolas that soar smoothly over the rainforest with amazing views of the jungle, Arenal volcano and the lake.

 


Wednesday, 27 March 2024

Other optional activities

There are a wide range of optional activities available for your family to enjoy. Our guide will be able to ensure you get the best and most appropriate experiences. On offer includes river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, zip wire adventures and an evening excursion to view the live volcano with its golden lava splaying from the surface like a firework show.

Arenal Volcano Inn

Arenal Volcano Park - Tourist Hotel

Arenal Volcano Inn is a cozy hotel located in front of the Arenal Volcano, just minutes away from the main attractions in Arenal National Park.

The hotel has just 25 rooms, from standard to deluxe. Each is air-conditioned with FREE Wi-Fi, private bathroom with shower, cable TV, mini bar, safe and telephone. Choose from a garden or volcano view.

Public areas include beautiful gardens with exotic plants, colourful birds and other animals. There is also  the Que Rico Arenal Restaurant offering excellent Italian, International, and Costa Rican cuisine. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the volcano. The wood fired pizza is a must try for those who visit Que Rico Arenal.

The hotel can arrange a wide variety of activities, including zip wire adventures, treks, boat trips, horse riding and coffee plantation tours.

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Arenal Manoa Hotel

Arenal Volcano Park - First Hotel

Located a short drive from Arenal Volcano in a very natural and private environment, surrounded by the La Palma River, the Arenal Manoa Hotel is an ideal refuge for the great diversity of birds, mammals, lizards, and a large variety of plants. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano.

Each of their 80 rooms is equipped with two queen sized beds, air conditioning, satellite television, private bath with hot water and a hair dryer, telephone, terrace with a view of the volcano, refrigerator, safe-deposit box and coffee maker.

You can enjoy the spacious gardens as well as see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm - a farming tour is included. The hotel has an international restaurant, two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, wet bar, souvenir shop, Free Wi-Fi at the reception.

View of the volcano

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

Arenal Volcano Park - Luxury Hotel

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is a green-friendly luxury hotel framed by the crystalline waters of the La Palma and Kioro streams, lush, vibrant gardens and private thermal water spas. It is a peaceful setting for exploring the beauty and exhilarating activities of Arenal Volcano National Park. 

There are 53 spacious, air conditioned suites designed for couples or families. All suites include two “Juliet” balconies with panoramic volcano and mountain views, hydromassage hot tubs, minibars, coffee makers, cable television and free Wi-Fi. 

Public areas include a landscaped free-form swimming pool, the Neidin Spa, and a free shuttle to Titokú hot springs including complimentary admission to the heated hot springs pools. 

Award-winning local and international cuisine and captivating volcano views is on offer at Heliconia’s Restaurant, or enjoy poolside cocktails in the garden setting of Orquídeas Restaurant. Bar El Higueron and Sport Bar Carajillos are ideal for more casual get togethers. 

There are many optional tours and excursions bookable from the hotel.

Relax in the pool

Arenal Springs

Arenal Volcano Park - First Resort

Arenal Springs Resort is the ideal combination of modern comfort and exuberant tropical surrounding. The rooms are all in semi-detached bungalows spread over a wide area directly facing Arenal Volcano. Each room has a patio with seating, as well as air conditioning. The hotel also has its own hot springs, which feed into a number of hot tubs and pool of different temperatures, all of which guests can enjoy at their leisure. There is also a spa, a yoga studio, and two restaurants.

2043 Arenal Springs

Nayara Hotel & Gardens

Arenal Volcano Park - Deluxe Resort

Located in the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens provides a uniquely natural experience. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, each one of its 24 spacious casitas provides an exclusive retreat in which you can relax amidst the breathtaking view of the volcano. Interwoven with rich gardens its tropical grounds create the perfect setting to rest and enjoy nature. A large Jacuzzi and wet bar provide a place to rest after enjoying the various guided activities, including white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, volcano treks, and hot springs. Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens offers a full service restaurant, where local ingredients blend with a world-class cuisine to provide an incomparable dining experience. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts a direct view of the active volcano. 

Every (room) casita at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens has been designed to provide the utmost in comfort and style while maintaining a close connection with the natural surroundings. With the guests' experience in mind, Arenal Nayara offers a unique concept of individual casitas separated by lush tropical gardens. Each one of its large suite-size casitas provides independent space and privacy that includes a private backyard with an outdoor shower and a front balcony overlooking the volcano. For a full pampering experience select the Nayara Suites featuring in-room breakfast, bathrobe, and the best panoramic volcano view. Each of the casitas is equipped with a King or two full size beds, Plasma 27" Cable TV, DVD / CD Player, IPod Stand, Internet Access, Safe Box (Laptop capacity), Air Conditioning, private bathroom with hot water and rain shower, backyard with outside shower, in room "mini" bar service, coffee maker, front balcony overlooking the volcano with jacuzzi for two, high speed internet connection. Accommodation includes room and breakfast. 

