Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
MINIMUM AGE
Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 10.
DISCOUNT
A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at the time of travel.
ENDING POINT
This tour finishes on arrival to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) on Day 9. Please ensure that your departure flight is booked to depart after midday. For those families wishing to stay longer you will be dropped back off at the starting point hotel in San Jose. Note no accomodation is booked on the last day. If you wish to stay longer we\u2019ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.
WEATHER
Costa Rica is a tropical country so rain can be excepted at any time. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May \u2013 November. While July and some of August does experience dry spells, families need to be prepared for the rain. Rain does usually come in the afternoons and it can pour. So you will need to be prepared with wet weather gear. Hurricane season in this region is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Intrepid monitors any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.
OUR HOTELS
Many hotels outside of San Jose have been built further out from the centre of town so travellers can enjoy the countryside, rainforests and views, where people can wake up to birds not cars. Many of the hotels we use are in such locations.
FOOD
Costa Rican food is known for being fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. Rice and black beans are a staple of most traditional Costa Rican meals. Meals in Costa Rican are more expensive than its neighbouring countries.
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Subject to a 0.5% surcharge for Debit Card, 1.15% surcharge for Visa, MasterCard and 3% surcharge for American Express or by Electronic Transfer (EFT). Please ask your RACV Travel consultant for more information. ","cancellation_policy":"Cancelled bookings will incur charges and at the minimum a loss of deposit. These charges can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Fees and extra charges will apply where a booking is changed or when tickets or documents are re-issued. Each individual supplier brochure will specify cancellation fees or your RACV Travel consultant can advise you of the specific airline fees relating to changes to your flights.","other_terms_and_notes":"For full booking conditions relating to your holiday, please see the booking conditions page at the back of the individual supplier brochures, or ask us for a copy.\n\nPrices<\/span>: All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice. The price is only guaranteed when paid in full. Please note that prices quoted here are subject to change. Price changes may occur by reason of matters outside our control which increase the cost of the product or service. Such factors include currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases.\n\nDisruption to cruising and touring arrangements\/Force Majeure<\/span>: Itineraries are intended as a guide only and are subject to change without notice. Alternations may be necessary for various reasons, including but not limited to, road, river or weather conditions, war, riots, road closures, natural disaster, industrial accidents, global pandemic which are beyond our or the supplier's reasonable control.\n\nHealth<\/span>: You must ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel and ensure that you carry all necessary vaccination documentation. Some tour operators and tours require you to have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. RACV Travel recommends seeking medical advice prior to your travel overseas. Consult your local GP or visit www.smarttraveller.gov.au<\/a> for information on any vaccinations that may be required."},"ref_provider_id":"159","featured_image":{"original":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.jpg","size_1_webp":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/480x250\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.webp","size_2_webp":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/640x500\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.webp","size_3_webp":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/960x500\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.webp","size_3_jpg":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/960x500\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.jpg","size_4_webp":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/1080x500\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.webp","size_5_webp":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/1280x750\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.webp","size_5_jpg":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/1280x750\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.jpg","size_6_webp":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/1440x750\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.webp","size_6_jpg":"https:\/\/cdn.tours-racv.com\/1440x750\/tour\/225\/8798846025758-5.jpg"},"type":{"id":2,"created_at":null,"updated_at":null,"title":"Group Tours","description":"Group Tours","attributes":"Group","attributes_icon":"group","icon":"join","sort":1},"duration":9,"start_city":"San Jose","start_countries":"Costa Rica","end_city":"San Jose","end_countries":"Costa Rica","travel_style":["Family","Outdoors & Nature"],"group_size_min":2,"group_size_max":16,"special_deal":[],"part":[{"id":2486,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 1: San Jose","image_url":null,"description":"Welcome to Costa Rica. The adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm at the hotel in San Jose. You can arrive at any time today, as there are no activities planned until this group meeting. San Jose sits in the heart of the country in the lush, wide Central Valley, and has a comfortable subtropical climate. With over half the country's population living within its limits, it\u2019s a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a fun atmosphere. Its grid pattern makes it easy to navigate too \u2013 the avenidas run east to west and the calles run north to south. