Central America

Costa Rica Family Vacations

Float through a winding canal in Tortuguero where thick tropical vines engulf your path, exotic wildlife lying within an arm's reach. Observe nesting sea turtles, see the rich canopy of Corcovado National Park, snorkel among the vibrantly colored fish in the waters of Caño Island, and surf the shores off Punta Islita.

Days 2-3: San José/Tortuguero

Board a short charter flight to Tortuguero and then go by boat across the canal to your lodge, where you are greeted with a welcome drink and breakfast. Slow moving tropical rivers defi ne the essence of Tortuguero, a 52,000-acre national park named for the Atlantic green turtle. You have two days to explore the area, travelling by boat along narrow canals where thick vines and flora often obstruct your path. Watch closely and you may see iguana and basilisk lizard as the jungle comes within an arm's reach. Set off on a boat ride to observe sea turtle mating, then continue by kayak through the park, a voyage that reveals a tangle of jungle, canal, lagoon and island. Your water journey is enlivened by glimpses of sloth, howler monkey, parrot and macaw. Visit the beach this evening for an up-close observation of a sea turtle laying her eggs. She lays perhaps 80-100 eggs, covers her nest and often digs a false one to throw off predators. About an hour later, she returns to the sea.
Tortuga Lodge B, L, D

Days 4-5: Tortuguero/Drake Bay

After breakfast, cross the canal to board a plane for Drake Bay, then transfer by vehicle and boat to your hotel. Corcovado National Park dominates this remote southern region, a protected area of massive trees supported by huge buttressed roots, a forest canopy teeming with animal life and an abundance of animal riches "at ground level." Spend the day in the park seeing the wildlife that includes the largest population of scarlet macaw. Design Your Day with options that include horseback riding or a dolphin and whale encounter. (Sport fishing can be arranged and is available for an additional fee to be paid at time of service.) Your next day here is spent at Caño Island Biological Reserve. Snorkel past coral reefs to see underwater rock formations and abundant sea life. On the shore, rainforest and hiking trails frame a tropical rainforest. The ruins of giant rock spheres made by a pre-Columbian Indian civilization rest near the top of the trails; their purpose remains a mystery.
Hotel Casa Corcovado B, L, D

Days 6-7: Drake Bay/Punta Islita

Board a flight to the Guanacaste Pacific coast and Punta Islita, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. One of Costa Rica's richest cultural regions, the Guanacaste area's cultural roots are Hispanic, African and native Chorotega, and the ambience is reflected in Hotel Punta Islita's architecture, pottery, furnishings and garden sculptures. While you are here, dine on the beach to the sounds of local music, and enjoy all your resort has to offer. Relax by the infinity pool that at first glance seems to merge with the ocean that it overlooks. Sit back with a good book, or soak up the sun in a lounge chair under placid skies. Learn how to master the waves when a local expert gives you a surfing lesson. Later, soar over the breathtaking canyon as you glide from platform to platform through a setup of steel cables, climbing gear and harnesses on a zip line canopy tour. You may even spot a monkey or two as you cross over the canopy canvass. Cap off the day with an optional sunset horseback ride along the beach. Then for an entertaining family adventure, travel into the thick of the tropical dry forest on a Monkey Quest Jeep Tour. Along the way, your guide interjects with comments about this habitat's exotic flora and fauna. Your 4x4 Jeep canvasses the area as you search for howler and white-faced monkey.
Hotel Punta Islita B, L, D

Day 8: Punta Islita/San Jose/USA or Canada

Board a private charter flight to San Jose, where you connect with your homebound flight.
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B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820

Costa Rica Family Vacations

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