Rainforest Wildlife
Float quietly along the Peñas Blancas River in search of monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas and caimans with an expert naturalist.
Learn from the people and places of Costa Rica on a family journey shaped by culture, conservation and meaningful connection.
Journey from Costa Rica’s coffee-covered highlands to the rainforest beneath Arenal Volcano and the beaches of the Pacific coast. Along the way, families will meet local artisans, search for tropical wildlife, support conservation projects and experience a country known for connecting care for people with care for the natural world.
Experience Costa Rica on an unforgettable journey where extraordinary biodiversity, vibrant culture, and meaningful community connections come together. Offered in collaboration with With Heart Travel and facilitated by founder Melinda Alcosser, this immersive adventure is guided by knowledgeable local experts who will introduce us to one of the world's leading destinations for sustainability and regenerative tourism.
From coffee-covered highlands and colorful artisan communities to lush rainforests, the iconic Arenal Volcano, and the Pacific coast, each day offers opportunities to connect with Costa Rica's people, landscapes, and wildlife. We'll search for monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, discover the journey of chocolate from cacao bean to finished product, participate in community conservation projects, meet local artisans and entrepreneurs, and experience firsthand the innovative initiatives creating a more sustainable future.
Blending experiential learning, cultural immersion, service, and adventure, this inspiring journey fosters meaningful connections while leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the relationship between people, nature, and community.
One of the most powerful way to learn is through firsthand experience. We let the country and its people be your teachers and supplement your experiences with reading lists, informal discussions, and a pre-trip orientation which includes information on the culture and history of your host country, helpful words and phrases, and cultural “do’s and don’ts”.
Discover how Costa Rica's commitment to conservation and community engagement is creating a more sustainable future through partnerships with organizations such as DONATAPA and Verdiazul. Learn how local initiatives support environmental stewardship, accessibility, and the protection of Costa Rica's unique ecosystems.
This journey emphasizes authentic cultural experiences that foster genuine connections with Costa Rica's people, communities, and extraordinary natural environments. Throughout the trip, travelers engage with local artisans, conservationists, educators, entrepreneurs, and community organizations while experiencing firsthand why Costa Rica is recognized as a global leader in sustainability, accessibility, and regenerative tourism.
Global Family Travels is passionate about creating community-based, family-friendly trips that are truly meaningful, encouraging travelers of all ages to become citizens of the world and stewards of the environment. Guided by the three travel pillars of “Learn, Serve & Immerse,” we partner with local and global non-profit partners to develop Expand-Your-Family Circle adventures that offer travelers the opportunity to connect with local people, cultures and the natural beauty of the destinations we visit. Whether it is a one-day community adventure in the Seattle area, a customized journey or a small group global adventure, our journeys feature a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, as well as community engagement to help make a positive impact on the lives of people and natural habitats where we visit.
On Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 PM ET we'll have a Travel Talk to learn more about Costa Rica. We can't wait to tell you all about this trip. Hope you'll join this free preview!
RSVP for the WebinarWelcome to Costa Rica! Your journey begins with a flight to Juan Santamaría International Airport, where you'll be welcomed by our expert bilingual guide before transferring to Hotel El Rodeo.
After settling in, you'll enjoy a brief orientation to the exciting journey ahead before taking time to unwind from your international flight.
This welcoming retreat provides the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reflect before beginning our unforgettable journey through Costa Rica's remarkable landscapes, vibrant culture, and inspiring communities.
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin exploring the historic town of Escazú, where we'll discover Costa Rica's rich cultural traditions, local history, entrepreneurship, and vibrant community life while connecting with local residents.
After a traditional Costa Rican lunch, we'll participate in a meaningful volunteer experience with DONATAPA, learning how recycled plastic is transformed into accessible beach infrastructure while supporting environmental conservation and the circular economy.
We'll conclude the day with dinner overlooking the beautiful Central Valley as we experience the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Costa Rica through an unforgettable evening of traditional music, dance, and folklore.
Accommodations: Hotel El Rodeo
We’ll start our day with a delicious breakfast before traveling toward Costa Rica's northern plains, stopping in the colorful artisan town of Sarchí. Renowned for its beautifully painted oxcarts and handcrafted woodwork, we'll meet local artisans and discover how traditional craftsmanship continues to preserve Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage while supporting local communities.
Continuing to the breathtaking Arenal region, we'll be surrounded by lush rainforests, winding rivers, and the iconic Arenal Volcano as we journey into one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse landscapes. In the evening, we'll unwind at Hotel Casa Luna, where the tranquil setting and beautiful tropical gardens provide the perfect place to relax and reflect on the day's discoveries before the adventures that await tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Luna
Following breakfast, we’ll begin our morning on a peaceful safari float along the PEÑAS BLANCAS River, where we'll search for monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, caimans, and other remarkable wildlife. As we drift through this tranquil rainforest ecosystem, our expert naturalist will share insights into Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts.
After lunch, we'll give back to the environment through a meaningful tree-planting experience, contributing to local reforestation initiatives while learning how healthy forests protect wildlife, watersheds, and strengthen climate resilience for future generations.
Accommodations: Hotel Casa Luna
We’ll start our day with a delicious breakfast before visiting the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, where lush rainforest and dramatic volcanic landscapes create one of Costa Rica's most breathtaking natural settings.
Later, we'll discover the fascinating journey of chocolate from cacao bean to finished product while learning about its cultural, historical, and economic importance to
Central America. In the evening, we'll unwind in the natural hot springs heated by the Arenal Volcano, enjoying dinner in a peaceful setting while reflecting on another unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.
