A few years ago Journeys inaugurated this new concept in family travel: a week-long adventure program, with a range of hands-on activities and excursions suitable for ages 4-84, based in a gorgeous and comfortable setting. The response has been enthusiastic. Enjoy the ease of an all-inclusive holiday, the fun of a family summer camp, and the amenities and privacy of three-star accommodations in a lush and intimate environment around the Sarapiqui River, just a beautiful two-hour drive north of Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose. All of us at Journeys are excited to offer travel to Costa Rica more easily and more affordably than ever before, with the same energy, professionalism, and personal attention that has built our reputation since 1978.
Costa Rica Rainforest Adventure for Families is based at La Quinta Country Inn, which is part of the homestead and farm of the Gamez-Jenkins family. The grounds are charming, and comfortable guest rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans as well as private tile bathrooms and private porches with hammocks. Red ginger plants and banana trees bloom right outside the doorways; gardens full of colorful frogs, butterflies, and tropical birds are just footsteps away; and the open-air dining room overlooks a swimming pool nestled in the trees.
An array of activities—all fascinating, but none required—will begin before breakfast and last well into the evening. Search for bugs and animals at Tirimbina Reserve and La Selva Biological Station, both of which are world-class nature preserves; interact with schoolchildren and their parents in the intimate town of Puerto Viejo; and enjoy La Quinta’s own activities and grounds. The rainforest ecosystem is a nature enthusiast’s delight, and lovers of crafts, soccer, swimming, cooking, Spanish language, singing, and dancing will all have opportunities to engage their passions. The more adventurous travelers can choose to go whitewater rafting and ziplining over the rainforest canopy. This itinerary is a sample of how the days may play out; however, this model allows flexibility to do whichever activities are most appealing to you.
Participate as a family or as a multi-generational group of friends. The flexibility, ease, comfort, and range of activities are all perfect for ages 4-84. Come learn and laugh together!
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Great For
Multi-Generational Families
Flexibility & Ease
Tropical Immersion
Come join us at La Quinta, which means 'The Five.' This is our home and lodge, and we named it for our family of five—my husband Leo and me, and our three children. Everything we do here comes from our love of the land and of our neighbors, and from our commitment to the future. We are excited about hosting you. Come! We'll have a wonderful time, and we'll learn so much together.
Beatriz Gamez
Families arrive throughout the day on flights into San Jose’s international airport. A driver will greet you on arrival and bring you from the airport to first-night accommodations at a comfortable hotel outside San Jose. Program activities begin the next morning. Meanwhile, settle in, rest up, and enjoy the beautiful, extensive gardens.
Lodging
Hotel Bougainvillea
BDay 2Poas Volcano / arrive La Quinta
Meet your fellow participants, and get acquainted during the morning’s drive through multiple climate zones and the corresponding diversity of scenery. Costa Rica is home to several spectacular volcanoes, and Poas is one of the most accessible. On the way to your camp at La Quinta, you will stop to learn about the tectonic landscape. If you are lucky, when you stand at the volcano’s lip, you’ll have a cloud-free view across the mile-wide crater.
Then, continue on to La Quinta, your base camp for the week’s adventures. A group orientation will introduce the lay of the land and the activities that will be available throughout the week. See the frog walk, butterfly house, caiman pond, herb and vegetable gardens, swimming pool, game room, and cozy areas to read, write, or watch tropical birds.
After a traditional Costa Rican dinner cooked with ingredients grown in La Quinta’s garden, you can choose how to spend your evening. Late-night options throughout the trip include a “critters of the night” hike, starlit swim, and singing, dancing, and language activities.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
CDay 3La Selva Biological Station
After breakfast, venture to La Selva Biological Station, a world-class preserve run by the Organization for Tropical Studies. Part of central Costa Rica’s continuous greenbelt of connected parks, this is the best spot in the region to spot a wealth of bird, mammal, insect, and reptile species. Learn about the scientific endeavors of student groups who travel here to conduct research.
In the afternoon, set out on a scouting walk around the La Quinta grounds, then prepare for tomorrow’s visit to a local school by planning activities and learning a few Spanish words before bed.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
DDay 4School Visit and River Safari
This morning early risers will have the opportunity to take a pre-breakfast bird walk with one of the region’s bird experts.
