Family Holidays: Costa Rica family adventure holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 4½ stars out of 5

Why

Costa Rica stands astride the isthmus of Central America, between the Caribbean and the Pacific. A cordon of volcanoes testifies to the volatile subterranean forces at play where the Caribbean and Cocos tectonic plates collide. The result is an extraordinary variety of topography, climate and ecosystem – particularly tropical forest. This, in conjunction with an unusually well-developed sense of environmental consciousness, makes a wonderful theatre in which your family can observe tropical nature at its best.

National parks, wildlife refuges and private reserves protect over twenty five per cent of the country – more than in any other in the world. Along with the surrounding “buffer zones”, these areas harbour around seventy five per cent of all species in Costa Rica, including many that have long since disappeared in neighbouring countries. The richness of its colourful bird population is enough to stir enthusiasm in even the least interested visitors! With at least 2 nights in each location the itinerary is designed to allow you to get the most out of this amazing country at a relaxed pace.

You can travel independently as a family, or perhaps better still, on an escorted trip.

Top left: Toucan, Chachagua
Top right: Local girl

Bottom left: Costa Rica's beautiful coast

When

Temperatures are fairly constant in Costa Rica all year round and depend largely on elevation – average daytime temperature is mid-20’s °C in San José (1,172m), and it's hotter on the coast (around 30°C) and cooler in the mountains. The driest time of year is Dec-Apr and the wettest (most humid) is May-Nov, although heavy rainfall can occur at any time of year, especially on the Caribbean coast.

How

take the plane

Fly to San Jose via Miami, Houston, Dallas or other U.S. cities. Time in Costa Rica is 6 hours behind GMT.

Stay

If you choose an adventure holiday your family will stay in comfortable hotels and lodges – most of them have a swimming pool.

Do

An adventure trip to Costa Rica would provide the following experience:

Volcanoes & the Caribbean

After a quick tour of San Jose you'll head to the coastal Caribbean lowlands. A boat trip along the narrow waterways of Tortuguero (region of turtles) National Park leads to a hidden riverbank lodge in the rainforest. You can spot toucan and many other brightly coloured birds in the trees and perhaps crocodile in the water, as you explore the unique system of natural and man-made canals. Travelling back through banana plantations and past volcanoes you can raft on the white waters of the Pacuare River (optional).

Cloudforests & the Pacific
La Fortuna lies at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Here you can bathe in thermal waters and on a clear night you may see the volcano spluttering lava like a firework display. At Monteverde you can visit butterfly and snake farms and marvel at the brightly-coloured hummingbirds. Whilst walking trails in the Cloudforest you might be lucky enough to catch sight of a reclusive quetzal. Finally there’s time to relax on golden Pacific Ocean beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park where Capuchin monkeys play in the overhanging palm trees.

Eat

Comida tipica, or native dishes, rely heavily on rice and beans, the basis of many Costa Rican meals. You'll come across gallo pinto everywhere, especially at breakfast! Fried chicken, beef and tuna are also popular – though seafood is relatively expensive since most is exported.

In San Jose and other larger towns you'll find a wide range of restaurants to suit the most demanding of taste buds.

Cost

A holiday to Costa Rica is not cheap. Since it is a long distance you will want to be there for at least 10 to 14 days. Budget around £1,200 to £1,500 per adult.