Family Tour

Experience Pura Vida with your family – Based on 4 participants

A 15-day family tour full of outdoor activities and adventure for young and old alike. Price based on 4 people.

The best family tour in Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s tropical nature, beaches and volcanoes. Fun and nature activities for an unforgettable family holiday, with plenty of memories for all.

A tour designed for a family of 2 adults and 2 children under 12. Of course, we can adapt this tour to all ages, even for adults who have kept their childlike spirit 😉 Don’t hesitate to ask us for a personalized tour.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: visit the canals of Tortuguero, see the Arenal volcano, swim in the hot springs, hang bridges above the canopy, tubing on the Rio Frio or Tenorio, dolphin watching, crocodile watching on the Tarcoles, ending on the most beautiful beaches of the Pacific, kayaking in the mangrove swamps of Sierpe and finally the zip lines of Hacienda Barú.

If you’re travelling with a baby, follow our advice

 

SAN JOSE
Highlights: Gold Museum – Jade Museum – Central Market – National Theatre – Barrio Amon and its colonial architecture

Day 1 : Villanueva de la Boca del Monte, formerly known as San José, is the capital of Costa Rica. At an altitude of 1,150 m, the city enjoys one of the 3 best climates in the world: 23°C on average! Some districts are worth a visit, such as Barrio Amon, with its neoclassical architecture, and Barrio Escalante, with its many small restaurants.
Since the 1970s, the capital has experienced an economic boom, with suburban expansion and a strong presence of universities. San José, with its 1,500,000 inhabitants, is a cosmopolitan city.
A little disconcerting at first, it’s easy to fall under the spell of this constantly bustling city. A capital full of life and color.

Landing to the airport. A private driver will be waiting for you. You’ll be taken to your hotel where a member of the staff will give you your roadbook. and your SIM card that can fit any smartphone

• 1 night at hotel Aranjuez

– Accommodation: Superior Plus pour 4 personnes.

 

TORTUGUERO
Highlights: Canal cruise – Cerro Tortuguero – Typical Caribbean village – Biodiversity

Days 2 and 3 : Early morning transfer to Tortuguero (organized by the lodge)
Driving time: 02:45 + 1:00 boat trip

On the edge of the Caribbean lies an ecological marvel, in the middle of a tropical rainforest of exceptional animal diversity, hence its nickname of “Little Amazon”. It’s also a breeding ground for leatherback and Carey tortoises (July to October). This wetland boasts exceptional biodiversity, and in addition to the turtles in season, it’s easy to spot howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, multicolored birds, anteaters, caimans… You reach this region by bus and then by boat. A change of scenery guaranteed!

• 2 nights at hotel Aninga

– Accommodation: “Standard + tour des canaux + repas + transferts pour 4 personnes.”

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to Tortuguero National Park : Nicknamed “the little Amazon”, this park is made up of a series of canals and a lagoon between the tropical rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. The park’s beaches are home to thousands of turtles of 4 different species. Biodiversity here is extremely rich: felines, birds, turtles, manatees, otters, caimans, iguanas, basilisks, howler monkeys, capuchins, atelas, etc.

 

ARENAL – LA FORTUNA
Highlights: Volcano – Hanging bridges – Thermal waters – Canopy – Rafting – Quad biking

Days 4 and 5 : Check-in for your vehicule

RETURN transfer from Tortuguero to Guapiles by boat and bus – Lunch included

Driving time: 1:00 boat + 1:15 road – 47 km

From Day 4 to 14 : renting of one Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic Assurance tous risques avec rachat de franchise, deux conducteurs, km illimités (Carte Sim)

La Fortuna, a small town at the foot of the Arenal volcano, is not the one that attracts visitors, but rather the many breathtaking sites that surround it. The legendarily perfect cone of the volcano makes the region a must-see.
Volcanic activity in the form of lava flows ceased in 2009. However, the steam still escaping from the crater and the warmth of the thermal waters flowing through the area are clear signs that the colossus is still alive and kicking.
Suspension bridges, zip lines, waterfalls and thermal springs are musts.
The national park is home to ancient lava flows and exceptional birdlife.
Canyoning is also a popular activity at Lake Arenal.

