Costa Rica – Eco Rainforest Adventure

The Corcovado National Park, where you will find the Osa Peninsula, 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.

Be a part of the sustainability movement by volunteering with two local organizations. A portion of your time will be spent planting trees to prevent flooding on the river, a natural barrier that can help regenerate the rainforest, setting up camera traps to record wildlife data, visiting local schools, learning from local farmers, and discussing life in Costa Rica over a home-cooked dinner with a local mother. Your efforts are a part of larger initiatives that work to help create market incentives to protect the land from development.

(Volunteer Time = 5 hours)

Get to know the culture and wildlife of the region through local organizations, wildlife hikes, nature projects, and intimate interactions with local schools and homes. Over the course of 8 days, you will 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.

When you’re not volunteering, get to know the locals with a home-cooked dinner at a nearby family’s home, meet a local coffee farmer, and experience nature hikes with conservationists. There is plenty of time for relaxing by the pool, swimming at the beach, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and more!

After exploring the waterfalls of the San Jose Valley, make your way to the Poas Volcano National Park and hike along the rim of the volcano (and take a look into its smoldering crater!). The bulk of your time will be spent in the Savegre region of Costa Rica – with 50% of Costa Rica’s wildlife found in this area, expect to see many monkeys, colorful birds, sloths, and marine animals on the “whale tail” at low tide. With the breathtaking jungle just outside your luxury tent, this area offers tons of opportunity to relax and unplugged.

End your stay in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a true hidden gem that has remained untouched by most tourists and development. After incredible nature hikes and boat rides through the mangroves, get adventurous with an optional zip-line, surfing lesson, or whitewater rafting excursion.

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, spa, and more, promising you a responsible way of seeing the world with sustainability underlining the resort’s every effort.

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.