The Experience
The Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica’s tropical Pacific coast is one of the most breathtaking parts of the country. Home to sea turtles, ocelots, monkeys and many other animals, the region boasts an eclectic mix of wildlife alongside some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Experience the full spectrum of natural wonders of the region. Spend three days assisting a leading non-profit organization protect their coastal sea turtle population. Ride a boat through unspoiled rivers and mangroves where you might catch a glimpse of crocodiles and other small mammals rummaging around. Visit an animal sanctuary that takes in injured monkeys, pumas, ocelots, and other animals. Stay in an eco-resort where you’ll experience Costa Rica’s tropical terrain riding a zip-line and also on a river tube.
Protect Sea Turtles & Explore Costa Rica’s Beaches
This is Discover Corps’ most popular trip for a clear reason – we are helping a cause that is needed more than ever. Assist a sea turtle conservation organization while uncovering the most beautiful corners of Costa Rica.
Our Impact
Costa Rica’s sea turtle population has declined by a devastating 90% over the past 35 years due to a host of factors, including climate change, increased boat traffic, predators on the beaches, and growth in the amounts of trash clogging up their habitats. To achieve our purpose, dig up hatched nests to determine hatching success rates, and depending on the time of year, either look for nesting females, collect their eggs and move them to the hatchery, or release hatchlings into the ocean. Discover Corps traveler participation plays a part in a larger satellite tracking project for a variety of sea turtles across Costa Rica, which you can learn more about here.
Where You’ll Stay
Spend the first evening together at a 3-star hotel just outside the northern city of Liberia before heading down to the tropical coastline for the next four nights. Your coastal home-away-from-home is the 5-star Punta Islita Hotel – a stunning luxury property nestled in a collage of tropical forest overlooking the coast. Over the course of 4 nights, relax by the pool or enjoy the spa of this renowned eco-luxury hotel. Continue into the mountains for the final two nights where you’ll stay in a mountainside retreat that puts you at the doorstep of Rincon de la Vieja National Park where you’ll raft, zipline & explore the rainforest canopy.
Itinerary Overview
Set amongst stunning rainforest landscapes and the Pacific Ocean, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the most breathtaking parts of Costa Rica. We’ll start in Liberia and head down to the coast where we’ll work hand-in-hand with a local turtle conservation organization. Depending on the season, engage in night patrols on the beach, take a boat in the ocean to track turtles or free new hatchlings into the wild.
No matter the season, you are there to make a difference, so be prepared for long nights and lots of hikes on the beach! We’ll also visit a rescue center for injured pumas, ocelots and monkeys, venture into the mangroves and spot crocodiles and relax along the pristine beaches. Towards the end of the trip, we’ll venture into the lush mountain forests via zip-line, inner tubing and horseback riding.
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.
Tara Tiedemann
Tara has spent the last eleven years living abroad in Central America and initially made the leap serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala from 2010-2012 in Sustainable Community Tourism. She started guiding for Discover Corps shortly after her close of service.
Having guided trips in Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, her in-depth experience in the region with the culture and local people will allow you access to discussions, and special hands-on experiences and interactions with the local people that are unique and which can’t be found on a typical vacation. Tara currently resides in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica and when not guiding a trip, you can find her in the ocean on her surfboard or traveling and exploring new areas.
Traveler’s Journal
Rita Q.
Chicago, IL
Read More Discover Corps Reviews
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.
$4,395 Adult
$4,195 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement = $695
What’s Included:
- All activities: zip line activity, inner tube down a river, boat ride through the mangroves, visit to an animal rescue center, and more…
- All meals included: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- 1 night lodging at 3-star hotel in Liberia
- 4 nights lodging at 5-star Punta Islita Hotel
- 2 nights lodging at 3-star mountainside hotel
- Local volunteer project of up to 15 hours on the Pacific side
- Airport transfers and reliable in-country transportation with experienced drivers
- Expert local guides that are there to support, inform and guide you
- Admissions and entrance fees to national parks, historic sites and other scheduled events throughout the trip
- Gratuities for hotels, meals, baggage & transportation included. Guide gratuity is not included and is at your discretion
- All land transportation during the trip
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- International airfare
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for Discover Corps Guide and driver
- Laundry services, room-service, or phone calls
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
July 22-29, 2023 (full)
August 12-19, 2023
October 14-21, 2023 (limited)
2024 Dates
July 20-27, 2024
August 10-17, 2024
October 12-19, 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.