Generation Exploration Family Adventures to
Costa Rica

Don’t just watch the nature channel with your family, experience it!  Leave the television remote behind and instead, explore the beauty of Costa Rica.  There’s something for every family member on this trip – from white-water rafting, to canoeing, to hiking, to kayaking, to soothing pools of mineral water.  Return refreshed and closer than ever having discovered together the secrets of the reef, the rainforest, the volcano, the wetlands and the falls.

Day 1 - Miami/San Jose
Fly from Miami to San Jose.  Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your beautiful hotel, surrounded by coffee plantations, citrus orchards and lush gardens.  HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA. (Meals Aloft)

Day 2 - Sarapiqui River/Arenal Volcano
Experience the excitement of a white-water rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River which introduces you to some of Costa Rica’s most lush and vibrant scenery.  After lunch on the banks of the river, drive north along twisting roads to Arena.  The volcano rises 5,357 feet majestically above the resort.  From the heart of the volcano, spring fountains of thermo mineral water, which create the Tabacon River, running at a soothing 102 degrees Fahrenheit.  The resort features mineral water pools, indoor Jacuzzi, therapeutic massages, plus pathways and bridges over hot running streams to see the rich vegetation up close.  Enjoy one of nature’s greatest light shows from the pool as the sun sets and Arenal Volcano erupts with another spectacular performance.  TABACON HOT SPRINGS SPA & RESORT. (B,L)

Day 3 - Arenal Volcano
Today, meet the challenge of Costa Rica’s back roads as your four-wheel drive Nissan Patrol safari car – similar to that used in the 4x4 Camel Trophy race – takes you to the Celeste River situated at the slopes of Arenal Volcano.  Watch as the flowing waters change from crystal clear to a sky blue.  Take a canoe trip into Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a year-round habitat for resident wetland bird species.  From October to April, when the migrant birds are at the refuge, the variety of species and sheer quantity will astound you.  There are literally thousands of birds and plants, plus many fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in and along the river.  TABACON HOT SPRINGS & SPA. (B,L)

Days 4/5 - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Continue to Monteverde, one of the most beautiful cloud forests in the world and home to over 320 bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal.  Experience the high of walking among the clouds as you traverse the tree-tops on the Sky Walk’s series of bridges, trails and platforms.  For the more adventurous, try rappelling on the sky trek.  The next day your feet will be firmly planted on the ground as you explore Monteverde’s rich and complex cloud forest reserve which protects six different ecological communities.  Among the 100 mammal species that live here, although difficult to see, are Baird’s tapir, howler monkey, kinkajou and prehensile-tailed porcupine.  Your comfortable hotel has breathtaking views and hiking trails to explore.  HOTEL EL ESTABLO. (B,D Daily)

Day 6 - Carara Biological Reserve/Forest Camp
Drive to the Carara Biological Reserve.  Despite its relatively small size, it houses several ecosystems, such as marshland, a lagoon with gallery, secondary and primary forests.  During the rainy season, crocodiles and caimans are easily spotted along with plenty of wading birds – Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, Jacanas and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron.  Carara is one of the few remaining nesting areas for the Scarlet Macaw.  Return to your rustic Indian-style cabin, made out of a combination of wood and palm to enjoy the adventure of ‘camping’ out in this pristine forest.  FOREST CAMP AT CARARA. ((B,L,D)

Days 7/8 - Damas Island/Manuel Antonio National Park
Today’s paddle through the protected inland waterways is an easy sea-kayaking adventure, the perfect place to learn the sport while enjoying the unique ecosystem of an island mangrove.  Abundant with wildlife, Isla Damas is home to many types of crocodiles, birds, monkeys, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.  The next day explore Manuel Antonio National Park, home to more than 100 mammal species and 180 species of birds.  However, the park is better known for its two white sandy beaches, Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.  Your hotel offers a private and serene ambiance in a tropical paradise only minutes away from the park.  EL PARADOR HOTEL. (B,L Daily)

Day 9 - Nauyaca Falls/Manuel Antonio
A day of leisure to soak in the sun at Manuel Antonio, visit the nearby town of Quepos or take another trek in the National Park.  An optional excursion south to Nauyaca Falls is offered ($95 per adult/$53 per child under 12 years of age).  This is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica.  The highest and largest in the country, their three levels crash down over 150 feet into a number of different swimming pools.  The area surrounding the falls is lush and tropical with an abundance of different animal species.  The only way to fully explore this natural wonder is on horseback and you’ll ride through beautiful countryside between Quepos and Dominical, magnificent forest and breathtaking vistas of the mountains of San Isidro.  EL PARADOR HOTEL. (B)

Day 10 - Cartago/San Jose
En route to San Jose, tour the quiet town of Cartago City, the nation’s capital city for over 300 years.  Tonight, you will be entertained by an equestrian show and folk dancing during your farewell barbecue at the private hacienda of Rancho San Miguel.  HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA. (B,D)

Day 11 - San Jose/Miami
After breakfast you will be escorted to the airport for your return flights home. (B)

Your Adventure Includes:

• Roundtrip air transportation from Miami to San Jose.
• All ground transfers in air-conditioned motorcoach.
• Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
• Specialist English-speaking guide accompany the group, as well as driver.
• All meals as specified.
• All park entry fees.
• All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
• Complimentary flight bag, baggage tags and passport wallet.