The Experience
Renowned for its world-class abundance of wildlife and for being the “happiest country on earth”, Costa Rica is unrivaled in its natural beauty. From the lush rainforests teeming with monkeys, sloths and toucans to its splendid palm-fringed beaches, there are many sides of Costa Rica to explore. Over half of all land in Costa Rica is forested, creating the ideal playground for families and wildlife lovers alike. This family trip through Costa Rica is action-packed and allows you to experience a wide range of the country.
We’ll hike through some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, view active volcanoes, and soak in rejuvenating thermal hot springs. Meander along a series of hanging bridges to experience life in the treetops of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Then, travel to the pristine Pacific coast to explore its oceanfront rainforest teeming with wildlife.
The Gems of Costa Rica Tailored to Families
We’ll take you to the most beautiful corners of Costa Rica on this family adventure. Experience cloud forests, tropical beaches and incredible wildlife reserves alongside your expert Costa Rican guide.
Our Impact
While Costa Rica has an excellent reputation as a leader in sustainability, environmental pressures are rising due to a growing population and increased deforestation. As a family, experience rural Costa Rican life by helping to plant trees at a locally-run reforestation project for then learn how to cook a typical meal from a local señora. Enjoy a hands-on workshop at an organic chocolate farm that takes you from harvesting to processing and eventually savoring a delicious treat! Spend a day lending a hand at a wildlife rescue center and get up close to sloths, spider monkeys, marmosets, and many more species.
Where You’ll Stay
Our portfolio of boutique, locally-owned lodges will ensure you travel in comfort. Start the journey in La Fortuna located at the base of the towering Arenal Volcano. Our bright, charming hotel boasts a pool and is the perfect place to unwind after the journey to Costa Rica. The next two nights are spent at a mountainside hotel in the Monteverde Cloud Reserve. Surround yourself in its cozy gardens and lush green landscapes with nature all around. End the trip with three nights at a locally-owned coastal hotel adjacent to the beach near Manuel Antonio National Park. Surrounded by rainforest and not far from the Pacific coast beaches, this will be the perfect way to end the journey!
Itinerary Overview
Experience the highlights of Costa Rica’s vast landscapes in the Family Volunteer Adventure. Start off in San Jose and drive to La Fortuna, home to Arenal Volcano in the lush, northern lowlands. Learn how to make tortillas and sugar cane juice, assist a reforestation project and soak in the nearby, hot springs. Head to higher elevation and visit Monteverde cloud forest, a unique eco-system offering a variety birds and picturesque views of high ridges and deep canyons- a spectacular location for the optional zip lining amidst the tree canopies and hanging bridges.
Learn the process of turning cacao into chocolate before finishing off the trip in the coastal town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Spend the morning at a wildlife rescue center to understand the country’s stance in animal conservation and their role in protecting vulnerable and injured wildlife. If you like adrenaline, opt for the rafting experience on the Rio Savegre or hike through the National Park. This trip will surely awaken your sense for adventure, love for wildlife, and culture in the Family Volunteer Adventure.
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
Kipp A.
Florence, MA
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$2,995 Adult
$2,695 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement = $300
- **High adventure supplement includes zipline and whitewater rafting excursions. $200 per person**
- As of 2022, Costa Rica requires all travelers 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated in order to participate.
What’s Included:
- 7 nights lodging
- All meals throughout the duration of the trip
- All activities including the hanging bridges hike through cloud forest, visit to an animal rescue center, and more
- Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Expert naturalist guides
- Tips for all meals and local guides
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Bilingual Discover Corps guide
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- Tips for the Discover Corps guide and driver
- International airfare
- Optional Adventure Supplement
Dates
Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Let us know and we’ll make it happen.
2021 Dates
December 26, 2021-January 2, 2022
2022 Dates
January 29-February 5, 2022
February 26-March 5, 2022
March 26-April 2, 2022
April 16-23, 2022
May 28-June 4, 2022
June 11-18, 2022
July 16-23, 2022
July 30-August 6, 2022
August 13-20, 2022
September 17-24, 2022
November 19-26, 2022
December 26, 2022-January 2, 2023
2023 Dates
January 28-February 4, 2023
February 25-March 4, 2023
March 18-25, 2023
March 25-April 1, 2023
April 15-22, 2023
May 27-June 3, 2023
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