• Art in Costa Rica
• Teen Adventure
• Volcanoes & Beaches

F riendly, tropical Costa Rica, a world leader in protecting natural resources, is the perfect spot for your family to explore the beauty and marvelous intricacy of the natural world. Throughout this special adventure, we discover a variety of wildlife, lush lowland rain forests and pristine beaches. We'll travel high in the rain forest canopy, an ecosystem all its own, and down at water level, rafting on the mighty Sarapiqui River.

On the Caribbean coast, we'll explore the still waterways of Tortuguero, a national park accessible only by boat. On the sunny Pacific, we'll enjoy the beaches and surroundings of Manuel Antonio National Park. And along the way we'll meet ordinary Costa Ricans, admirable people who honor, respect and work to maintain a harmonious relationship with nature.

2009 Dates

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

Book now through December 31, 2008 on a February to April departure and we'll take 10% off the land costs!

Dates

Don't see your travel dates? Please call and we'll offer a trip to meet your needs!

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 and 3 – Sarapiqui region

The Sarapiqui region is surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations. But the real family fun lies on the rolling rapids of the Sarapiqui River where you will enjoy some of the best whitewater rafting in the country.

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 II and III rapids of the Sarapiqui River. This rafting trip is first-timer friendly. Visit a local school Here you’ll have the opportunity to experience the local culture. Meet the teachers and students, tour the school, join in activities and play games. 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. It’s amazing how such interaction can be a real eye-opener for everyone involved.

Days 4 and 5 – Tortuguero, Caribbean Coast

The waterways and lagoons of Tortuguero are the most biologically diverse in all of Costa Rica. In fact, there are seven species of turtle alone! It’s home to the endangered sea turtle and during July and August, with any luck, your children will actually see them nesting on the beaches.

Adopt a green Atlantic sea turtle Tortuguero is known for its long stretch of beach, which is actually the protected nesting site for these green Atlantic sea turtles . Adopt-A-Turtle is part of the Sea Turtle Survival League – a program of the non-profit Caribbean Conservation Corporation (www.cccturtle.org). Jungle boat expedition Explore Tortuguero’s intricate river system via a motorized jungle boat. As you wind your way through the lowland rain forest, keep an eye out for bats, howler monkeys and caimans. Kayaking 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

Even though Manuel Antonio is the smallest park in Costa Rica, it has the most extraordinary landscape with volcanic sand beaches and exotic islands. But 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.

Zipline canopy tour 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. Explore Manual 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. Free day Hit the beach, the pool, walk the town or just relax.

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.

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 Poas, 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 Poas (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!

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 three 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 Sarapiqui River to surfing in the sunny Pacific, Costa Rica is not to be missed! Choose from three different adventures — each created especially for your family. Multi-Sport Adventure Tons of activities every day, from hiking and whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui 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. 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 Sarapiqui River Once you’ve been outfitted with life jackets, helmets and paddles, it’s off to shoot the rapids of the Sarapiqui 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. 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. 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. Art in Costa Rica Our art adventure in Costa Rica is the perfect adventure for anyone with an artistic flair, or anyone looking to develop one. Enjoy art workshops with your very own professional art teacher AND see the highlights of Costa Rica. Narda will help each family member develop a series of paintings so that everyone goes home with their very own creative travel log. Visit INBiopark for inspiration INBio is a theme park that is both educational and fun! You’ll be amazed by how inspirational biodiversity can be. Learn all about Costa Rica’s diverse climates and wildlife, and then let Narda help you turn your newly acquired knowledge into creative expression. Visit AMURECI women’s cooperative During our visit to the co-op, we’ll learn all about the women who run it and the recycling done there. We’ll even learn how they make their own paper and have a chance to make our own. Then we’ll share their painting area and create a new work of art. Observe Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal from the treetops The Arenal area is filled with stunning landscapes, and you will be experiencing them from a bird’s-eye view. The hanging bridges at Arenal are comprised of fifteen suspension bridges that allow you to learn all about your surroundings as you walk among the treetops. Being right in the thick of things is definitely one of the most thrilling ways to experience the wonders of the rain forest. Ranked “best outfitters on Earth” Ranked “best outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, our Costa Rican partner is committed to providing exceptional family-focused 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.