Costa Rica is barely the size of West Virginia, yet it has more biodiversity than anywhere else on earth. It’s a nation where a “transcontinental” flight takes only an hour or so. It’s a land with Afro-Caribbean culture and cowboys. And don’t even try to count the keeled-bill toucans, jaguars, orchids, howler monkeys and river otters—though you may be tempted as you transition from Atlantic coast to Pacific on this amazing trip. This adventure takes you to Tortuguero National Park where sea turtles breed and then to the surprisingly un-rainy forests of Guanacaste National Park with a volcano, whitewater rafting, zipline glides, catamaran rides and more in between. Our local guides will introduce you to a diverse mix of natives too, right where they live in remote villages and on vast ranches. At our waterfront lodges, the views are amazing and the living is easy and comfortable. Best of all, every activity you read about in this itinerary is included at no extra cost.

DAYS 1-2 – SAN JOSE / TORTUGUERO
After meeting in San José, we begin our Costa Rica family vacation with a brief flight to Tortuguero National Park (2 nights). From our riverfront hotel, we head out for some kayaking through the lagoons or a guided jungle walk with the chance to spot crocodiles, river turtles, capuchin monkeys, macaws and more. We’ll also visit a remote village accessible only by boat to meet the residents and students in their classrooms. At the Sea Turtle Conservancy, we’ll learn about the ancient migration patterns that bring sea turtles back to the local beaches every year to lay their eggs. In the months from June through October, we may even see the tiny, newly hatched turtles digging out of their nests and scrambling to the safety of the waves.

DAYS 3-6 – GUANACASTE / SAN JOSE
Back in San José, we head by road to the mountains of the continental divide. There, you’ll have the option of joining river experts for some wet and wild whitewater rafting in Class III/IV rapids. Or if you prefer, walk with our guides to Llanos de Cortez, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls.

We settle in for the next three nights at a beachfront resort with the Pacific right out our front doors. Multisport activities here include a private catamaran ride to waters perfect for snorkeling. Or, alternatively, you can take some surfing lessons. We’ll meet the local cowboys know as sabaneros and, in season, attend the local rodeo festival.

In nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park, we’ll walk through volcanic formations and spot wildlife ranging from peccaries and coatis to parakeets and tanagers. You’ll also ascend into the treetops for a thrilling zipline ride through the forest canopy. On our final day, we part company at Liberia Airport.