After breakfast, visit a local school where cross-cultural activities will help you connect with Costa Rican kids, irrespective of the extent of your Spanish repertoire. The morning may culminate in a game of fútbol (soccer, for us Americans).
Throughout the week, young trip participants can check off their nature finds and activities to become camper-naturalists. In the afternoon, a riverboat safari will help young spotters with their checklists. Many birds and monkeys live on the edges of the forest that are exposed to the water, and if you’re lucky (and quiet), you can find large reptiles.
Enjoy a pizza dinner in the town of Puerto Viejo and free time for wandering the shops. Then, head back to camp.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
EDay 5Chocolate Tour and Bat Encounter
This morning set out to visit the property of a local conservation activist whose efforts have rehabilitated the green macaw population. Afterward, select from optional activities: take a sustainable crafts class, making artistic creations out of recycled local materials like pineapple husks and used containers; play games on the La Quinta grounds; or, choose an off-camp activity like a horseback trail ride through the forest. (Extra fees may apply for off-camp options.)
Then, in the late afternoon, head to Tirimbina Nature Preserve for an interactive demonstration of chocolate-making using rainforest-grown cacao. Before heading back to camp for the night, an interactive bat program will introduce you to some of the dozens of species of bats that live in Costa Rica’s rainforest.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
FDay 6Choose Your Own Adventure!
Some campers may choose to partake of adventure activities, such as whitewater rafting, rainforest canopy ziplines, or horseback riding (additional fees will apply). For those who prefer a morning around camp, you can enjoy a massage, try to spot additional creatures from your naturalist checklist, or laze by the poolside.
End your week of Adventure Camp with a fiesta! Begin by making an authentic Costa Rican ice cream treat. Enjoy a local-style BBQ party, a special closing circle, Latin dancing, and party activities into the night!
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
GDay 7Goodbye / Onward
The time has come to say goodbye to La Quinta. Swap e-mail addresses with your new camp friends to share photos once you’re home. Hasta luego … Until next time … !
Not ready to go home? Consider extending your trip through the weekend with an extension to Tortuguero National Park, a remote wildlife haven and home to nesting sea turtles. Tourists can often witness egg-laying during summer months.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
A few years ago Journeys inaugurated this new concept in family travel: a week-long adventure program, with a range of hands-on activities and excursions suitable for ages 4-84, based in a gorgeous and comfortable setting. The response has been enthusiastic. Enjoy the ease of an all-inclusive holiday, the fun of a family summer camp, and the amenities and privacy of three-star accommodations in a lush and intimate environment around the Sarapiqui River, just a beautiful two-hour drive north of Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose. All of us at Journeys are excited to offer travel to Costa Rica more easily and more affordably than ever before, with the same energy, professionalism, and personal attention that has built our reputation since 1978.
Costa Rica Rainforest Adventure for Families is based at La Quinta Country Inn, which is part of the homestead and farm of the Gamez-Jenkins family. The grounds are charming, and comfortable guest rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans as well as private tile bathrooms and private porches with hammocks. Red ginger plants and banana trees bloom right outside the doorways; gardens full of colorful frogs, butterflies, and tropical birds are just footsteps away; and the open-air dining room overlooks a swimming pool nestled in the trees.
An array of activities—all fascinating, but none required—will begin before breakfast and last well into the evening. Search for bugs and animals at Tirimbina Reserve and La Selva Biological Station, both of which are world-class nature preserves; interact with schoolchildren and their parents in the intimate town of Puerto Viejo; and enjoy La Quinta’s own activities and grounds. The rainforest ecosystem is a nature enthusiast’s delight, and lovers of crafts, soccer, swimming, cooking, Spanish language, singing, and dancing will all have opportunities to engage their passions. The more adventurous travelers can choose to go whitewater rafting and ziplining over the rainforest canopy. This itinerary is a sample of how the days may play out; however, this model allows flexibility to do whichever activities are most appealing to you.
Participate as a family or as a multi-generational group of friends. The flexibility, ease, comfort, and range of activities are all perfect for ages 4-84. Come learn and laugh together!
Families arrive throughout the day on flights into San Jose’s international airport. A driver will greet you on arrival and bring you from the airport to first-night accommodations at a comfortable hotel outside San Jose. Program activities begin the next morning. Meanwhile, settle in, rest up, and enjoy the beautiful, extensive gardens.
