Travelers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder and other Cognitive disabilities are all uniquely different and therefore have varying travel needs. The partnership between Il Viaggio Travel and Magical Storybook Travels seeks to meet all the varying needs of these travelers while vacationing in Costa Rica.

Il Viaggio Travel and Magical Storybook Travels are partnering to offer two distinct Autism and Sensory-friendly Costa Rica itineraries - one for travelers requiring a Low-Sensory travel experience, and one for travelers seeking High-Sensory travel activities. Either itinerary can be customized to specifically meet the needs and interests of the traveler and their family. Whether your family needs accommodations based on sensory levels, physical considerations or dietary restrictions, we can work with you to create an amazing Costa Rica experience.

Each customized itinerary is accompanied by a certified Guide/Driver who not only knows the attractions and strategic stops on your journey, but also has studied the plants, animals, insects, birds, culture and places of interest of Costa Rica. Your Guide/Driver gives you flexibility and is there to make anything you need happen.

Autism-friendly Costa Rica Vacation: Low Sensory Itinerary

This itinerary was created for those travelers who prefer low-sensory activities, quiet spaces, and opportunities for recreation with less crowds.

Day One -  Upon your arrival in San Jose airport, you will be greeted with a personal pick-up by an Il Viaggio Travel Guide/Driver. They will transfer your family to Hotel Bougainvillea, only 20 minutes from the airport. At the hotel, you will be able to settle into your new surroundings, relax at the pool and in the lush Botanical gardens on-property, and enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel’s restaurant, Vitrales. Restaurant Menu: www.hb.co.cr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/lunch-dinner.pdf)

Day Two - Wake up to your first full day in Costa Rica! After a breakfast in the Vitrales restaurant (included in your package), relax in the van while your Guide/Driver provides a one-hour personal transfer to Sarchi, an artisan town. Here, you and your family will head to an artist workshop to paint your own oxcart wheel, a national symbol of Costa Rica.

After your artistic activity, enjoy lunch in town, and then continue to the Arenal region, which is an hour and a half drive from Sarchi. Your family will check into the Hotel Tilajari, enjoy the pool and the grounds of the hotel and can enjoy a dinner on your own at the Restaurant.

Day Three - Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Tilajari’s restaurant, Katira (meal included). Your Guide/Driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer your family to the Arenal Volcano 1968 Park. Here, you can choose from several hikes (short or long) to view the Arenal Volcano, the volcanic lava trails, and the Costa Rican countryside. Stop in at the lookout cafeteria for a snack and a beverage, including amazing fresh fruit smoothies, and take in the view.

Head back to Hotel Tilajari for an evening of swimming, tennis, and dinner on your own.

Day Four - Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Tilajari’s restaurant, Katira (meal included). After breakfast, you and your family will head to the Tilajari Stables to meet your Equine Therapy team. In the Equine Therapy session, the therapists will engage your family members in social stories about horses, hand-on brushing and caring of the horses, riding their horse through several activities that focus on hand-eye coordination, small and large motor skills and communication skills. When the riding is finished, each participant will “tattoo” and paint their horse, feed it, and wash the horse.

After Equine Therapy, your family can rest and relax until 3 p.m. At that time, your guide/driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you and your family to the Baldi Hot Springs for an evening of hot springs, water slides and a buffet dinner.

Day Five - Begin the day with breakfast (included) before checking out of Hotel Tilajari and transfering from the hotel to the Bogarin Trail (1hour ride). Your family will enjoy a guided walk at the Bogarin Trail to see the Sloths and other animals. Then continue on to the town of Jaco (3.5 hours ride) and relax for the evening at the Hotel Club del Mar, enjoying the pool and facilities.

Day Six - Start your day with a breakfast (included) at the Hotel Club del Mar before heading out for a truly incredible experience - an Adapted Surfing Lesson and Experience. An Adaptive Surf Instructor will meet you at the beach and teach your family how to surf in the warm waves of the Pacific Ocean. Lessons begin on the beach, and only move to the water when students are comfortable. Instructors remain with students at all times.  Return to the hotel to shower and change before checking out. Your driver will then transfer you and your family (1 hour drive) to the Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio. Check in, enjoy dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy the pool and facilities of the hotel.

Day Seven - Enjoy breakfast (included) at Hotel Parador’s restaurant before heading out for a guided tour of the Manuel Antonio National Park. In the park, the Tour Guide will point out sloths, monkeys, raccoons, coatis, pacas, anteaters, and ocelots, as well as many different kinds of insects and butterflies. Bask in the beauty of the coves and beaches inside the park, and swim in the crystal clear blue waters. Relax at Hotel Parador’s pool in the evening, take in a round of mini-golf, or perhaps walk the Monkey Trail.

Day Eight - Breakfast is included at your hotel, and then spend the morning at leisure before checking out midmorning. Stop for lunch along the way back to San Jose, which is a 2.5hrs drive. Arrive at Hotel Studio and relax and enjoy your last night in Costa Rica on your own.

Day Nine - Enjoy breakfast (included) at the hotel before your flight home. Transfer to the airport three hours before your flight time.