Costa Rica – Wildlife Safari

Stretching for nearly 125 miles between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica’s majestic Caribbean coastline is a tropical wilderness. More rugged and less touristy than the adjacent Pacific Coast, the jungle-lined beaches and interior host an exotic array of wildlife, from howler monkeys dangling in the trees to massive iguanas crossing the road.

Unfortunately, the wonderful wildlife of Costa Rica faces threats from every angle as developers, global warming, and poachers attempt to diminish the nation’s rich biodiversity. To achieve our purpose, meet the people working to protect some of the nation’s most vulnerable species and join in their conservation efforts through education and wildlife sanctuary visits and a beach cleanup. Watch an interview with your guide, Karla, in the video to your right to learn more about what you will experience!

(Volunteer Time = 2 hours)

Hosting more biodiversity than the U.S. and Europe combined, Costa Rica is home to a dizzying array of wildlife and postcard landscapes. Over the course of 8 days, venture to the Caribbean coast with the purpose of discovering Costa Rica’s unique creatures that call these beaches and rainforests home. Venture to a world-renowned sloth sanctuary and jaguar rescue center to learn how injured sloths are being rescued in the wild. Hike through the rainforest with a naturalist guide and scout for wild howler monkeys and toucans. Spend an afternoon going behind-the-scenes at a sanctuary that cares for injured wildlife.

While our days will center around Costa Rican wildlife and the fascinating people caring for these tropical animals, we’ll also take time to uncover the country’s iconic natural surroundings. A haven for nature-lovers, Costa Rica’s rich Caribbean coast is a rugged and adventurous terrain ripe for exploration. Snorkel in the turquoise Caribbean waters and relax on palm-lined white sand beaches. Explore the enchanting inland water ways by boat scouting for sloths and monkeys in the canopy overhead. Learn to make local Caribbean cuisine during an evening cooking class and journey to a village pineapple plantation. The more adventurous can opt for the adventure supplement which includes white water rafting through the jungles of the interior.

Our portfolio of distinctive, family-run accommodations will ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed during your time in Costa Rica. Begin the journey with two nights at Ara Ambigua Lodge in Sarapiqui. Set amongst exuberant rainforest and tropical gardens, step out of your room and be immediately transported into the jungle. Continue onto the Caribbean coast with two nights at Suizo Loco, a quaint boutique hotel walking distance to the beach. The next two nights you will either stay at Lirio Lodge, an eco-lodge set amongst the tropical canals of Southern Tortuguero National Park, or Miss Junie’s, a simple beachfront lodge that puts you at the heart of turtle conservation in the area. End the trip with a final evening at Casa Cielo Grande overlooking the vast Central Valley of Costa Rica (Note that accommodations are subject to change based on seasonality and availability).