Experience the Best of Costa Rica: A Family-Friendly Blend of Wildlife, Adventure, and Beaches!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica, where your family will immerse yourselves in stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife. From the tranquil waters of Tortuguero to the breathtaking Arenal Volcano and the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest, you’ll enjoy thrilling activities, guided wildlife encounters, and relaxation on beautiful beaches. Finish your adventure in Manuel Antonio, where you can unwind in a luxurious resort surrounded by nature while exploring national parks and marine life. Experience the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories in Costa Rica!

 

1 Night San Jose – 2 Nights Tortuguero National Park – 3 Nights Arenal Volcano – 2 Nights Monteverde – 5 Nights Manuel Antonio

A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Costa Rica holiday today.

Kat – INDO Bromo
"Whether it’s road-tripping across Australia and Malaysia, spotting orangutans in Borneo, or tasting my way through Southeast Asia, I’m all about adventures that feel wild, real, and unforgettable."
Kat, Brand & Operations Lead
the lush green tortuguero jungle hanging over the mangroves and a river

Exploring Tortuguero canals

Glide through the lush canals of Tortuguero, surrounded by vibrant wildlife, on an exhilarating boat tour.

a person in white top and green helmet ziplining into the green forest

Ziplining in Arenal

Soar high above the treetops in Arenal, experiencing breathtaking views while ziplining across stunning river valleys.

Two Scarlet Macaw parrots, flying just above the ground. Bright red and blue South American parrots, Ara macao, flying with outstretched blue wings in a tropical rainforest, Costa Rica.

Birdwatching in Monteverde

Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to the elusive quetzal and countless other species.

A secluded tropical beach with white sand and turquoise water, framed by lush green palm trees and broadleaf canopy, with rocky headlands visible in the distance.

Beach Time at Manuel Antonio

Relax on the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio, where lush rainforests meet the Pacific Ocean, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting.

A swimming pool surrounded by trees, with a building visible in the background under a clear sky.

Sunset at Lagarta Lodge

Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the hilltop Lagarta Lodge, overlooking the coast and rivers, and unwind in a private biological reserve.

So many highlights, and many memories but really different experiences… two full weeks of pure bliss and long-lasting memories.

Cyril Louis-Andre, Costa Rica

Lucy was so helpful and attentive whilst planning our honeymoon to Costa Rica. Everything which she organised for us was just perfect and we couldn’t have asked for more. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sundowner Holidays

Christopher Finch, Costa Rica

This was the best family holiday we have ever had. Tailored to what we wanted in beautiful and perfect accommodation that suited us. Every day was an adventure and honestly trying to find a highlight is impossible. From watching giant green turtles laying their eggs then walking back into the sea, to being woken up by howler monkeys to zip lining through the rainforest and kayaking with crocodiles.

Melissa, Costa Rica

It was heaven! What a country Costa Rica is. The people are terrific and their attitude to eco-tourism is certainly first-rate

Sarah Wills, Costa Rica
Read more reviews on Trustpilot

Tour itinerary

Day 1 :

Depart the UK and head to Costa Rica to unwind in your eco-villa!

Fly from the UK to San Jose.

On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred into the heart of the city, where you will spend 1 night at the San Ignacio Villa. Set in 22 acres surrounded by native trees, Villa San Ignacio is a hidden gem offering a tranquil start to your Costa Rica holiday. We recommend splashing in the pool on arrival.

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

A serene pool surrounded by lounge chairs, with a landscaped garden and a charming villa in the background. Perfect for relaxation.
Day 2 :

Journey by land and boat to the wildlife-rich Tortuguero

Today you’ll be transferred by land and boat to Tortuguero. You’ll spend 2 nights at Mawamba Lodge. This family-friendly lodge is a perfect combination of relaxation, fantastic food, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour to the local village—learn about Tico history as well as turtle conservation. If it’s the right time of year, you can also see turtles nesting on the beaches.

A baby turtle on a beach with a charcoal coloured shell enters the foamy ocean water
Day 3 :

Explore lush canals and spot incredible wildlife on a boat tour

Head on a boat ride across the water canals—surrounded by dense bush and lush green jungle, you’ll see the incredible wildlife display unfolding in front of you as you cruise by. You will also have a guided walk around the local gardens and reserve. You can add a kayak tour at sunrise for an amazing start to the day—highly recommended!

