A Costa Rican Adventure with Teens: Rafting, Surfing & Jungle Trekking

Collect your hire car this morning in San Jose and begin the drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which takes around five hours. While the drive may be on the longer side, the road takes you through the heart of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and its stunning natural landscapes, so there’s plenty of photo-worthy pitstops along the way. You’ll then emerge into the city of Limon that sits on the southern Caribbean coast, before continuing south along the coast and into Puerto Viejo. Renowned for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine and architecture, the former fishing village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the essence of paired Afro-Caribbean and Latino culture. To a backing track of reggae, you can sip coffee together on stunning beaches and chat with friendly locals. We’ll arrange a private tour of the nearby Jaguar Rescue Centre, an animal park that provides a refuge for sick, injured and orphaned animals with the aim of reintroducing them into their natural habitats. The centre specialises in small primates, birds, reptiles and amphibians and is run by volunteers; you’ll be able to watch these animals and learn about the work done by the trainers during your tour. Puerto Viejo is also famous for its large waves, known as ‘Salsa Brava’, that attract surfers from around the world. If any of your brood are budding wave riders and would like to try their hand at harnessing the swells, we can organise private surfing lessons during your stay.

Set off from Puerto Viejo bright and early in the morning and drive to Sarapiqui, in the northwest of the country. The four-hour drive leaves the southern Caribbean coast and takes you through more rich natural landscapes. Once past Limon, the road continues along the coast to Río Frio, where it then branches off into the heart of numerous pineapple plantations before arriving in Sarapiqui. This is the place to visit for rafting thrills (sure to appeal to adventurous teens), with its deep canyons and fast-flowing rapids. Sarapiqui is ideal for active types of all kinds, offering hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, as well as wildlife watching. Visit Frog's Heaven, where some 20 species of frogs coexist; Snake Garden, which is home to several families of reptiles and amphibians; and Nature Pavilion, which protects various bird species. Adrenaline-seekers will love rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui, where turbulent rapids are interspersed with calmer sections that allow you to observe the region’s varied flora and fauna.

The next phase of your Costa Rican family adventure takes you to Arenal National Park in the region of La Fortuna. Home to Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s geographical standouts, the national park boasts magnificent volcanic views and rich ecological diversity. The whole family is in for a treat with the activities on offer around Arenal. First up is the Sky Tram, a system of lifts and zip lines that will transport you to a viewing platform with breath-taking views of the volcano and the lake of the same name. Come evening, you’ll get to see the park in a different light as you head out on a night walk with an expert guide, who will introduce you to the resident wildlife and rich ecosystem. Both activities are bound to wow any budding biologists or nature lovers. The region is also home to bubbling hot springs – thanks to the volcanic surroundings – which are perfect for relaxing in after your action-packed days.

Drive three hours from Arenal to San Bernardo de Bagaces, nestled next to the Miravalles Volcano. Off the beaten track and barely visited, the misty, leafy landscape is bisected by an intensely blue river – according to legend, God washed his paintbrushes in the Rio Celeste after painting the sky blue. While here you’ll become acquainted with even more of Costa Rica’s ecology. At dusk, you'll explore the rainforest as the animals start to wake up and take over their surroundings. This will take you all the way up to the Mirador Mesa Norte, where you can see the silhouettes of the three nearest volcanoes in the distance. Accompanied by the noises of the forest, you’ll likely spot insects, frogs, nocturnal mammals and maybe even some snakes. The fun isn’t finished even as the tour comes to an end, as you’ll return to your hotel by zip line.

Your next destination is another beachy one, known for its consistent waves which are popular with surfers. Spend your days in Santa Teresa however you please and rest assured that there’s plenty for every generation to enjoy. Water babies can take to the waves with surfing lessons, snorkelling and swimming, while beach bums can relax on the golden sand. Beyond the beaches are jungle-clad hills laced with hiking paths, and – if you venture further inland – you can join horse-riding treks. In the evenings, look out for the sunset over the Pacific Ocean – it really is spectacular.

The final stop on your Costa Rican family holiday is Tambor, a village perched at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Renowned for its beautiful black sand beaches, calm waters and marine wildlife, Tambor is a hub for all sorts of water sports. End your trip on a high note with some final water-based fun and visit Curu National Wildlife Refuge to discover the region’s native species.