Driving time: 02:15 – 121 km

• 2 nights at hotel Arenal Oasis Ecolodge

– Accommodation: Villa pour 4 personnes.

INCLUDED:
– Admission to the hotel’s wildlife refuge (open from 9:00 to 16:30)

ON THE AGENDA:

• English-speaking guide at the Mistico suspension bridges – Duration : 3:00 :

 

• Entrance to suspension bridges : Along a series of trails and 16 suspension bridges, you’ll discover the secrets of the forest, a veritable natural sanctuary where you can observe the many species that inhabit the area, both in the trees and on the ground. Ther
e are 3 trail options: 3.1 km, 2 km and 1.2 km.

 

• Choyin hotsprings : Relax in the Choyin thermal waters at the foot of the volcano. A hot pool and a wild river to relax in are at your disposal in a privileged spot little known to the hordes of tourists.

 

TENORIO
Highlights: National Park and Rio Celeste – Palo Verde Park – Floating et Equitation – Frogs – Ornithology – Cascade Llanos de Cortes

Days 6 and 7 : This region, situated between the Arenal and Miravalles volcanoes, is ideally located for nature lovers and birdwatchers of all kinds. Activities such as horseback riding, tubing and hiking are very popular, as are bird and mammal watching. A visit to the Tenorio National Park and its famous Rio Celeste, the celestial blue river, remains the area’s highlight. Climatic conditions influenced by the Caribbean and the Pacific make this a first-rate place for observing numerous species such as birds, tapir, puma, sloths, anteaters, coatis, frogs, butterflies…

Driving time: 01:35 – 72 km

• 2 nights at hotel L’Etoile Celeste

– Accommodation: Salle familiale pour 4 personnes.

Access to the botanical garden

ON THE AGENDA:

• Tubing on the rio Celeste or the rio Frio – Duration : 1:45 – Lunch includes : Comfortably installed on a giant inner tube, you’ll let yourself be carried along by the current, alternating between small rapids and calm waters. You’ll have plenty of time to observe the variety of flora and fauna lining the river. A refreshing and fun ride, ideal for families. Lunch included.

• Excursion to Tenorio National Park with English-speaking guide – Duration : 3:30 – Déj. inclus : Set off with your English-speaking guide along the trails of the Tenorio volcano park. Admire the famous Rio Celeste and its turquoise waters. The flora and fauna of the region will hold no secrets for you. An enriching experience. Lunch included

• Entrance to Tenorio National Park – Rio Céleste : Visitors are attracted first and foremost by the Río Céleste river, whose color is due to the mixture of copper and sulfur from 2 tributaries. Legend has it: “When God finished painting the sky blue, he washed his brushes here”. Biodiversity includes tapirs, monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans and the occasional puma. Trail 3:00 easy: L 7.3 km / D 814 m

 

SAMARA – PLAYA SAMARA
Highlights: Beach – Lounging – Kayaking – Snorkeling – Isla Chora – Fishing – Dolphin watching

Days 8, 9 and 10 : The small seaside resorts of Nosara, Samara and Carillo have only recently come into their own.
Local activities focus on fishing, wellness, lounging and surfing.
Isla Chora in Samara Bay is a wildlife reserve, home to birds, rays and dolphins all year round.
Access to both the north and south of this region, especially in the green season, is not easy, but ensures rest and contemplation of these superb beaches.
Every year, the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge plays host to the “arribadas”, or mass arrivals of turtles. Sometimes more than a thousand turtles come here to lay their eggs in one night!
From May to November, 4 species of turtle can be seen laying their eggs on the beaches of the Camaronal refuge.

