• Multi-Sport Adventure
• Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Beaches

T eens today know all about environmental awareness and most have profound respect for nature and knowledge of ecological issues. Nowhere is that respect and knowledge better appreciated than in Costa Rica. While this friendly, tropical nation is a living, breathing science lesson, it’s also an adventure lover’s paradise. Costa Rica is a place where teens can play hard and show their parents what they’re made of.

Your family will discover a variety of wildlife, explore the canal systems of the Tortuguero rain forest on the Caribbean coast and the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast. As we explore all these areas, we will be mixing in activities like whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and an exhilarating zipline canopy tour.

Along the way we'll meet ordinary Costa Ricans, admirable people who honor, respect and work to maintain a harmonious relationship with nature. Meeting the locals to share stories and backgrounds always seems to be a trip highlight for teenagers and is a great way to round out our Costa Rica adventure for teens.

2008 Dates

2009 Dates

Dates

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Day 1 – Depart U.S. / Arrive San Jose

Days 2 and 3 – Sarapiqui region

This region is named for the immense river that flows through it, and your family will hit the Sarapiqui River for an invigorating Class III whitewater rafting adventure. This area is warm, so the splashing waters will feel great as you and your teens make your way over clear rapids that run through the lush rain forest. There is excellent bird watching here to boot.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens This wildlife park has the largest butterfly garden in the world, hummingbirds galore, tropical gardens and an array of waterfalls. After spending some time learning about the Costa Rican flora and fauna, your family can hike the surrounding scenic trails. Whitewater rafting Once you’ve been outfitted with life jackets, helmets and paddles, it’s off to the Class III rapids of the Sarapiqui River. This rafting trip is first timer-friendly. Soccer game Join in a soccer game with local kids and teens. It’s amazing how fast cultural differences between Ticos and Thomson guests are bridged once that soccer ball gets tossed on the field. Families come back thrilled with the experience.

Days 4 and 5 – Tortuguero, Caribbean Coast

An endless system of rivers and canals make Tortugero the most biologically diverse region of Costa Rica. They also allow for some extraordinary in-depth exploration by boat, so get those cameras ready as you head out on a jungle boat expedition. Crocodiles, lizards, toucans, sea turtles and howler monkeys are often spotted.

Jungle boat expedition Explore Tortuguero’s intricate river system via motorized jungle boat. As you wind your way through the lowland rain forest, your guide will be keeping his eyes peeled for the unusual wildlife that live in the region. Free time Jump in the pool, hit the game room or just relax. Kayaking You and your teens can meet for a kayaking trip through the waterways for some more rain forest exploration through the maze of canals.

Days 6 to 8 – Manuel Antonio, Pacific Coast

Not only does the rain forest zipline canopy tour provide a fun adrenaline rush as you glide high above the ground from one platform to another, it also serves as an aid in the preservation of the world’s endangered rain forests. For each family that ziplines with us, donations are sent directly to help efforts in conservation, education and reforestation.

Zipline canopy tour Get ready for a bird’s-eye view of the rain forest you’ll never forget. Gliding through the air surrounded by nature is such an exhilarating feeling that this high-flying adventure is sure to be favorite activity. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park This nature preserve juts out into the ocean, so it offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing along its trails as well as pristine white sand beaches for swimming. Surfing lesson First you’ll spend some time learning surfing techniques from a professional instructor, and then your teens will paddle out into the warm Pacific waters for a test drive. Free day Swim in the pool, hit the beaches or just enjoy the resort.

Day 9 – Depart San Jose / 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.