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birdwatching in costa rica with your family

Costa Rica for young and old

Costa Rica is a land of wonder, where nature reveals itself in all its splendor. Between tropical forests, majestic volcanoes and wild beaches, it's an ideal destination for a family trip. Imagine your children watching a sea turtle lay its eggs under the moonlight, feeling the heat of the Arenal volcano beneath their feet or marvelling at dolphins leaping in the Pacific waves. Embark on an unforgettable adventure between Tortuguero, the Arenal volcano and the Pacific coast!

General public
12 days
2116 $USD/pers.
Easy
Trans Alps Adventure
Itinerary

The stages of your trip

San José

Day 1

San José

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport. 

When you leave the airport, an agent will meet you and take you to your hotel.

A private briefing in French is reserved for you.

Together, you'll work out the logistics of your trip.

This will give you the opportunity to ask him any questions you may have.

Includes :

Overnight stay, French-speaking welcome, airport transfer.

family trip to tortuguero

Day 2

Tortuguero

Why not start your trip on Costa Rica's Atlantic coast? 🌊

Don't worry, everything's taken care of: a transfer will pick you up directly from your hotel. Then it's off to Tortuguero, a charming little village nicknamed the "Small Amazon. Why this name? Because its canals and lagoons wind through lush jungle, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle!

But that's not all... Tortuguero is also the largest green turtle nesting site in the northern hemisphere! 🐢 If you travel between July and October, you may be lucky enough to witness this magical moment: seeing a turtle come to lay its eggs under the glow of the moon, an unforgettable moment for young and old alike.

After this immersion in nature, you'll arrive at the lodge in the early afternoon, giving you time to relax. At the end of the day, it's time to explore the village of Tortuguero, with its colorful alleyways and friendly atmosphere!

Get ready, the adventure starts here!

Includes :

Night in the Lodge - transfers from San Jose to Tortuguero - breakfast/lunch/dinner - bilingual English-Spanish local guide - guided tour of Tortuguero village

Tortuguero Canal in Costa Rica

Day 3

La Fortuna

Meet the animals of Tortuguero National Park

Early in the morning, or a little later depending on the weather, take your family on a magical adventure along the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Aboard a small boat, open your eyes wide: here, nature reigns supreme!

Who will be the first to spot a caiman floating discreetly between the water lilies? Perhaps a howler monkey perched in the trees, or a sloth taking a nap? Not to mention spider monkeys leaping from branch to branch, brightly-colored toucans, iguanas basking in the sun and astonishing basilisks capable of running on water. A true immersion in nature, where every moment is full of surprises!

Good to know Park entrance fee payable on site (17 USD/person).

A moment to relax... or set off on a new adventure!

After this fascinating exploration, the rest of the day is up to you. Depending on your mood, you can choose between rest and new discoveries.

If you prefer to relax, the hotel swimming pool awaits you for a refreshing break while the kids have fun. The more inquisitive can take to the hotel's trails to observe the surrounding flora and fauna.

For adventure-seekers, head for Cerro Tortuguero, an exceptional vantage point offering a breathtaking panorama of the national park's canals and the Atlantic Ocean. And for those who dream of magical moments, a stroll along the beach could well hold an unforgettable surprise: witness the hatching of turtle eggs and see the babies return to the sea, a moving and fascinating spectacle.

Whether you choose to explore or relax, this day promises to be one to remember for the whole family.

Includes :

Overnight in the Lodge - breakfast/lunch/dinner - bilingual English-Spanish local guide - canal tour of Tortuguero National Park

la fortuna village with traditional costumes

Day 4

La Fortuna

Head for La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal volcano!

After a hearty breakfast, it's time to leave Tortuguero. A boat will take you to the port of La Pavona or Cabo Blanco, where a bus will be waiting to take you to Guápiles. There, you'll enjoy lunch before taking possession of your rental car.

Then, off to La Fortuna de San Carlosat the foot of the Arenal volcano! It's a three-hour drive, but what a drive! Between green mountains, typical villages and exuberant nature, the journey is already part of the adventure.

