Costa Rica Family Adventure

Costa Rica Family Adventure Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Pura Vida! Welcome to Costa Rica where our family adventure begins in San Jose.

  Your trip begins today in San Jose, Costa Rica. Depart your home city for San Jose, arriving anytime today. Your exact air itinerary can be worked out with a member of the REI Adventures air department. A group orientation is held at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby. Meals on your own.

• Day 2 Experience a thrilling zipline canopy tour through the rainforest and travel to legendary Arenal Volcano.

  This morning we leave San Jose heading north toward Arenal Volcano. After a typical Costa Rican lunch we spend the afternoon zipping across the canopy of the rainforest, beginning with a 20 minute tram ride to the highest point within the Arenal Reserve from which the views of the volcano and the lake are unsurpassed. Next, it's on with the harnesses and helmets as we get ready to fly above the treetops on a series of cabled zip-lines. All in all, there are roughly 1.7 miles of lines that criss-cross from platform to platform. While the ride is thrilling, it also provides a panoramic view of the marvelous scenery and biodiversity for which Costa Rica is renowned. We continue our drive then to our lodging at Arenal where we spend the next two nights. Arenal is an active volcano that has been regularly spewing lava and smoke plumes since a series of eruptions occurred in 1968 and daily rumblings are not unusual. Enjoy a dip in the pool before dinner. All meals included.
  
  Sky tram – zip line: 2 hours.

• Day 3 Look forward to thrilling canyon waterfall rappelling and enjoy a special family farm visit.

  A day of high adventure awaits us! After an early breakfast, we're off to something that is sure to delight the kids and thrill the adults: a morning of "canyoning". We transfer from the hotel to a canyon that lies deep in the tropical rainforest and is best explored through a series of rappels and short hikes. Our hike along these canyon trails lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica – ones not frequently visited by the casual traveler. After a thorough introduction to technique and equipment, we rappel down several waterfalls into crystal clear, knee deep pools as we move through the canyon. Helmets on and on-belay! Tropical birds, monkeys and thousands of different plants and colorful flowers abound. This is truly a magical experience for the whole family - it's a kid friendly activity, no experience is required. Next we will visit a local farm where we have the opportunity to learn a bit about the life of the local people. We have the chance to milk a cow and make hot tortillas in the local tradition. Then, we're off to the nearby hot springs for a final relaxing soak. Overnight back at Arenal. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 2-3 hours rolling terrain with some elevation gain; Canyoning: 4 hours.

• Day 4 Spend a day on the Pacific coast paddling outrigger canoes and snorkeling in tropical waters.

  This morning we leave the volcanic highlands behind for our long drive out to the Pacific Coast (roughly 5 hours). En route we will stop for a fun and unique outrigger canoe excursion on the Central Pacific Coast. Long before Columbus came to Costa Rica the people of Oceania were exploring the Pacific in outrigger canoe. They are stable eight-person boats that have been used for centuries for ocean-going transport. We glide beneath sea cliffs filled with pelicans and frigate birds and, weather permitting, stop to take advantage of some of the best snorkeling on the central coast (weathering and seas permitting).
  
  Overnight for the next three nights at a lovely hotel perched atop the highest point in Manuel Antonio and well known for its huge view of the Pacific. Settle in or take a dip in one of the pools. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Canoeing and snorkeling: 2 hours.

  Dec 27-Jan 3 departure only: Overnight for the next three nights in Costa Ballena, in walking distance to the Marino Ballena National Park. Hotel Resort & Spa Cristal Ballena is just south of Dominical and situated in a grand 30-acre private tropical garden, embedded on a hill with majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. All other itinerary activities will remain the same with the exception of last morning where we have the opportunity to visit Marino Ballena National Park instead of returning to Manuel Antonio National Park.

• Day 5 Hike, swim, and explore at the lovely, community-owned Campesinos Reserve.

  This morning, a 45-minute drive transports us to the small town of Londres where we stop at a local restaurant for breakfast before beginning our hike in the gorgeous Campesinos Reserve. The reserve, located in a picturesque mountain range between the Naranjo and Savegre Rivers, is managed by a local Costa Rican family. Upon reaching Campesinos, we have an opportunity to swim in a natural pool at the base of a spectacular waterfall and explore a former vanilla plantation bordering the reserve. After lunch, we continue hiking toward the Savegre River, where we cross a bridge over the fast-flowing river en route to the end of the trail and our waiting vehicle. Return to our hotel tonight for dinner. Breakfast, lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Hiking: 5 hours.

• Day 6 Hike the jungle trails and white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio Park while watching for unique wildlife.

  Miles of white sandy beach bordered by lush forest loaded with wildlife is just the barest description of Manuel Antonio National Park. This small park is one of Costa Rica's most popular parks and for good reason.
  
  Hiking: 2 hours jungle trails.

• Day 7 Return to San Jose to celebrate together and bid farewell to your guides and fellow travelers.

  Sleep in or get in a self-guided walk of Manuel Antonio's trails, perhaps spotting the endangered squirrel monkey. This afternoon we board our minibus for the final drive back to San Jose where we celebrate our week's adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends. Breakfast and dinner included; lunch on your own.

  Dec 27-Jan 3 departure only: Sleep in or get in a self-guided walk of Marino Ballena National Park, perhaps spotting the Humpback Whales that migrate here each year from December to April. This afternoon we board our minibus for the final drive back to San Jose where we celebrate our week's adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends. Breakfast and dinner included; lunch on your own.

• Day 8 Our Costa Rica Family Adventure ends in San Jose.

  Morning transfer to the international airport for flights home. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available.  If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

All accommodations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; transportation within Costa Rica as noted; arrival and departure transfers; all gear needed to participate in stated activities, guided canopy and canyoning tour; entrance to national parks and reserves; outrigger canoe excursion and all related gear; local English-speaking guides and entrance fees to parks as indicated.

Airfare to Costa Rica; airport departure taxes; 3 dinners and 2 lunches; alcoholic beverages/soft drinks; guide gratuities; snorkel gear; charges for extra activities (i.e. surfing lessons) excess baggage charges or insurance of any kind. 

This trip is rated Easy Active [2] although several components are more Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities ranging from day walks to moderate hikes (day of canyoning for example) with some elevation gain (possibility of some scrambling), paddling, swimming and rappelling.

Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country, situated between 8° - 11° north of the equator. It enjoys the advantage of the perfect tropical climate.  The average temperature in the lowlands varies from the low 60s to the high 80s.  Conditions are pleasantly moderate all year long and are often compared to a never-ending spring.  Although summer departures may encounter a slightly higher amount of rainfall, typically the day will begin sunny and pleasant with showers coming later in the afternoon.  All day rain is very unusual.  

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering.  To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip.  Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country, situated between 8° - 11° north of the equator. It enjoys the advantage of the perfect tropical climate.  The average temperature in the lowlands varies from the high 70s to the high 80s.  Conditions are pleasantly moderate all year long and are often compared to a never-ending spring.  Although summer departures may encounter a slightly higher amount of rainfall, typically the day will begin sunny and pleasant with showers coming later in the afternoon.  All day rain is very unusual.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather.  However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat.  Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax. 
• Bring clothing that is light in weight and color, which ventilates and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeved fleece or synthetic top, especially for the evenings.
• Always test your layers before a trip.  Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in.  Bring moleskin for foot treatment.  Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters.  The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton.  Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear.  Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry.  Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible.  Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
• Space for luggage is limited.  Pack lightly, fitting all clothing into one duffel bag.  During the day, plan on carrying a small daypack with sunscreen, water bottle/hydration system and camera.