TOUR PACKAGE: March 2008

This tour operator allows you to explore the world with your family, while allowing you a few moments to yourself. Babies, toddlers and older children love these balanced tours of time with family and playtime with their new friends.

The tour operator takes care of all the planning while you deepen your appreciation for nature and fresh coffee in Costa Rica and enjoy a new culture. Explore the rainforest and take home memories of volcanoes, monkeys and tree frogs! A great mix of family, adult and children's activities. Join this all-inclusive escorted tour with your family and friends, reconnect while creating lifelong memories. This tour includes childcare for children ages 1-7, an American and Costa Rican guide, airport transfers, lodging, meals, exit visas, guided hikes, a family cooking class, park entry fees and more! This is a true eco-tour with qualified naturalist guides and lodges that are owned and operated by Costa Ricans to support the local economy.

Costa Rica with Kids Eco-Tour

All Tours Include a Naturalist Guide and Babysitting Services

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA – BIENVENIDOS!

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose. Transfer by private, air-conditioned shuttle bus to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, nestled in a lowland tropical rainforest. Meet our host, Alex Martinez, an excellent and charming guide and a passionate frontline conservationist. He is a volunteer game warden and helped found a local environmental-protection and education agency. Andrea Cristina Bed & Breakfast. D.

Day 2: SARAPIQUI and TIRIMBINA RAINFOREST RESERVE

Morning free to settle in, bird watch, relax in hammocks, or wander into town. Afternoon kids stay at the B&B for naps and activities while parents cross the longest suspension bridge in Costa Rica to explore the rainforest at nearby Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve with a naturalist guide. Majestic tall trees, birds and colorful tiny frogs abound! Andrea Cristina B&B. B,L,D

Day 3: FAMILY COOKING CLASS and RAFT RIO SARAPIQUI

Early-risers optional guided birding walk. Mid-morning family cooking class: we’ll make empanadas, batidos (traditional tropical milkshakes), and yummy plantains and then eat them for lunch! Afternoon parents have the choice of a guided rainforest hike at La Selva, one of the top tropical ecology research stations in the world, or a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the Rio Sarapiqui (Class 1-5 rapids) while kids play at the B&B. Andrea Cristina B&B. B,L,D

Day 4: WILDLIFE BOAT RIDE and ARENAL VOLCANO

Early-risers optional guided birding walk. Morning family boat ride on a slow, shady boat to look for monkeys, sloths, toucans, caiman and crocodiles! Youngest/squirmiest children have the option of staying at the B&B. Afternoon transfer to La Fortuna, at the foot of a spectacular classic cone-shaped volcano. Settle in at cabinas operated by a local ecotourism cooperative and enjoy dinner. If skies are clear and conditions right, adults and older children take an evening tour to see Volcan Arenal while the little ones have an evening snack and stories. Cabinas in Fortuna. B,L,D

Day 5: WATERFALL and VOLCANIC HOT SPRINGS

Parents interested in adventure and scenery this morning can opt for the steep hike to a spectacular waterfall (La Catarata de la Fortuna) with refreshing swimming holes. Kids visit the crocodile ranch (all fenced) and play in the city square park. Meet for lunch in la Fortuna. After lunch, nappers return to cabinas. Late afternoon, family visit to Baldi Thermal Hot Springs with 10 volcanically heated springs. Second chance for an evening tour to see Volcan Arenal, where the lucky may spot red sparks or white fumes rising into the night sky (from a safe distance, of course). Cabinas in Fortuna. B,L,D

Day 6: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

Morning to explore this charming town. Leave Fortuna for Monteverde. Lunch at Toad Hall in La Union de Arenal near Lake Arenal, menu features organic vegetables, fuiret drink (a regional specialty) and espresso and has a general store with a fabulous selection of local and national handicrafts. Dinner in Monteverde, a cloud forest community settled by Quakers that boasts a large forest preserve with some of the most diverse plant and animal life anywhere in the world. Monteverde Cabinas. B, L, D.

Day 7: CLOUD FOREST HIKE, HUMMINGBIRDS and FROG ZOO

Morning parents take naturalist guided hike at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve or optional horseback ride to San Luis waterfalls, while kids take a field trip to the frog zoo. Meet for lunch in Monteverde. Afternoon return to the park for a short family hike and visit the Hummingbird Gallery, while nappers return to cabinas with caregivers. On the way home, stop in at CASEM, a women’s cooperative selling local art and souvenirs. Sample 6 roasts of organic coffee at neighboring Café Monteverde. Monteverde Cabinas. B,L,D.

