Costa Rica: Family Adventure
Looking for your next family getaway? Costa Rica offers exploration and relaxation in one beautiful package. Raft through canyons, horseback ride and hike through the jungle—and of course, play on the beach.
Best of Costa Rica
Dive into the pura vida lifestyle on the ultimate family trip
December 15 - 21, 2021
Book soon—limited spots over the popular holiday season
7 Days, 6 Nights
Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, Papagayo Peninsula and Playa Hermosa
Something stirs to life in the jungle around you. Bright feathers of a macaw suddenly zip by, and a choir of a howler monkey sings from the treetops. The trail narrows, and you hear your target, gushing with life: roaring waterfalls wedged impossibly into a steep, pocket canyon draped in vines and trees. Steps descend down into this pocket of paradise, where the falls drops into bright blue water. It’s simply the perfect swimming hole in Costa Rica’s lushest, most pristine rainforest. And it’s yours to enjoy.
On this epic, week-long journey, you’ll learn all about the country’s motto of pura vida, or pure life. Take rafting trips through slot canyons, laze on the best Pacific beaches at Papagayo, ride horseback through Rincón de la Vieja National Park, taste organic chocolate, soak in volcanic mud baths, zip-line over the forest canopy and look out over Arenal Volcano from the private balconies of our deluxe bungalows. This is an adventure you and your family will never forget.
Costa Rica Highlights
Jungle Magic
From towering waterfalls to enormous volcanos and lush jungles, Costa Rica has the perfect blend of beauty and adventure.
Family Focus
This trip has something for everyone—explore all the wonders of Costa Rica with ample time for fun, relaxation and soaking in pura vida vibes.
The Best Beaches
After exhilarating hikes, horseback riding and river rafting, we'll play on some of the most pristine beaches in the Pacific.
A Uniquely Griffin Club Experience
'Pura vida' is the embodiment of the Costa Rica lifestyle—easy-going, laid-back, and up for anything.
Costa Rica is a full sensory experience, complete with adventure, beauty and wonder.
For nearly a century, Griffin Club LA has maintained a deep connection to Los Angeles and the people who call it home. Now, we’re broadening outside our building’s walls to provide curated, immersive travel experiences to our members. Travel with a new generation of creatives and groundbreakers, families, entertainers and artists. It’s time for a shot of optimism. Join us.
Day by Day
This week-long journey of Costa Rica’s wild side delivers a lifetime of memories for the whole family. We’ll raft through jungle canyons, horseback ride through the jungle, hike to steaming geysers, taste local organic chocolate—and get plenty of sun-and-fun time at some of Costa Rica’s best beaches.
Day 1
Bienvenidos! We’ll meet up to begin our iconic journey of Costa Rica in the capital, San José—at a hotel with its own organic coffee plantation, no less. Then we’ll head straight into the rainforest to reach the country’s most famous volcano. We’ll check into our bungalow resort, looking up to the smoldering purplish cone-crater of Arenal Volcano, then acquaint ourselves with the jungle.
For starters, that means a very unique forest hike. We’ll listen out for howler monkeys as we take a three-hour hike, over 14 bridges, above the rainforest. The evening is yours to acclimate to this natural wonderland—the quaint town of Fortuna, with its lively family-run eateries and laid-back local life, is a fun place for the family to explore.
Day 2
Wake up in a new world! We’ll have a big breakfast overlooking the lush forest rising to the Arenal Volcano. As nice as it is, our next view is even more memorable. We’ll ride a sky tram up into the mountains, then see-saw our way across the treetops, by zip-lining over eight lines—sometimes 600 feet above the ground!—and taking in volcano views as we go.
Afterwards, we’ll celebrate with a delicious, high-quality chocolate tour that includes grinding and tasting some local organic beans. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore some of the area’s hot springs, including the hotel’s own springs, or jump in that killer swimming pool facing the conical volcano.
Day 3
After a big breakfast, we leave for our next home. Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region is famous for steaming-hot springs, towering volcanoes, epic adventures and even cowboys. It’s a captivating drive there, and we’ll break on the way for a thrilling float ride at Corobici River. We’ll pop into white-water rafts and take a (mostly gentle) ride, looking out for tropical wildlife as we squeeze through curving slot canyons draped in tropical trees and vines.
After a rejuvenating lunch on the river, we’ll check into our new home, a deluxe bungalow resort on the edge of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. This is geyser country, where family members can coat themselves in volcanic mud—great for restorative powers, or at least a memorable family photo or two. Afterwards, there’s time to kick back in the hotel pool, or take hikes through its 570 acres, filled with wildlife and three waterfalls.
Day 4
Today we learn why Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s cowboy country, home to the famed sabaneros. We begin with breakfast, then take a quick drive to reach the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a lush park brimming with wildlife and active volcanoes. We kick off our exploration from a working ranch. We’ll hike a two-and-a-half-mile trail past boiling mud pots as toucans and monkeys play in the laurel and guanacaste trees. Look out for more elusive sloths and maybe even a jaguar. Our hike’s rewarded with steep steps leading down into the stunning Oropendola waterfall, a narrow cascade tumbling into a very tight pocket canyon. Here we jump right in its gorgeous blue-green waters and take in the falls’ spray, then ride back to our vehicle—like any true sabanero—by horse.