Driving time: 03:30 – 186 km

• 3 nights at hotel Giada

– Accommodation: Pool view pour 4 personnes.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Natural dolphin tour + Snorkeling – Duration : 4:00 : The excursion is a combined search for cetaceans and other marine life off Samara. A stopover on Isla Chora off the coast allows you to observe the region’s aquatic life by snorkeling or freediving. Great memories in store. Snack included

 

PACIFIQUE CENTRAL – TARCOLES
Highlights: Carara National Park – Tarcoles River Crocodiles – Ornithology – Bijagual Waterfall – Playa Blanca

Day 11 : Close to the capital, the region is lined with some beautiful beaches ideal for relaxing and surfing.
But it’s the Carara National Park, with its pairs of macaws, that attracts the most tourists, and the Tarcoles River, home to a colony of American croc
odiles, some as long as 6 meters!
At sunrise and sunset, thousands of birds fly in to search for food in the morning or return home at the end of the day.
It’s a transition between tropical dry and humid forests, hence its biodiversity.
One of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, Bijagual, is accessible to good walkers.

Driving time: 03:25 – 181 km

• 1 night at hotel Rancho Capulin B&B

– Accommodation: Le Mirador pour 4 personnes.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Bird and crocodile watching boat tour – Duration : 2:00 : A leisurely boat trip to observe the birds and impressive crocodiles of the Tarcoles. The river is an ornithological paradise, with roseate spoonbills, macaws and herons cohabiting perfectly with the masters of the place. This operator is one of the few to observe crocodiles without feeding them (which has a negative impact on their behavior).

 

PACIFIQUE SUD – DOMINICAL
Highlights: Barú and La Merced reserves – Surfing – Canopy – Horseback riding – Whale watching (August to November)

Days 12, 13 and 14 : Uvita marks the transition from the Central Pacific to the South, with its richer, denser vegetation.
This is where you’ll find the largest number of nature reserves and indigenous tribes. The area is a World Biosphere Reserve. Following the coast along the beautiful Costanera road, you’ll come across Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park, home to humpback whales between August and November.
From here, you’ll notice the lush vegetation that covers the hills and literally flows into the sea.
Stop off at Playa Hermosa, slip into the warm Pacific waters and turn towards land. You’ll see this intense jungle right in front of you. Spectacle guaranteed.

Driving time: 01:10 – 58 km

• 3 nights at hotel Villas Rio Mar

– Accommodation: Junior suite pour 4 personnes.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Sierpe mangrove swamp by boat – Duration : 3:00 : Take a boat trip to discover the mangroves on the Sierpe River, one of the world’s 12 RAMSAR sites. On the program: observation of numerous species of birds, monkeys, squirrels, caimans, crocodiles, iguanas and many more.

 

• Zipline and Abseiling – Regular – Duration : 2:00 – included meal : This activity isn’t just about zip lines! You’ve got: zip lines, (5 different lines) abseiling, Monkey Drop (descent controlled by guides), natural swimming pool for swimming or jumping off a platform, natural slide in the waterfall and, at the end of the tour, a delicious typical meal.

 

Day 15 – DEPARTURE

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 03:25 – 192 km

Return your vehicle to the rental company and take the shuttle to the international terminal.

END OF OUR SERVICES

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Photo Hotel Aranjuez

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SAN JOSE

Aranjuez

– Accommodation: Superior Plus for 4.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

We invite you to stay in a “non-traditional hotel” that preserves the spirit of 1930s houses. The five wooden houses that make up Hotel Aranjuez have kept their architectural heritage intact, reflected in the high wooden ceilings, floors that blend wood and mosaic, large lounges, covered terraces and fruit trees in the patios.
Architectural details such as double doors, French windows, clapboard walls and wooden floors are part of traditional Costa Rican homes.
Simple, rustic comfort.

Photo Hotel Aninga

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TORTUGUERO

Aninga

– Accommodation: Standard + canal tour + meals + transfers for 4.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

This charming lodge features 33 charming bungalows with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water and fans.
A beautiful swimming pool and buffet meals complete the picture. A Spa offers guests unique moments of relaxation in a magical setting.

