Taste of the Tropics

9 Days / 8 Nights Costa Rica Family Vacation
San Jose - Tortuguero - Arenal - Playa Azul (Nosara)

Our 9-Day / 8-Night Taste of the Tropics family vacation in Costa Rica takes you to the jungle of Tortuguero National Park in the Caribbean northeast, the rainforest region of the Arenal Volcano, and Playa Azul, a secluded beach resort near Nosara in Guanacaste.  This Costa Rica vacation package combines wildlife viewing in the Tortuguero Canals - including the renowned turtle nesting beaches - with the numerous adventures available in Arenal and a private and remote beach resort on the Pacific.  The package features economical resorts.  Upgrades to deluxe hotels and resorts may be available.

Day 1: Arrive at the San Jose International Airport. A contact person will pick you up in the customs area and take you to meet your driver. Board the van for the 20-minute transfer to San Jose and check in to Grano de Oro Hotel. Free night to explore the city's dining and entertainment options.

Day 2: Check out of the hotel and board the van for the 3½ hour transfer to Tortuguero. You will pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, with its exquisite views, then stop for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast.  After breakfast, you will continue past picturesque banana plantations en route to Matina.

At Matina, board your boat and travel along the Tortuguero canals to the lodge, where the staff will be waiting for you with a refreshing cocktail.  Check in to Laguna Lodge and then enjoy lunch. Afterwards, visit the Turtle Museum of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation and explore the colorful town of Tortuguero.

After dinner, spend the rest of the night enjoying the pool, bar and surroundings. An optional late night visit to the park to witness the miracle of the Green Sea Turtles laying their eggs is available June - October. Overnight in Laguna Lodge. 

Day 3: An optional morning tour to admire the awakening wildlife of Tortuguero is available. Return for breakfast and another boat tour to admire the canals of Tortuguero National Park. This is a wonderful and interesting experience where you can see the abundant flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park. Return to the lodge for lunch then enjoy the pool or go for a walk to the beach.  Overnight in Laguna Lodge. 

Day 4: Check out of the hotel and board the boat that will bring you to the local pier.  Board the van for your private transfer to the Arenal Volcano region.  This drive will take you through the Sarapiqui rainforest to the San Carlos flatlands, an area rich in agriculture, forests and cattle.  Check in to Arenal Springs.

Day 5: Enjoy the hotel and explore the Arenal Volcano region.  Optional activities include visiting the Fortuna River Waterfalls, rafting on the Sarapiqui River, canyoning (waterfall rappels), Sky Trek canopy tour, kayaking, Arenal National Park tour, Venado Caves tour, and the Hanging Bridges tour.  Overnight in Arenal Springs.

Day 6: Check out of the hotel.  Your driver will pick you up for the short transfer to the Arenal Airstrip.  Check in to the flight to Nosara.  Upon arrival, board the van for the transfer to Playa Azul.  Check in to Harmony Hotel and take the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy the hotel.

Day 7 - 8: Explore the Nosara region.  Optional activities include sportfishing, surfing, horseback riding, ATV tours, snorkeling, and canopying. Overnight in Harmony Hotel.

Day 9: Check out of the hotel.  Board the van for the transfer to the Liberia International Airport, and check in to your return flight.

Package includes:

1 night in San Jose, Hotel Grano de Oro
3-day / 2-night package in Tortuguero, Laguna Lodge (Includes: land / boat transfers, three meals daily and two tours of the canals)
2 nights in Arenal, Arenal Springs
3 nights in Nosara, Harmony Hotel
Private transfer: San Jose International Airport - San Jose hotel
Transfer: San Jose hotel - Tortuguero
Private transfer: Sarapiqui - Arenal
Flight: Arenal - Nosara
Private transfer: Nosara Airstrip - Harmony Hotel
Private transfer: Harmony Hotel - Liberia International Airport
Daily breakfast at all hotels
Hotel and sales tax

Package prices for a family of 4 sharing one room (two children under 12 years old):

High Season 2010 (Jan 4 - Apr 30, 2010) from $ 3,540 per family of 4
Green Season 2010 (May 1 - Nov 30, 2010) from $ 3,200 per family of 4

Package prices for a family of 4 in two rooms:

High Season 2010 (Jan 4 - Apr 30, 2010) from $ 4,540 per family of 4
Green Season 2010 (May 1 - Nov 30, 2010) from $ 4,040 per family of 4

For travel during peak holiday season, including Christmas and Easter, please contact our Costa Rica vacations experts at  (800) 608-3119 .

The 9-Day / 8-Night Taste of the Tropics Costa Rica vacation package promises to provide a truly unforgettable Costa Rica family vacation. Our Costa Rica travel experts can assist you to plan and customize this trip based on your preferences, interests and budget.  To book or modify this package, please call us toll free at  (800) 608-3119  or e-mail us at tasteofthetropics@costaricaonlinetravel.com.