Compare Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps vs Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 | $ 3,037 |
| Price Per Day | $ 374 | $ 276 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
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| Description |
Visit rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests, and wildlife rescue centers. A family vacation to Costa Rica that will inspire, delight and make a difference. Renowned for its world-class abundance of wildlife and for being the “happiest country on earth”, Costa Rica is unrivaled in its natural beauty. From the lush rainforests teeming with monkeys, sloths and toucans to its splendid palm-fringed beaches, there are many sides of Costa Rica to explore. |
Experience the best of Central and South America on this three-country adventure! Indulge in delicious culinary favorites, like empanadas and ceviche, and feast your eyes on breathtaking natural landscapes. From Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, get ready for this vacation that's a thrill for the senses. Kick off in Costa Rica. With the city of San Jose as your home base, you'll always have things to see and do! Explore the historical streets of San Jose, filled with architectural beauty and spirited culture. While in Costa Rica, enjoy two full-day tours that showcase the diverse landscapes of the country - from volcanoes and hotsprings, to the blissful waters of Tortuga Island. From Costa Rica, you'll party it up in Panama City! Stroll through the cobbled streets of historic Casco Viejo, then enjoy a half-day tour that takes you to the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks! Learn all about the groundbreaking innovations that now make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Last but certainly not least, hop on a quick flight to the vibrant city of Cartagena. Meander through picturesque streets of colonial architecture and soak up the spirit of this colorful seaside city. Enjoy a tour of Cartagena, then escape to the Rosario Islands on a full-day tour! This vacation blends colonial charm with postcard-worthy natural beauty. |
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 Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica!
Upon your arrival at SJO International Airport, enjoy a convenient transfer to your home for the next four nights! Spent the rest of the day settling in. Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal!
Day 2 San Jose, Costa Rica
Grab your camera and get ready for a full day of natural beauty! Enjoy a guided excursion to Tortuga Island. This will be the first of many postcard-worthy days!
Day 3 San Jose, Costa Rica
Discover two of Costa Rica's most iconic sights today on your full-day tour of the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs! Indulge in delicious meals and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica.
Day 4 San Jose, Costa Rica
Discover the vibrant energy of San Jose today. Make your way through the crowds as you walk down Central Ave (Avenida Central); San Jose's main street runs straight through the city and offers an abundance of shopping and eating options! Pop into the famous Mercado Central, treat yourself to a plate of arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), then continue on your way, stopping to enjoy the singing and dancing of the street performers along the way. You can also stop by the National Theater of Costa Rica - perhaps you'd like to take a tour or see a performance!
Day 5 San Jose, Costa Rica - Panama City, Panama
Waive goodbye to Costa Rica and get ready for paradise in Panama! Hop in a transfer to the airport, enjoy a quick flight, then enjoy a transfer to your hotel in Panama City. Check-in, get settled, and explore!
Day 6 Panama City, Panama
Set out in the morning for a half-day tour through Panama City to the Panama Canal where you'll get to see the Miraflores Locks in action. The rest of the day is yours to wander as you wish.
Day 7 Panama City, Panama
Today is your last full day in Panama City, so make the most of it! Maybe you'll take a walk through the cobble stoned historic center Casco Viejo, which boasts colonial-era landmarks and plazas lined with cafes and bars.
Day 8 Panama City, Panama - Cartagena, Colombia
Get ready for your last stop - colorful Cartagena! Enjoy roundtrip airport transfers and a quick flight to Colombia. Upon arrival at your Cartagena hotel, settle in and relax. When it's time for dinner, consider a delicious seafood restaurant by the water.
Day 9 Cartagena, Colombia
Today you will visit some of Cartagena's highlights on an included city tour. Cartagena was given the name La Heroica (Heroic City) by Simon Bolivar in 1815 after the city resisted 105 days of siege by the Spanish. After the tour, stroll over to Plaza de la Aduana, the largest and oldest square in Cartagena's old town that was once the home of the city's government (aduana means customs). Sip an ice cold cocktail at one of the outdoor bars near Plaza de la Aduana as you watch the sun go down!
Day 10 Cartagena, Colombia
Set your clock to island time! Today, get ready for crystal-clear water and swaying palms. Enjoy a full-day tour to the stunning Rosario Islands.
Day 11 Depart Colombia
Your stay in Cartagena comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, for your flight home.
