O n this special itinerary, your family has the opportunity to explore the wildlife and landscapes of Costa Rica while developing your artistic skills with professional artist Narda Boughton. Whether you are beginners or more practiced, painting is always a pleasure and a challenge. Each afternoon session begins with a demonstration. Working in graphite and watercolor, you will learn various techniques having to do with drawing, composition and color. By the end of the trip, each member of your family will have completed a series of paintings, creating your own travel log.

We start with a visit to the area around Arenal Volcano, which is an active volcano that can put on quite a show at night! Later, walk along the treetops along the hanging bridges, then glide from platform to platform for a bird's-eye view of the forest on an exhilarating canopy tour. Learn about the complex process needed to produce your morning coffee at a local coffee farm, and relax at the end of the day in hot springs warmed by heat from the volcano.

Next, travel to the beaches of Guanacaste, checking out Palo Verde National Park on 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. There is also an optional excursion to Tamarindo for surf lessons.

About Narda

Narda Boughton is an artist and an educator living in Boston. Born in Wisconsin, she spent part of her childhood in Costa Rica. It was there that she developed a fascination for different cultures and travel. She returned to the U.S. and was educated in Boston, where she attended Boston University and The School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Here, she developed her craft and honed her skills as an artist. Initially working as an illustrator and graphic designer, she later moved to Mexico where she lived for seven years and dedicated herself to painting and exhibiting. She continues to pursue her art while in Boston and has shown extensively in Mexico and the U.S.

Looking for a way to reach out and share these skills, Boughton began working as the Artist-in-Residence for the Celebrity Series of Boston. Here, she focused on creating art outreach programs for Boston's public schools. This tapped into her interest of working with children, which has led to many years of teaching both in schools and privately, focusing on all levels of development, from beginners to advanced and from 5 to 75 years old.

At the core of teaching is the hope of tapping into someone's ability to see more deeply and offer them the tools and the confidence to express what they experience through their art. Combining this exploration of art with travel is both challenging and fun and will surely enhance the experience of how families see a new place.

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

Alumni Discount: if you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices

Large Group Discount, if this departure has 11 or more travelers (including your family) a discount of $200 per person will apply.

Price includes: Daily workshops with professional artist Narda Boughton; all entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bi-lingual guide throughout, area specialists; all meals except 1 lunch, bottled water & snacks in the vehicle, Comprehensive Travel Insurance.

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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.

Days 2 - 3 Arenal Volcano Area

Arenal is considered one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, and the area around it is a veritable playground for families. The volcano itself is quite a sight, and if the weather is right your family will see an amazing natural wonder. Visit a local coffee farm, bathe in the natural hot springs, and enjoy a local canopy tour near the base of the volcano. 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.

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. Traditional lunch   Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch which generally consists of gallo pinto (rice and beans), meat, chicken or fish, served with salad and fried plantains. It's accompanied by plenty of fresh fruit! La Fortuna   Situated just 4 miles away from Arenal Volcano, this small but busting town caters to the adventure seeking tourists who frequently visit. This town offers panoramic views of the spectacular Arenal. Farm visit option   Today you have the option to visit Manoa’s farm with its flock of sheep and cow pastures and learn about the milking process. Explore the canopy at the hanging bridges This series of trails is interconnected 14 amazing suspension bridges. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano as you walk through the treetops. Zipline canopy tour 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. Maleku presentation option   You have the option to visit the Maleku Indigenous. The Maleku Tribe used to reside in this area of Costa Rica, and they speak their own language and are struggling to hold onto their original traditions and customs. There are only a few hundred Malekus left! Enjoy a presentation by them to learn more about their tribe and traditions. Art workshop Afternoon art workshops! Narda will guide us as we use our morning's experiences as the inspiration for our creativity.

Days 4 – 6 North Pacific Coast, Guanacaste

Start driving to the North Pacific coast, stopping en route at Palo Verde National Park, and crossing the Tempisque River by boat while you watch for birds, monkeys & crocodiles. Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch, visit a local school, and explore the beautiful coast line by outrigger canoe. Here you can snorkel amidst a wide variety of coral reef and marine life. Your family has an entire day at leisure to take surfing lessons, wander into the local town, or just relax on the beach.

Palo Verde National Park View the beauty and wildlife of this tropical forest from a floating safari on the Tempisque River. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodile and groups of monkeys as we journey from one side of the river to the other. 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. Outriggers canoe tour This Outriggers ocean canoe tour is a forty-five minute paddle to quiet Pacific coves for snorkeling, tide pooling and beachcombing. Afternoon art workshops We will have some free time to continue working on our special art projects! Free day Enjoy the resort amenities or spend some time on the beach or at the pool. Tamarindo option   If you choose, visit the town of Tamarindo for lunch, take a surfing class (at additional cost), or look for shopping opportunities. Farewell dinner   Say goodbye to your guide and fellow travelers over a farewell dinner. Don't forget to bring along your Adventure Journal!

