Active Family Vacation

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica and go straight to the Arenal volcano region

Hello and welcome to the tropics! If your flight arrives before 3 PM, we can get out of town and over to the Northern Zone before night — and fog — take over the curvy mountain roads. This region is dominated by the Arenal volcano.

Day 2: Horseback riding and hot springs

Today we will go horsebackriding through pastures and rivers, with plenty of opportunity to run the horses, and to explore what it means to really ride a fine horse. Our horses are magnificent and well trained, so even beginners quickly get comfortable with their mounts. In no time you are quite happy to trot and soon you will want to be running at full gallop, with your hair flying behind you. NO time frames, we can even go for lunch on horseback. We will leave them tied up to a post.
After horseback riding, we can go for a soak in the hot springs. This area is famous for its odorless volcanic thermal water that are rich in minerals, from the secluded pools in the forest, to the huge water park with sports swim up bar.

Day 3: Costa Rica nature from our private small boats – floating with the animals

Today is all about the nature of Costa Rica. We’ll use inflatable kayaks -“Duckies” – for a quiet float on a gentle jungle river, watching for monkeys and lizards and crocodiles. You will be amazed at the biodiversity in this area. Bring your cameras!

Day 4: Joseph and Abraham tree climbing

Remember when you were ten years old and used to climb the old oak tree in the neighbor’s yard? Well, this is a bit different. We’ll take ropes and harnesses and some other special tools we’ve developed to allow us to climb our special trees. The physical and spiritual rewards are well worth the sweat.

Joseph is a hollow strangler fig that we climb on the inside and rappel on the outside. Our second tree, Abraham, has a platform installed 100 ft above the ground where we will enjoy lunch and life at treetop level. Climbing these trees is a truly unique experience, and no previous experience needed.

Day 5: Transfer to the white water area and zip lines

We’re headed towards the white water area of Turrialba today. Halfway through the drive, we’ll stop to try on the famous zip line tour… “Canopy tours”, as they are called in Costa Rica, are all over the country. For certain it’s the country’s most emblematic eco-adventure activity but the amusement park environment definitely makes it less interesting to Serendipity travelers. So we have found a few places that can uphold Serendipity’s rigorous safety standards and veer away from the unwanted atmosphere.

After lunch, before continuing the drive, in the same area we can also visit a place that will teach us  where chocolate really comes from. (Believe it or not it does not come from the Hershey’s factory in Pennsylvania.) The process is a bit lengthy but very much worth it, we all know that the real “chicken soup for the soul” is a good cup of hot chocolate paired up with a brownie.

Day 6: Costa Rica White Water Rafting on the Pejibaye or Pacuare river

This morning we “put in” for a day of white water. We will decide which river and choice of boat size when we know your skills and the river conditions, and how young is the youngest in your family (we can raft the Pejibaye with kids as young as 5). Trust us, you will NOT be bored! Regardless of which river, you will have a whole crew of guides dedicated to your enjoyment.

Day 7: Costa Rica canyoning — waterfalls, harnesses, ropes, and TRUST!

We’ll head for a hidden valley to reach the waterfalls. By now the climbing harnesses and figure eights should feel like old friends, and we’re confident the kids will make the descents much faster than their elders.
This afternoon we return to San José for an evening in Costa Rica’s capital city, and if you are up for it there are some excellent places to test your understanding of the Latin beat. Dancing and general mayhem are excellent ways to say good-bye to Serendipity.

Day 8: Your return to “civilization”?

Your return flight from Costa Rica. We’ll head for the airport in time for check in. If you are on an afternoon flight you’ll have the whole morning for shopping (perhaps a hardware store for a machete?),

You get to take your memories, a few bruises to prove your new abilities, and some new wisdom, with you. For now you have to leave behind your Serendipity leader, and good friend, but you’ll be back..
Thank you for letting us be a part of your family’s greatest memories. See you soon!!

This (SAMPLE) itinerary includes:

This is your trip with your departure date, your private activities. We do not add you to a set itinerary, combine you with other people, or suggest that other people join your trip.

The sample pricing reflects lodging in midrange hotels -(all located within a reasonable distance of the adventures). However, we’ll design your travels with you, so if you have a special hotel request or want to opt for a higher level of lodging, we’ll be happy to adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and interesting things we encounter en route – fruits you pick from trees, fish you catch, homemade candies, or homemade beer. We are experts with dietary requirements like Kosher or vegan — and the opposite extreme as well.

Serendipity’s strong 4×4 adventure vehicle — no rigid schedules, no cramped bus. Our vehicles give you access to places closed to tourists.

Completely private adventures in places you sometimes simply can’t reach without our 4×4’s or our amazing guides – from a remote river on horseback or camping on a riverbank to treetop lunch, or finding turtles on a deserted beach, or a frog farm on a dirt road. Even popular tours like canopy zip lines are operated in private mode for Serendipity guests

Serendipity’s amazing support, before and during your travels – paddle jackets to keep you warm, helmets with sun visors on the river, well equipped first aid kits, communication equipment, comfort items like clean towels, sunscreen lotion, and bug spray for your convenience. Just arrive here with your essentials – we have all the extras.

The key to your enjoyment is your Serendipity leader, who is with you throughout the expedition, always pushing you to try something new, challenge you physically, or mentally, or both.

To better understand the logistics of “group size” and to give you a rough idea of what a custom private vacation with Serendipity will cost, here’s what the 8 day Active Family Adventure itinerary would cost per person for the following size groups and room sharing, in low- and high-seasons. We accommodate larger groups by adding guides and vehicles and equipment as needed, which gives you great flexibility in designing a trip with different levels of action for different people in your group. The important thing to remember is that everything we do, from rafting to horseback to canopy zip lines — is private for you. No lines, no buses, no compromising how hard you want to push, or how softly.

8 DAY Active Family itinerary prices per person

LOW SEASON: May, September – October

HIGH SEASON: November – April, June – August

PEAK SEASONS: add 5 % to high season rates (Dec 20- Jan 5, and Easter Week)

Your final price depends on how many people will be in your self formed group, your preferences for action, and what tourist season or holidays are involved. The prices listed above are a starting point. We can reduce costs so please give us a call and we’ll work with your budget. Included: All lodging, a dedicated professional adventure leader who will also serve as your driver in a 4 WD vehicle, breakfast and lunch each day. All adventures listed operated in private mode for your small group. Not included: evening meals, alcoholic beverages, and (optional) tips for the guides.

The hotels we’ve selected for this trip would be classified as high 3-4 star. In each location we’ve selected the hotel which provides the best service, and is most central to the activities. This reduces the time spent getting places, and allows more time away from tourist centers. Hotels are remote from road traffic, with gardens and trails and intrinsic natural beauty. If you prefer other accommodations, we are pleased to use them, with a price adjustment.

The first step to enjoying a Serendipity adventure is to contact us.