Day 8: FAMILY SKYWALK and ATENAS

Morning family Skywalk through the rainforest canopy on a well-maintained trail with enclosed bridges that take you over 120 feet deep valleys through the treetops. Afternoon, transfer to Atenas, a charming coffee-growing community on the mountainside above the capital city. Enjoy views of the central valley of Costa Rica from your cabina’s porch or swim in the pool surrounded by tropical plants and birds. Atenas Cabinas. B,L,D.

Day 9: ZOO AVE, COFFEE and LAS MOLAS

Morning family trip to Zoo Ave, an outdoor zoo focusing on tropical bird rehabilitation and anti-poaching efforts that also has a great mammal exhibit. Afternoon parents visit the grocery store to stock up on locally grown coffee and check out Las Molas, a high-quality, Costa Rican-owned gift shop while younger kids nap and enjoy the hotel pool. Las Molas also carries some wonderful textiles from Panama and shade grown (bird habitat-friendly) coffee. Atenas Cabinas. B,L,D

Day 10: POAS VOLCANO and SARCHI CRAFTS

Family tour to Volcan Poas. We’ll drive up the volcano and take an easy walk to peer into the dormant crater when the clouds part and walk the enchanting elfin cloud forest trail. Stop in Sarchi for lunch, an artesian craft village specializing in carved wood products and leather/wood rocking chairs. Those who want a quieter day can stay at the hotel pool or explore downtown Atenas. Return mid-afternoon for relaxing at cabinas/pool. Atenas Cabinas. B,L,D

Day 11: TRANSFER OUT – ADIOS and GRACIAS!

Transfer (25 minutes) to Airport. B
Please note: The tour operator strives to follow the schedule, but changes may be made due to weather conditions and interesting new opportunities.

OPTIONAL BEACH EXTENSION BEGINS

(Please note that the beach extension does not include babysitting or a kids on beach guide)

Day 11: CENTRAL PACIFIC BEACH

Transfer to a lovely Central Pacific beach, less than 2 hours from Atenas. Relax on the beach and play in the sand. Stay at a small family-owned beachfront hotel with a pool, just steps from the beach! No big noisy resorts with bars and discos for us! We’ve found the quiet gems perfect for families with young children. Night at Beach. B

Day 12: CENTRAL PACIFIC BEACH

Enjoy a quiet day at the beach or arrange a local tour or surfing lesson through the hotel. Night at Beach. B

Day 13: CENTRAL PACIFIC BEACH

Another relaxing day at the beach. B
Those with late morning or afternoon flights tomorrow will stay at the beach tonight. For those with early flights tomorrow, afternoon transfer to a hotel near the airport that provides free shuttle service to your morning flight.

Day 14: TRANSFER OUT – ADIOS and GRACIAS!

Transfer to Airport. B

B, L, D = Notes when breakfast (B), lunch (L), or dinner (D) are included each day.

2008 Tour Dates:

11 Day Tour:
Thursday, March 13- Sunday, March 23, 2008

Optional 3 Day Beach Extension:
Sunday, March 23- Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Tour Rates:

11 Days, 10 Nights

Family Package: 2 adults and 1 or 2 children
$3900 Total Family Price
$150 Additional for each Child over age 10
Babies under 12 months are free; Childcare included for ages 1-7

Single Person
$1825 based on Two Adults in Double (Single Supplement Applies)

Prices Include:
10 nights lodging, all meals during tour, included entrance fees/sightseeing, naturalist guide, in-country transport, babysitting services, airport transfers, airport departure tax. Airfare and optional activities are not included. See Frequently Asked Questions section below for details. Travel insurance is recommended.

