• Come together to cook a rustic meal from scratch during a homestay with family in an agricultural community.
• Get up close to the unique wildlife of Costa Rica on a guided tour of an animal sanctuary. Learn how to prepare the animal's meals and make enrichment toys as part of a hands-on volunteering experience.
• Hike in Arenal National Park for an impressive view of the volcano before taking a boat ride along the lake to try and spot some local wildlife.
• Walk along suspension bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve for the best biology lesson the kids have ever had.
• Immerse yourself in nature on a guided walk with a naturalist guide in Manual Antonio National Park. The kids will love spotting sloths and listening for the evocative call of howler monkeys.

Make sure you pack some sturdy and comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around cities and towns and through forests and jungles on this trip.

There are a few days of long travel on this trip as you’ll be covering a lot of Costa Rican ground. These drives are along smooth roads in new and comfortable vehicles, and are great for games, chats and scenery spotting. You’ll also make interesting stops along the way to break up the longer drives.

Is it hot in here? You’re in tropical Central America so it can get very humid, although nighttime and locations at higher elevations can get chilly. Carry plenty of water, dress in light clothing and bring a waterproof jacket. We’ll give you every opportunity to cool off with a swim.

With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.

• San Jose - National Museum (Entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
• San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
• San Jose - Butterfly farm - USD10
• La Fortuna - Ecotermales Thermal Waters - USD45
• La Fortuna - Hike to La Fortuna Waterfal - USD18
• Arenal - Safari river float - USD85
• Lake Arenal - Kayak - USD20
• Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (Entrance fee) - USD22
• Monteverde - Children's Eternal Rain Forest (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) Night Wildlife Walk - USD43
• Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate Tour - USD47
• Monteverde - Sky Tram & Zipline - USD101
• Manuel Antonio – Cruise (Inc transport, Guide, Iunch and Drinks Onboard) - USD95

1. Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

2. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price.

3. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance tickets to Manuel Antonio National Park. Delays to provide this information may result in changes to your itinerary, and we will not be able to guarantee entry. Details provided must be accurate as per your passport bio page.

4. First day - there will be a group meeting at 5 pm on Day 1
Last day - no activities are planned for your last day, so you can depart at any time.

5. The minimum age for white water rafting on the Pacuare River is 12 years (day 6). Any children under 12 will not be able to participate in this optional activity.

6. A single supplement is available on this trip with the exception of Day 2 at the homestay.

7. Costa Rica is a tropical country, so rain can be excepted at any time. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May – 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 from 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

Price per person is based on 1 adult & 1 child sharing and includes:

• 10 Day Costa Rica Family Tour
• Meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
• Transport: Private minivan
• Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Homestay (1 night)
• Included activities:
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - agricultural tour
  • Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking Class
  • Proyecto Asis - Wildlife tour and volunteering
  • Arenal National Park - Hike and Lake
  • Monteverde - Sky Walk (Entrance)
  • Manuel Antonio National Park - (Entrance fee)
  • Manuel Antonio - National Park tour with a naturalist guide

Please ask us about:

• Flights from Ireland- we'll find the best fares for your chosen travel dates and departure airport
• Travel insurance

Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply.  Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking.

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 for children on this trip is 5 years old. 

For more information please call us on 021 427 7094 or 01 696 5135, email info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button or submit an enquiry through the form below.