Lodging
Hotel Bougainvillea
BDay 2Poas Volcano / arrive La Quinta
Meet your fellow participants, and get acquainted during the morning’s drive through multiple climate zones and the corresponding diversity of scenery. Costa Rica is home to several spectacular volcanoes, and Poas is one of the most accessible. On the way to your camp at La Quinta, you will stop to learn about the tectonic landscape. If you are lucky, when you stand at the volcano’s lip, you’ll have a cloud-free view across the mile-wide crater.
Then, continue on to La Quinta, your base camp for the week’s adventures. A group orientation will introduce the lay of the land and the activities that will be available throughout the week. See the frog walk, butterfly house, caiman pond, herb and vegetable gardens, swimming pool, game room, and cozy areas to read, write, or watch tropical birds.
After a traditional Costa Rican dinner cooked with ingredients grown in La Quinta’s garden, you can choose how to spend your evening. Late-night options throughout the trip include a “critters of the night” hike, starlit swim, and singing, dancing, and language activities.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
CDay 3La Selva Biological Station
After breakfast, venture to La Selva Biological Station, a world-class preserve run by the Organization for Tropical Studies. Part of central Costa Rica’s continuous greenbelt of connected parks, this is the best spot in the region to spot a wealth of bird, mammal, insect, and reptile species. Learn about the scientific endeavors of student groups who travel here to conduct research.
In the afternoon, set out on a scouting walk around the La Quinta grounds, then prepare for tomorrow’s visit to a local school by planning activities and learning a few Spanish words before bed.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
DDay 4School Visit and River Safari
This morning early risers will have the opportunity to take a pre-breakfast bird walk with one of the region’s bird experts.
After breakfast, visit a local school where cross-cultural activities will help you connect with Costa Rican kids, irrespective of the extent of your Spanish repertoire. The morning may culminate in a game of fútbol (soccer, for us Americans).
Throughout the week, young trip participants can check off their nature finds and activities to become camper-naturalists. In the afternoon, a riverboat safari will help young spotters with their checklists. Many birds and monkeys live on the edges of the forest that are exposed to the water, and if you’re lucky (and quiet), you can find large reptiles.
Enjoy a pizza dinner in the town of Puerto Viejo and free time for wandering the shops. Then, head back to camp.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
EDay 5Chocolate Tour and Bat Encounter
This morning set out to visit the property of a local conservation activist whose efforts have rehabilitated the green macaw population. Afterward, select from optional activities: take a sustainable crafts class, making artistic creations out of recycled local materials like pineapple husks and used containers; play games on the La Quinta grounds; or, choose an off-camp activity like a horseback trail ride through the forest. (Extra fees may apply for off-camp options.)
Then, in the late afternoon, head to Tirimbina Nature Preserve for an interactive demonstration of chocolate-making using rainforest-grown cacao. Before heading back to camp for the night, an interactive bat program will introduce you to some of the dozens of species of bats that live in Costa Rica’s rainforest.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
FDay 6Choose Your Own Adventure!
Some campers may choose to partake of adventure activities, such as whitewater rafting, rainforest canopy ziplines, or horseback riding (additional fees will apply). For those who prefer a morning around camp, you can enjoy a massage, try to spot additional creatures from your naturalist checklist, or laze by the poolside.
End your week of Adventure Camp with a fiesta! Begin by making an authentic Costa Rican ice cream treat. Enjoy a local-style BBQ party, a special closing circle, Latin dancing, and party activities into the night!
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
La Quinta
GDay 7Goodbye / Onward
The time has come to say goodbye to La Quinta. Swap e-mail addresses with your new camp friends to share photos once you’re home. Hasta luego … Until next time … !
Not ready to go home? Consider extending your trip through the weekend with an extension to Tortuguero National Park, a remote wildlife haven and home to nesting sea turtles. Tourists can often witness egg-laying during summer months.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
Deposit and payment schedule
$1,200 per family deposit. A second deposit of $1,500 per room is due four months prior to departure. Final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, MasterCard or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our complete Terms and Conditions on our website. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Insurance
When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 7 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 22
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Delightful
Five nights at a cozy family-owned country inn; one hotel night near San Jose
Activity Level
Gentle
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.