We have some free time in the afternoon, to take a mud path, re-energize in the spa, splash in the pool, or sit with a drink as the sounds of the jungle stir to life at dusk.
Day 5
We’re beach-bound today! Before we get there, we’ll take a last look deep into the jungle. Lost in the thick rainforest on the foothills of the national park’s namesake volcano, Sensoria is a private reserve where we’ll hike along blue volcanic mineral streams. We’ll make unforgettable dips in thermal pools, then splash in a bright-blue swimming hole under a towering waterfall.
Our beach destination, on the 1,400-acre Papagayo Peninsula, is what GQ calls “Costa Rica’s best-kept secret.” We’ll immediately see why, with the dozen or so miles of gorgeous sandy coast outside our new abode, which feels more like a private beach house than a hotel.
Day 6
This morning, the Pacific’s blue waves are yours! It’s the perfect place to snorkel, surf or just kick back in the sun on the beach’s dozen miles of sandy shoreline. Surrounding us, too, are another dozen miles of forest trails you can hike or bike along to reach waterfalls.
We’ll meet up in the afternoon for a private catamaran bay tour for an epic finale night. We’ll stop at some great offshore snorkeling spots, then finish at a special location for a private Pacific sunset. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel for a big final banquet of freshly caught seafood. It’s sad to end this adventure, but this is the perfect place to celebrate the experience.
Day 7
We’ve come to our final day together. After a big breakfast at our hotel we head out. We’ll stop by the nearby airport in Liberia (a half-hour drive away), for those who want to fly out directly from the region, and then continue on a few hours through Costa Rica’s central valleys to San Jose for connections from the capital.
The journey is over, but the memories and bonds made with locals, Costa Rica, its people and our traveling companions, will stay with us forever! Buen viaje!
Where We Sleep
Bungalows on tropical mountain sides, spa hotels looking up to volcanoes, beachfront bungalows nearly lost in the jungle—we stay in luxury with Costa Rica’s wild side just outside the door.
Kioro Suites & Spa
ArenalYou can’t get much closer to an active volcano than at our luxury resort outside La Fortuna. All of the roomy suites have wide windows and private decks to look out over the green rainforest rising before you to the misty, purplish peak of Arenal, Costa Rica’s most famous volcano. We’ll explore the area—by zip lines, forest treks. Time at the hotel is a treasure too. You can drop by the full spa, rest in a garden hammock, jump into the pool facing the volcano, or visit the nearby hot springs for a refreshing dip.
Borinquen Mountain Resort
Rincón de la Vieja National ParkYou’ll find real comfort and a warm welcome in Costa Rica’s wild with this luxury bungalow resort splayed along a lush mountainscape. Set on a 570-acre ranch, Borinquen Mountain Resort is set within Rincon de la Vieja National Park, with three waterfalls and endless opportunities to spot toucans, quetzals, sloths and monkeys. Hot springs and mud baths on offer, too, plus a pool that catches superb sunsets.
Bosque del Mar Hotel
Playa HermosaPapagayo Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s most exclusive spots, and our hotel here feels more like checking into a private beach house. Palm trees press up onto the balcony of your room. When not relaxing on the nearby beach, lit by the golden sun, you can swing in a hammock, keeping an eye (and ear) out for parrots or jump in the pool.
Book Costa Rica: Family Adventure
Questions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below or call +1 (855) 219-8018 to ask us any questions you have about traveling with Griffin Club. We're here 8am-5pm weekdays.
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What does the price include?
Six nights at unique four- and five-star accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals.
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What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
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Where does the trip start and end?
Our adventure begins in San José, Costa Rica. The closest airport is the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José. We recommend arriving one day prior to ensure you're at our starting point on time. Our adventure ends in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. The closest airports are the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) and Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). If flying out of LIR your flight can be scheduled to depart at 10:30am or later. If flying out of SJO your flight home should be scheduled to depart at 3:30pm or later from here.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica. Just bring a valid US passport. For citizens of other countries, please check with the Costa Rica Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $1,000 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. Note that single rooms are reserved for adults, or for children over the age of 13. Children between the ages of 6 and 13 must be in a room accompanied by at least one adult. If you would like us to pair you with a roommate, that option may be available upon checkout—these spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Who is going on this trip?
We have planned this trip with families in mind and therefore may have young children, teenagers and adults of all ages traveling as guests. Please note the minimum age for this trip is 6 years old.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They're an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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What is the cancellation policy?
For group departures booked on or after January 1, 2025, you may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. For group departures booked before January 1, 2025, you may cancel more than 90 days before departure and receive a full refund minus a $500 per person service fee. If you cancel on or after 90 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 45 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most 'Cancel For Any Reason' policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
