Central America · Wildlife & Community
Costa Rica
Retreat to the Rainforest
Central America · Wildlife & Community
Retreat to the Rainforest
November 6–13, 2026
Expedition: Humanitarian's journey to Costa Rica is an immersive exploration of connection, conservation, and culture, designed to bridge meaningful service with unforgettable travel. From the lush volcanic landscapes of Arenal to the vibrant Afro-Caribbean coastline of Puerto Viejo, this experience invites travelers to engage deeply with the natural world and the communities that steward it. Participants will contribute to wildlife rescue efforts, support marine conservation, and learn directly from Indigenous communities whose traditions are rooted in harmony with the land. Along the way, moments of adventure, reflection, and cultural exchange create space for both impact and personal growth. This trip is not just about where you go, but how you show up, what you give, and what you carry forward long after the journey ends.
Trip Details
Expedition: Humanitarian's journey to Costa Rica is an immersive blend of service, cultural connection, and adventure, designed to create meaningful impact while exploring some of the country's most breathtaking regions. The experience begins in the lush volcanic landscape of Arenal, where participants engage in hands-on wildlife conservation, connect with the Maleku Indigenous community, and explore the powerful natural beauty of the rainforest, before continuing to the Afro-Caribbean coast of Puerto Viejo, where the focus shifts to marine conservation and ancestral traditions. Along the way, travelers will snorkel vibrant coral reefs, support local efforts to protect sea turtle habitats, and spend time with the Bribri community learning about sacred cacao practices and sustainable living, while shared experiences and moments of reflection create space for personal growth, deeper cultural understanding, and a lasting connection to the communities and environments encountered. Designed with intention, this journey balances meaningful service with time to rest, explore, and fully take in each environment, allowing participants to be both present and impactful.
Accommodations, transportation, daily breakfast, most activities, some meals, and special surprises are all included. Single bed: $1,975 · Shared queen bed: $1,850 · $300 deposit to book. Not included: airfare from the US, add-ons like massage, zip-lining, tubing, or spa treatments, trip insurance, some meals, and tips for guides. Deadline to sign up: October 1st, 2026. Itinerary subject to change based on local weather, availability, and other factors.
Visiting the Tabacón Natural Hot Springs River (El Choyin) · Volunteering with monkeys, sloths, and macaws at Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center · Cultural immersion in the Maleku Indigenous Village and Bribri Indigenous Reserve · Guided hike on the Arenal 1968 Forest Trail · Snorkeling at the Cahuita National Park · Farm-to-table experience at a family-owned granja with a traditional plant medicine workshop · Optional add-ons: zip-lining, tubing in Rio Celeste, and spa treatments
Day by Day
Arrive at SJO Airport and transfer by private shuttle to La Fortuna (approx. 3 hours). Along the way, enjoy your first group dinner prepared by a women's co-op from a local Catholic Church — "Picadillo de Turno," an authentic Costa Rican dish and the perfect gastronomical introduction to Pura Vida. Check into a jungle lodge with volcano views.
Start the morning at Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center for a "Volunteer Day" — prepare diets for rescued sloths, monkeys, and macaws, and help repair enclosures. Enjoy a picnic-style empanada lunch on-site. In the afternoon, hike the Arenal 1968 Forest Trail, walking on actual lava flows from the massive 1968 eruption. In the evening, dine at a Sodita (self-pay), then cap the night at the Tabacón Natural Hot Springs River (El Choyin), a hidden gem where warm, mineral-rich waters flow through the lush jungle by candlelight and lantern glow.
Visit a local orphanage to deliver books and school supplies. Then head to a family-owned granja for a Farm-to-Table Experience, including lunch and a traditional plant medicine workshop. Afternoons are free — relax at the resort or add on tubing in Rio Celeste or zip-lining. Evening is yours to explore La Fortuna (dinner self-pay).
Private transfer from Arenal to Puerto Viejo (approx. 4–5 hours). Settle into a beachfront eco-village, then explore Puerto Viejo town at your own pace. The vibe here is distinctively Afro-Caribbean: reggae music, coconut-infused cuisine, and a laid-back Pura Vida pace. Dinner is self-pay.
Board a private boat to Cahuita National Park — home to Costa Rica's best-preserved coral reef. Snorkel among sea turtles, rays, and over 120 species of tropical fish. In the afternoon, join a local beach cleanup to support sea turtle nesting protection in partnership with the Eco-village. Group dinner at the eco-lodge prepared by a local chef (included).
Journey into the Talamanca Mountains to visit the Bribri Indigenous Reserve. Learn the sacred process of organic chocolate making — cacao is a holy plant to the Bribri people. Share a traditional organic lunch served on bijagua leaves, and visit a hidden jungle waterfall for a final group swim. Evening is free time in town (dinner self-pay).
Enjoy a free morning at the beach with optional spa services. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, a private shuttle returns to San José (approx. 4.5 hours) for your final night. End the journey together at a final group dinner at a local restaurant (included).
Breakfast and departures from San José Airport. Carry forward the memories, the connections, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Common Questions
The total cost is $1,975 for a single bed or $1,850 for a shared queen bed (2 spots available each). This includes accommodations, daily breakfast, some meals, and all included group activities. It excludes airfare from the US, some lunches and dinners, and tips for guides.
Yes! It is always recommended to tip tour guides and others for outstanding service in any place you visit.
You will need a valid US passport with at least one blank page.
We do our best to stay in locally owned places. We will stay in a locally-owned jungle villa for nights 1–3, an Eco-Lodge for nights 4–6, and a boutique hotel in San José for Night 7.
Register on our website and pay your deposit, and then you are good to go!
You always have the option to hang back at the accommodations if you choose not to participate in an activity. No refunds are issued if you opt out of one of the included activities.
We will immediately notify your listed emergency contact and help secure medical treatment for you if required. It is very important to carry trip insurance that covers medical situations.
November in Costa Rica generally features sunny mornings and intermittent afternoon or evening showers. Coastal areas have highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F, while higher elevations stay in the mid-70s to low 80s°F.
Other important trip details will be covered in-depth in the weeks leading up to the trip, including important travel information, packing lists, and the final daily itinerary. Deadline to sign up: October 1st, 2026.