Day 7 Depart Liberia / Arrive U.S.

Optional Community Service Extension

Have an extra week, and interested in community service? Add a week or more to your adventure and deepen your understanding of the lives of the people who live here. We’ll use our partnerships with the local community to connect you to their sustainable projects. Depending on the specific need at the time you might paint, build, plant, or simply read aloud. This is a great opportunity for our children to gain a sense of giving back to others, and to see that those who seem different can be very much the same. We've found that you need to devote at least a week to be even a small help to the sustainable project.

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.

Why Costa Rica?

The ultimate eco-adventure Costa Rica is home to spectacular rain forests and wildlife and a global leader in protecting its natural resources. You and your family will experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in this eco-friendly paradise. Over 850 species of birds and hundreds of species of animals Costa Rica’s lush, diverse ecosystems, pristine waterways and volcanic sandy beaches are home to a staggering amount of plant and animal life. From the largest butterfly garden in the world to sea turtles, howler monkeys and tapirs, you will not soon forget the beauty and serenity of a Costa Rican adventure. Peaceful, stable and safe Costa Rica is a serene, peaceful country with a long history of being a peacemaker in Central America. During the 19th century, the country invested in healthcare and education, rather than the military, and has a stable, well-established infrastructure and no standing army. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Located high in the Tilaran Mountain Range and straddling the continental Divide at 1,440 meters (4,724 feet), Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of Central America’s eminent ecotourism destinations. In this lush cloud forest dripping with dew, trees are festooned with ferns, mosses, bromeliads and exotic orchids, creating complex and beautiful ecosystems. Four hundred bird species are found in this microclimate, including the iconic resplendent quetzal and three-wattled bellbird. The reserve was founded by Quakers, who objected to the draft in the US and came to Costa Rica in 1951. Tortuguero National Park The waterways and lagoons of Tortuguero are among the most biologically diverse in all of Costa Rica. The area protected by Tortuguero National Park was an archipelago of volcanic islands until alluvial sediments from the interior mountains filled in the spaces and formed a network of marshy islands. Sand piled up where sediment deposited by the river met the sea, and the turtle nesting beaches of Tortuguero formed. The exceptionally high rainfall and rich environment make the beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands of Tortuguero areas of exceptional biodiversity, ideal for nature lovers. Volcanoes of Poás, Arenal, Irazú and more The Continental Divide in Costa Rica is home to several amazing volcanoes. In 1968, Arenal volcano woke up after 400 years, exploding in a giant display of ash and glowing red lava. One of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal will thrill your family. You will also visit the active crater of Poás (the other two are “sleeping”) which bubbles and bubbles. From the “terrace” you will have a dramatic view right down into the basin of the volcano, with its greenish sulfuric pool, as well as the surrounding northern lowlands. Easy to get to! Costa Rica is easy to get to, with direct flights from several airports, including Newark, New Jersey. From Houston, Miami and Dallas, flying time is less than three hours. A great destination for families who want to start their adventure as soon as possible! Manuel Antonio National Park Manuel Antonio National Park was instituted in 1972 as a way to preserve one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world. The park contains mountainous terrain, rainforest, and gorgeous beaches. The jungles within Manuel Antonio are home to green iguanas, two different types of sloths, toucans, hawks, several species of snakes and bats, and three different kinds of monkeys: mantled howler monkeys, Central American squirrel monkeys, and white-headed capuchin monkeys – who doesn’t love monkeys?! In the waters around Manuel Antonio, your family may see dolphins swimming and the occasional migrating whale.

Why with Thomson?