Beach Extension Rates:

4 Days, 3 Nights

Family Packages:
$ 422 Total Family Price for a Family of 4 in One Bedroom Suite

$ 540 Total Family Price for a Family of 4 in Two Bedroom Suite

$ 45 Additional for each Child over age 12

Prices Include:
3 nights lodging, transport from Atenas Cabinas to beach hotel, airport transfer, airport departure tax, breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, snacks, babysitting services, guide and airfare are not included. See FAQ Costa Rica page for details. Travel insurance is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Rica with Kids Eco-Tour

1. Where will we stay?

Hut We will stay at small family-run lodges as much as possible in order to experience the real Costa Rica and support the local economy. Many lodges consist of small one-room cabinas with a double bed and one ot two single beds and an attached private bathroom with shower. The cabinas are often arranged around a garden area or wading pool. Our lodges are often in the countryside or on the quiet edge of town, where bird-watching opportunities abound. We avoid the hotels with noisy bars or those run by American or European chains that serve the mass-market tours and take the profits out of the country where they are needed.

2. Who is coming?

These tours are small (18 people max) so that we can be flexible and attentive to the needs of our youngest travelers. Our tours are specially designed for families with children ages 1-7. Families are welcome to invite aunts, uncles, grandparents and good friends to join them. A guide and caregivers will be on every tour. Children under 1 and over 7 are welcome, but will be the parent’s responsibility. Babies can be great travelers and if they like to nap in a backpack carrier you can take them along on almost every activity.

3. How much care can you provide for my children?

Your children will be primarily your responsibility during the trip. We provide experienced caregivers for a few set blocks of time that are noted in the itinerary so that parents can do some longer rainforest hikes, go whitewater rafting and other activities. The caregivers will also be able to care for your children for a half hour here and there while you pack between sites, etc. Since meals are taken care of and there will be other children of similar ages for them to play with, it can be more relaxing than staying home! Each set of parents will also have the opportunity for one dinner out (without the group) with babysitting provided.

eating breakfast Caregivers are provided for children ages 1-7. Many children over age 7 enjoy participating in the group hikes and other activities with the adults. However, special arrangements can be made with advance notice for kids over 7 so that parents can participate in some activities not age-appropriate such as white-water rafting which has an age minimum of 11.

4. Are all meals are included in the price of the trip?

The majority of meals are included in the price of your trip. That means on most days we take care of breakfast, lunch, dinner (B,L,D). These meals are noted in the daily itineraries. There will be a few occasions where you have the opportunity to choose your own restaurant and eat with your family or as a couple, away from the group. You are responsible for the cost of meals during this time. Snacks and drinks for children during caregiver times are also included.

5. What will we eat?

We will be visiting Costa Rican restaurants that serve tasty traditional foods such as chicken, fresh fish, beans and rice, yucca (manioc) and wonderful tropical fruits. Much Costa Rican food is flavored with cilantro, red sweet pepper, garlic and yummy Salsa Lizano. Unlike in Mexico, food is very mildly spiced, but Tabasco sauce is standard on every restaurant table. Many restaurants also offer gringo-friendly options that have become popular with the locals like hamburgers and cheese sandwiches. Safe bottled water, pasteurized milk and juice boxes are available everywhere. Vegetarian options are also available.

6. How will we travel?

A private 20-person air conditioned shuttle bus with seatbelts will pick us up at the airport and take us to our first lodge. The shuttle bus will stay with the tour so car seats can be strapped in once and stay there. Taxis and minivans may be used for some airport transfers when families arrive later or earlier than most of the group. Taxis and minivans may also be used occasionally for adult transport to activities.

7. What should I bring?

Travel light! You’ll have the opportunity to do laundry about half-way through the trip. Lightweight, quick drying clothes, a rain poncho, camera and binoculars are a must. You’ll receive a very detailed list of recommended items before the trip.

8. Should I bring snacks and baby food?

When you are on the shuttle bus and on some day trips, snacks will be provided such as granola bars, nuts, raisins, plantain chips, fruit, water, juice boxes, etc. Due to agricultural restrictions, you won’t be able to bring any fresh food from home, but bringing a few sealed jars of baby food or canned food is OK. We will visit a supermarket to stock up on fun, local treats. Baby food is also available, though the selection is very limited and the flavors will be different- mango and papaya are first foods here! Most Costa Ricans make their own baby food and mashing small portions of adult food at meals may work fine for you.

9. What does ecotourism mean?

The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following principles:

Minimize impact
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate
Support international human rights and labor agreements

10. What can I do to help Costa Rica?

Read about what an inspired second grader did to help here.

