Red-eyed tree frog Lauren Wentz-Middleton, Central America, SMPC, Costa Rica, Panama
Red-eyed tree frog Photo: Lauren Wentz-Middleton

Journey to Costa Rica: A Family Adventure

Jun 22 - 30 and Aug 10 - 18, 2013; Mar 15 - 23, Apr 19 - 27, Jun 21 - 29, Jul 5 - 13, 2014, and Dec 27, 2014 - Jan 4, 2015
For more details or to book your family vacation, enter your name and email below or Call 1-888-466-3590 M-F, 9 am-5:30 pm (EST)!
Adult Starting at $3,390
Child Starting at $2,790
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    Overview
  • Take your kids on an adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica! This lush, tropical country is a veritable playground for families, and the opportunities for fun are endless. Walk amid the tree tops on hanging bridges, glide through the jungle on a zip line, and go whitewater rafting down the warm Sarapiqui River. You’ll also meet the friendly “Tico” people and learn about the importance of the environment and conservation to all who live there.

    Experience geology up-close during visits to Poas Volcano, where you can walk right up to the rim, and to Arenal Volcano, where a local scientist and researcher gives an exclusive talk on volcanology. Learn about rain forest ecology and conservation efforts during a hands-on workshop and hike the trails of La Paz Waterfall Garden to one of the largest butterfly observatories in the world. During your trip, meet with a Costa Rican scientist who is working to develop more efficient rocket engines for travel to outer space, and participate in a half-day service project at a local school, where kids can meet with pen pals. You’ll also enjoy relaxing with your family at a thermal hot spring and a day at a beachfront hotel, where you can play on the beach, take surf lessons, or go horse-back riding. Throughout your vacation, you'll be accompanied by a top-notch local guide, who not only welcomes you to his country and astonishes you with his knowledge, but who loves working with families. This unforgettable family vacation to Costa Rica is recommended for families with kids ages 6 and older.
    • Special Highlights
  • Enjoy white water rafting and bird watching in the Sarapiqui region. The Sarapiqui region is one of the most important conservation and research sites in Costa Rica and the world for the study of lowland and humid tropical rain forests. The area is also known for its great white water rafting and excellent bird watching. There are endless activities available here that will enhance your family vacation.
  • Attend a workshop on rain forest ecology. Visit La Tirimbina for an exclusive "Discovering the Rain Forest" workshop, where your family can take part in a hands-on exploration of this remarkable ecosystem, and learn about conservation efforts in Costa Rica.
  • Attend an exclusive talk by a volcanologist. At the Arenal Observatory Lodge, a scientist from the nearby OVSICORI (Obvservatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica) gives a special talk on volcanology geared for families.
  • Go for a bike ride near Lake Arenal. Hop on a bike and explore the surrounding countryside. Begin at the hotel with a downhill ride to the dam at Lake Arenal, then continue along the lake. (Bike route is a mix of packed gravel and paved roads.)
  • Take a private tour of the science facilities at Ad Astra Rocket. A scientist at Ad Astra Rocket will give your family a special tour of the facility and explain their current projects. Ad Astra Rocket is owned by Franklin Chang, the Costa Rican astronaut who went to space seven times with NASA.
  • Work with a local school on a community project. Visit a local Costa Rican school, where families work closely with students in a half-day service project.
    • World Heritage Sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites:
    • Area de Conservación Guanacaste
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.


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