Compare Cruise the Heart of Central America by Voyages Jules Verne vs Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps

Day 1 Fly overnight from Heathrow via Colombia to Panama City.

Day 2 Morning arrival and tour of Panama City. Overnight at the 4-star Tryp Panama Centro Hotel. (L)

Day 3 Morning at leisure. Transfer to the MY Callisto for nine nights. Cross the San Pedro and Miraflores locks and sail to the Gatun Lake. (B, D)

Day 4 Visit the Smithsonian Institute and an Embera Village. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Visit Panama City and the Canal. Sail overnight to Punta Patino. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Optional excursion to the Darrien National Park and Mogue Embera Reserve. Overnight at sea. (B, L, D)

Day 7 At sea. Afternoon arrival at Granito de Oro for a swim stop. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Sail to Coiba for a walk in the Reserve. Overnight sailing to Golfo Dulce. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Arrive in Golfito, Costa Rica and continue to Casa Orquideas flower sanctuary. Sail to Puerto Jimenez for an optional Osa Peninsula excursion, a biological reserve. Sail overnight to Quepos. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Optional visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. Optional afternoon visit to Savegre River or a Forest Canopy Tour. Sail to Curu. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Optional tour of Curu Nature Reserve. Sail to the unspoilt island of Tortuga for a swim stop. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Sail to Puntarenas and disembark in the morning. Return flight, via Colombia. (B)

Day 13 Afternoon arrival at Heathrow.

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.