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

A tropical rainforest with leaves spilling out into a river. In the distance a boat with tourists on it, breaks through the water
Day 4 :

Head to Arenal for stunning volcano views and relaxation

Today you’ll be transferred to the great family destination, Arenal. Your base for the next 3 nights will be the family-friendly gem, El Silencio del Campo. Owner-run, El Silencio del Campo offers the perfect view of Arenal. With just 23 stand-alone casitas, this is one of Arenal’s smaller hotels, and with its own farm and hot springs, this is a lovely retreat after days exploring the local area. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Why not head on a rainforest night walk to spot some of Costa Rica’s nocturnal wildlife? Arenal is a key tourist highlight—however, if you would prefer to see volcanoes and rainforest without the crowds, ask us for alternatives.

a view of a conical volcano under a clear blue sky, partially obscured from view by lush green forest.
Days 5 - 6 :

Adventure awaits with exciting activities in Arenal’s nature

Two full days at leisure to explore this fantastic area. Arrange an exhilarating zip-line tour across river valleys, hire kayaks and paddle across the vast lake, go canyoning down a waterfall, or head on a sloth tour. Maybe have a family picnic at La Fortuna waterfalls. If you want to venture further afield, you could visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife reserve is one of the most important for bird watching and wildlife in Costa Rica. We can help you decide and arrange activities for you in Arenal.

Two people climbing with ropes on a large rock near a flowing waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The water cascades down from the rocky cliffs, creating a scenic outdoor setting.
Day 7 :

Leave Arenal behind for the biodiverse Monteverde Cloud Forest

This morning you’ll be transferred by car and boat to the other side of Arenal Lake, towards the hills of the elevated Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica! Spend 2 nights at the Cloud Forest Lodge, which is family-friendly, intimate, and focused on nature and wildlife. Let’s see who can spot the first quetzal! Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

A view of a lodge surrounded by dense forest, featuring lush green vegetation and a backdrop of cloudy skies and mountains, conveying a serene natural landscape.
Day 8 :

Immerse yourself in the cloud forest’s incredible biodiversity, including a variety of frogs!

Full day at leisure. You can explore this incredibly rich biodiverse cloud forest by foot or on horseback. A trip to the Frog Pond is not to be missed—spot the famous “Blue Jeans” frog or the “Red Eye” frog and make sure you don’t forget your camera! Another highlight is a visit to The Children’s Eternal Rainforest—the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. Need help deciding what to do? Give us a call to hear our recommendations based on what you like.

green red eyed frog sitting on a branch
Day 9 :

Swap rainforests for the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio

This morning you’ll leave the cloud forest behind to start the beach part of your holiday. You’ll arrive at Manuel Antonio, an area that boasts natural beauty and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. You’ll spend 5 nights at Parador Resort & Spa, a large, luxurious resort with a focus on sustainable tourism, set on twelve acres of lush rainforest high above the Pacific coast. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening at leisure.

long sandy beach fringed by palm trees and rainforest
Days 10 - 13:

Relaxing and exploring the coastal paradise of Manuel Antonio

Four days at leisure to fully relax and enjoy this wonderful location. You can explore the national park with a knowledgeable guide, go on a kayak excursion to local mangroves, hire a snorkel and spend hours watching the varied marine life, learn to surf, and much more. We can arrange a whale-watching tour for those travelling during the season (December–April). Pura Vida!

A group of people paddling in rafts on a lake, surrounded by water, wearing life jackets and enjoying outdoor recreation.
Days 14 & 15 :

Bid farewell to Costa Rica as you head back home!

Following a final breakfast, you will be transferred back to San Jose, where you’ll check in for your flight back to the UK.

Welcome Home! If you don’t have 15 days, ask us to redesign this holiday to your requirements—call 01273 923 100.

A mother sloth hangs from a tree branch, cradling her baby on her stomach, who sleeps sprawled out
wildebeest

Talk to us about your perfect trip to Costa Rica

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Costa Rica Holiday today.

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The Sundowner way

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We create exceptional holidays, unique to you, managed in a way that makes everything easy for you, with the aim of surpassing your expectations every step of the way.

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Real travel experts

Our travel expertise ensures authentic experiences, fantastic boutique hotels and outstanding guides that help create unforgettable holiday moments.

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