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get to know the rest of the group by heading out for your first taste of the local \u2018tico\u2019 food.","sort":0,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"1","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":0},"accommodationList":{"description":"Hotel Autentico or similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":[],"optionalActivityList":[]}},{"id":2487,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 2: Sarapiqu\u00ed","image_url":null,"description":"Kick off your Costa Rican adventure with a hearty breakfast, fuelling up for an exploration of the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum to admire its glittering collection. Gold had an important function in the indigenous social hierarchy, and it was of course a big reason why the Spanish were attracted to the area. Then, make a stop at the Poas Volcano National Park. In the park you\u2019ll discover untouched nature, an active volcano, and have the chance to breathe fresh, cool mountain air. At the top of this volcano, 2,700 metres above sea level, you can step to the edge of a platform and look down on a smoking sleeping giant \u2013 steam can pour out around a sulphuric, bubbling, green crater lake. In the afternoon, make your way to Sarapiqui, a town known for its rich biodiversity. On arrival settle into your hotel then join your leader on a walk through the rainforest, crossing trails and hanging bridges as you look out for wildlife. This evening is free for your own discoveries \u2013 you may like to book an excursion to learn about the region\u2019s nocturnal creatures.","sort":1,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"2","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":"1","lunchesIncluded":"1","breakfastsIncluded":"1"},"accommodationList":{"description":"Tirimbina Rainforest Lodge and Hotel or Similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":[{"description":"San Jose - Leader-led walking tour"},{"description":"San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum"},{"description":"Sarapiqu\u00ed \u2013 leader led rainforest walk"}],"optionalActivityList":[{"price":{"#text":"23","@currency":"USD"},"description":"Sarapiqu\u00ed \u2013 Night Bat Program"},{"price":{"#text":"25","@currency":"USD"},"description":"Sarapiqu\u00ed \u2013 Night Hike"}]}},{"id":2488,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 3: La Fortuna","image_url":null,"description":"After breakfast, it's time to head out to Arenal Volcano National Park. The scenery is made up of primary cloud forest and rainforest, and it's a land of rivers, lakes and, thanks to the volcano\u2019s inner workings, a number of thermal springs where hot, lava-heated water gushes to the surface. Some of these springs have been turned into thermal pools, often surrounded by dense foliage, making them a great place to relax and chill out. There is time to relax and have a splash here on arrival, before visiting the volcanic thermal pools at the Ecotermales Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a soak before dinner.","sort":2,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"3","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":"1"},"accommodationList":{"description":"Hotel Magic Mountain or similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":{"description":"Arenal - Ecotermales Hot Springs"},"optionalActivityList":[]}},{"id":2489,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 4: La Fortuna","image_url":null,"description":"Get and explore the lush tropical surrounds of this idyllic location with the family. For many, one of the highlights of this trip is the exhilarating fun of battling the gushing rapids of the Balsa River. The level of rafting here is very suitable for families (Class 2 to 3), but please note that the minimum age is 8 years old. After a safety briefing and getting kitted out with an orange vest, you\u2019ll get wet and wild, working your way as a team through increasingly challenging rapids with names like \u2018Magnetic Rock\u2019, \u2018Congo Loco\u2019 and \u2018Dredges\u2019. Along the way, look out for wildlife such as sloths and Toucans \u2013 if you\u2019re not too busy getting wet that is. When you finish and return to the hotel, there may be time for additional activities like hiking. If you\u2019re worn out from the day\u2019s action, then not much can beat chilling by the pool and gazing up at the much-loved famous volcano. It isn\u2019t spewing lava every day and night like it used to, but it is still rumbling and puffing out plumes of gas.","sort":3,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"4","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":"1"},"accommodationList":{"description":"Hotel Magic Mountain or similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":{"description":"Whitewater Rafting"},"optionalActivityList":[]}},{"id":2490,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 5: Monteverde","image_url":null,"description":"Travel along the Arenal Lake \u2013 a famous hangout for windsurfers \u2013 via Tilaran to Monteverde de Santa Elena (approximately 4\u20135 hours). Enjoy superb views across the lake back towards the Arenal Volcano, and stop on the roadside for some homemade cakes and refreshments. Climb to Monteverde, feel the climate cooling and see the vegetation change from tropical to cloud forest. The surrounding hills are scattered with fair-trade co-operative coffee plantations, famous for producing some of the best coffee beans in the country. Teeming with wildlife, the Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Preserve is a nature lover's paradise. Cloud forests are similar to rainforests, but instead of relying on rain for essential moisture, the water comes from the semi-permanent cloud that covers the region. