Planning a Costa Rica family trip? Look no further than this great option that one of our clients just recently enjoyed. This is the perfect mix of adventure, with activities in the cloud forests at the beginning of the trip and beach activities to round out the trip.
Below is the itinerary overview and their review on the amazing trip:
Day 1 – Monteverde
- Arrival in Monteverde – The rare phenomenon where climatic conditions cause cloud and mist to be in regular contact with the vegetation is called a cloud forest. Few exist in the world, and Monteverde is one of the few destinations where cloud forests are easily accessible. This magical environment enchants visitors, enticing them to fall in love with nature.
- Accommodations – A very comfortable accommodation with big and spacious rooms, elegantly designed with private terraces or balconies where you can lay down in lounging chairs, enjoy lazy afternoons and beautiful sunsets.
- Delue Room – Breakfast Included. Standard has private bath, balcony, mini-bar, telephone, coffee maker and cable TV.
- Rental Car Used for Trip – Suzuki Gran Vitara (perfect for family of 4)
Day 2 – Monteverde
- Santa Elena Reserve Guided Tour. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is situated 7 km northwest of Santa Elena town. The Cloud Forest Reserve is an exceptional hiking experience. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is a wonderland of green lushness. Giant tree ferns, bamboo and palm trees grow abundantly in the under story, while thick moss covered liana vines dangle from the canopy. Use all your senses to enjoy the frequent sightings of birds and mammals, to hear the song of the Quetzal and the roaring of the Howler monkeys and to identify the tracks of the shy Puma, Coati and Red brocket deer. Looking northeast on clear days, you can see the spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano and lake with the same name.
- Includes: Transportation, entrance fees, professional and bilingual guide.
- What to bring: Hiking shoes, binoculars, rain cot and camera.
Day 3 – Monteverde
- Full Adventure All Day – After your pick up in the lobby for the transfer to the Sky Trek Park. You will begin with a guided hike of the Sky Walk, which is a hanging bridges tour over the cloud forest. Following a short break you will review the safety instructions and receive the required gear, board a tram for 30 minute ride on the cableway, where you will have another perspective of the flora and fauna. The Sky tram ends on a wide observation platform, here you will begin the zip lining tour where you will glide from platform to platform through the canopy of the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Upon conclusion, return to the hotel to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
- Includes: Entrance fee, transportation, guide, lunch and equipment.
- What to bring: Long pants or shorts, T-shirts, hiking shoes or sneakers & insect repellent.
Day 4 – Manuel Antonio
- Arrival to Manuel Antonio – The most popular destination in Costa Rica, yet the government has been able to keep this famous national park unspoiled. Here you can find almost any type of adventure activity and tour, including sport fishing, sea kayaking, Catamaran cruises, white water rafting, canopy tours, nature hikes, horseback riding, and surfing.
- Accommodations – Parador Resort & Spa
- Overview – Sitting high above the Central Pacific coastline, this award-winning hotel is built on 12 acres of rainforest in beautiful Manuel Antonio, just minutes from Costa Rica’s best beaches. It is elegant Mediterranean–style architecture, modeled after the Traditional Spanish Paradores and quaint European boutique hotels, makes the resort one-of-a-kind. Enjoy the wildlife, tropical gardens, pools, expansive views, excellent service, delicious meals, relaxing massages, and romantic setting at this four plus star resort with European refinement and a warm, tropical touch.
- Premium Room – Breakfast Included. Ideal for couples looking for peace and quiet, Premium Rooms offer an incredible view of the ocean and jungle. The panoramic elevator also provides guests with an incredible view of the mountains, ocean and the resort. All Premium Rooms are equipped with two queen-size beds and bathtub.
Day 5 – Manuel Antonio
- Ocean Kayak & Snorkeling. The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach – a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay – for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks. And feel free to have your bilingual naturalist guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience three small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans Bay. Or just relax and enjoy the tranquillity of a private white sand beach.
- Includes: transportation, guide and equipment, lunch, water.
- What to bring: Bathing suit or clothes that can get wet, sandals, sun block, and waterproof camera.
Day 6 – Manuel Antonio
- Manuel Antonio Park Deluxe Tour. Do not miss out on one of Costa Rica’s biggest treasures- the Manuel Antonio National Park with this exclusive tour.
- Take a comfortable hike with a certified guide, trained in education and the exploration of our bio-diversity which consists of a lush tropical forest that has been preserved for over 40 years. Explore the secluded beaches of the park and the exceptional variety of flora and fauna
- Includes: Lunch, snacks, water, transportation, bilingual naturalist guide.
- What to Bring: Hiking shoes or tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and camera.
Day 7 – Manuel Antonio
- Day at leisure to explore the region and to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 8 –Manuel Antonio
- Car Rental Return at the Airport Office
What did our clients think of the trip?
What were the 3 highlights from trip?
- Cloud Forest Canopy Tour and Ziplining was a huge hit.
- Every single one of our tour guides was amazing. We liked our Santa Elena Cloud Forest tour guide so much that we ended up contacting him for a night walk tour as well. Two of our tours in Manuel Antonio were through Iguana Tours and we loved both of those guides as well. Everyone was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Transportation was clean and air conditioned, which was a plus.
- We loved both of the places we stayed. Ficus Inn in Mounteverde offered friendly staff, great room with a beautiful scenic view, and great breakfast. Parador was so luxurious and had all the amenities we could ever want right on site. The on property forest walk, mini golf and awesome pool area were wonderful. All the wildlife (monkeys, toucans, sloths) right on property were an added highlight!
What is a tip that you would give to future travelers?
- Bring more cash than you think you’ll need! Per your recommendations, we brought lots of small bills for paying tolls, tipping our guides, tipping hotel waitstaff etc, but once we got to the Parador Resort we didn’t have access to an ATM without leaving the property, and the town wasn’t really walkable from our resort. We used credit card on file for everything at the Parador, which was super convenient, but wish we had brought extra cash to buy souvenirs and snacks at the beach, in the town of Manuel Antonio, and also for taking cabs.
Well, the clients loved the trip! Are you ready for your next Costa Rica trip?
Contact us today and we’ll get back to you shortly!
dshorter
