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 Corcovado National Park on the Pacific coast and the pristine beaches of Puerto Viejo on the Atlantic coast. As we explore all these areas, we will be mixing in activities like whitewater rafting, hiking and an exhilarating zipline canopy tour.

Along the way we'll meet a few of our Costa Rican friends, 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.

2012 Dates

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

Large Group Discount, if the departure you choose has six or more travelers (including your family) the following discounts will apply.

$150-$400 per person for 11 or more travelers, depending on departure date.

Price includes: All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bi-lingual guide throughout, area specialists, all meals except 1 dinner, bottled water & snacks in the vehicle, Comprehensive Travel Insurance.

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Day 1 – Depart U.S. / Arrive San Jose

Days 2 to 4 – Corcovado region

Corcovado is the experience of a lifetime for those of us who crave untamed wilderness and spectacular wildlife viewing. Warm Pacific waters wash its shores on three sides. The area was once the center for the pre-Columbian Disquis culture, whose skill as goldsmiths sent Spanish conquistadors on a futile search for fabled gold mines. Almost half of the peninsula is protected within Corcovado National Park, the largest of the parks and reserves that make up the Corcovado Conservation Area.

Welcome Breakfast In the morning you will meet your guide and fellow travelers over breakfast.  Your guide will brief you on your itinerary and review the expectations of your trip. San Jose to Corcovado An adventurous transfer using airplane, 4-wheel drive and river boat before arriving at the final destination: Corcovado. Caño Island Spend a day on Caño Island, where the snorkeling is exceptional. Its reef is home to an incredible array of marine wildlife so keep make sure to be on the lookout!. You'll also enjoy a picnic lunch and take a walk with a naturalist guide during your time on the island. Hike Corcovado National Park A naturalist guide will hike with you through this pristine park, which National Geographic once described as "the most biologically intense place on Earth".

Day 5 – Corcovado / Turrialba

From Corcovado you'll head to Turrialba Valley, a region known for its mountain views and whitewater rafting - said to be the best in Central America!

Bike ride through CATIE Explore the grounds of CATIE, one of the leading agricultural research centers in the world. The center is set on over 2,000 acres of land, and has landscaped grounds, greenhouses, orchards and more!

Days 6 and 7 – Turrialba / Puerto Viejo

The Atlantic region on the Caribbean Sea is unique for its Afro-Caribbean culture steeped in tradition from its Jamaican forbearers, which lend a colorful, laid-back charm to the ramshackle villages that sprinkle the coast. 

Turrialba town   Visit the quiet town of Turrialba with its charming street corners and stunning views. Whitewater rafting The class III and IV rapids of the Pacuare River offer world-class rafting. The river winds its way through the rainforest, and along the way you'll pass gorges that are packed with wildlife! Canyoning option   If you prefer to do something different, you may want to replace the whitewater rafting with canyoning – a rock climbing trip that includes rappelling and descending cliffs and waterfalls within the canyon. Drive to Puerto Viejo After you've worn yourselves out on the rapids, relax and enjoy the scenic drive to the Atlantic Coast. Puero Viejo is a beautiful, sleepy beach town, and you'll arrive with plenty of time to settle in before dinner. Hike and snorkel in Cahuita National Park The park was established in 1970 to protect the coral reef of Costa Rica's Caribbean side. You'll get to snorkel with dozens of species of coral and hundreds of species of fish. You'll also have the chance to hike through the park, with great views of both the coastline and the diverse wildlife inhabiting the forest.

Day 8 –  San Jose

Welcome back to San Jose! The capitol of Costa Rica offers rugged landscape, perfect weather and world class theaters and museums.

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. Farewell dinner Say good-bye to your guide and fellow travelers over a farewell dinner.

Day 9 – Depart San Jose / 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.