The Arenal volcano is one of Costa Rica's most spectacular sites. With its perfect 1,633-metre cone, it dominates a breathtakingly beautiful landscape of tropical forests and immense lake. It marked Central America's volcanic history with its impressive eruptions in the last century. Today, it offers a magical backdrop for travellers in search of nature and escape.

Relaxation and well-being in the thermal waters

After a wonderful day, it's time to relax! In the evening, enjoy a moment of pure well-being at the Ecotermales thermal waters. Nestled in the heart of the jungle, these natural pools are fed by the Tabacón River, heated by the volcano's geothermal activity. With their different temperatures and enchanting setting, they're the ideal place to relax after a long drive.

A delicious supper will be served on site, to prolong this moment of sweetness before a beautiful night's rest.

Get ready, the adventure continues!

Includes :

Hotel accommodation - breakfast/lunch - transfer from Tortuguero to Guapiles - 4×4 car rental with basic insurance, entrance and dinner at the thermal waters.

guided tour of the Arenal suspension bridges

Day 5

La Fortuna

Suspended walk in the heart of the rainforest

This morning, it's time for a unique experience: a guided walk along the suspension bridges of the Arenal volcano. For about two and a half hours, you will walk through a primary rainforest, passing through six suspension bridges offering breathtaking views of the canopy.

Open your eyes wide! Thanks to your guide's knowledge, you'll discover the subtleties of this fascinating ecosystem. The jungle is teeming with life: monkeys, tropical birds, reptiles and exuberant vegetation that hides many secrets. Take a close look at each forest floorFrom the treetops to the ground, covered with ferns and vines, you can marvel at the lush natural surroundings.

Free afternoon: between relaxation and adventure

In the afternoon, it's up to you to choose how you'd like to enjoy the area around the Arenal volcanoone of the most impressive in Central America, with its perfect 1,633-metre cone. Surrounded by forests, rivers and Lake Arenal, it offers spectacular scenery that beckons exploration.

Ideas for an unforgettable afternoon

  • La Fortuna waterfall A short hike takes you to a dizzying 70-meter waterfall, where you can take a dip in an idyllic setting.
  • Meeting with local farmers Discover Costa Rican culture by visiting a farm and sampling local produce.
  • Visit to the Proyecto ASIS shelter A great opportunity to observe sloths up close and learn more about the local wildlife through a volunteer program.
  • Kayaking on Lake Arenal For nature lovers, a kayak trip on the lake offers a breathtaking view of the volcano and the opportunity to observe numerous birds.

Whether you opt for adventure, discovery or relaxation, this day at the foot of the Arenal volcano promises to be rich in emotion!

Includes: hotel accommodation - breakfast - 4×4 car rental with basic insurance - suspension bridge tour with local English-speaking guide.

tour de vie paysanne la fortuna

Day 6

Carara

An authentic gourmet immersion at Don Huber's

This morning, we headed for a local family farmwhere you'll discover the daily lives of Costa Rican farmers and their commitment to nature conservation.

As soon as you arrive, your host will give you a warm welcome and tell you the story of his family and this finca, where traditional skills have been handed down from generation to generation. Then it's time to discover this living farm: following a winding path, you'll pass through orchards filled with fruit trees, pineapple fields and a medicinal plant garden. Did you know that lemon balm is a natural sleeping pill? Or that Juanilama is reputed to relieve stomach upsets? A great opportunity to learn more about the natural remedies used in Costa Rica!

Then it's on to the sugar cane millwhere you'll discover an ancestral method for extracting cane juice without the use of electricity. Fresh and sweet, this nectar can also be fermented to produce the famous "guaro"a Costa Rican spirit nicknamed "contrabando".

Get your hands dirty with a local cooking class!

After this agricultural immersion, it's time for gastronomy! Under the expert guidance of your hosts, you'll learn how to prepare some of Costa Rica's typical dishes.