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home. You\u2019ll have lots of time to discover the natural wonders here. In the afternoon there may be time to visit a butterfly farm (optional).","sort":4,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"5","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":"1"},"accommodationList":{"description":"Historias Lodge and Hotel or Similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":[],"optionalActivityList":[]}},{"id":2491,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 6: Monteverde","image_url":null,"description":"Today everyone will become an ornithologist! Explore a forest that\u2019s home to the Resplendent Quetzal (one of the most reclusive birds in the world), the blue-crowned motmot, the emerald toucanet and some 30 species of iridescent hummingbird \u2013 and that\u2019s just a few of the 400-odd bird species recorded here. There are also 100 mammal species, 1200 amphibian and reptile species, and many thousands of insect species. Experience the Sky Walk, which is made possible by hanging bridges suspended among the trees. It's not for vertigo sufferers, but it provides a fantastic view of everything from above rather than below. As well as optional activities like zip-lining, there might be the option to hike through the forest as dusk as nocturnal creatures begin to stir.","sort":5,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"6","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":"1"},"accommodationList":{"description":"Historias Lodge and Hotel or Similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":{"description":"Monteverde - Sky Walk"},"optionalActivityList":[{"price":{"#text":"84","@currency":"USD"},"description":"Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport)"},{"price":{"#text":"25","@currency":"USD"},"description":"Monteverde - Night walk through Cloud Forest"}]}},{"id":2492,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 7: Manuel Antonio","image_url":null,"description":"Departing Monteverde, descend to the Pan-American Highway, which you\u2019ll follow southward across the flat coastal plain. Your journey takes you along a coastline of fine sand beaches, separated by the occasional area of mangrove and endless plantations of African palm. Your journey ends at Manuel Antonio, Quepos.(approximately 6 hours plus stops). Soak up some rays and relish the spoils of this unique beach setting, where lush rainforests sprawl gently towards the sand and white-faced capuchin monkeys peer cheekily from the treetops.","sort":6,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"7","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":"1"},"accommodationList":{"description":"Hotel Divisamar or similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":[],"optionalActivityList":[]}},{"id":2493,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 8: Manuel Antonio","image_url":null,"description":"Manuel Antonio National Park stands a few kilometres south of Quepos on the shores of the Pacific. Incorporating 12 small islands scattered just off a coast where migrating whales can sometimes be seen, the park is home to hundreds of mammal and bird species in a region of lagoons and fertile mangrove swamps. During your time in the region, you\u2019ll enjoy a three-hour guided walk along the trails within the park and have plenty of time to relax on one of the idyllic palm-lined bays. The turquoise seas are perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing or fishing. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in, or by, the water, where lush rainforests sprawl gently towards the sand and white-faced capuchin monkeys peer cheekily from the treetops. This is a great spot for a family holiday, with fully equipped apartments, swimming pools, water sports and many activities for both children and adults.","sort":7,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"8","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":"1"},"accommodationList":{"description":"Hotel Divisamar or similar","numberOfNights":"1"},"includedActivityList":[{"description":"Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)"},{"description":"Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike"}],"optionalActivityList":[]}},{"id":2494,"created_at":"2020-10-10T17:29:58.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-27T20:07:52.000000Z","title":"Day 9: San Jose","image_url":null,"description":"After breakfast, leave the accommodation and retrace your steps northward along the coastal road to San Jose (approximately 2\u20134 hours). The adventure comes to an end on arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). If you\u2019re flying out today, it's important to book your flight for no earlier than midday. For families wishing to be dropped back in San Jose City, we will drop you back off at the starting point hotel. Note there is no accommodation included today. If you wish to stay longer in San Jose we\u2019ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).","sort":8,"tour_id":225,"ref_parts_id":"9","extra":{"meals":{"dinnersIncluded":0,"lunchesIncluded":0,"breakfastsIncluded":0},"accommodationList":[],"includedActivityList":[],"optionalActivityList":[]}}],"destinations":[{"name":"Costa Rica","id":50}],"destinations_arr":[{"city":"","country":"Costa Rica"}],"departures_arr":[{"month":"July 2022","items":[{"start":"2022-07-23","end":"2022-07-31","sortdate":20220723,"price":3075,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":2922,"month":"July 2022"},{"start":"2022-07-30","end":"2022-08-07","sortdate":20220730,"price":3100,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":2945,"month":"July 2022"}]},{"month":"August 2022","items":[{"start":"2022-08-06","end":"2022-08-14","sortdate":20220806,"price":3100,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":2945,"month":"August 2022"}]},{"month":"December 2022","items":[{"start":"2022-12-31","end":"2023-01-08","sortdate":20221231,"price":3015,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":2865,"month":"December 2022"}]},{"month":"January 2023","items":[{"start":"2023-01-03","end":"2023-01-11","sortdate":20230103,"price":3075,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":2922,"month":"January 2023"}]},{"month":"April 2023","items":[{"start":"2023-04-08","end":"2023-04-16","sortdate":20230408,"price":3220,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":3059,"month":"April 2023"}]},{"month":"July 2023","items":[{"start":"2023-07-22","end":"2023-07-30","sortdate":20230722,"price":3220,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":3059,"month":"July 2023"}]},{"month":"August 2023","items":[{"start":"2023-08-05","end":"2023-08-13","sortdate":20230805,"price":3220,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":3059,"month":"August 2023"}]},{"month":"December 2023","items":[{"start":"2023-12-30","end":"2024-01-07","sortdate":20231230,"price":3220,"currency_code":"AUD","member_discount_price":3059,"month":"December 2023"}]}],"tour_type":2,"type_id":2,"style_rating":"Original","ref_url":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/QCFS"}} catch (error) {}