A Solidarity Trip to Costa Rica: Exploring Nature and Connecting with Locals

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Upon your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, you’ll be greeted and then transferred to your hotel, nestled in a tropical garden in the Central Valley.

This first evening is a chance to settle in gently and soak up the country’s atmosphere.

Overnight in Alajuela.

You’ll pick up your rental car and head north toward the La Fortuna region and Arenal Volcano.

Along the way, you’ll take part in a volunteer experience at a wildlife sanctuary. Working alongside local teams, you’ll learn about the animals’ stories and contribute to their well-being by preparing their food and organizing activities.

This activity directly supports the sanctuary, whose mission is to provide the animals with the care and respect they deserve while rehabilitating them.

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a cozy evening with Greivin and Ivania. At their family home overlooking the volcano, you’ll cook a traditional Costa Rican meal… just in time for sunset, withthe iconic Arenal Volcano as a backdrop.

Overnight stay at an eco-friendly finca at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.

The day begins with an immersion in the lodge ’s cacao culture, which specializes inorganic and regenerative agriculture.You’ll discover the different stages of chocolate production: harvesting, roasting, and artisanal preparation.You’ll then make your own chocolate and taste this iconic Costa Rican product.

At the end of the day, take a stroll across the legendary suspension bridges through the rainforest. As you traverse the trails and bridges, both diurnal and nocturnal wildlife will cross your path. A unique sensory experience, blending magic and serenity.

Spendthe night at an eco-friendly finca at the foot of the Arenal Volcano.

You’ll head to the Sarapiquí region, known for its agricultural plantations and lush rainforest.

In the afternoon, you’ll participate in a cooking workshop with a local community. Together, you’ll prepare several Costa Rican specialties before sharing this convivial meal.

This activity directly supports the LEP Foundation and its efforts toward sustainable development in Sarapiquí (climate, conservation, innovation, and social impact).

Spend the night in the heart of the Tirimbina Reserve, a project dedicated to biodiversity conservation and environmental education.

Accompanied by a nature guide, you’ll set out to explore the Tirimbina Biological Reserve.

This protected rainforest is home to a wide variety of birds. With the help of binoculars and your guide’s explanations, you’ll learn to identify species by their songs and colors.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the trails and the reserve’s natural surroundings.

Overnight in the heart of the Tirimbina Reserve.

You’ll head to the northern Caribbean coast and then board a boat to visit the Pacuare Reserve, a site dedicated to protecting local wildlife, particularly sea turtles. 

This trip directly supports this NGO and its efforts to protect sea turtles and conserve the coastal ecosystems of the northern Caribbean.

After a presentation on the reserve’s scientific programs, you’ll learn about the methods used to monitor and protect the turtles.

In the evening, depending on the season, you can join a night patrol to observe sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs on the beach.

Overnight stay at the Pacuare Reserve.

This day is dedicated to exploring the reserve’s exceptional biodiversity. A guided hike through the rainforest followed by a boat ride through the canals to observe monkeys, birds, and reptiles.

The reserve is also home to the Agami Sanctuary, one of the few accessible sites in the world where this rare tropical heron nests.

Overnight stay in the Pacuare Reserve.

After spending some final moments in the heart of the reserve, you’ll board the boat again and then head by road toward the Turrialba Valley.

You’ll make your way to an eco-friendly and socially responsible farm, located in a biological corridor that’s important for local wildlife. On-site activities are available, such as horseback riding or a nature hike.

You’ll spend the night in an eco-deck overlooking the forest—a deliberately simple experience that brings you close to nature.

You’ll set out to explore the Guayabo archaeological site, one of the most important in Costa Rica.

Accompanied by a guide, you’ll explore the ruins of this ancient city and learn about the water management systems and social organization of this pre-Columbian civilization. The tour concludes with a craft workshop inspired by indigenous techniques.

This activity directly supports a women’s collective in Turrialba that is committed to developing local rural and ecological initiatives.

Overnight in the Turrialba Valley.

You’ll travel through the Talamanca mountain range to reach Providencia de Dota. In this rural village, you’ll learn about artisanal coffee production with a local family. You’ll follow the various stages of production and end the tour with a tasting.

This trip supports the community and rural organization of the residents of Providencia de Dota, benefiting local families and artisans.

In the evening, you’ll share dinner with your host family. Overnight stay with a local family.

At daybreak, you’ll set out to observe the quetzal, the mythical bird of the mountain forests. You’ll then continue your day at Don Francisco’s to learn how a traditional sugar mill operates, where sugarcane is processed into tapa dulce. Traditional lunch on site.

Overnight stay and dinner with a local host.

You’ll leave Providencia de Dota to join a community of inspiring women, guardians of Boruca indigenous traditions and culture.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll discover the history of the Boruca people and hike to the sacred Can Ran waterfall, a peaceful and symbolic place for the community. You’ll then participate in a traditional mask-painting workshop with the village artisans.

This trip directly supports this NGO, whose mission is to promote the ancestral knowledge of the Boruca people.

Overnight stay and dinner in the community.

After spending some final time with the community, you’ll head out toward the Pacific Coast.

You’ll then visit a community initiative located in the mountains above Manuel Antonio. After a brief introduction to Quebrada Arroyo and the association, you’ll go on a horseback ride along the reserve’s trails.

This trip supports the community cooperative, which promotes eco-tourism for the benefit of local families.

Overnight in the reserve.

The day is devoted to exploring the reserve. Hike to the waterfalls, cross a long suspension bridge over the valley, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Río Savegre.

An immersion in the heart of unspoiled wilderness.

Overnight stay in the reserve.

After breakfast, you’ll head out toward San José.

This marksthe end of your journey, rich in encounters with local people, natural discoveries, and community-focused experiences throughout Costa Rica.