Iowa State University Costa Rica for Families June 26th-July 2nd, 2022 7 Days / 6 Nights
Recommended for families with children 6 and up
Join us on a special trip designed for fun-loving families seeking out the treasures of friendly, laid-back and tropical Costa Rica.
We visit the area around Arenal Volcano, which is an active volcano that can put on quite a show at night! Arenal is considered one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world, and the area around it is a veritable playground for families. The volcano itself is quite a sight, and if the weather is right your family will see an amazing natural wonder. Walk along the treetops, glide from platform to platform for a bird's- eye view of the forest on an exhilarating canopy tour and relax at the end of the day in hot springs warmed by heat from the volcano.
The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is a true paradise, and one of the most biologically diverse slices of planet Earth. Covered in dense tropical rainforest, fertile valleys, waterfalls, coastal mangroves and rivers, the region is a perfect destination for wildlife viewing, whitewater rafting and ziplining, among countless other outdoor adventure activities. See crocodiles (safely!) and snorkel amidst a wide variety of coral reef and marine life. Spend some time at the beach or hotel pool. Day 1 Depart U.S. / Arrive San Jose
• Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your Costa Rica family vacation begins. • Overnight: Autentico Hotel
Day 2 La Fortuna, Arenal Region B, L, D
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens This wildlife park has the largest butterfly garden in the world, hummingbirds galore, tropical gardens and an array of waterfalls. After spending some time learning about the Costa Rican flora and fauna, your family can hike the surrounding scenic trails. • Hot Springs Eco Termales Fortuna is a family-run hot spring facility located in San Carlos, very close to the Arenal Volcano. These thermal springs are of a magmatic origin, ranging from 37 to 42 degrees Celsius, with naturally balanced quantities of calcium bicarbonates and magnesium, which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxing properties. They also offer cool water pools, a waterfall and a family-style restaurant and terrace bar. • Overnight: Lomas del Volcan Hotel
Day 3 La Fortuna, Arenal Region B, L, D
• Zip-line Canopy Tour Sky Adventures Arenal Park Sky Trek is a thrilling zip-line circuit that’s located in Arenal-La Fortuna Costa Rica. The tour starts with a ride in an open-air gondola to an observation area, where you will take in awe-inspiring views. You will then begin zip-lining on a track stretching across canyons and in between treetops, ultimately returning to the starting point at the main building. The trek consists of 7 zip-lines which take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The longest cable is 760 meters and the highest cable is 200 meters. • Hanging Bridges Explore the protected, primary neotropical rain forest from the Mistico Hanging Bridges. This series of trails is just under two miles long and interconnected by 16 suspension bridges. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano as you walk through the treetops. • Overnight: Lomas del Volcan Hotel
Day 4 Central Pacific Coast B, L, D
• Nectandra Cloud Forest Gardens Its network of trails at Nectandra Garden weaves through both secondary and primary forests along loop trails of varying length and walking difficulty to challenge visitors of all ages and physical abilities. The Preserve has facilities at each of the two gardens to display botanical, art, and scientific exhibits. A small number of changing exhibits highlight the basic and current scientific information on various aspects of the ecology and life forms of the cloud forest. • Free time jim | THOMSON SAFARIS This afternoon you are free to discover another activity or simply enjoy the beach, pool, and hotel amenities. • Overnight: Hotel Punta Leona
14 Mount Auburn Street +1 800 262 6255 www.familyadventures.com Watertown, MA 02472 +1 617 923 2004 [email protected]
A DIVISION OF WINELAND-THOMSON ADVENTURES, INC. Day 5 Central Pacific Coast B, L, D
• Jungle Crocodile Safari Tour Boating through the Tarcoles River and its mouth. Visitors will have the opportunity to see crocodiles of different sizes. It is easy to see iguanas and basilisks in their natural environment. Accompanied by a captain and a bilingual guide, both navigation experts will provide all the information about the flora and fauna of the river. There will also be excellent opportunities to photograph and film the wildlife at close range. • Friends Across Borders Visit Quebranda Ganado School and enjoy an activity like soccer or hacky sack with local kids. It’s amazing how fun these interactions are even when the kids don’t speak the same language! • Overnight: Hotel Punta Leona
Day 6 Central Pacific Coast B, L, D
• Outrigger, Stand-up paddle and Snorkeling Enjoy a half-day outrigger canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle tour with a duration of 3 hours. Enjoy the coastline as you are guided by local experts. Keep your eyes open for frigate birds and pelicans as you pass the spectacular cliffs. • Free time This afternoon you are free to enjoy the beach, pool, and hotel amenities. • Farewell dinner Join your guide and new friends at a special dinner on your last night together. It’s a perfect time to relive the highlights of your adventure and to remember all the fun you’ve had. • Overnight: Hotel Punta Leona
Day 7 Depart San Jose B
• Transfer to airport This morning transfer to San Jose Airport for your departing flight.
jim | THOMSON SAFARIS
14 Mount Auburn Street +1 800 262 6255 www.familyadventures.com Watertown, MA 02472 +1 617 923 2004 [email protected]
A DIVISION OF WINELAND-THOMSON ADVENTURES, INC. ACCOMMODATIONS:
Auténtico Hotel, San Jose The Auténtico Hotel is centrally located in the capital city of Costa Rica near the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana. Its facilities and services – such as its swimming pool, proximity to shopping and onsite restaurants – are good for traveling families. Rooms offer Wi-Fi, hair dryers, air-conditioning, cable TV, direct dial telephone, safes and 24-hour room service.
Lomas del Volcan Hotel, La Fortuna Founded in 2000, the hotel sits on top of a hill inside of a cattle farm property of 150 hectares, away from the everyday noises and immerse in a silence that is only broken by the singing of the birds. The hotel has 47 cabin-style rooms, spacious parking, and Wi-Fi internet in all areas of the hotel. The hotel features a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and room service.
Hotel Punta Leona, Central Pacific Coast Located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Punta Leona is a nature reserve that features nearly 800 acres of pristine forest. Guest rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, air- conditioning, cable TV and coffee makers. For guests' enjoyment there are on-site restaurants, bars, an outdoor swimming pool, spa, soccer field, beach volleyball and mini golf. For daily activities, guests can go on a guided walk through the rainforest, partake in aquatic sports, yoga, tai chi and bird watching.
jim | THOMSON SAFARIS
14 Mount Auburn Street +1 800 262 6255 www.familyadventures.com Watertown, MA 02472 +1 617 923 2004 [email protected]
A DIVISION OF WINELAND-THOMSON ADVENTURES, INC. Includes: • All entrance fees and excursions as listed in the itinerary • Accommodations based on single, double and triple occupancy • Meals per the above itinerary • Tips for porters, waitstaff and local guides • Services of a national guide who will accompany you throughout your trip • Services of a Rafiki, the fun person on the trip who provides opportunities for educational and recreational activities • Drinking water and local snacks • Airport transfers and land transportation
Not Included: • International flights • Travel insurance • Tips for main guide, driver and rafiki • Fees for passports, visas and immunizations • Any COVID-19 testing
Pricing:
Adults in twin share $2,990 Children 6 to 17 sharing double with adult or another child $2,790 Children 6 to 17 sharing triple with two adults or two full paying $2,490 children Single supplement $ 590
jim | THOMSON SAFARIS
14 Mount Auburn Street +1 800 262 6255 www.familyadventures.com Watertown, MA 02472 +1 617 923 2004 [email protected]
A DIVISION OF WINELAND-THOMSON ADVENTURES, INC.