Costa Rica Family Adventure

Costa Rica Family Adventure Itinerary:

• Day 1

  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.  Meet with your guide this evening for a trip briefing.  Meals on your own.

• Day 2

  This morning we leave San Jose heading north toward Arenal Volcano. En-route (approximately one hour after leaving San Jose), we stop to take a hike in the mountain lowlands to the local farm of Don Jose at Virgen del Socorro.  Here we have the opportunity to learn a bit about the life of the local people … we have the chance to milk a cow, make hot tortillas in the traditional manner and enjoy lunch while at the farm.  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.
  
  Hiking: 2-3 hours rolling terrain with some elevation gain.

• Day 3

  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. After a typical Costa Rican lunch we spend the afternoon soaking and splashing in nearby hot springs.  Overnight back at Arenal.  All meals included.
  
  Canyoning / hiking: 4 hours.

• Day 4

  Another morning of high adventure awaits us today!  While yesterday we were deep in a rainforest canyon, today we are zipping across the canopy of the rainforest.  A very different perspective indeed!  We start 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 then leave the volcanic highlands behind for our long drive out to the Pacific Coast (roughly 5 hours) where we overnight for the next three nights at a lovely hotel perched atop the highest point in Manuel Antonio and well known for its endless view.  Settle in or take a dip in one of the pools. Breakfast included.
  
  Sky tram – zip line: 2 hours.

• Day 5

  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 Don Miguel Mora, a local Costa Rican enthusiastic about sharing with trip members his intensive knowledge of the rain forest environment and “Tico” traditions. Upon reaching Campesinos, we have an opportunity to swim in a natural pool at the base of a spectacular waterfall and explore a working vanilla plantation bordering the reserve.  After lunch, we continue hiking toward the Savegre River, where we make use of an "andarivel" – a type of hand-operated metal tram suspended by ropes – to cross 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.
  
  Hiking:  5 hours.

• Day 6

  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 park and for good reason.  Not only is the setting idyllic, the jungle itself is home to sloths, iguanas, squirrel monkeys, coatimundi, agouti and over 180 species of birds.  The kids will love exploring the jungle trails with your naturalist guide as well as swimming, snorkeling and surfing (optional surf lessons can be arranged at an extra cost) in the warm, protected waters.  Enjoy and relax!  Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 2 hours jungle trails.

• Day 7

  Our week concludes with a fun and unique outrigger kayak excursion on the Central Pacific Coast.  Long before Columbus came to Costa Rica the people of Oceania were exploring the Pacific in outrigger kayaks.  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).  This afternoon we board our minibus for the final drive back to San Jose (2 hours from our outrigger location) where we celebrate our week’s adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends.  All meals included.
  
  Canoeing and snorkeling: 3 hours. 

• Day 8

  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.

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].  It contains a variety of activities ranging from day walks to moderate hikes with some elevation gain (possibility of some scrambling), paddling, swimming and rappelling.  All activity options are suitable for novices.  Participants should arrive in good physical condition and know how to swim.  A regular exercise regimen consisting of walking and hiking and paddling/swimming (if possible) is highly recommended beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure.  The better shape you are in, the more you’ll be able to enjoy all that the adventure has to offer!

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.  

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 within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, 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.

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