Itinerary:

Day 1

San José: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Welcome to San José–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early. 

Day 2
San José to Monteverde
This morning, travel up into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, where we’ll visit a working farm and coffee cooperative for an earth-to-table lunch, followed by a property tour. Learn the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine and test your cooking skills at an afternoon class, then attend a coffee-making demonstration. Enjoy some free time to get settled in our hotel. This evening, follow a naturalist into the forest to seek out the fascinating nocturnal creatures that spring to life after the sun goes down, from red-eyed tree frogs to spiny porcupines. 

Day 3
Monteverde

Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Hear about reforestation projects spearheaded by the institute, then roll up your sleeves and lend a hand in the tree nursery. The rest of the day is free for poolside relaxation or optional excursions in the clouds, including zip-lining, hiking in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, or a walk through the forest canopy across hanging bridges.

Day 4
Monteverde to Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Today we travel into Rincón de la Vieja National Park, an otherworldly land of smoking volcanoes, bubbling mud pots, and thermal hot springs—all shrouded in thick tangles of rainforest. Channel your inner Tarzan as you swing across zip lines strung through the forest canopy; then visit thermal hot springs and mud baths, where playing in the mud isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged. 

Day 5
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rise early for a full day of adventure in the national park. Saddle up for a horseback-riding excursion, get introduced to the park’s creatures on a naturalist-guided wildlife hike, and swim beneath the soaring canyons and tumbling waterfalls of the Río Negro. There is also the option to stay back at our hacienda and relax by the pool. 

Day 6
Rincón de la Vieja National Park to Playa Potrero Area
Journey toward the Pacific Ocean to Playa Potrero on the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. The afternoon is free to play in the sand and water; or opt to set sail across the bay and around the Catalina Islands. 

Day 7
Playa Potrero Area
The day is free to do as much or as little as you like. Relax at the pool or on the beach in this tropical paradise. Opt to join a yoga class, or take a long walk along the beach. 

Day 8
Playa Potrero Area to San José
Leave the beach behind for our return trip to the capital. Stop en route for a jungle boat cruise through Palo Verde National Park. The river is a wildlife-lover’s paradise: crocodiles glide beneath the water’s surface, monkeys swing through the surrounding treetops, and numerous winged wonders wade and fly at the river’s edge—including ospreys, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. Continue to San José and celebrate our adventure at a farewell dinner. 

Day 9
San José

Depart at any time.

What's included in this trip:

• Your G for Good Moment: Cafe Monteverde Experience, Monteverde
• Your Family Journeys Moment: Life Monteverde Community Lunch, Tour, and Cooking Class, Monteverde
• Your Family Journeys Moment: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project, Monteverde.
• Arrival transfer.
• Naturalist guided cloud forest night walk.
• Canyon canopy tour in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
• Rio Negro Hot Springs and volcanic mud bath.
• Horseback riding and guided hike in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
• Palo Verde National Park guided boat tour.
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. 
• Gratuities for local guides
• 8 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
• 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners