A Family Friendly Adventure in Costa Rica

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens nature park is one of Costa Rica's premier tourist attractions and you will be heading there today. Paved trails wind through rainforest and cloud forest, linking five thundering waterfalls. The park is home to over 100 species of animals, from swinging capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys to slinking jaguars, pumas and ocelots, and the children will love trying to tick the species off their checklists. There are also aviaries, a hummingbird garden, serpentarium and petting zoo, so there is no way anyone will be bored.

This morning, you'll be driven to Arenal and your next lodge. After you've settled in, you’ll be heading for the skies on a guided tour of the bridges, tunnels and trails in Arenal, all with views over the looming volcano. Learn about the flora and fauna of this tropical forest as the competition of who is less scared of heights commences. Head back to the hotel to rest weary legs, before setting out in the evening for a thrilling night walk through the rainforest. Arenal Oasis – the country's only wild frog sanctuary – is a haven for, you guessed it, frogs. A naturalist will guide you along rainforest trails to see a whole host of frogs as well as nocturnal animals including snakes, spiders, rodents and night birds.

If adrenaline-fuelled activities are what you’re after, today you'll tackle Class II to III rapids in the company of an experienced guide and safety kayaker. After a full safety briefing, prepare to get wet as you float down the Balsa River where the rapids are just white enough to be fun, without being dangerous for younger adventurers. You'll pass scenic forests and spot wildlife from your water level vantage point. This activity is suitable for older children, although it’s worth noting that there’s a minimum age requirement of ten years.

If you’re looking for something to suit littler explorers, we can arrange a visit to the heart of Proyecto Asis, an organisation that supports Costa Rica’s environment, society and conservation. While there, help prepare dinner for the animals before seeing them eat and learning all about their rehabilitation. You might even find yourself making toys for the wildlife or mucking out their houses. As this is a rescue and rehabilitation centre, the creatures you'll encounter do vary from month to month, but you might get to see anything from monkeys, anteaters and sloths to squirrels, toucans and hawks.

You'll venture to the Guanacaste province today. Nestled in what was once a forgotten canyon lies Rio Perdido, whose name translates to ‘Forgotten River’. You'll stay in a casita surrounded by nature and with views out over the meandering river. Chill out in one of the roomy hammocks or take a dip in one of the dozens of thermally heated pools; 4,000 gallons of hot water pour from the natural springs every minute, naturally cooling as they mix with fresh cool mineral water. You won’t be hard pushed to find a pool with the perfect temperature for you.

It's time to get the adrenaline pumping again as you embark on a white-water tubing and canyoning adventure. In places, the rock walls of the canyon close in, creating a narrow, echoey space, and here and there, hot water spouts from the rocks. Float slowly along the river, alternating between white water rapids and calmer stretches, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for Costa Rican wildlife on the river bank. When you’re done with the water, enjoy a thrilling cable-based adventure circuit laid out through the Rio Blanco canyon featuring Tarzan swings, ziplines and rugged climbing paths. As these activities aren’t recommended for the under 12s and under eights respectively, we can also take you to spend the day in Tapir Valley Nature Reserve, where, under the instruction of an expert guide, you can follow fresh tapir tracks and learn all about their lives in the forest.

Leave Rio Perdido behind today as you venture onwards to the beautiful surroundings of the Gulf of Papagayo. Following a private transfer, you'll be staying at a family-friendly hotel on the shores of Culebra Bay, from where you'll see the glistening azure waters of this sheltered and very special place. Whichever hotel you stay in, lush forest forms a delightful backdrop; a reminder that nature once again takes centre stage.

Revel in the dual nature of Palo Verde National Park which is part wetland, part dry forest. Both landscapes are teeming with wild birds, making this national park a must-see. During the wet season an estimated 250,000 birds reside in the park, though it's easier to access the trails when the dry season kicks in, especially with youngsters in tow. As well as our feathered friends, you might also catch a glimpse of bristly peccaries, lounging monkeys, white-nosed coatis and illusive deer.

Today the family can enjoy a full-day group sail and snorkel tour. With a qualified crew at the helm, you can relax and enjoy the scenery with a cooling breeze on your face. If you like, you can take turns at being skipper, or simply sit back and allow someone else to do all the work. Along the shoreline, you'll be able to spot secluded sea caves and in the distance, there are cone-shaped volcanoes. Spend the day exploring and stopping off to snorkel in the deliciously warm sea, then at sunset, you'll return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Today's itinerary is up to you: relax on your sun bed and enjoy the luxury of doing nothing while the children splash about in the pool; kick a ball on the beach; go for a hike; or take advantage of the hotel's spa – the choice is yours. If you fancy one last excursion, Rincon de la Vieja is just an hour away. This lush wilderness area is dominated by a volcano, and there are riding and hiking trails aplenty as well as hot springs and bubbling mud pools. End the day with a sundowner and a toast as you relive what we hope has been a wonderful holiday.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the hotel for your final transfer to Liberia's airport. Your lunchtime flight into San Jose will connect with the 11-hour overnight last leg of your journey from Costa Rica to London.