Compare Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps vs Starter Costa Rica by Under30Experiences

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.

Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica

Price does not include optional activities and subsequent transportation.

Afternoon

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica before 1:00 pm.

Your Trip Leader will pick you up from the airport and we’ll head to the beach!  (~1.5-hour drive)

Make a quick stop at Rio Tarcoles where you can see groups of Costa Rican Crocodiles. These crocs can reach lengths of up to 12 feet!

Arrive at Playa Hermosa. A beautiful black sand beach recognized as having one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world. Soak in your first sunset in Costa Rica. Remember to bring your bathing suit!

Evening

Enjoy your first dinner (and drinks?) right by one of the coolest black sand beaches in the country.

Depart for our boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio. (~1-hour drive)

Get settled into your hotel and afterward hit the town or just relax after your long travel day.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Costa Rican Culture

Morning

Have a delicious Costa Rican breakfast.

For those craving an even further off-the-beaten-path activity, you can spend your day hiking to epic hidden waterfalls in Quepos. Even the drive will be an adventure as we traverse through little known dirt roads.

Afternoon

Take the local bus to the local farmers market in Quepos to sample tropical fruits, cheeses, and much more.

Relax on El Malecon with a perfect view of the sun setting over the ocean.

Evening

Enjoy dinner in town and have an optional night out on the town with your new friends.

Day 3: Explore + Beach + Adventure

Morning

Enjoy an authentic Costa Rican breakfast right at your hotel.

Depending on the tide and the weather your Trip Leader will take you to our favorite secret beach in the area.

The hidden beach is accessed after a demanding hike. The beach is a unique place in Costa Rica that's well known to locals but rarely discovered by tourists. The hike will require some stamina, but the reward is well worth the effort.

Spend the morning lounging under the Costa Rican sun away from tourists.

Afternoon

Relax at the local beach with your group and soak in the tropical views of Costa Rica.

Sip on a coconut cut straight from the tree as you enjoy these special moments in paradise.

Evening

Enjoy a Costa Rican dinner at our boutique hotel.

Optional night out and salsa lessons. ($10 per person + transportation)

Day 4: El Cocal Community Cooking Experience

Morning

Immerse yourself in the local community of El Cocal by learning how to cook a delicious Costa Rican meal.

Learn about Costa Rican culture and traditions from local friends.

Afternoon

Have lunch in El Cocal with your new friends.

Enjoy local music and dancing with the community.

Head to the beach for an optional surf lesson (not included).

Learn how to surf from some of Costa Rica’s best surf instructors on one of Costa Rica's best beaches (depending on the tide).

Evening

Enjoy the last dinner out at Manuel Antonio.

Optional night out or star gazing.

Day 5: Relaxation & Departure

Morning

One final Costa Rican breakfast with your group.

Depart for Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) on included transportation. (~2.5-hour drive)

Be sure your flight departs after 1:30 pm.