Compare Plant a Tree – Volunteering in Costa Rica by Give A Day Global vs Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 1 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 100 | $ 2,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 100 | $ 374 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Costas Verdes imagines a day when the forest of BarriGuiones once again reaches the sea, and serves as a habitat for wildlife such as sea turtles, monkeys, and parrots. They have planted over 6500 trees of 30 native species. They conduct educational activities to spread environmental awareness that will both help the community live in harmony with the environment and will further the local eco-tourism economy for the benefit of the local community. |
Visit rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests, and wildlife rescue centers. A family vacation to Costa Rica that will inspire, delight and make a difference. 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. |
Day 1:
10:00 am - noon: Meet your Costas Verdes representative and get a tour of nursery. Begin work with local staff members on one of their current restoration projects. Projects vary by season and may include: creating planters and tending to seedlings, collecting native seeds and saplings from thenearby forest, mulching and fertilizing recent plantings, and digging holes and planting trees.
Noon - 1:00pm: Lunch break. Bring your own lunch.
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Get a tour of the reforestation area and spend the afternoon continuing to learn about the area’s biodiversity through handson projects.
Please note: Because Costas Verde’s projects and programs vary greatly with season and weather, your experience may differ depending on what projects most appropriate on the day your visit.
Day 1:
Meals: Dinner
You’ll be met at the airport by your Discover Corps host who will accompany you to our hotel in the town of Ciudad Quesada, a cattle-raising town in the central highlands. (D)
Day 2:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Immerse yourself in a rural community and experience their typical way of life. Enjoy a dance presentation and demonstration of traditional agricultural methods. Spend some time assisting on a reforestation project, and then return to town to learn how to cook one of Costa Rica’s most famous dishes.
Day 3:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a hands-on program learning about the cacao bean - the source of chocolate and cocoa. This bean has played an important role in Costa Rican history. Learn the story of this crop - from harvesting, production, to savoring a delicious treat! After a delicious lunch, then soak in the natural thermal hot springs at the base of Arenal volcano. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 4:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where we will hike along hanging bridges that skirt the rainforest canopy. This is one of the most biodiverse regions of Costa Rica with over 90% virgin rainforest. For adventurous travelers, you can continue on to an optional 15 cable zip line. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing night hike through the forest with a naturalist guide being on the lookout for nocturnal creatures.
Designed for Families
Children of all ages have a deep connection with nature, and Costa Rica is the perfect place to nurture this passion. This trip was designed especially for families and intergenerational groups. Our small groups of approximately 16 people ensure personalized service and intimate wildlife encounters. All activities have been designed to be interactive and engaging. To accommodate the whims of children, most hotels are located walking distance from shops and restaurants. To give families time alone, we schedule one free evening for them to dine independently.
Best Time to Visit
As in most tropical countries, Costa Rica has dry and green seasons. The green season lasts from May to November and the dry season runs between December to April. During the green season, a storm might roll through for an hour or two in the afternoon, a welcome relief from the warm weather! Temperature-wise, expect the weather to range from 75°-85°. As this is a tropical country not far from the equator, it can get quite hot, especially in the afternoons.
Day 5:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hit the road to Quepos, a fun coastal surf town. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch as we transition between the misty cloud forest to the warm Pacific beaches. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll make a visit to a nearby wildlife rescue center to see up close and personal Costa Rica’s array of wildlife including sloths, monkeys and toucans. Tonight, take some time to explore this quaint coastal town.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we’ll dedicate our time to a project at the wildlife rescue center. This is designed to not only help the wildlife of the center, but to also learn about the issues facing Costa Rica’s animal inhabitants. Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park which encompasses stunning a stunning coastline, rugged rainforest and colorful reefs. Spend the late afternoon exploring the beaches before dinner together in town.
Day 7:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, those that opted for the adrenaline package will head over to the nearby Rio Savegre for a morning of whitewater rafting on Class II rapids. The rest of the group will continue on with a hike through Manuel Antonio spotting wildlife and birds along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a relaxing afternoon alongside the pristine beaches located inside the park. Tonight, enjoy a final farewell dinner together.
Day 8:
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Wake up early and travel back to San Jose to catch our flights back home. Depending on the time of your flight, we’ll share a final lunch before saying adios.
Our Lodging
During your time in Costa Rica, you will stay in several bed and breakfast style lodges walking distance to town and near many of the major sites we’ll be visiting. All accommodations offer single and double occupancy lodging with private bathrooms.
