Trip Highlights
- Explore iconic national parks and waterfalls during Costa Rica’s dry season.
- Cruise the rivers and mangroves on a guided boat tour, spotting monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds.
- Join hands-on service-learning projects with local schools, wildlife refuges, or community initiatives.
- Choose your adventure — zipline through the forest canopy, trek to waterfalls, or take surf lessons on the Pacific coast.
- Relax on golden beaches and enjoy time to unwind in between activities.
- Learn about conservation and sustainability from Costa Rican partners who protect wildlife and ecosystems year-round.
Sample Itinerary
(flexible — final itinerary adjusts by group needs)
Day 1: Arrival in San José and private transfer to the Pacific coast. Evening welcome dinner with your host.
Day 2: Guided hike in a national park — spot monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds in the rainforest.
Day 3: Community service or cultural exchange project — work alongside local partners at a school, refuge, or animal shelter.
Day 4: River boat tour through mangroves with birdwatching and crocodile sightings.
Day 5: Adventure day — choose zipline canopy tour, waterfall trek, or surf lessons.
Day 6: Free day with optional tours (coffee experience, cooking class, or extra beach time).
Day 7: Closing reflection and hosted farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure transfer to San José for your international flight.
Activities & Service Projects
Your Winter Escape blends nature, adventure, and community connection. Every group has the chance to experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity while giving back in meaningful ways.
Wildlife & Adventure
Hike through national parks alive with monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. Glide by boat through mangroves to spot crocodiles and toucans, or choose an adrenaline-filled zipline or waterfall trek.
Community & Service
Support conservation and local initiatives by joining projects such as hatchery upkeep at Playa Linda, wildlife monitoring with Reserva Playa Tortuga, or helping a school with art and playground improvements. Families and groups can also volunteer at the community animal shelter.
Cultural Immersion
Take a Costa Rican cooking class or coffee tour, then share an evening of music and stories with local partners. A hosted farm-to-table dinner rounds out your cultural experience.
Projects vary by group type and season, ensuring that every traveler connects with both Costa Rica’s natural beauty and its community spirit.
What’s Included / Not Included
What's Included
- 7 nights lodging (choose from eco-lodge, boutique hotel, or private villa tier)
- All in-country transportation by private van and local shuttles
- Daily breakfast and three hosted dinners (welcome, farewell, and farm-to-table)
- Guided tours and entrance fees (national park, river boat, adventure activity)
- Service-learning project coordination and local partnerships
What’s Not Included
- International airfare to/from Costa Rica
- Travel insurance (required)
- Lunches and most dinners
- Optional activities and personal expenses
Pricing
Choose the lodging style that best fits your group. All options include the full Winter Escape experience — guided hikes, cultural exchange projects, river tour, adventure day, hosted dinners, and service-learning coordination.
Eco-Lodge Comfort
Relax in a small eco-lodge with tropical gardens and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
- $2,750 per person (double occupancy)
- $4,100 single occupancy
Boutique Escape
Upgrade to an upscale boutique hotel with ocean views, stylish rooms, and enhanced dining.
- $3,450 per person (double occupancy)
- $5,000 single occupancy
Family Villa
Stay in a private villa with kitchen, pool, and shared living space — perfect for families or small groups.
- From $2,150 per person (based on 4 travelers sharing)
- Final price varies by villa size and group makeup
📌 Holiday Travel Note
Prices above apply to standard dry-season departures (January–April). Travel between December 22 – January 3 falls in Costa Rica’s Super High Season, when lodging and transport rates rise significantly. For trips in this holiday period, we’ll provide a customized quote at the time of booking.
Why Join This Trip
Winter is the perfect time to visit Costa Rica. While much of the world is bundled up, you’ll be surrounded by sunny skies, golden beaches, and vibrant tropical landscapes. The dry season is known for its clear weather and excellent wildlife viewing — from scarlet macaws overhead to monkeys swinging through the forest canopy.
This journey balances adventure with purpose. Hike through national parks, glide down tropical rivers, and choose from ziplining, waterfall trekking, or surf lessons. Alongside these adventures, you’ll also join meaningful service-learning projects that connect you with local schools, conservation partners, or community organizations.
What makes this trip special is the human connection. Sharing a farm-to-table dinner, participating in a cultural exchange, or helping with a local initiative gives you the chance to engage with Costa Ricans in authentic ways. It’s a travel experience that restores energy, broadens perspective, and leaves a positive impact long after you return home.
Extend Your Stay
Your Winter Escape Adventure includes 7 nights on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. If you’d like to see even more of the country, we can help you add an extension to your journey:
Birding in San Gerardo de Dota
Spend 2–3 nights in the cloud forest, waking up early for quetzal tours with local guides. Peaceful mountain lodges with fireplaces and trout dinners make this a perfect choice for birders or anyone who wants cool air and quiet nature.
Hot Springs in La Fortuna
Stay 2–3 nights near Arenal Volcano. Relax in natural hot springs, explore hanging bridges and waterfalls, or join a chocolate or coffee tour. A great way for families and couples to balance adventure with rest.
Corcovado National Park
For those seeking the ultimate wildlife experience, extend your trip with a guided overnight in Corcovado. Known as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks, it’s home to tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and even the elusive jaguar. A rugged adventure for travelers ready to go deeper into the rainforest.
Extension packages are optional and priced separately. Custom quotes will be prepared based on your lodging preferences and group size.
Next Steps
- Express Interest Early → With small group sizes (6–12 travelers), spots are limited.
- Flexible Dates → Trips run January–April during Costa Rica’s dry season.
- Confirm Group → Once enough travelers commit, dates will be locked in.
- Optional Add-Ons → Extend your stay in San Gerardo de Dota for birding or La Fortuna for hot springs.
Contact us to learn more or reserve your spot.
We’ll help you select your lodging tier, answer questions, and prepare a custom quote if you’re planning family or group travel.