‘Costa Rica Jungle Adventure’ is perfect for:
Families and groups who want to explore Costa Rica without breaking the bank.
This ten-night family package offers a great look at three areas of Costa Rica, from the mountains, passing by volcanoes, to the beach.
Experience the Central Valley from the Poas Volcano area, then the Arenal Volcano area – perfect for adventure and fun – and finish off on the beaches of Manuel Antonio. Three great destinations with three great hotels in each. And family fun in spades along the way.
Poas Volcano Lodge – A Taste of Mountain Life
Situated less than an hour and a half from the airport, on the slopes of Volcan Poas, is the Poas Volcano Lodge, a small, sustainable inn on the edges of the national park.
From here you have access to Poas National Park and a number of hiking trails through the local cloud forests. There is also the famous Waterfall Gardens nearby, which definitely need checking out.
This part of Costa Rica is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s cozy and lively. The cool climate and spectacular scenery make it well worth a couple of days.
Onwards to Arenal Volcano
Another good thing about Poas is that once up here, the Arenal Volcano is only a short hop over.
Take the private transfer and check into Lomas del Volcan, a cozy, family-friendly place at the foot of the volcano (that’s right, this trip features two volcanoes!). This place is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
While at Arenal Volcano it’s almost obligatory to do a zip line canopy tour, so this package includes one for the whole family. The Sky Tram and Sky Trek tour combines a gondola style float through the treetops with the adrenalin of the zip line itself.
A National Park by the Beach
After six nights next to volcanoes the beach is the next logical option. Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast is the final stop in this family vacation.
Getting there is half the fun. A van picks you up in Arenal and takes you to Manuel Antonio via the famous Tarcoles River, where there’s a chance to hang out with some really big crocodiles. Talk about creating memories!
After the crocodile encounter, arrive at the Manuel Antonio hotel Costa Verde. This is another family-friendly option and the studio rooms fare comfortable for everyone. Watch out for the monkeys and birds on the property here, and enjoy the sandy beach, which is only steps away from the hotel!
Discover the delights of the Manuel Antonio National Park – where the rainforest hits the ocean – in a guided tour. This is a great way to learn about the animals that live here and get some exploration done before heading back home.
What’s included in ‘Costa Rica Jungle Adventure’?
Lodging & Meals:
- 3 nights at Poas Volcano Lodge (Oriole room)—Breakfast included.
- 3 nights at Lomas del Volcan (Quadruple bungalow)—Breakfast included.
- 4 nights at Costa Verde (Studio plus room).
Private Transportation:
- Private shuttle from SJO Airport to Poas (app. 1.5 hours)
- Private shuttle from Poas to Arenal (app. 2.5 hours)
- Group transfer (including crocodile tour) from Arenal to Manuel Antonio (app. 9 hours)
- Private shuttle from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport (app. 3 hours)
All private transfers include an English-speaking driver.
Tours and Activities:
All these tours have either private or shared transportation from your hotel. The minimum amount of people required is two.
- Tram and canopy tour in Arenal
- Adventure connection: Crocodile tour while traveling from Arenal to Manuel Antonio
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour
You will receive a 100% accurate price when you inquire with us and share your travel dates. Final package pricing includes taxes, domestic transport, tours and lodging as described unless otherwise indicated. The package does NOT include international airfare or optional travel insurance or any other services not expressly mentioned.
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!
Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica! As you come out of the tunnel an agent is right there to meet and assist you through immigration.
Then hop to a private transfer with a bilingual driver, who takes you straight up through the city of Alajuela to Poas Volcano, a haven in the mountains that surround the capital city.
Poas Volcano Lodge offers the perfect accommodations for your family in this neck of the woods. Spend the rest of the day taking a light stroll through the grounds or chilling out.
Stay at Poas Volcano Lodge
Days 2-3: Living Life in Poas
Get out and explore these days. Poas Volcano Lodge on its own offers a number of great hiking trails, but if you want to spread your wings, check out the Poas National Park. This active volcano has a crater – still smoking and steaming and smelling of sulfur – that you can get up close and personal with..