  • Gallo pintoThis tasty blend of rice and black beans is often served with eggs or meat.
  • The casadoA hearty dish combining raw vegetables, rice, beans and a protein of your choice (beef, chicken, fish or seafood).
  • Tamalesdelicious corn rolls stuffed with meat and baked in banana leaves.

A moment of sharing and conviviality that will allow you to leave with new recipes to try out at home!

When night falls, a wild adventure awaits you

At the end of the day, equipped with flashlights and an animal identification sheet, set off on a tour of the park. night walk in the heart of the reserve. As night falls, the rainforest comes alive with mysterious creatures...

If you're lucky, you'll come across some snakesand brightly colored frogsand impressive spiders (including the famous tarantulas!), but also porcupines and other fascinating species revealed by the light of our lamps.

A day rich in discoveries and emotions, between traditions, gastronomy and wild exploration!

Includes: Hotel accommodation - breakfast - suspension bridge tour with English-speaking guide - 4×4 car rental with basic insurance, visit to an organic farm and cooking class with local guide (ESP) - Night walk with flashlight and local guide.

ara macao in costa rica

Day 7

Carara

Head for Tárcoles and Carara National Park: an immersion in the heart of nature

Today, we're heading for the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and more specifically the region of TárcolesA true paradise for nature lovers.

Located in the province of Puntarenas, this region is crossed by the Tárcoles riverknown as home to one of the largest populations of crocodiles in Central America. These impressive reptiles, sometimes several meters long, can be observed from the famous Tárcoles bridge or on a boat trip.

But that's not all! Just a few kilometers away is the Carara National ParkA unique ecosystem where the dry tropical forest of the north meets the tropical rainforest of the south. This transition creates exceptional biodiversity, making the park an ideal refuge for numerous animal species.

Visit scarlet macawsThese magnificent parrots, with their bright red, blue and yellow feathers, are the real stars of the park. You may be lucky enough to see them flying in duets above the canopy, or to hear their distinctive calls. In addition to these emblematic birds, the park is also home to capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis and a host of amphibians and reptiles.

Tárcoles and Carara National Park offer a unique immersive experience in the heart of natureA day of wildlife observation, hiking and river excursions. Get your binoculars and camera ready, because this day promises to be full of wild encounters!

Included Hotel accommodation - breakfast - 4×4 car rental with basic insurance.

manuel antonio aerial view

Day 8

Uvita

En route to the South Pacific, between nature and paradise beaches

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off for the South PacificA wilderness where nature reigns supreme. The journey takes about 2h30but on the way there's one stop you can't afford to miss: the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Manuel Antonio: between jungle and dream beaches

Ranked among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the worldManuel Antonio is much more than just a postcard setting. This national park, one of the most popular in Costa Rica, is a veritable biodiversity sanctuary.

Keep an eye out for its famous inhabitants:

  • Visit capuchin monksThey are mischievous and curious, always on the lookout for food.
  • Visit squirrel monkeya rare species that is emblematic of the region.
  • Visit lazyWe're all experts in lounging, clinging to the branches of tropical cedars.

Manuel Antonio also boasts several beaches with turquoise waters, ideal for a swim or a moment of relaxation facing the immensity of the Pacific Ocean. Please note that the park is closed on Tuesdays and a small tip (approx. 4 USD) for the parking lot attendants.

Head for Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park

After this enchanting break, you'll continue on to Uvitaa haven of peace nestled in the heart of the Marino Ballena National Park. Here, nature still seems unspoilt, far from the tourist crowds.

Its emblematic beach, with its astonishing whale tail shape visible at low tideis an exceptional site for thedolphin and whale watching (in season). The crystal-clear waters and golden sands invite you to swim, snorkel or simply stroll with your feet in the water, surrounded by lush vegetation.

Nearby attractions

  • Nauyaca Falls A spectacular site where you can bathe in natural pools at the foot of a vertiginous waterfall.
  • Le Refuge de Baru A unique ecosystem combining mangroves, primary and secondary forests, beaches and rivers, ideal for total immersion in Costa Rican nature.