Photo Hotel Arenal Oasis Ecolodge

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ARENAL

Arenal Oasis Ecolodge

– Accommodation: Villa for 4.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

The Arenal Oasis lodge is an ecolodge run by a Costa Rican family whose tree-lined property attracts hundreds of birds. The rustic wooden bungalows add typical charm to the setting. The gardens are laid out with paths for observing their exceptional fauna.

Photo Hotel L'Etoile Celeste

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TENORIO

L’Etoile Celeste

– Accommodation: Family Room for 4.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Ideally located between the Caño Negro refuge and Tenorio Park, Etoile Celeste is a small hotel where the welcome is just incredible.
The property, entirely replanted by Yves, is a charming, lively place well worth a visit.
Of course, you’ll find peace and quiet, and meals prepared with produce from the garden or the surrounding area will be a delightful taste experience.
Relaxing by the pool is a must, and the Spa is a wonderful place to recharge your batteries.
The rooms are decorated with great originality and taste.
One of our favorite Tenorio hotels in this catego

Photo Hotel Giada

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SAMARA – PLAYA SAMARA

Giada

– Accommodation: Pool view for 4.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

The buildings housing the rooms surround a lovely swimming pool.
Samara beach is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
The rooms are classic but comfortable. Those on the pool side are preferable, as the street bordering the hotel is Samara’s main thoroughfare.
Breakfast is decent but could be improved.

Photo Hotel Rancho Capulin B&B

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PACIFIQUE CENTRAL – TARCOLES

Rancho Capulin B&B

– Accommodation: Le Mirador for 4.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

This friendly B&B on the Central Pacific is perfect for a stopover between the north and south of the country.
It has 4 rooms and 2 villas, all different, with modern, comfortable and functional furnishings. Tranquility reigns.
Claudine and her husband prepare excellent breakfasts.
From the hotel’s terrace, enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and Carara National Park, which borders the hotel. There are also many birds to watch and listen to.
Too hot? Relax by the pool below.<

Photo Hotel Villas Rio Mar

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PACIFIQUE SUD

Villas Rio Mar

– Accommodation: Junior Suite for 4.

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Just 5 minutes from Dominical lies this family-run hotel. Everything here is designed to offer activities for young and old. Mini-golf, tennis, an outdoor gym, swimming pools for all ages and well-maintained trails are all part of the hotel’s facilities. The restaurant and bar offer international cuisine, and the cocktails are very popular. The bungalows and their terraces are set in tropical gardens, and there’s a small kitchen where you can prepare a few meals.

The tour map

Carte du circuit

Price includes:

– All accommodations and breakfasts
– All meals in Tortuguero
– All transfers mentioned
– Renting of vehicule – Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic
Vehicule, comprehensive insurance (TPL + CDW) with damage waiver, 2 drivers, unlimited mileage + SIM card with unlimited Waze/Google Maps. A credit card imprint of 100 US$ will be taken by the rental company.
– Our 7/7 assistance
– Your travel diary

TORTUGUERO

•  Entrance to Tortuguero National Park

ARENAL

INCLUDED:
– Admission to the hotel’s wildlife refuge (open from 9:00 to 16:30)

– English-speaking guide to the Mistico suspension bridges

• Entrance to hanging bridges

• Choyin hotpsrings

TENORIO

Access to the botanical garden

• Tubing on the Rio Celeste or the Rio Frio – Lunch included

• Excursion to Tenorio National Park with English-speaking guide – Lunch included

• Entrance to Tenorio National Park – Rio Céleste

SAMARA

• Natural dolphin tour + Snorkeling

CENTRAL PACIFIC
• Bird and crocodile watching boat tour

SOUTH PACIFIC

• Sierpe mangrove swamp by boat

• Tyrolean traverse and abseiling – Regular – included meal

Price does not include:

– International flights
– Meals and drinks not mentioned
– Gas, parking and tolls
– Tips
– Personal purchases

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    Personalized travel idea
    Experience Pura Vida with your family – Based on 4 participants
    Suggested duration

    15 days

    Price per person
    1672 €1940 $

    Pas of Family Trip in Costa Rica by costa rica decouverte

    Why travel with us?

