The Ultimate Vacation for Active Families The Eco Interactive Active Families series was developed for on-the-go families with active teenagers. Costa Rica provides the ultimate in exciting and safe activities for your family. Feel the rush as you repel down cascading waterfalls, plunge down the whitewater on the Pacuare River, fly through the jungle on a zip line high up into canopy, and explore secluded Costa Rican beaches by horseback. The options are almost staggering. We have designed or offering to provide our families with flexibility; the chance for teenagers to enjoy some independence as well as the opportunity for everyone to relax, have fun and try new things together.

La Fortuna / Arenal – The Ultimate Active Family Destination Days 1 to 3 There is no other destination in the world with such a rich assortment exciting activities as the area around La Fortuna Costa Rica. Set against the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano, one of the few active volcanoes in the world, this is a destination that has something for everybody. Your only regret will be that you did not have more time to delve in all that this area has to offer.

Suggested Active Family Options for La Fortuna: Canopy Tour / Horseback Riding Combination The canopy tour experience is a favorite for families with children of all ages. This is the can’t miss experience for the active family. This tour is 100% above the ground. The tour starts with a horseback ride through open lands to the edge of the forest. Your bi-lingual guide will introduce you to unique features and wildlife that you will encounter along the way.

Upon arrival in the forest, your family will harness up for their treetop adventure. Your safety is insured with dual safety lines at all times, making this among the safest of all activities. With platforms high above the forest floor, you actually feel like you are into a world all it’s own. In fact you are! This is an intimate experience with the forest canopy and you will soon forget that you are high above the ground. The canopy is home to many species and there is only one way to experience this unique habitat. After finding your way into the tops of giant trees, you will glide from tree to tree on steel cables from one platform to the next in complete confidence. This is pure adrenaline and thrills, yet an activity safe for all ages.

Canyoning Canyoning in Costa Rica is a unique experience. Unlike other destinations, the rainforest setting adds another dimension to this adrenaline packed activity. We offer a series of descents down waterfalls immersed in the crystal waters of remote jungle waterfalls. With a total focus on safety, with safety lines and straps, you are harnessed in and descend on ropes down the face of shear rock walls. With an incredible array of wildlife all around you and the rush of the passing river, this is a safe and action packed experience that your family will never forget.

Mountain Biking Tours For those that want to push themselves a little, there is nothing like a mountain biking experience through a tropical jungle. We offer a number of mountain biking experiences to offer that adrenaline rush to those of all levels of experience.

Hiking Hike La Fortuna Waterfall. After breakfast we will transfer to the La Fortuna Waterfall for our morning hike. This slightly challenging hike will take us down the slopes of the La Fortuna Canyon to the base of this breathtaking waterfall. After our descent, we will relax or even take a swim in the pool at the base of the falls.

Other options: ATV Tours Water Skiing White Water Rafting Wind Surfing Lessons

Manuel Antonio – Sand, Sea, Rainforests and Wildlife Days 4 to 6 Manuel Antonio is the jewel of the Pacific. Set against the backdrop of pristine beaches, lush rainforest and the exotic wildlife, Manuel Antonio has something for everyone. Along with the assortment of adventure activities, Manuel Antonio offers a range of fine restaurants, wonderful resorts and a vibrant nightlife. Suggested Active Family Options for Manuel Antonio:

Ocean Kayaking Quietly gliding through water this is one of the best ways to engage with wildlife. On our challenging half-day journey along the coastline of Manuel Antonio explore remote and uninhabited islands and inlets that provide habitat of many species of marine wildlife. The sea kayaking provides an intimate encounter with life above and below the ocean's surface. On this tour you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, or flying fish.

Mangrove Kayaking For a tamer kayaking experience, your family may choose to explore the protected estuaries of Damas Island, just 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio. As you safely navigate the maze of lush mangroves you are guaranteed an up close and personal encounter with the amazing wildlife in this unique habitat. Within the Mangrove you will find an unsurpassed variety, including white-faced monkey, exotic birds, and unusual reptiles. Among the most interesting is the famous Jesus Lizard, known for its unique ability to walk across water. Some of these lizards are approaching three feet in length. The mazes of mangrove canals create a feeling of anticipation, as you never know what you will find around each and every corner.

Surf Lessons Whether you are seven years old or seventy, beginner or experienced, we offer an exciting and safe surfing experience. For those that have never surfed, we will have you up on a board and surfing in no time. Before getting into the water our bilingual instructors will give you a safety talk and demonstrate the basic surfing techniques. When you are ready, an instructor will accompany you into the waves for you try the real thing! For those of you that already know how to surf, we organize expeditions to world-class surfing beaches like Playa Hermosa, Playa del Rey, Dominical as well as our very own Manuel Antonio Beach.

Mountain Biking The surrounding mountains and jungles of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park provide a perfect setting for every mountain bike riding level. Guided tours are available to explore hidden waterfalls, traverse steamy jungle paths and thrill at glorious coastal vistas from the mountains above. Your bilingual tour guides are both expert cyclists and naturalists. During this tour you family will enjoy mist-filled jungles, hidden waterfalls and unworldly views await you in these adrenalin-charged adventures. In addition to the regularly offered mountain bike tours, we can customize an adventure to perfectly suit your family’s needs and experience level.

Horseback Riding Your family will enjoy our guided horseback riding excursions that will take you through the jungles and hills to nearby waterfalls, including the famous Los Tucanes waterfall. We also offer a unique horseback tour of the exotic Damas Island estuary. Discover the secrets of the forest; learn about medicinal and curative plants. Find toucans in our exotic primary forest. Enjoy a relaxing stay at waterfalls and natural pristine pools. After riding, visit the waterfalls where you can swim and relax or walk the rainforest trails.

Also Available: White Water Rafting Flying Boat Canopy Tour Wave runner tour. ATV Tours Many Nature Tour Options available.

The Ultimate River Rafting Adventure

Day 7 and 8 The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids.

Day 7 You'll depart San José early in the morning. Crossing the amazing Braulio Carrillo National Park, you will arrive at tours site in time for breakfast. Once ready our friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day's Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge's charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you'll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim. In the afternoon, the river will bring you to the award-winning Ríos Tropicales Lodge deep in the heart of the rainforest jungle. Here you will spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in our waterfall and pools. There is even a Canopy Tour! Nestled in the jungle on our 1,000-acre private reserve, the lodge offers comfortable bungalows style accommodations. Private rooms are spacious with clean linen, and there are modern bathrooms and showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. At night is a luscious candlelight dinner.

Day 8 After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you'll prepare to paddle down the second leg of the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. Along the way you will explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. You will spend an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids that will have you cheering with excitement. After a hot lunch at our Operations Center, we will provide you with showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks. On the return drive to San José, you'll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Irazú Volcano.