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 lending a hand to two local organizations. 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.
Traveler’s Journal
Adrienne T.
Orlando, FL
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Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$4,595 Adult
$4,295 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. You are required to pay this SRS fee if we are unable to find you a suitable roommate.
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
Dates
Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Want to make it private? Schedule a personal travel consultation and we’ll make it happen.
2023 Dates
December 1-8, 2023
2024 Dates
February 16-23, 2024
March 15-22, 2024
June 14-21, 2024
June 28-July 5, 2024
August 2-9, 2024
November 29-December 6, 2024
Want to learn more?
Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More
Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.
Customized Private Trips
Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.