    A flawless reputation since 2008

    A single contact in English

    Our presence on the ground all year round

    Our expertise for a tailor-made offer

    Our customers have their say

    160 days ago
    Our tour of Costa Rica from 19 to 31 March, organised by Sandrine and everyone at Costa Rica Decouverte, was truly unforgettable! We visited an exciting mix of destinations including San Jose, Monteverde, Arenal, Corcovado, and Tortuguero. From seamless transportation to breathtaking locations, fantastic tours and activities, comfortable accommodations, and delicious food—everything exceeded our expectations. Throughout our journey, we encountered friendly and helpful people who made our experience even more memorable. The places we stayed offered the chance to enjoy Costa Rica’s incredible nature right from the comfort of the verandas. Even the journeys between locations felt like grand adventures in themselves. Every day brought something new and exciting. I won’t share too many specifics, as some things are better left as surprises for others to discover on their own. Thank you again to Sandrine and everyone involved for making this such a wonderful experience for both myself and my partner. Barbara

    Owner's reply
    Hi Barbara, Thank you so much for your wonderful message 😊 We’re truly delighted to read that your journey through Costa Rica was such a memorable experience, and that each destination brought its share of discovery and emotion. Your words perfectly capture what we aim to create: a seamless adventure filled with beautiful moments, nature, and special encounters. A big thank you as well for your kind mention of Sandrine—we’ll be sure to pass it along! We love that you chose to keep a bit of mystery for future travelers… you’re absolutely right, some surprises are part of the magic ✨ It was a real pleasure to organize this trip for you and your partner. We hope to welcome you again one day for another Costa Rican adventure! Pura Vida 🌴☀️ The Costa Rica Découverte Team
    191 days ago
    We have had a wonderful stay in Costa Rica. Sandrine organized the trip to perfection in spite that we had decided this at the last moment. It was our first trip to Costa Rica and our main reason for visiting this beautiful country was to get away from the brutally long winter in Toronto, Canada. Sandrine introduced us to the different climates; Manuel Antonio with its mangroves, La Fontana de Arenal with its rainforest, Monteverde with its cloud forest and Carillo with its beach. We had private transportation between the different destinations which all ran like clockwork and all the hotels were exactly as we had requested; international, first class and family oriented. We highly recommend Cost Rica Découverte Travel Agency for its professionalism, punctuality and wonderful follow up throughout the trip.

    Owner's reply
    Thank you Bernardo for your lovely comment 🙏 It takes daily teamwork to listen to our customers before, during, and after their trip! And that's true that your trip was a good one. Pura Vida! 😎🇨🇷
    242 days ago
    +8
    We had a great trip Costa Rica decouverte. Communication was excellent, great hotels and loved the balance with activities and relaxing times. We managed to see so much wildlife thanks for their knowledge. Highly recommend!

    Owner's reply
    Dear Tiffany, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great trip and that you enjoyed the balance between activities and relaxing moments, as well as the hotels and communication throughout your journey. We’re especially happy that our team’s knowledge helped you discover so much wildlife — that’s exactly what we love sharing about Costa Rica 🌿🐒 Thank you again for your trust and your recommendation. It was a real pleasure organizing your Costa Rica découverte!
    250 days ago
    From the very first conversation, the experience with Costa Rica Découverte was exceptional — particularly as a family travelling with children. The booking process was incredibly easy and reassuring, with the team taking the time to understand our family’s needs, pace, and interests. The itinerary came together smoothly, with thoughtful suggestions that balanced adventure, nature, relaxation, and comfort in a way that worked perfectly for both adults and children. In the lead-up to travel, the communication was outstanding. Every question — no matter how small — was answered promptly and clearly, and we felt completely prepared before we even left home. Knowing that every detail had been considered made a huge difference when travelling as a family, especially over the busy festive period. Once in Costa Rica, everything ran seamlessly. Transfers were punctual and well organised, guides were fantastic with the children — patient, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable — and activities were perfectly suited to a family dynamic. We always knew exactly where to be and what to expect, which removed all the usual stresses that can come with family travel. What really stood out was how well looked after we felt at every stage — before travelling, during the trip, and right through to departure. The staff were consistently friendly, professional, and genuinely caring, giving us complete confidence that we were in safe hands at all times. It allowed us to fully relax and focus on making memories together as a family. This was one of the best family holidays we have ever taken. Effortlessly organised, brilliantly communicated, and thoughtfully tailored for family travel, it exceeded our expectations in every way. We would recommend Costa Rica Découverte without hesitation to any family looking for a truly special, stress-free Costa Rica experience — and we will absolutely be booking with them again