Between jungle, secret beaches and marine adventures, this day will plunge you into the heart of Costa Rica's wild beauty.

Includes :

Hotel accommodation - 4×4 car rental with basic insurance.

Day 9

Uvita

Meet the giants of the sea: boat trip to Uvita

This morning, your adventure begins as soon as you leave your hotel. After a transfer to Uvitayou'll board a boat for an unforgettable magical expedition in search of whales and dolphins.

An unforgettable cruise on the Pacific Ocean

Departure from the Punta Uvita beachalong the famous sandbank in whale tail shapea unique natural curiosity. As you sail along, you'll pass by the Ballena and Tres Hermanas islandsbefore exploring the mysterious Ventanas sea cavessculpted by the waves over time.

But the most eagerly-awaited part of the excursion is, of course, the encounter with cetaceans. You may be lucky enough to see :

  • The majestic humpback whales and their impressive migrations.
  • Pilot whalesmore discreet but just as fascinating.
  • Three species of dolphin in Uvita's waters.

Your captain will be in contact with other boats to maximize your chances of seeing these extraordinary creatures. Sometimes, you'll not only be able to see the whalesbut also hear their mysterious songs underwater. And if you're lucky, you might even get to see the acrobatic dolphin jumpsa show to amaze young and old alike.

A swimming break is planned around the bay's coral reefs, where you can explore a rich and colorful marine ecosystem. If you're traveling out of season (December to March), don't panic! You can still enjoy a session of snorkeling to observe underwater life.

An afternoon of freedom

After this exciting morning, the afternoon is free. You can choose to :

  • Relax on the beachfacing the calm turquoise waters of the Pacific.
  • Explore the regionbetween waterfalls and nature trails.
  • Visit the village of Uvitafor a taste of the Costa Rican way of life.

A day of adventure and wonder, with the magic of the ocean at every turn!

Includes: Hotel accommodation - breakfast - whale-watching and snorkeling tour with equipment and local guide (ESP/ANG) and transfers.

Day 10

Uvita

Free day: between relaxation and adventure

Enjoy the day at your own pace! Farniente on the Uvita beach or exploring the surrounding area, the choice is yours.

À 45 minutesthe Nauyaca Falls offer a hike through the jungle leading to two spectacular waterfalls, ideal for a refreshing swim in a wild setting.

For an unforgettable adventure, opt for a day trip :

  • Corcovado National Park An immersion in the heart of the rainforest, discovering exceptional wildlife.
  • Isla del Caño A magical snorkeling session in the heart of a marine sanctuary, among coral, turtles and tropical fish.

Whether you're looking to relax or explore, this is sure to be a memorable day!

Day 11

San Gerardo de Dota

Head for the Dota Valley, a haven of unspoilt nature

This morning, you'll set off for the Dota Valleya veritable jewel of greenery nestled in the heart of the Talamanca mountains. Visit 2h30 driveyou'll discover a small, isolated village surrounded by a dense cloud forestwhere majestic oaks, mountain almond trees and lush vegetation.

This region is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. With over 170 bird speciesIt is one of the world's best sites for observing the Resplendent Quetzalthis mythical bird with its dazzling feathers.

A magical setting for total immersion in Costa Rican biodiversity!

Included Hotel accommodation - breakfast - 4×4 car rental with basic insurance.

city of san jose costa rica

Day 12

Return flight

Meet the quetzal, treasure of the cloud forest

This morning, set off on a unforgettable walk in San Gerardo de Dotaone of Costa Rica's top birdwatching sites. In the heart of the cloud forestopen your eyes: this is where the mythical quetzala symbol of freedom and beauty. With its brilliant feathers and long, elegant tail, this rare bird fascinates all those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it.

A magical experience for nature loverswith superb views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Return to Alajuela and end of trip

After this final immersion in the wilderness, you'll be back on the road to Alajuela to return your rental car. A free shuttle will then take you to theJuan Santamaria airportjust a few minutes away.