Adventures designed with our own families in mind Parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren join together to explore exotic new places through hands-on experiences. Guided by local partners who know, love and respect the heritage and traditions of their country, each of our adventures is a personal odyssey of discovery. From the Central Valley to the Caribbean Coast, from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the beaches of the Pacific, a vacation to Costa Rica with Thomson creates unforgettable, lifelong memories. We designed our trips here with our long-time Costa Rican friend, Tamara Budowski and her family. So much to see and do, we’ve created four adventures! There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica, you’ll want to visit more than once. While the county is not that big — about the size of West Virginia — your family will love the incredibly rich and varied cultural and natural beauty. From ziplining in the rain forest to whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River to surfing in the sunny Pacific, Costa Rica is not to be missed! Choose from four different adventures — each created especially for your family. Multi-Sport Adventure Tons of activities every day, from hiking and whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River to canopy zipline tours and swimming. You will visit the most biologically diverse region of Costa Rica, Tortuguero, where you can adopt a green Atlantic sea turtle. Not-to-be-missed is the incredible thrill of zipping through the rain forest canopy, a family favorite. Discover ecological treasure in Tortuguero Your family will set off on a jungle boat expedition, winding your way through the lowland rain forest where you might catch a glimpse of bats, crocodiles, lizards, toucans or howler monkeys. If you visit in July or August you may experience the rare treat of seeing green Atlantic sea turtles nesting on the beaches. Your kids can even help save these gentle giants by adopting their own turtle through the Sea Turtle Survival League program. Fly like a bird as you zipline through the rain forest The best seats for exploring this region are not on land — your family will zipline through the rain forest treetops for a bird’s-eye view you’ll never forget. Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you glide from platform to platform through the dense rain forest. This high-flying adventure is for ages five and up. Search for monkeys, sloths and butterflies Adventure-seeking families will thrill in seeking out the natural treasures of tropical Costa Rica. A world leader in protecting its natural resources, Costa Rica is the perfect spot for your family to explore the beauty and intricacy of the natural world. Throughout this special adventure, you’ll discover a variety of wildlife – anything from howler monkeys to sloths to butterflies – as you explore lush lowland rain forests, rivers and pristine beaches. Learn to surf in Manuel Antonio Catch a wave in the warm Pacific waters of the magnificent 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. First you’ll learn surfing techniques from a professional instructor, and then you and your teens will paddle out for a test ride. Costa Rica Teen Adventure Similar to our Multi-Sport Adventure but with more challenging activities for older kids, our Costa Rica Teen Adventure is perfect for families with teens who don’t want to travel with younger children. You and your teens will shoot the rapids through the lush rain forest and explore Tortuguero’s rivers and canals on a jungle boat expedition. At the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you will learn about Costa Rica’s incredible plants, butterflies and hummingbirds, and you can learn to surf on the Pacific Coast. Whitewater raft on the Sarapiquí River Once you’ve been outfitted with life jackets, helmets and paddles, it’s off to shoot the rapids of the Sarapiquí River. This rafting trip is first timer-friendly but offers plenty of excitement with the river’s rolling rapids. Along the way, you’ll see lush green rain forests and banana plantations. Touch the tree-tops as you zipline through the canopy 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 helps to preserve 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. Volcanoes & Beaches Great for families who want to explore more of the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Check out a volcano crater and walk among the clouds at the hanging bridges at Arenal. As you float down the idyllic Tempisque River, you may encounter exotic birds, iguanas and white-faced monkeys. An incredible Outrigger canoe expedition to quiet Pacific coves for snorkeling and beachcombing rounds out this fantastic adventure. Relax in the Arenal Volcano hot springs Everyone will be amazed by the thermal springs on the Hidalgo family farm. The family has made these four springs their lives’ work, and love to share them with visiting guests. The springs range in temperatures, so there’s sure to be something here for every member of your family. After everyone is fully relaxed, enjoy a delicious family-style feast before parting ways from your wonderful hosts. View the beauty of Palo Verde National Park the best possible way: from the Tempisque River. You’ll be able to see why scientists from around the globe come here to study the park’s fascinating ecosystem. After a beautiful drive through the ever-changing landscape of the countryside, we’ll enter the park and embark on our floating river safari. Experience the amazing flora and fauna of the tropical forest as we make our way from one side of the river to the other. Enjoy long, warm days and beautiful beaches at Guanacaste 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 and incredible bird watching. There is something here for everyone in your family. Ranked “best outfitters on Earth” Ranked “best outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, our Costa Rican partner is committed to providing exceptional family travel experiences. Warm and welcoming, our guides are thrilled to share their beloved country with visitors. We work closely with our partner to design special activities that are perfectly suited for a family vacation. Through our partnership, we are pleased to support sustainable tourism, a value exemplified by our partner for 23 years. We know your 8-year-old won’t travel well with a 16-year-old and vice versa Thomson Family Adventures understands the importance of matching children of a similar age within a travel group. Sharing new experiences with new friends is a great way to make an adventure even more exciting and memorable. For parents, this makes the trip even more enjoyable, knowing your children are having the time of their lives. Friends Across Borders (pen pals) and cultural experiences Thomson Family Adventures offers Friends Across Borders, a wonderful opportunity for your child to correspond with a pen pal before visiting Costa Rica. This highly-popular program pairs your child with a pen pal of a similar age. The pen pals exchange letters prior to the trip, and we arrange for a meeting when you visit, usually at the child’s school or through an organized activity such as a soccer match. Children love this program because it allows them to meet a new friend and learn more about life in Costa Rica. The best mentors to engage your kids Our mentors in Costa Rica are the best! We’ve hired and trained local teachers to be Thomson mentors and you — and most important, your children — will love them. A mentor travels with groups of eight or more people. They are fun, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable about the local culture and ecology. You’ll be amazed at how in-tune your mentor is with your children’s interests and at the creative, engaging activities they will come with that entertain your kids for hours. We won’t cancel your adventure Thomson Family Adventures is committed to making travel as hassle- and stress-free as possible. We plan all of the details and handle all of the logistical issues related to planning your trip. You sit back and enjoy the adventure and spending quality time with your family. We schedule trips to coincide with winter and spring breaks, summer vacation and school holidays. Once you book your departure date, we will not cancel the trip.