    Owner's reply
    Dear Michelle and Mital, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a wonderful and detailed review. We are truly touched by your kind words and delighted to know that your family trip to Costa Rica was such a positive and memorable experience. It was a real pleasure for our team to design this journey for your family and to ensure that every detail — from planning to on-the-ground logistics — met your expectations. Knowing that you felt well supported, relaxed, and able to fully enjoy time together as a family is exactly what we strive for. We will be sure to pass on your feedback to our local partners and guides, who will be thrilled to hear how much they contributed to your experience, especially with your children. Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome your family back to Costa Rica in the future and to help create another unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Sandrine 🦥
    404 days ago
    Absolutely incredible service our flights were delayed (we booked individually) they done everything to make every effort to rearrange hotels etc, even had a chauffer at the airport to bring us to our hotel, next day the car rental people were outside saving us having to collect the car, exactly what we needed after a long delayed flight. could not be happier with the service that was provided.

    Owner's reply
    Hi Brendan! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that, despite the flight delays, everything worked out smoothly for you. Our team is always happy to go the extra mile to ensure your trip starts stress-free and comfortably. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica for another unforgettable experience. Pura Vida! 🇨🇷😎
    569 days ago
    +3
    My wife and I spent 3 weeks traveling across Costa Rica with my retired mother in February 2025. Maelle helped tailor this trip to our interests, particularly our desire to see as much of the country while keeping a reasonable rhythm, all interspersed with some relaxation and beach time. We started with Tortoguero (staying at the Mawamba Lodge, with boat excursions to see the wildlife, including waterfowl, sloths, and baby crocodiles), traveled west to Sarapiqui (the enchanting Selva Verde Lodge and a fascinating visit to Palmitour to see how hearts of palm are cultivated), then to Arenal (the simple but lovely Natural Green Lodge, and a fantastic guided tour of the Mistico suspension bridges), Tenorio (can’t say enough about the Celeste Mountain Lodge, though our excursion to the park was unfortunately rained out), and Monteverde (the cute Calathea Lodge, another great guided tour of Curi-Cancha), before going to Samara in Nicoya for a couple days on the beach (staying at Las Estrellas de Samara, which has an incredible view but definitely needs a 4x4 vehicle to reach it—and Maelle made sure we did). After that we headed south (stopping at beautiful Rancho Capulin B&B, after visiting the animal sanctuary Centro de Rescate Las Pumas—with its jaguars, monkeys, and myriad arts), making the obligatory stop at Manuel Antonio (a bit underwhelming after everything else we’d seen, but the Alma de Ojochal hotel was fantastic), before ending up in Drake (staying at the magnificent Natural Drake Bay) for some well-earned R&R and scuba diving. I cannot stress enough that the entire trip went as planned and without a hitch. The CRD crew was always available and immediately responsive whenever we had questions, and even made some last-minute adjustments for us along the way. Costa Rica is truly a wonderful country, and CRD made sure we saw it in the very best conditions. A heartfelt thanks to all. Pura vida!

    Owner's reply
    Hello Gregoire! Thank you so much for your heartfelt comment. We are really happy to have been able to participate in the success of this trip! The whole team wishes you an excellent selection of photos, and maybe we'll see you next time :) Pura Vida!
    2948 days ago
    just visited Costa Rica and the experience was super intense, I loved the nature that is like being inside a green explosion of live, thanks to ROOTS TRAVEL for helping to make this visit a five star time