Nayara Hotel & Gardens

Nayara Springs

Arenal Volcano Park - Luxury Hotel

Voted the leading spa hotel in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller in 2105, the Nayara Springs has a proud reputation for excellence in the most lush and enjoyable surroundings. It is one of the few hotels in the region that are adults only.

The public areas include a stunning pool, the award-winning spa, a gym, yoga and walkways and trails into the rainforest. There are many activities to enjoy, including horse riding, white water rafting, guided trekking, night walks, zip wire adventures in the rainforest and birdwatching tours.  

There are several drinking and dining experiences to enjoy: Mis Amores, a gourmet Latin Bistro; Amore Loco, fine local cuisine; Mi Cafecito, an authentic coffee bar; the pool terrace serving lunch; the Altamera Restaurant offering upscale casual dining; Asia Luna, serving Asian cuisine; and the Nostalgia Wine and Tapas Bar.

The 35 spacious and elegant villas, each with its own plunge pool fed by a hot spring. Each has an expansive private garden with dual rain showers, oversized bathroom, sleek, four-poster bed and indoor and outdoor sitting areas. The Spring Villas also come with a private host to compliment our ever-attentive hotel staff.

The rates are on a room and breakfast basis, with other packages available.

Nayara Springs

Nayara Tented Camp

Arenal Volcano Park - Luxury Tented Camp

Located in the rainforest with views of the mighty Arenal Volcano, Nayara Tented Camp is an innovative luxury base to enjoy the many attractions of this part of Costa Rica. The camp is focussed on sustainability and protecting the fragile nature all around.

The spacious tents were built to maximise the stunning views and to leave a minimal footprint. The experience is secluded and romantic for couples, or fun and educational for the whole family. Inspired in the African safaris but conceived in the tropical Costa Rican rainforest, the tents are a mix of sustainable luxury with a “Pura Vida” vibe. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool, terrace, day bed, chairs for al fresco dining, mini bar, breakfast, and FREE Wi-Fi. 

Public areas include three bars and three restaurants: Amor Loco offers signature a la carte dining, another offers Asian/Costa Rican fusion cuisine or you can dine al fresco. There is a stunning infinity pool with views of the volcano, plus an open air spa and yoga classes. Local musicians provide nightly entertainment.

There is much to do here, from tours by the in house guides, exploring the hanging bridges, white water rafting, trekking in the rainforest, birdwatching, and learning about Costa Rican coffee or the rainforest eco-system.

Infinity pool
Manuel Antonio

Esterillos Beach - 5 Nights

Days 10-14 - Esterillos Beach Resort

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 28 March 2024

Esterillos beach resort

Transfer to the coast, staying at the family friendly Alma del Pacifico Hotel for 5-nights including breakfast.

The hotel is right on the Esterillos Beach and halfway between the surfer's paradise of Playa Jaco and Manuel Antonio National Park, perfect for relaxing but also with the option of walks and activities to suit families of all ages.

Optional activities include: Surfing and surf lessons, trekking in Manuel Antonio National Park and Carara National Park, Adventure tours by quad bike, Fincas Wildlife refuge, river rafting, a visit to Villa Vanilla to see how vanilla is cultivated, a jungle crocodile safari, rainforest adventures in Manuel Antonio National Park, zip wire adventures and Pure Vida gardens and waterfalls.


Friday, 29 March 2024

Surfing and exploring

At leisure


Saturday, 30 March 2024

Treks, beaches and optional activities

At leisure.


Sunday, 31 March 2024

Relax on the beach

At leisure.


Monday, 01 April 2024

At leisure

Your final day to enjoy the wonders of nature at Manuel National Park.

Alma del Pacifico

Playa Esterillos Beach - First Hotel

Situated on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast just 2 hours drive from San Jose Airport, Alma del Pacifico is a small hotel made up of 20 colourful villas set among lush tropical gardens, connected by paved walkways and fronting onto a wide sandy beach.

The spacious and comfortable air-conditioned rooms are full of vibrant works of art from artiste Charlene Broudy (the hotel in fact shows over 150 pieces of original art), and each has a large private terrace with outdoor seating, private bathroom, kitchenette, TV, hair dryer and mini bar. Most of the rooms are ocean facing, with terraces looking onto the beach, while others have a garden view with a short walk to the sea shore.

Public areas include the Alma Restaurant, beach bar, spa, gardens, swimming pool and direct access to the stunning Playa Esterillos. The hotel can arrange a wide variety of activities and excursions to suit your requirements, from nature treks to canopy tours, water sports to horse riding.

Rooms are on a bed and breakfast basis.

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Frog, Costa Rica

Return to San Jose & Fly Home - 0 Nights

Days 15 -16 - San Jose and return home

  • Full Description

Tuesday, 02 April 2024

Return home

Transfer to San José airport for your overnight flight home.

 


Wednesday, 03 April 2024

Arrive in the UK

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 1Jan-27 Jun, 2 Sep-19 Dec 28 Jun-1 Sep, 20 Dec-31 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £3,542 £3,983 £4,656 £4,055 £4,377 £5,183

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 16 Days/14 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
  • Children aged 7-11 have a 20% reduction when sharing a room.

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