Your holiday kicks off gently today with plenty of time to take in the beauty of your hotel’s surroundings. With lush grounds and a variety of on-site trails, you can wander through vibrant orchid gardens, watch colourful birds flit between the trees, and even learn all about the medicinal plants from the wonderfully knowledgeable staff. If you’re up for a bit of city exploration, you could head into San Jose for a look around. There’s an artful mix of markets, museums, and parks to explore, as well as plenty of opportunities to get your first taste of Costa Rica's flavours. This easy-going start will have the whole family well-rested and ready for the adventures ahead.

Today, your family adventure truly begins as you travel by road and boat through the waterways of Tortuguero, a jungle paradise that’s brimming with wildlife. Tortuguero National Park is famous for its nesting sea turtles, so summer is the ideal time for a nighttime beach walk to spot them in the sand. Once you’ve settled into your cosy lodge, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a local village, meet the people who call it home, and soak up the laid-back, Pura Vida lifestyle. With plenty of lovely riverfront lodges and rustic, family-friendly accommodations, we’ll make sure you’ll feel right at home as you continue your jungle adventure.

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle today (it tops any alarm clock!) before setting off on a guided nature walk with a brilliant expert. Your guide will introduce you to Toruguero’s unique ecosystem, teaching you and your family all about the animals, flora and fauna that thrive here. This afternoon, you’ll hop on a boat for a canal safari. Drifting through the lush flooded forests, be sure to keep an eye out for cheeky spider monkeys swinging through the trees, colourful toucans soaring overhead, and even the odd caiman lurking in the undergrowth. The guides here are fantastic at bringing every corner of the jungle to life, making it easy to spot everything from basilisk lizards basking on branches to tiny tree frogs hidden under leaves.

After one last morning in Tortuguero, you’ll be whisked off to the famous Arenal Volcano region, where thick forests meet ancient lava fields. Here, you’ll settle into your home for the next four nights. There are plenty of different accommodation options in Arenal, from lodges with stunning volcano views to brilliant family-friendly eco-resorts with sprawling pools and private trails. Arenal has it all. This evening, settle in, grab some delicious dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s big day – it’s going to be a good one!

Arenal’s volcano forest is home to many sloths, and your day starts with a guided walk in search of them. Often spotted lazily snoozing in the treetops, your naturalist guide will know exactly where to look as you make your way along the trails. You won’t just see them either, you’ll learn their names, habits and all about their lifestyles as you go. Some of the facts may well surprise you! Sloths will be the star of the show today, but keep an eye out for vibrant poison dart frogs, leafcutter ant trails, capuchin monkeys and an array of colourful butterflies as you go. After a busy day of wildlife spotting, head back to your hotel for a spot of relaxation by the pool before watching the sun set against the volcano backdrop with a cocktail (for the grown-ups!) in hand. 

This morning you’ll head to Arenal Volcano National Park, where lava trails lead you through a unique landscape of volcanic rock, all shaped by past eruptions. This park is packed full of natural beauty, with panoramic views of the volcano and wildlife rustling everywhere you look. After an active morning of trekking, you deserve a soak. You'll head to the area’s famous hot springs for a rejuvenating float, maybe even with a delicious drink in hand. The perfect way to rest up after a busy day of exploring. 

It’s adventure after adventure on this Costa Rica holiday, and today is no exception. Today you’ll head off to Lake Arenal for a paddle about in your very own kayak. One of the largest lakes in Latin America, it’s the perfect place for a spot of family adventuring. As you paddle along through the glassy waters and soak in the views of the imposing Arenal Volcano, your guide will share stories about the lake’s history and point out its fascinating natural features as you go. 

You’ll be driven up into the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest today to explore another of Costa Rica’s crucial and wildlife-teeming ecosystems. You’ll arrive at your cosy lodge and check in before grabbing your walking boots (and your nerve) to head out on a night walk once the sun goes down. Under the light of your torch, you’ll follow your guide along the eerie forest paths in search of the nocturnal creatures lurking within the leaves. From red-eyed tree frogs to hairy tarantulas, exploring by night is a great chance to encounter wildlife you wouldn’t see when the sun’s up. 

Today you’ll take in the beauty of the cloud forest from an entirely new perspective. Monteverde Cloud Forest Adventure Centre is one of the best spots in Costa Rica to channel your inner Tarzan and fly through the treetops on a zipline. First up you’ll ride the gondola high up to the start of the course – this bit is an experience in itself. As you journey up through the clouds, it’ll be a real challenge not to fill your camera roll with snaps of the views across the canopy. There are plenty of ziplines to enjoy here, all soaring over lush green valleys and all with heart-stopping views of the forest below. The guides are brilliant here, and they have full control of making sure you stop at the end safely – so you can focus on the good bit, soaking up the adrenaline and the landscapes. Your adventure finishes with a real family challenge. Who will take on the free fall?  

Say goodbye to Monteverde’s cool air today as it’s time to hop in the car and head to Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific Coast. White sand beaches bathed in sunshine are waiting at the end of the drive. We’ve slowed the pace down here, so grab a book, head to the beach and settle in under a swaying palm tree whilst the kids play on the sand. There are some brilliant beachfront hotels to choose from here, with family-sized suites, direct beach access and huge swimming pools to splash about in. The next few days don’t need to be purely about the R&R. There are plenty of activities and adventures to be enjoyed nearby. From watersports and horse-riding along the beaches to wandering through one of the nearby national parks – soak it all up before toasting your family adventure with a sunset sundowner. 

Your family adventure comes to an end today, with a journey back to San Jose in time for your flight back to the UK. We know you’ll be heading home with hearts full of shared memories and a new love for this very special part of the world.