Each tour has three prices- for three sets of lodges that you can choose from.
Eco Tico Lodges
Eco Basic Lodges in Costa RicaEco Tico Lodges are small lodges run by an individual Costa Rican family. Ticos are what Costa Ricans call themselves. Your tourism dollars are most valued here and you’ll get a great cultural experience. Lodges are simple and sometimes rustic but clean and friendly. We stayed at many of them when our kids were small. All have fans and screened windows and a private bathroom with hot shower, one has a pool.
The lodges in this category include rustic Andrea Cristina B&B or Chilamate Eco-Retreat in Sarapiqui. Near the Arenal Volcano, we like La Catarata Ecolodge and Arenal Oasis Ecolodge. At the Monteverde Cloud forest, Monteverde Villas Lodge, Monteverde Rustic Lodge and Hotel Atardecer are great. Hotel El Aeropuerto is booked for the first/last night near the San Jose airport.
Hacienda Guachipelin is the lodge I book at all levels at Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
Beach lodge in Playa Negra: 2 bedroom cottage at Playa Negra Guesthouse with kitchenette, pool. At Playa Samara, I book Hotel Fenix.
The lodges listed here are our favorites that we will book first. If they are not available for your dates, a similar lodge will be selected.
Eco Plus Lodges
Eco Plus Lodges in Costa RicaEco Plus Lodges are a bit larger than the Eco Tico Lodges lodges but still fairly intimate. They are a mix of Costa Rican and foreign owned. Foreign owned lodges are selected based on their eco-rating and/or participation in the local community. These lodges have larger rooms, most have a pool, some have AC, a couple have kitchenettes and a separate bedroom. Some of the lodges in Sarapiqui and Arenal have trails.
The lodges in this category include La Quinta Inn and Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve & Lodge in Sarapiqui. Near the Arenal Volcano, I book Hotel Monte Real and Smithsonian rooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge. Two bedroom cabin at Arco Iris Ecolodge is great in Monteverde with Hotel Heliconia as a back up. Hotel Buena Vista is booked for the first/last night near the San Jose airport.
Hacienda Guachipelin is the lodge I book at all levels at Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
Beach lodge in Playa Negra is the same for eco-Tico and eco-Plus lodges: 2 bedroom cottage at Playa Negra Guesthouse with kitchenette, pool. Beach lodge at Manuel Antonio for eco-Tico and eco-Plus is Costa Verde. Beach lodge at Samara is 2 bedroom Villas Kalimba at eco-Plus & eco-Upgrade levels.
The lodges listed here are some of my favorites that I will book first. If they are not available for your dates, a similar lodge will be selected.
Eco Upgrade Lodges
Eco Upgrade Lodges have more amenities, some have a spa. They are mainly foreign owned but I have found a few locally owned. Foreign owned lodges are selected based on their eco-rating and/or participation in the local community. Some of the lodges are the same as those listed in the Eco-Plus category but in an upgraded unit- such as a 2 bedroom unit house as opposed to a regular room.
The lodges in this category include the Sarapiqui room with AC at Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve & Lodge in Sarapiqui. Near Arenal Volcano, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa and Silencio del Campo both have spacious rooms and their own hot springs on property. (Further upgrade to huge 2 bedroom Master Suite at Arenal Springs available for an additional $380/night.) At Monteverde, I like the 2 bedroom house with living room at Arco Iris Ecolodge, sprawling El Establo with its own zip line, and Fonda Vela which is owned by one of the original Quaker settlers in the area. Hotel Buena Vista is booked for the first/last night near the San Jose airport.
Hacienda Guachipelin is the lodge I book at all levels at Rincon de la Vieja volcano.
Beach lodge in Playa Negra: 2 bedroom cottage at Playa Negra Guesthouse with kitchenette, pool or 2 bedroom apartment at El Encanto B&B. Beach lodge at Manuel Antonio for eco-Upgrade is Costa Verde 2 bedroom bungalow. Beach lodge at Samara is 2 bedroom Villas Kalimba at eco-Plus & eco-Upgrade levels.
The lodges listed here are some of my favorites that I will book first. If they are not available for your dates, a similar lodge will be selected.
Tortuguero & Drake Bay on Osa Peninsula
These locations are remote and your lodge becomes your world. Booking a tour at one of these locations includes a lodge where you’ll eat 3 meals a day (at no additional cost), and transport by boat to and from your lodge.
The Toruguero lodges offer guided group tours and your private Global Family Adventures guide does not come with you. Mawamba Lodge at eco-Tico and eco-Plus lodging and Tortuga Lodge & Gardens at eco-Upgrade.
The Drake Bay lodges at the eco-Plus level also include group guided tours, filtered water and coffee throughout the day. At the eco-Tico and Eco-upgrade Drake Bay lodges, filtered water is available also. Tours are not included but can be booked ahead of time. Lodges include Las Caletas at eco-Tico, Drake Bay Wilderness Lodge at eco-Plus, and Copa del Arbol at eco-Upgrade. For the adventurous family who can handle going off-grid, try Punta Marenco, a super cool eco-Tico lodge right in the wildlife reserve with screened rooms, cold water and generator-run lights for a few hrs each evening.
The lodges listed here are some of my favorites that I will book first. If they are not available for your dates, a similar lodge will be selected.
Combos
It is possible to do a combo of the lodging options. For example, some families prefer Eco Plus lodging but also really want to stay at rustic Chilamate Eco-Retreat for a couple of nights to experience how many Costa Ricans live and try out an amazing home cooked breakfast. Interested in a Combo? Just ask.
Requests
Most families select a category and we book their stay at our favorites. A few families ask if they can request a specific lodge within a lodging category. Yes. Email Global Family your preferences before or at the same time that you pay your deposit as reservations are made immediately after that. Your choices will be contacted first. If they are booked for your dates, another lodge will be selected.