Accommodations: Hotel Casa Luna
After a delicious breakfast we’ll begin traveling toward Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific coast, stopping at the Las Pumas Rescue Center to learn about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, habitat conservation, and the challenges facing the country's native species.
Continuing into the Guanacaste region, we'll arrive at the Wyndham Tamarindo, where sweeping Pacific Ocean views and the surrounding tropical dry forest provide the perfect setting to relax and reflect on another day of discovery.
Accommodations: Wyndham Tamarindo
We’ll begin our day with a delicious breakfast before joining the local organization Verdiazul for a meaningful beach conservation experience along Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific coast. Together, we'll help protect coastal ecosystems while learning about marine pollution, plastic waste, and the important role healthy beaches play in supporting local wildlife.
Throughout the day, we'll also discover Costa Rica's inspiring sea turtle conservation efforts and the importance of protecting nesting beaches, gaining a deeper appreciation for the country's commitment to preserving its remarkable marine environments.
Accommodations: Wyndham Tamarindo
Today we’ll discover Costa Rica's inspiring commitment to Tourism for All. After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the country’s accessible beaches where we'll learn how inclusive tourism creates opportunities for travelers of all abilities while strengthening local communities.
Later, experience the wonders of the Pacific Ocean during an introductory Discover Scuba Diving adventure under the guidance of professional instructors. As we explore the vibrant underwater world, we'll gain a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica's remarkable marine ecosystems and ongoing ocean conservation efforts.
Following breakfast, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Costa Rica's beautiful countryside as we make our way to Juan Santamaría International Airport.
As our journey comes to a close, we'll reflect on the meaningful connections we've made, the communities we've visited, and the conservation efforts we've supported. More than a vacation, this has been a journey of discovery, cultural exchange, service, and a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica's remarkable people, landscapes, and commitment to a more sustainable future.

Global Family Travels is passionate about creating community-based, family-friendly trips that are truly meaningful, encouraging travellers of all ages to become citizens of the world and stewards of the environment.
Guided by our three travel pillars of “Learn, Serve & Immerse,” we partner with local and global non-profit partners to develop Expand-Your-Family Circle adventures that offer travellers the opportunity to connect with local people, cultures and the natural beauty of the destinations we visit. Whether it is a one-day community adventure in the Seattle area, a customized journey or a small group global adventure, our journeys feature a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, as well as community engagement to help make a positive impact on the lives of people and natural habitats where we visit.
Float quietly along the Peñas Blancas River in search of monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas and caimans with an expert naturalist.
Meet artisans in Sarchí, explore the historic community of Escazú and experience an evening of traditional Costa Rican music, dance and folklore.
Participate in plastic recycling, tree planting and beach conservation projects while learning from the local organizations leading this work.
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall, follow cacao from bean to chocolate and relax in natural hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano.
Visit Las Pumas Rescue Center to learn about wildlife rehabilitation, habitat protection and the challenges facing Costa Rica’s native species.
Learn about marine ecosystems, sea turtle conservation and inclusive beach access before joining an introductory Discover Scuba Diving experience.
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, where our bilingual guide will welcome the group and accompany us by private transfer to Hotel El Rodeo. After settling in, we’ll gather for a relaxed orientation before taking time to rest and recharge for the journey ahead.
Explore the historic community of Escazú and learn about its traditions, history and entrepreneurial spirit. After a traditional Costa Rican lunch, participate in a volunteer experience with DONATAPA and discover how recycled plastic is transformed into infrastructure that makes beaches more accessible. The day concludes with dinner overlooking the Central Valley and an evening of traditional music, dance and folklore.
Travel toward Costa Rica’s northern plains, stopping in the colorful artisan town of Sarchí. Meet local craftspeople and learn about the traditions behind the country’s iconic painted oxcarts and handcrafted woodwork. Continue into the Arenal region, surrounded by lush rainforest, rivers and views of the volcano.
Begin the day with a peaceful safari float along the Peñas Blancas River. Watch for monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas and caimans as a naturalist introduces us to this remarkable rainforest ecosystem. After lunch, contribute to a local tree-planting initiative and learn how healthy forests protect wildlife, watersheds and nearby communities.
Visit spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall before discovering how cacao is grown and transformed into chocolate. Learn about chocolate’s cultural and economic importance in Central America, then unwind in natural hot springs heated by Arenal Volcano. Dinner is included at the hot springs.
Travel toward Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, stopping at Las Pumas Rescue Center to learn about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Continue to Tamarindo, where Pacific Ocean views and the surrounding tropical dry forest create a beautiful setting for the next part of our journey.
Join the local organization Verdiazul for a hands-on beach conservation experience. Learn about marine pollution, plastic waste, coastal ecosystems and Costa Rica’s work to protect sea turtles and their nesting beaches.
Visit one of Costa Rica’s accessible beaches and see how inclusive tourism creates opportunities for travelers of all abilities. Later, discover the Pacific Ocean during an introductory scuba diving experience led by professional instructors. No previous scuba experience is required unless otherwise specified by the operator.
After breakfast, travel through the Costa Rican countryside to Juan Santamaría International Airport. As the journey concludes, we’ll carry home the memories of the people we met, the landscapes we explored and the conservation efforts we supported together.
Join us for a family journey filled with wildlife, culture, service and meaningful connection. Reserve your place with a $500 per-person deposit.
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