Budget Family Vacation
Budget Family Vacation
Budget Family Vacation: Traveling to Costa Rica on a budget doesn’t mean limiting your vacation fun! In this package you’ll spend three nights in the adventure capital of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano, and then head to the Guanacaste coast for some beach and pool time. Spend your days in Arenal exploring the region’s natural beauty on various nature or adventure tours. At the end of the day, take in the iconic volcano views from the comfort of your room’s outdoor jacuzzi. From Arenal you’ll whitewater raft over to Guanacaste and arrive in time to see one of Costa Rica’s best sunsets off of Playa Flamingo. When you’re not in the pool or on the beach at Flamingo Beach Resort, sign-up for a half-day tour such as a sunset catamaran with snorkeling.
Destinations: La Fortuna, Playa Flamingo
Duration: 8 days
*Price Range: $$$
*Rates inclusive of full vacation experience – hotels, tours, domestic transfers, and tax (excluding international airfare). Actual price based on length of travel, number of travelers/rooms, seasonal rates (high, low, peak), number of tour activities, and mode of domestic transportation.
$$$: At or under $1,200 per person.
$$$: $1,200 – $1,800 per person.
$$$: $1,800+ per person
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Day 1
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Liberia International Airport (LIR). Your private transfer and driver will be waiting outside the airport holding a sign with your name on it. Enjoy the scenic drive to Arenal Volcano and feel free to stop along the way to eat lunch/dinner, take a photo, or simply stretch your legs. Check into Arenal Manoa, a locally-run, boutique hotel located on a full functioning farm. Unwind after a day of travel in the heated spring-fed jacuzzis located alongside two outdoor pools.
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Day 2
Explore underground caves in Venado’s 15-20 million year old cave system. Marine fossils within the cave’s rock are evidence of its previous location under the sea. Wade through underground rivers and climb through tight corners in this dark, mysterious cave system. You’ll see limestone rock formations, bats, frogs, fish, spiders, and crickets. Looking for an activity above ground? Try the Community, Culture, and Conservation tour which focuses on Costa Rican agricultural methods and with taste testing. Learn to make tortillas, bean-to-bar chocolate, and squeezed sugarcane juice.
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Day 3
Arenal Volcano is known as the adventure capital of Central America with many adrenaline activities to choose from. Fly within the rain forest canopy on a zip-line, jump into waterfall pools with waterfall jumping, rappel down the face of a waterfall, or raft class III-IV rapids. For a slower paced day, hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall for a refreshing swim or learn to make a typical Costa Rican dish for your lunch or dinner.
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Day 4
Today is a day on the river as you make your way from Arenal to Guanacaste. Choose between whitewater rafting class III-IV rapids for an adventure tour or enjoy a safari float for a more scenic tour to observe nature. Have lunch in route and finish your transfer in a shared shuttle, dropping you off at Flamingo Beach Resort in time for sunset. Flamingo Beach is known for some of the most spectacular sunsets in all Costa Rica. Enjoy the vibrant show from the beach or in the pool at the resort.
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Day 5
Whether you opt for the breakfast only plan or the all-inclusive plan at Flamingo Beach Resort, make today a lounge day. For those splurging on the all-inclusive plan, enjoy endless tropical drinks, snacks and lunch at the swim-up pool bar. When you need a break from the sun, head to the Family Center complete with foosball tables, pool tables, games, a small movie theater, and a casino for the adults (poker from 8pm to 3am).
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Day 6
Break up your beach and pool days with a half day tour. Horseback ride along the beach or through rivers, snorkel and sail alongside dolphins, scuba dive Las Catalinas Islands, ride on ATVS through the tropical dry forest, or take surf lessons on some beginner breaks nearby.
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Day 7
Enjoy your last full day relaxing on the beach and by the pool.
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Day 8
Take a private ground transfer to Liberia (LIR) for your international flight home.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Go spelunking in the Venado Caves to see marine fossils
- Take in volcano views from the comfort of Manoa’s heated, spring-fed jacuzzi
- Whitewater raft class III-IV rapids as you travel from Arenal to Guanacaste
- Catch some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica from Playa Flamingo
- Choose between a breakfast only or an all-inclusive plan at Flamingo Beach Resort
Best for: Family, Couple, Budget, Group
Bucket list experiences: waterfall, volcano, rainforest, wildlife, waterfalls, Venado Caves, culture, chocolate, nature, snorkel, sail, dive, dolphins
Accommodations & Location:
- Arenal Manoa, La Fortuna
- Flamingo Beach Resort, Playa Flamingo
Every Central America Vacation itinerary includes 24/7 in-country support. We’re here with you every step of the way to insure the best experience possible, from the initial planning stages to the moment you’re on your flight home!