11. Stability, health and the environment

Costa Rica is a democracy and is known as a very stable country with health care on par with industrialized nations. It abolished its army in the 1940s and invests heavily in education and its national park system. In 2003, it outlawed open pit-mining and oil exploration. Nature-based tourism is the country’s number one industry. With a well-educated populace, software companies such as Intel have come in and are now responsible for 25% of the country’s GNP. Unlike most other Central American countries, Costa Rica has a growing middle class. However, the rural areas are still poor which brings the annual per capita income down to $6650. Because of Costa Rica’s national health care and social security systems, life expectancy is the same as in countries where income is four times that much, and actually a bit longer than in the United States.

12. Health Precautions

Visit your doctor, pediatrician or travel clinic before the trip to make sure your family is up to date on their vaccinations. As of June 2005, St. Mary’s Medical Center’s travel clinic in Duluth, Minnesota says that Hepatitis A is generally the only vaccine for Costa Rica that is advised in addition to the ones you should already have. Hepatitis A should be given one month before the trip to everyone 2 years and over. Those under 2 can get Hepatitis A protection from gamma-globulin.

Check with the Center for Disease Control for up to date recommendations at www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm or call 877-394-9747. Many hospitals and medical centers have nice travel clinics where you can schedule one time for appointments for the whole family and they will update immunizations, give you current CDC info for the country you plan to visit and show a short video on travel health safety.

Malaria occurs in some areas of Costa Rica and those who are in close contact with migrant workers are most at risk. Dengue fever is another mosquito-carried illness that is present in Costa Rica. Our travel clinic recommends insect repellant with 30% or less DEET for adults and older children, 7-10% DEET for younger children and babies. Clothing can be treated with permethrin (the substance applied to mosquito nets) to avoid the use of DEET. You can treat your own clothing or buy clothing pre-treated (available at Gander Mountain). Our travel clinic recommended this as a safe option for young kids to reduce the amount of DEET needed. Treat or buy only one outfit (loose-fitting long sleeve shirt and pants) per person and wear during rainforest hikes and when passing though buggy areas.

Traveling with Kids

General travel with kids

Ticos love children. Unlike in some countries, children are welcome everywhere. Noisy kids will get smiles in restaurants from the locals and wait-staff, not dirty looks. Whenever possible, we will patronize family-friendly places that will enjoy our sometimes rambunctious group.

13. Does my child need a passport?

Every child will need his or her own passport. Both parents must be present when applying for the passport. You’ll need passport photos, a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate and photo ID for both parents. Passports for children are valid for 5 years. Passports take at least 6 weeks to process so start the application early to avoid paying the expedited service fee! Passports can often be processed at post offices and driver’s license centers.

14. What if both parents won’t be traveling with their child?

Costa Rica requires entry/exit authorization letters if you are traveling with a child 18 or under and one or both parents will not be in the country. You must get a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) giving you permission to enter Costa Rica and take the child out of Costa Rica again. This rule was put in place to prevent international kidnapping. The tour operator can at the beach provide you with a form upon request that has been accepted by the Costa Rican authorities in the past.

15. What about diapers?

Bring a week’s supply. We’ll visit a supermarket to restock. Local and sometimes American brands of disposable diapers in sizes 1-5 are readily available. If you prefer a particular brand or need larger sizes or pull-ups, please bring your own for the entire trip. Swim diapers are generally not available in Costa Rica.

16. Are cribs and high chairs available?

The tour operator is working with the lodges and restaurants to obtain these items. Right now, high chairs are often, but not always available. Most families choose to bring a small booster chair with folding tray that straps to a chair. Cribs are available at some locations, but not all. If your child requires them, let us know and we can suggest light-weight travel options for you to bring.

17. Toileting and diapering

We will make more frequent stops than traditional tours for toileting, diapering, snacks and running around. When traveling from lodge to lodge, we will have a small potty to use when the bathroom lines are too long to wait. Because diaper changing stations are not available in developing countries, bring a compact folding or roll-up changing surface and wipes.

18. How much care can you provide for my children?

Caregivers are provided for children ages 1-7. Many children over age 7 enjoy participating in the group hikes and other activities with the adults. However, special arrangements can be made with advance notice for kids over 7 so that parents can participate in some activities not age-appropriate such as white-water rafting which has an age minimum of 11.