Take a hike through some weird tree formations to another crater lake, long extinct. Another option while up here in the Poas area is the Waterfall Gardens at the Peace Lodge. Meet a collection of native Costa Rican animals from big cats to snakes and spiders and also get a chance to hike a trail along numerous stunning cascades in the rainforest.
Stay at Poas Volcano Lodge
Day 4: Transfer from Poas to Arenal
Another van picks you up at Poas Volcano Lodge for the journey north to Arenal. As you come out of the mountains and descend, the heat rises and the vegetation changes from cloud forest to rain forest. And then spot in the distance, getting closer, a perfectly cone-shaped volcano rising out of the plain.
This is Arenal, the adventure capital of Costa Rica, and your home for the next three nights. Drop off at Lomas del Volcan, a family-friendly hotel so close to the volcano it feels you can touch it. The evening is perfect to sign up for a volcano night hike to check out some nocturnal animals.
Stay at Lomas del Volcan
Day 5: Tram & Canopy Tour
Are you ready for this? This is Costa Rica’s signature tour, a journey through vegetation and wildlife. It’s the zip line tour that also includes a gentle gondola tour up to the start point and then a whopping two miles of cables to whizz down, getting your inner Tarzan on.
The longest cable is 2,500 ft. Open your eyes while up in the trees to catch glimpses of the volcano and the gorgeous Lake Arenal.
Stay at Lomas del Volcan
Day 6: Free Time
There is really more to do and see in the Arenal Volcano area than just about anywhere else in Costa Rica. Whether you want to sit back and relax or go out and explore more, there is something to do.
Waterfall rappelling, horseback riding to the Arenal Waterfall, caving, ATVing, birdwatching, whitewater river rafting and tubing are all part of your options. Or take it easy and relax in one of the numerous volcanic hot springs that abound here, or enjoy the view while the kids play in the pool at the hotel. It’s up to you!
Stay at Lomas del Volcan
Day 7: Adventure Transfer: Crocs All Day!
Time to move again, this time to the beaches of Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. Unlike other transfers, this is a group tour rather than private, as there is a special stop along the way at the Tarcoles River.
Pass over the famous bridge here, a stop to take a peek down at the crocodiles sunning below. Then get onto a boat and check these magnificent animals out close up.
Once you’re all croc-ed out, it’s back on board the transfer for the final hop to Manuel Antonio and your check in at Costa Verde. Finish the day with a sunset cocktail by the beach. Go and have one!
Stay at Costa Verde
Day 8: Enjoy the Beach & Pool
This is a good day for taking it easy. Hang out poolside at Costa Verde, or make your way down to the beach at the entrance to the Manuel Antonio National Park.
There are several restaurants there too, ideal to have a bite before strolling back. If you’re still feeling active, then there’s plenty to do here as well. Kayaking, snorkeling and fishing are all options.
Stay at Costa Verde
Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
This whole area is named for this park, Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but perhaps the most beautiful. It’s all jungle and ocean and white sand beaches in little coves.
An expert guide explains during the hike the abundance of wildlife, pointing out all the types of monkeys, coatis, sloths, and other cuddly creatures in the way. There’s also a chance to hang out at some of the beaches inside the park, too. Stay here afterward for a while to rest and soak up on the nature around you.
Stay at Costa Verde
Day 10: Last Day in Paradise
There are two ways to make the most of your last day in Costa Roca. The first is by carrying on relaxing. That pool, that ocean, that sunset… Chill all day if you want. Or get active again. How about a horseback ride on the beach or a tour to chase waterfalls? Get out on the ocean for a spot of jet skiing. The day is yours.
Stay at Costa Verde
Day 11: Head Back Home
All good things come to an end, but not after a whole 10 days of creatin lifetime memories. A van takes yoy from Costa Verde back to the San Jose Airport in good time to make your flight home. It’s just a goodbye for now, and until you return again!
