FAMILY TRIP

Costa Rica Guanacaste Family Vacation

  • 6 Days
  • 16 People Max

    5 - 14 guests

  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Liberia
  • Trip End: Liberia
guanacaste v3

Zipline jungles, swim under waterfalls, snorkel reefs, and hike alongside monkeys on our Costa Rica Guanacaste Family Vacation

This family vacation has it all! Explore the jungle canopy by zipline, swim in turquoise pools under waterfalls, surf pristine beaches, and hike amidst monkeys! Your family will relish action-packed days and relaxing evenings in this tropical paradise. Explore the volcanic landscapes of Rincon De la Vieja National Park, float down the Blanco River by raft, discover exotic birds, armadillos and sloths, and experience tropical marine life by surfboarding, paddleboard, sea kayaking or snorkeling. After all the action, relax on the white sand beaches and soak up the 'pura vida' lifestyle that is quintessential Costa Rica. Our vacation in the province of Guanacaste is the perfect place to create lasting family memories!

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Liberia Trip End: Liberia

Download our Handy Trip itenary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Liberia / Rincon de la Vieja National Park

  • Day 2Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park

  • Day 3Hike to Cangreja Falls and Las Pailas Trail

  • Day 4Do some birdwatching in Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, explore Playa Carrillo

  • Day 5Kayak Isla Chora and surf Samara Beach

  • Day 6Head back to Liberia

  • Day 1

    Liberia / Rincon de la Vieja National Park

    Welcome to Costa Rica! Tonight's accommodation is located within the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a reserve that boasts rolling green hills, gushing waterfalls, and lush cloud forest. The park attracts travelers year-round who come to explore its volcanoes, hot springs, and picturesque waterfalls. The name “Rincon de la Vieja” translates to “The Old Woman’s Corner”, referencing a local legend about a girl who became a recluse on the volcano’s slopes after her lover was thrown into the volcano by her father.

    Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin (Dinner)

  • Day 2

    Explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park

    Prepare for the exhilarating Midworld Canopy zipline tour. You’re in for an incredible adrenaline rush on our exclusive Canyon Canopy Tour, one of the best adventure tours in Guanacaste. On this one-of-a-kind Costa Rica zip line tour, you will fly through the trees on zip lines, rappel, rock climb, and swing like Tarzan! Walk through a dry tropical forest to Chorrera Falls and a beautiful swimming spot. This alluring waterfall meets up with the Blanco River to create an enticing blue pool at its base where we are tempted to jump in for a quick soak. Head to the crystal-clear river for a two-hour floating experience. Drift down class II and III rapids in big inflatable tubes for approximately two hours. There are many quiet sections along the river where you can appreciate the beautiful surrounding tropical scenery. Afterward, visit the hot springs at the hotel, relaxing in the pools with clay hot springs.

    Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Canyoning: Options for easy to moderate
    Zip Lining: Options for easy to moderate
    Tubing: 2 hours, Class II & III rapids

  • Day 3

    Hike to Cangreja Falls and Las Pailas Trail

    Hike about three miles to Cangreja Falls, a challenging hike to the largest waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Along the trail, you can see wildlife such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, coatis, armadillos, agoutis, iguanas, and birds such as the bobo bird or the emerald tucancillo. Copper minerals that come from the volcano, dissolved in the water, give the water a heavenly blue color. The Las Pailas Trail spectacularly shows the power of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Steam and sulfur come from natural fumaroles of yellow and rusty soil. Walk just over two miles on the Las Pailas circular path through the tropical forest to enjoy the best views of the volcano, incredible nature, volcanic activity, and wildlife.

    Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: Cangreja Falls Hiking Distance: 10 kilometers (6 miles), challenging
    Hiking: Las Pailas Loop Trail Hiking Distance: 3.2 kilometers (2 miles), easy

  • Day 4

    Do some birdwatching in Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, explore Playa Carrillo

    With over 900 species of birds, Costa Rica is one of the world’s top destinations for birding. The Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is replete with birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse ecosystems. Strike out in the morning with a local guide to discover the 300 different bird species which have been identified in the area, including the Spectacled Owl, the Curassow, and the Montezuma Oropendola. Transfer four hours to Playa Carrillo, a charming fishing village. The delightful white-sand beaches on the western Costa Rica coast have small waves, warm turquoise waters, and a collection of lovely tidal pools. The nearby village, Puerto Carrillo, is known for its inviting beaches and laid-back atmosphere. The beaches of Carrillo have some of the most tranquil waves in Costa Rica. It is the ideal place to begin your paddleboarding adventure. You will be taught by an experienced guide how to first kneel, and then stand up on the board, as well as the correct way to paddle.

    Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Stand Up Paddle Boarding: Easy, varying lengths

  • Day 5

    Kayak Isla Chora and surf Samara Beach

    Transfer to the launch site for a sea kayaking and snorkeling adventure at Isla Chora. This small island is located just a short distance from Samara Beach. There is a stunning coral reef to explore where you can walk the beaches of the island (water shoes recommended). This afternoon join in on an optional surfing lesson (additional cost), more snorkeling or relaxing on the beach. The choice is yours. Surf’s up! Choose the option of learning from a professional how to surf on Samara Beach at an additional expense. Your gear will be provided and the ocean is yours to explore by board.

    Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Kayaking: Easy, varying lengths

  • Day 6

    Head back to Liberia

    Your guide will drop you at Liberia Airport for your international flight home.

    No Accommodation (Breakfast)

Costa Rica Guanacaste Adventure Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year
USD $3999/per adult , USD $3699/per child

Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.

Not ready to book yet?

Get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.

  • Speak with one of our specialists
  • Confirm trip details
  • Discuss your specific needs
31 Mar 2024
2024
31 Mar5 Apr
Departure Full Full
12 May 2024
2024
12 May17 May
Departure Open Open
10% OFF
9 Jun 2024
2024
9 Jun14 Jun
Departure Full Full
7 Jul 2024
2024
7 Jul12 Jul
Departure Open Open
4 Aug 2024
2024
4 Aug9 Aug
Departure Open Open
1 Sep 2024
2024
1 Sep6 Sep
Departure Open Open
27 Oct 2024
2024
27 Oct1 Nov
Departure Open Open
24 Nov 2024
2024
24 Nov29 Nov
Departure Open Open
22 Dec 2024
2024
22 Dec27 Dec
Departure Open Open
5 Jan 2025
2025
5 Jan10 Jan
Departure Open Open
Checking availability ...

Included

  • Our own highly experienced trip leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

Trip Map

2nd Square Social Posts 1080 x 1080 px 25

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T&Cs Apply. Read more here.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Liberia Airport at 1.30pm or 4.30pm or the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Courtyard at 1.45pm or 4.45pm. We will then transfer you to Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel for the welcome dinner. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Liberia, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

If you're arriving in Costa Rica earlier, you are welcome to make your own way to the hotel on Day 1, and you'll meet the group at the hotel front desk for dinner and orientation at 6pm on Day 1.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at Liberia Airport for flight times below.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving at Liberia Airport the night before the trip starts, or no later than 3pm on the first day of the trip. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Liberia Airport after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days. 

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. 

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

Hacienda Guachipelin is inspired by the ranching life with authentic designs and handcrafted furniture, perfectly positioned to explore the Rincon de la Vieja Nationa Park with lovely views of the surrounding dry tropical forest.

Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows is family-owned and qwe'll enjoy a welcoming vibe and creature comforts while taking in magnificent views of Playa Carrillo - delightful white-sandy beaches fringed with emerald green palm tree forests on the western Costa Rica coast. The hotel has recently implemented ann Environmental Management System and is specifically focused on preserving the biodiversity of the local ecosystem.

Is tipping expected in Costa Rica?

Most people do choose to tip their Active Adventures guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Costa Rica. During your Active Adventures trip, your guides will take care of all included restaurants and service tips for you. For other restaurants or services during your time in Costa Rica, 5-10% is a typical gratuity amount.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
Pre/Post accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides
Rental gear

show more

show less

Why Travel With Us

benefit group size v2

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

benefit guides v2

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

benefit all inclusive

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

Scout Badges 100x100 15

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

benefit family v3

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

Scout Badges 100x100 3

"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.

Trip Inquiry

Central & South America

Costa Rica Guanacaste Family Vacation

USD $3999/per adult
USD $3699/per child
$500 USD deposit per person required to secure your place on the trip

What To Expect

  • Place your booking
  • Receive your confirmation email & details to set up your Travel Wallet
  • Our dedicated team will keep you up to date all the way to the departure date

Dates

2024
2025

March 2024

Sunday 31 March 2024
To Friday 5 April 2024
Full

Sunday 12 May 2024
To Friday 17 May 2024
Open
10% OFF

Sunday 9 June 2024
To Friday 14 June 2024
Full

Sunday 7 July 2024
To Friday 12 July 2024
Open

Sunday 4 August 2024
To Friday 9 August 2024
Open

Sunday 1 September 2024
To Friday 6 September 2024
Open

Sunday 27 October 2024
To Friday 1 November 2024
Open

Sunday 24 November 2024
To Friday 29 November 2024
Open

Sunday 22 December 2024
To Friday 27 December 2024
Open

Sunday 5 January 2025
To Friday 10 January 2025
Open