The Experience
The southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity and 50% of Costa Rica’s wildlife, making this one of the most biologically intense places on earth. The rainforest is thriving with life, from healthy trees to colorful birds to the endangered tapir, making the conservation efforts of this region extremely important.
Over the course of 8 days, explore the waterfalls of the San Jose Valley, visit the towering Poas Volcano and scout for monkeys, colorful birds, sloths, and marine animals along the Pacific coast. We’ll venture to local coffee farms to see how beans make it from crop to cup, stay in a luxury tented camp in the middle of the jungle and take a relaxing boat ride through one of the largest mangrove systems in Central America.
Explore Rainforests, Volcanoes & Beaches in Eco-Luxury
Track and record wildlife movement, learn from the local community, and explore the incredible
Costa Rican rainforest. Relax at our portfolio of handpicked high-end eco-lodges.
Our Impact
Be a part of the sustainability movement by by lending a hand to two local initiatives. Learn to set camera traps to monitor the movement of wildlife along the biological corridor than runs through the Savegre region of Costa Rica. Gather and record data at the end of your stay, which contributes to a larger project, the Savegre Tapir Project, that aims to protect the area from development. You will also get involved with an important environmental project planting trees to help reduce flooding and protect the local flora and fauna – a project that will surely outlast your visit. .
Where You’ll Stay
Start your trip at Xandari Resort & Spa, an incredible property nestled on a 40-acre plantation surrounded by lush gardens and five natural waterfalls to explore just outside your doorstep. Enjoy your own spacious villa, three pools (including a “sunset” pool), a yoga studio, and spa.
As you head down to the Savegre Region, stay at Rafiki Safari Lodge, an 843 private acre reserve along the Savegre River. Each luxury tent sits on a raised hardwood platform, has a deluxe bathroom with heated showers, and a private porch with rocking chairs overlooking the valley. Beyond just your tent, enjoy home cooked meals each night, making for an unforgettable experience.
Finally, end your Costa Rican adventure at Hotel Cristal Ballena, a beautiful 4-star boutique hotel embedded on a hill between the Pacific Ocean and rainforest-covered mountains. With breathtaking views, luxurious amenities, and a sustainable model, this is the perfect place to end your stay.
Itinerary Overview
This trip is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica with those who know it well! Visit rainforests teeming with wildlife, explore pristine beaches, towering volcanoes and more! Go behind-the-scenes with a small organization who protects the local tapir population and participate in meaningful conservation projects, get to know the community, and relax in your luxury tents surrounded by the lush rainforest.
Positioned where the mountains meet the ocean, the Costa Ballena region of Costa Rica is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, making this an experience of a lifetime. Explore the Terraba Sierpe mangroves and observe wildlife in their most pristine environments. See for yourself the true meaning of the expression, Pura Vida, and experience the laid-back life philosophy- an ode to the richness & beauty this country has to offer.
Your Expert Local Guide
Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey. Please note that the actual guide may vary from date-to-date.
Priscilla Alvarado Taylor
Priscilla is a trained Biologist with a focus in Ecology and Sustainable development. She has been working as a licensed Tour Director for 20 years now and is proud to have developed a deeper understanding of what is truly meaningful to people when they travel. To her, it’s all about experiencing the culture through the local people, food, community projects, music and history. She loves hosting Discover Corps travelers because she shares in the philosophy that traveling with purpose is the best way to experience a country.
We Help You Every Step of the Way
Planning travel can be overwhelming—we’re here to make it easy. From your first question to your return flight home, our expert team handles every detail so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey.Ready to Start Planning?
Traveler’s Journal
Adrienne T.
Orlando, FL
Read More Discover Corps Reviews
Rating: 5/5 stars
Prices & Inclusions
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$4,695 Adult
$4,395 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement = $995. This will guarantee you your own, single occupancy room for the entirety of the trip. If you are a solo traveler and would like us to match you with a roommate of the same gender, please book as double occupancy. See full details here.
What’s Included:
- Double-occupancy lodging for 7 nights
- All meals except for one dinner and one lunch
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers
- All scheduled activities
- Expert naturalist guides
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- English-speaking guide there to support and inform you throughout the trip
- Trip literature and pre-departure support from Discover Corps
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- Tips for the Discover Corps guide and driver
- International airfare
- One lunch and one dinner
- Zip lining = $100
Dates
Share the journey with a small group of like-minded travelers, or indulge in a private departure reserved exclusively for your family and friends.
Small Group Departures
Travel with a small, like-minded group on our scheduled departures designed for deep connection and cultural immersion. Our groups average eight travelers and include an expert guide, boutique lodging, and purpose-driven experiences.
2025 Dates
November 28-December 5, 2025
2026 Dates
February 13-20, 2026
March 13-20, 2026
June 26-July 3, 2026
July 31- August 7, 2026
September 4-11, 2026
November 27-December 4, 2026
2027 Dates
January 15-22, 2027
February 12-19, 2027
March 12-19, 2027
June 25-July 2, 2027
July 30- August 6, 2027
September 3-10, 2027
November 26-December 3, 2027
Schedule Travel Consultation
Private Departures
Enjoy the full Discover Corps experience—tailored to you. Our Private Departures are a premium offering that features the same expert guides, meaningful experiences, and boutique accommodations, exclusively for your group and on your preferred dates.
Families & Multigenerational travel
Celebrations & Milestone events
Friends traveling together
School, Alumni, or Corporate groups
Plan a Private Journey