This 10-day Costa Rica adventure is tailored for families looking for some fun and wild activities, and looking to discover nature up close.

After being picked up at your hotel, you will be driven to a private reserve near the north-facing slopes of the Cordillera de Tilarán. Here, you will be ride the Sky Tram, rising 236 meters to a lookout point where your Sky Trek zip line circuit begins. There are currently ten zip line cables and they range in height from 30 meters to 200 meters and in length from 200 meters to 750 meters. Before leaving the main building to start your tour, you will be fitted with all of the necessary safety equipment (harness, helmet, gloves), which the guides will take care to properly adjust.  Zipping along nearly two miles (three kilometres) of cables, you will see the rain forest as well as get a panoramic view of the volcano and lake from a whole new perspective!

This morning you depart on a land and boat transfer to Monteverde. Transfer to the boat launch area at Lake Arenal Dam to board a boat to across the lake (approximately 30-40 minutes depending on wind conditions). The boat will dock at Rio Chiquito a small town on the shore of Lake Arenal, where you will board a 4 wheel drive vehicle for a 2 hour ground transfer to the Monteverde area. Total transfer time from Arenal to Monteverde area via Lake Arenal is approximately 3 hours.

Monteverde is a peaceful community made up of dairy farmers, naturalists and tourism service providers who have joined together to create a model for sustainable development and protection of the environment that is becoming known throughout the world. Founded in 1954 by a group of Quakers searching for a peaceful place to live, it is the home of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest, and the Santa Elena Reserve.

Drive 20 minutes to the entrance of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve accompanied by a local Naturalist Guide. Originally just 4,000 acres, the Monteverde Reserve now includes a protected area of approximately 25,000 acres, comprising six different life zones. So many habitats in such a small area, along with extensive trail improvements, allow visitors to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna with relatively short distance and easy walking. It encompasses six different ecological life zones and is home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants. From January to July, depending upon your luck and patience, you may observe the Resplendent Quetzal. Other species include the Three-wattled Bellbird, the Emerald Toucanet, and White-faced and Howler Monkeys.

In the afternoon, transfer from the hotel to El Rodeo ranch where some of the best horses in town are stabled. You will have the opportunity to do a test ride in the corral to make sure that you are comfortable. Next set off with your local guide on your two-hour horseback ride through patches of secondary forest, open fields, coffee and banana plantations with views of the Gulf of Nicoya. 

Depart this morning for the approximate 4 hour drive to the Manuel Antonio area.

White-sand beaches, cliffs, promontories, ravines, rivers, rainforests, varied wildlife, beautiful seascapes and a hot climate all describe Manuel Antonio. Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast 4.3 miles (7 kms) south of Quepos Harbor, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations and is sometimes compared to Key West. 

Considered one of the cleanest rivers in Central America; the Savegre is an authentic family adventure – Relaxation and action, while enjoying the landscape! 

After a safety briefing, begin maneuvering rapids like “Gringo Eater”, and “Boca Diablo”. Stop for a snack of fresh fruits and cookies. Before the end you hit “Santo Domingo” rapid and then the river calms down until you meet with our mini bus. A 15 minute drive will take you to where a hot Costa Rican meal will be served for lunch.

Costa Rica is a well-known place to surf, and Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful and surf friendly beaches in Costa Rica. Instructors are fully committed to help you stand on the board for the first time. They will teach you to read the waves, to get to the riding place and accomplish your challenge of riding your first wave.  As you learn the basics of surfing you will have the opportunity to learn about the Manuel Antonio area, its wildlife and people, your instructors are not only surfers, they are certified naturalist guides for the area. If you need a break, a beach chair and umbrella will be waiting for you along with fresh fruit and water to keep you hydrated. They cater to all levels of expertise and if surfing is a passion, consider moving around to different location and improving or mastering technique.

Day at leisure. Enjoy what this wonderful resort has to offer! Relax, be active, the choice is yours! This is a wonderful way to cap off a great vacation in Costa Rica!

Early morning, join your van and driver and depart for the 3.5 to 4 hour drive to San Jose, Juan Santamaría International airport for your flight home.