Costa Rica Tour: Active Family Escape
⁍ Journeys ◦ Latin America ◦ Costa Rica ◦ Nature ◦ Beach ◦ Active ◦ Family ◦ Rental Car
Highlights
Family Trip to Costa Rica: An Adventure with Teens
✓ Rafting through the rainforest to a remote lodge on the banks of the Pacuare River
✓ Hike across ancient lava fields with the iconic Arenal Volcano as a stunning backdrop.
✓ Explore the rainforest from suspension bridges and finish your tour at the La Fortuan Waterfall
✓ Enjoy barefoot luxury on the Pacific Coast
Luxury Tour of Costa Rica with Teens
Costa Rica begins with greenery. Not just any greenery, but a lush, vibrant world of ferns, vines, birds, river mist, and sunlight filtering through the canopy. You’ll travel from San José to the deep jungle of Pacuare, where the river carries you into nature and luxury doesn’t intrude, but blends perfectly into the landscape. Next, Arenal awaits, with its cone-shaped volcano, warm tropical air, and trails over lava rock. On the Pacific coast, your journey takes on a different hue. Santa Teresa offers sun, sea salt, surfboards, and evenings when the sky slowly turns golden.
This tour is designed for active families with teenagers who want more than just lounging by the pool. Here, you’ll hop into a raft together, hike through jungle trails, and learn to surf waves that are different every day. This tour works so well for families with teenagers because adventure feels like second nature here. You experience everything together, but with enough variety so that everyone can find their own favorite moment. Meanwhile, you’ll stay in unique places that offer both comfort and memorable experiences.
Ready for a journey that even teenagers can’t get enough of?
Itinerary
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You land in San José and immediately sense that Costa Rica has a different energy. Warmer air, colorful streets, and that typical sense of adventure that’s in the air everywhere.
After your private transfer, you’ll check in, and your trip can begin at a leisurely pace. Maybe you’ll head into the city for a bit, or maybe you’ll just enjoy your first evening. -
The road to Pacuare grows greener and greener, until the river suddenly takes center stage. This is where the real adventure begins. You all climb into the raft and follow the Pacuare River past jungle cliffs, rapids, and waterfalls that look like they’ve come straight out of a movie. Chances are, a friendly competition will break out along the way to see who can paddle the hardest.
Arriving at Pacuare Lodge feels special. There’s no traditional lobby—just a secluded spot surrounded by nature, with the river ever-present in the background. While the jungle all around is alive and bustling, the lodge feels surprisingly exclusive.
The next day, you decide how active you want to be. Canopy tours through the treetops, canyoning, hikes through the rainforest, or a visit with the Cabécar community. In between, everyone takes a moment to relax in a hammock overlooking the river, though that usually doesn’t last long before the next adventure calls.
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After one last rafting trip, you leave the Pacuare behind and head toward Arenal. Along the way, the landscape changes constantly, until the volcano suddenly looms large on the horizon. It’s one of those moments when everyone looks out the window at the same time.
You’ll be staying in the heart of nature, where luxury and the outdoors blend surprisingly well. Think tented suites, outdoor showers, and views of the tropical rainforest. In the morning, you’ll wake up to the sounds of the jungle instead of notifications on your phone.
During a guided hike, you’ll walk across ancient lava fields that serve as a reminder of the 1968 eruption. The black rocks, the view of the volcano, and your guide’s stories make this place impressive from start to finish. It’s the perfect setting for family photos that finally don’t feel forced.
The next day, you’ll explore the rainforest from suspension bridges high up among the treetops. Next up is La Fortuna Waterfall, where the water plunges powerfully through the lush greenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the cool water. If you’d rather just watch, you’ll still enjoy a view that’s just as spectacular.
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On the Pacific coast, the atmosphere changes once again. Santa Teresa feels relaxed, youthful, and energetic all at once. Here, the ocean sets the pace of the day, and shoes suddenly become more of a luxury than a necessity.
During a private surfing lesson, you’ll learn to read the waves together. Beginners quickly gain confidence, while more experienced surfers immediately seek out a bigger challenge. And honestly? The first wave that everyone manages to stay upright on is sure to spark a lot of excitement on the beach.
Later, you’ll ride on horseback along deserted beaches, rivers, and dusty trails with views of the ocean. It’s a completely different way to explore the region, with ever-changing scenery along the way.
And as soon as the sun sets, one of the most extraordinary experiences of the trip awaits. During a bioluminescence tour, the water glows blue with every movement. Every stroke of the paddle leaves trails of light in the dark. It’s almost impossible not to be moved by the sight—even for teenagers.
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After one last morning by the sea, you’ll say goodbye to Santa Teresa.
The drive to San José takes you through a variety of landscapes once again; you’ll check in again and enjoy one last evening in a familiar setting.
The next morning, you’ll get ready for the trip back.
Practical Information
Duration 11 days, 10 nights
Indicative price €8.190 per person
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This price is subject to change. The estimated price includes a rental car and accommodations but excludes flights.
With Pegase Tailored, we bring your travel dreams to life, fully tailored to your wishes. No standard package—just a unique journey so you can discover the world on your own terms. Best time to visit
Our highlight of the trip
“During the bioluminescence excursion, you’ll experience a magical blue glow in the water. It’s truly a very special moment during this trip and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.”
Axel Aedens, Luxury Travel Advisor
Featured hotels
Pacuare Lodge, Pacuare
This lodge is nestled deep in the rainforest and can only be reached by river. Luxury feels completely natural here, with suites that blend seamlessly into the jungle. You’ll stay surrounded by nature, without sacrificing comfort or exclusivity.
Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal
Here, glamping reaches a whole new level, with spacious tented suites nestled in the lush greenery. You’ll enjoy views of the rainforest and amenities like an outdoor shower and a plunge pool. The atmosphere has a safari vibe but remains firmly rooted in Costa Rican culture.
Nantipa Hotel, Santa Teresa
This boutique hotel is located right on the beach and brings barefoot luxury to the Pacific Coast. The hotel is situated directly on the beach and combines a laid-back surf vibe with sophisticated design. It’s ideal for active days at the beach that end with sunsets by the sea.
Featured experiences
Rafting on the Pacuare River
You’ll raft through rapids, past jungle cliffs and waterfalls deep in the rainforest. The action is intense, but the scenery steals the show just as much. The adventure kicks off in full swing right from the start.
Hiking across lava fields near Arenal
With a naturalist, you'll hike along trails shaped by volcanic forces. You'll see how plants are growing back among the rocks and ash. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to the volcano and Lake Arenal.
Surfing Lessons in Santa Teresa
During a private surfing lesson, you’ll learn to read the waves together at one of Costa Rica’s most famous surf spots. The atmosphere on the beach is infectious, and before you know it, everyone will want to give it one last try.
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