A journey rich in discoveries and emotions comes to an end, with lasting memories of the Wild and authentic Costa Rica.

Includes: breakfast - 4×4 car rental with basic insurance, free shuttle transfer between hotel and San José Juan Santamaria airport.

Good to know

Practical info

Budget

Budget from 2116 € per adult.

This travel idea is fully customizable.

The final price of your tour may vary according to your departure dates and the stages, activities or accommodation you choose.

Water and food

Drinking water is available throughout the country, except in remote areas such as Corcovado and Tortuguero, where hotels will provide you with unlimited drinking water. Other options are frequently available, such as continental breakfast (hot drink, pastries, side dish and cold drink).

The vast majority of Costa Rican dishes are made with rice and black beans.

The most popular dish is called "casado" (married man), which includes cooked bananas, salad and a choice of chicken, meat or fish.

Included / Not Included

- Welcome and briefing in French, with private transfer to your hotel.

- 11 nights' accommodation in a double room, including hotel taxes

- Activities in Tortuguero as indicated in the program.

- Full board in Tortuguero.

- Bus and boat transfers between San José-Tortuguero / Tortuguero-Guapiles.

- Breakfasts as indicated on the itinerary 

- Rental of a 4×4 vehicle (or similar) with basic insurance, MIFI system (WIFI).

- Admission and dinner at the thermal baths

- Suspension bridge walk with local guide

- Visit to an organic farm with local guide

- Night walk with local guide

- Whale-watching and snorkeling tour with equipment and local guide

- French-speaking Morpho Evasions assistance 24/7.

Practical info
chief of the 8 Maleku ethnic groups

The promise of a hand-crafted journey

At Morpho EscapesEach itinerary is a poem written by four hands: yours and ours. Because travel isn't just about getting around, it's about feeling, vibrating and marvelling... we create a made-to-measure journey for you, in the image of your deepest desires.

Here, no prefabricated itineraries or fixed stays. Your dream becomes our guiding principle. Are you a wilderness lover? Passionate about authentic encounters? In search of tranquility or intense adventure? We create itineraries personalizedWe've thought of every detail to ensure that every moment in Costa Rica resonates with you.

It's this human, artisanal approach that makes us so much more than just an agency: a committed fellow travelerA listening ear that turns every desire into reality, and every detour into an unforgettable memory.

morpho evasions in Ujarrás

The serenity of a supervised trip with a free mind

Traveling far also means wanting to feel close to someone. With Morpho Escapesyou're never alone. Our team, rooted in the heart of Costa Rica, will be with you every step of the way.

On site, we're there for the unexpected, as well as for last-minute adjustments. A question, a need, a desire to change course? A simple call, a message, and we react immediately. This local presenceIt's your safety net, your reassuring landmark in a country you're discovering for the first time.

We know every nook and cranny, every partner, every off-the-beaten-track path. And above all, we work with trusted partners, selected for their professionalism and commitment to responsible tourism.

With Morpho Evasions, you can travel a light heart and a free soulwith the assurance that someone is watching over you, discreetly but surely, to make sure your experience is smooth, beautiful and perfectly secure.

An agency on a human scale, a welcome just like home

At Morpho EscapesEvery traveler is much more than a customer: they're a guest, a friend, sometimes even a family member. It's this warmth, this genuine closeness that makes all the difference. We are an agency human scalewhere each itinerary is the result of a real conversation, sincere listening and a shared desire to create something unique.

Because we know our country like the back of our hand, we'd like to share with you good adviceAnd because we take our time, each project becomes a story that we look forward to writing together. And because we take our time, each project becomes a story we can't wait to write together.

No filter, no automatism, no formatted discourse. Just genuine exchangesWe share a passion for travel and a desire to help you discover Costa Rica as if we were doing it for our loved ones.

With Morpho Evasions, you don't just go on a trip, you also come and meet a family.

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