• Multi-Sport Adventure
• Teen Adventure

J oin Thomson Family Adventures on a special trip designed for fun-loving families seeking out the treasures of friendly, tropical Costa Rica. This peaceful, modern country is internationally acclaimed for its efforts to protect and preserve the environment. And Costa Rica is ideally situated for family travel, just a few hours from the U.S. by plane.

We start with a visit to Poas Volcano, which is an active volcano accessible by paved road and one of the widest craters in the world. Later, glide from platform to platform for a bird's-eye view of the forest on an exhilarating canopy tour.

In the Monteverde Region, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most fantastic wildlife sanctuaries in Central America. Learn about the birds, butterflies and insects that thrive in this ecosystem. Optional adventures include skywalks, horseback riding and more.

Next, travel to the beaches of Guanacaste, relaxing on a Safari Float along the way. Enjoy canoeing and snorkeling amidst a wide variety of coral reef and marine life. The last day is free for your family to enjoy the beach or hotel pool.

2008 Dates

Triple Discount: $300 for child under 12 sharing with 2 adults

2009 Dates

Triple Discount: $300 for child under 12 sharing with 2 adults

Dates

Don't see your travel dates? Please call and we'll offer a trip to meet your needs!

Day 1 Depart U.S. / Arrive San Jose

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your Costa Rica family vacation begins.

Day 2 Poas Volcano Area

Over the millennia, Poas has erupted through three craters. Two now slumber under a blanket of vegetation, but the main crater bubbles persistently with active fumaroles and a simmering lake. Its quite a sight, and if the weather is right your family will see an amazing natural wonder.

Explore volcano crater Few volcanoes allow you to drive all the way to the rim. Poas does well, at least to within 1,000 feet, where a short stroll puts you at the very edge of one of the world's largest active volcanoes. The terrace gives you a panoramic view not only down into the bowels of the volcano, with its greenish sulfuric pool, but also down over the surrounding northern lowlands. Organic coffee plantation Watch how coffee is picked, milled and ground, then sample the results! If your eyes are still a little heavy from the early morning, they are sure to perk up from the rich aroma and flavorful taste of a hot cup of fresh Costa Rican coffee. Friends Across Borders meeting (pen pals) Thomson families love this program! Children traveling with us can choose to exchange letters with a local child of similar age before leaving on their adventure. While on the family trip we organize a pen pal meeting with a scheduled activity like soccer or hacky sacking. Its amazing how such interaction can be a real eye-opener for everyone involved.

Days 3 and 4 Monteverde Region

Nestled in the Tilarn Mountain Range with views of the Gulf of Nicoya and of Arenal Volcano, Monteverde is a paradise of majestic greenery. The highlight of these vacation days will undoubtedly be your familys exploration through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. As you hike further into the cloud forest, the environment changes so dramatically that it will feel like youre walking on a different planet.

Frog Pond The colorful poison arrow dart frog, the large marine toad and the famous red eyed tree frog these are just a few of twenty different species of frogs and other amphibians youll learn about and observe here. Zipline canopy tour The SkyTram in Monteverde offers a magnificent glimpse of this unique forest. Secured to steel zipline cables with the help of our experienced guides, glide from platform to platform for a unique opportunity to see the forest from a bird's-eye view. Skywalk suspension bridges Skywalk allows you to view the rain forest from a different perspective. Start with a walk on the ground through the forest, and continue up on the hanging bridges, where you can explore the canopy and its beautiful hanging gardens from the tops of the trees. This is the perfect way to explore the richness and diversity of the areas flora and fauna. Butterfly Garden Learn about the complexities and nuances of the butterfly lifecycle. You and the kids will stroll through enclosed gardens to admire adult butterflies flying, feeding and breeding, and there are even live bug cams. The best part is that you can actually hold some of these exotic creatures. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve This is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in Central America. The reserve is famous for its wildlife, which includes hundreds of species of birds. Keep an eye out for the magnificent quetzal and numerous hummingbirds.

Days 5 to 7 Guanacaste Region

Long, warm days and beautiful beaches are two phrases that best describe what Guanacaste is all about. Thomson travelers love this region for its stunning shoreline, incredible bird watching and superb snorkeling. There is something here for everyone in your family.

Safari Float In an inflatable raft on the Tenorio River, you and the children will ride this gentle waterway bordered by tropical dry forest. You may encounter exotic water birds and towering trees, and animal sightings may include howler and white faced monkeys, three species of iguana, river otters, coatis and caimans. Free time Swim in the pool, hit the beaches or just enjoy the resort. Outriggers canoe tour This Outriggers ocean canoe tour is a forty-five minute paddle to quiet Pacific coves for snorkeling, tide pooling and beachcombing. Free day Enjoy the resort amenities or spend some time on the beach or at the pool.

Day 8 Depart Liberia / Arrive U.S.

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.