Days 2 and 3 – Turrialba region
The Turrialba region is surrounded by lush green forests and plantations and crowned with the 11,260 foot Irazu Volcano. But the real family fun lies on the rolling rapids of the Pejibaye River where you will enjoy some of the best whitewater rafting in the country. Agriculture is the principal industry - Arabica coffee, sugarcane and macadamia nuts abound. Turrialba is the only place allowed to produce the popular Costa Rican cheese that shares the name 'Turrialba'.
Visit Irazu Volcano National Park
Drive up through potato, onion and cabbage fields to the Irazu Volcano National Park. Its summit of 11,260 feet is usually above the clouds. The picturesque views here make this the perfect place to enjoy some hot chocolate or a cup of coffee.
Basilica de los Angeles
After enjoying a very typical Costa Rican lunch, we’ll stop briefly at Basilica de los Angeles, the focus of an annual pilgrimage to celebrate the appearance of La Negrita, Costa Rica’s patron saint.
Whitewater rafting on the Pejibaye River
Once you’ve been outfitted with life jackets, helmets and paddles, it’s off to the Class II and III rapids of the Pejibaye River. This rafting trip is first-timer friendly.
Optional activities
Bike ride through a leading tropical research center, hike at the largest archeological site in the country (complete with ancient bridges and petroglyphs), or choose to go canyoning - a rock climbing trip that includes rappelling and descending cliffs and waterfalls.

Days 4 and 5 – Tortuguero, Caribbean Coast
The waterways and lagoons of Tortuguero are the most biologically diverse in all of Costa Rica. In fact, there are seven species of turtle alone! It’s home to the endangered sea turtle and during July and August, with any luck, your children will actually see them nesting on the beaches.
Adopt a green Atlantic sea turtle
Tortuguero is known for its long stretch of beach, which is actually the protected nesting site for these green Atlantic sea turtles . Adopt-A-Turtle is part of the Sea Turtle Survival League – a program of the non-profit Caribbean Conservation Corporation (www.cccturtle.org).
Jungle boat expedition
Explore Tortuguero’s intricate river system via a motorized jungle boat. As you wind your way through the lowland rain forest, keep an eye out for bats, howler monkeys and caimans.
Kayaking
Meet for a kayaking trip through the waterways for some more rain forest exploration through the maze of canals.

Days 6 and 7 – Manuel Antonio, Pacific Coast
Even though Manuel Antonio is the smallest park in Costa Rica, it has the most extraordinary landscape with volcanic sand beaches and exotic islands. But the best seats for exploring this region are not on land – your family will zipline through the rain forest treetops for a bird’s-eye view you’ll never forget.
Zipline canopy tour
Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you glide from platform to platform through the dense rain forest. This high-flying adventure is for ages five and up.
Friends Across Borders
Meeting (pen pals) Thomson families love this program! Children traveling with us can choose to exchange letters with a local child of similar age before leaving on their adventure. While on the family trip we organize a pen pal meeting with a scheduled activity like soccer or hacky sacking. It’s amazing how such interaction can be a real eye-opener for everyone involved.
Explore Manual Antonio National Park
This nature preserve juts out into the ocean, so it offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing along its trails as well as pristine white sand beaches for swimming.

Day 8 – Manuel Antonio / Jaco / San Jose
Jaco, best described as a beach destination and surfer paradise is located just south of San Jose and provides opportunity for plenty of fun family activities.
Optional activities
Take surfing lessons, learn to stand up paddle, go to a yoga class or mountain bike to a waterfall. You can't go wrong with any of these awesome choices!
Farewell dinner
Say good-bye to your guide and fellow travelers over a farewell dinner.

Day 9 – Depart San Jose / Arrive U.S.