COSTA RICA: Highlands to the Coast Family Adventure

Whitewater rafting or float trip, 2 hours, Class II-III,easy.

This morning we are picked up by our naturalist guide forour drive to the Sarapiqui River. Along the way we pass by the majestic BraulioCarrillo National Park and rolling, verdant fields of coffee, papayas, and ferns.

The Sarapiqui travels along green pastures and farmland, lush towering trees and vegetation, cascading mountains, and the La Selva Biological Reserve. The surrounding rainforest is home to several different species of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, river turtles, iguanas, toucans,hummingbirds, and woodpeckers.

Our rafting tour is ideal for families, with its moderatelyflowing rapids interspersed with tranquil stretches, where swimming and naturewatching is encouraged.

After our rafting adventure, we continue to Arenal National Park abounding with diverse species, innumerable rivers, waterfalls, thermal hot springs, and of course the majestic Arenal Volcano. Early this evening ween joy the benefits of this geothermal area with a dip in the Ecotermales hotsprings – one of the less frequented but most scenic springs in the Arenal region. Here we have time to relax before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Depending on the weather conditions, we may even have the opportunity to witness one of Arenal’s frequent eruptions.

Morning walk – easy to moderate, on hiking trails and suspension bridges, 3 hours; Afternoon walk – easy to moderate, on hiking trails, 2 hours.

After breakfast, we have the unique experience of seeing the wonders of the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view in the canopy, on suspension walkways high above the forest floor. Meandering through the trees at our own pace, we have the vantage point of eight different bridges of various lengths spanning nearly two miles of lush forest.

After our morning adventure, we continue to Vida Campesina, a small organic farm owned by Erasmo Gonzales and his children. Here we are introduced to organic methods of growing cassava, lettuce, plantains, sugarcane, and more. For lunch our new friends teach us how to make tortillas, and we enjoy with them a fresh, home-cooked meal.

This afternoon we walk through lush rainforest to the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall. This beautiful 200 foot waterfall receives its cool, clear waters from the pristine forested mountains of Arenal NationalPark. Those who brought their bathing suits may wish to take a dip in the refreshing water below the falls. All proceeds from our visit today are reinvested into local conservation efforts.

This evening we enjoy dinner together at one of our favorite spots in town.

Canoeing, 3-4 hours, easy; Transfer time - 3.5 hrs, toAgujas Beach, 1.5 hrs. to Manuel Antonio.

Our day begins with a typical Costa Rican breakfast beforeto departing to Agujas Beach, near the town of Jaco on the Central PacificCoast. Here we discover why the out rigger canoe is the perfect way for your family to appreciate nature and explore the beautiful Pacific coastline. The water is calm and warm, the fish are colorful and plentiful, and we will see many tropical seabirds and rock formations along the way. In the out rigger canoe there is always a guide steering the canoe for you, and there can be up to seven other paddlers to share the load. They are incredibly stable,comfortable, and easy to paddle.

After our half day out at sea, we continue to Si Como NoResort located in the jungle-covered hills just above Manuel Antonio NationalPark. Its pura vida vibe is perfect for families. On-site amenities include aprivate wildlife refuge and butterfly atrium, swimming pools, a spa, and even acinema.

Hiking – 2-3 hours, easy; Zipline canopy tour.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our day at La Foresta Nature Reserve, where it is possible to observe at least 50 species of mammals, 15 species of reptiles, and a butterfly garden. Noteworthy and easy to observe are the troops of titi (squirrel) monkeys, a subspecies found only in this partof the world and in great danger of extinction. La Foresta Nature Reserve has partnered with the Titi Conservation Alliance and is committed to projects designed to help the species thrive.

Next we embark on a thrilling adventure through the treetop canopy on a zip line tour. During our two hour journey, we zip through primary and secondary forest with dramatic views of the valley. Our guide will point out abundant wildlife such as three species of monkeys, two and three toed sloths,poison dart frogs, iguanas, and toucans. Children have the option to zip with a trusted adult if they prefer.

Later today we return to our hotel, or perhaps take a walk on the beach, where we may take a swim or just relax before dinner.

Hiking, easy to moderate – 3 hours; Surf lessons, alllevels.

This morning we explore the small but rich Manuel Antonio National Park. This park offers a rare combination of beautiful tropical coastal forest filled with diverse species of birds, monkeys, and other mammals, as well as inviting, crescent shaped, white-sand beaches.

By midday we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps sampling casado (rice and beans with meat) – a favorite of the locals.

This afternoon we take to the water for surf lessons. Gearedto all levels, our lesson is designed to maximize learning with training on thebeach and in the water. We will learn basic surfing techniques, wave dynamics,surfing etiquette, and ocean safety.

This evening we enjoy our final dinner together and recountthe incredible experiences we have shared.