Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the age requirement for participants on this family journey?

  This family journey is designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child to book, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. One adult can accompany up to two minors.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will be staying in hotels for 8 nights. Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); other configurations are on request. Hotel standards can vary from your home country, and Monteverde accommodations, being outside the main town, may be simpler with no A/C due to the cooler, humid cloud forest climate. Hot water shortages and power outages can also be common.

• What meals are included during the trip?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Drinking water is available throughout (don't forget your refillable water bottle as you will have access to either filtered water from hotels or as made available by the CEO). Healthy, local snacks will also be available. Special meal requirements or dietary restrictions should be specified at the time of booking.

• What kind of transportation is used on the tour?

  Transportation throughout the tour will be by private vehicle, boat, horse, and walking.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  All National Geographic Family Journeys group trips are accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout, in addition to local guides. They provide information, suggestions, and connect you with local experiences.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 20 participants.

• What are some of the main activities and experiences included in this tour?

  The tour includes exciting activities such as soaring through the jungle canopy on zip lines, a naturalist-guided night walk through the cloud forest, visiting a rural community for a farm-to-table lunch and hands-on agricultural activities (like making sugar cane juice), lending a hand in reforestation projects at the Monteverde Institute, a canyon canopy tour, horseback riding, swimming beneath a waterfall, thermal hot springs and volcanic mud baths in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and a jungle boat cruise through the Cipanci Reserve to observe wildlife like crocodiles and monkeys.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You are responsible for checking in online for your flights.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage.

• What is the local currency and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC). Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances, and ATMs are available, but there are no guarantees they will always work. It's recommended to carry a combination of US dollars cash and cards. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100 USD. A fee of 5%-10% usually applies for credit card purchases.

• What is the tipping policy for this trip?

  Local tipping is included on this Family trip, covering local guides, drivers, and gratuity for included meals. Tipping for your two National Geographic Expedition Leaders is appreciated at the end of your trip, with a guideline of $8-10 USD per person, per day, per Expedition Leader. For non-included meals in restaurants, a guideline of 10-15% of the bill applies.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include: In Monteverde you can enjoy ziplining (approx. $73 USD), Hanging Bridges Monteverde (approx. $56-60 USD), a CASEM Coop Visit, or a Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit (approx. $35-50 USD). At Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, a Rio Negro Tubing Adventure (approx. $60 USD) is available. In Guanacaste, you can opt for Potrero Bay Sailing (approx. $85-95 USD).

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required for Costa Rica; you are responsible for consulting with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, and any personal medical requirements, as medical facilities may be remote. Leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

• What should I know about safety and security in Costa Rica?

  While San José is generally safe, be aware of your belongings and avoid carrying expensive gear or jewelry. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your Expedition Leader can amend the itinerary for safety concerns and will accompany you on all included activities. During free time, use good judgment when selecting optional activities, stay in small groups at night, and consider taxis for evening excursions. Water-based activities carry inherent risks, and swimming is at your own risk.

• Are there any specific rules or codes of conduct for participants?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated, as they contravene local laws and put the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also unacceptable. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any group member violating these rules.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge, or your Expedition Leader can direct you to the closest laundromat. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested for personal laundry.

• What is the emergency contact procedure?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the local operator or local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, leave a detailed message and contact information. Specific emergency numbers for the San José office are provided for both office hours and after-hours.

• Is there an emergency fund recommendation?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, so 100% of your donation directly supports their projects.

• Are international flights included in the trip price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours between different countries, international flights may be included. Please contact your booking agent for details and for up-to-date baggage allowances and check-in information.