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Costa Rica

From Monkeys to Macaws: Colorful Costa Rica With Your Family

Program No. 20797RJ
Fly a little south of the U.S. to discover a world of chatty macaws, playful monkeys, industrious leaf cutter ants and butterflies as you explore Costa Rica with your family.

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

A scarlet macaw swooping overhead. A trek through the green rainforest. A large crocodile gliding unnoticed in the river. Postcards simply won’t do Costa Rica justice – you have to experience it for yourself! Alongside your family, search for awesome animals, like sloths and howler monkeys, as you march through the rainforest, sail along the rivers, kayak the warm waters and zipline over the jungle on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure together. On this week-long journey, you’ll learn about all the colorful landscapes on walks through nature and across hanging bridges as you all go wild in Costa Rica.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain. Swimming, zip lining and getting in/out of boats and buses. Elevations up to 6,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, iguanas, monkeys, crocs and more as you float along the Sarapiqui and Tarcoles Rivers.
  • Hold onto your helmets as you zipline over the jungle and walk over hanging bridges to view a large volcano.
  • Explore a local farm to observe silly macaws fly about and learn how the locals are trying to protect them.

General Notes

This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 8 and up. This program allows participants to explore a number of Costa Rica’s eco-systems in a relatively short amount of time. Bus travel is a necessity for an up-close experience, but program activities help to break up travel time. Local road conditions, weather, traffic and elevation are factors in determining time of travel. Because of the special nature of this program, we request that you call us to enroll. Please call toll free at (800) 454-5768, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Lenin Duarte
Lenin Duarte is a certified Costa Rican naturalist guide. He worked for many years as a resident naturalist at the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) La Selva Biological Field Station. One of the most exciting parts of that job included the opportunity to interact with biologists and participating in important research being conducted on site. Even after many years of leading groups, Lenin never tires of watching the excitement and wonder on visitors’s faces as they fall in love with the rainforest and its inhabitants.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Lenin Duarte
Lenin Duarte View biography
Lenin Duarte is a certified Costa Rican naturalist guide. He worked for many years as a resident naturalist at the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) La Selva Biological Field Station. One of the most exciting parts of that job included the opportunity to interact with biologists and participating in important research being conducted on site. Even after many years of leading groups, Lenin never tires of watching the excitement and wonder on visitors’s faces as they fall in love with the rainforest and its inhabitants.
Profile Image of Pamela Rojas
Pamela Rojas View biography
Pamela Rojas is a certified Costa Rican expedition leader who feels happiest when she is outdoors. Her affinity with nature stems from a childhood spent among the rainforests and farmlands of Sarapiquí. Pamela holds a bachelor’s degree in EFL, with an emphasis on tourism, from the Universidad Técnica Nacional and is working towards a postgraduate teaching degree. Her lifelong goal is to enrich lives through education and exposure to the wonders of nature.
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MEALS
26 Meals
9 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
  • Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
  • Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Nov 23, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 01, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026 (San José to Punta Leona)
  • Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026 (San José to Punta Leona)
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
2 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
3 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
2 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
3 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.
1 night
Location: San José
The Radisson Hotel San José is conveniently situated in the commercial district near San José's historic center.
3 nights
Location: Chilamate
Nature lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
3 nights
Location: La Fortuna
The Arenal Paraiso Hotel is located just a few minutes from La Fortuna town and near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Accommodations are provided in small casitas--all with views of the famous volcano. Landscaped grounds feature lush tropical vegetation that provides both privacy and visual interest.
2 nights
Location: Punta Leona
Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.





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