Hey, I'm Trash Caulin, an eco-creator from Florida dedicated to making a difference. 🌱 I'm passionate about environmental conservation and love sharing ways we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener world. I've been fortunate to be recognized as the Best Local Influencer in St. Pete/Clearwater, and I’m proud to be involved in beach clean-up efforts in my community. 🌊
I'm super excited for this trip. Costa Rica is a top location when it comes to Sustainability. We'll learn how they grow local food for their communities, how they keep plastic pollution off their shores, and how they keep their wildlife wild, all while exploring the beautiful natural landscape of Costa Rica.
Untamed jungles, volcanic hot springs, hidden waterfalls, and vibrant local culture set the stage for an unforgettable adventure packed with exploration, sustainability, and connection. This trip is designed for travelers who crave epic hikes, immersive experiences, and a deep appreciation for nature. Glide through the canals of Tortuguero spotting wildlife, trek to La Fortuna’s famous waterfall, learn the art of tortilla-making with local farmers, and soak in thermal pools heated by Arenal’s towering volcano. Every moment is intentional, blending adventure with eco-conscious travel and meaningful cultural exchanges. This journey captures the essence of pura vida in the most inspiring way – join us and experience it firsthand!
-Bienvenidos! Touch down at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), where the adventure begins. The group will gather for a transfer into San José, the country’s vibrant capital and cultural hub.
-Check into tonight’s stay, take a little time to settle in, then get started on your exploration with a little free time before dinner.
-We come together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, diving into Costa Rica’s rich culinary scene. Expect bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and great company. Cheers to great times to come!
-Rise and shine, because we’re diving into Costa Rica’s untamed wilderness today. After check out, hit the road towards the boat pier!
-From here, we trade wheels for water, cruising through Tortuguero’s canals, surrounded by towering palms and the calls of howler monkeys. Our first taste of Tortuguero’s magical wilderness is truly unforgettable.
-Check into our eco-lodge nestled right in the heart of the jungle and enjoy a freshly-prepared lunch.
-We’ll set out on a guided tour of Tortuguero, often called the Amazon of Costa Rica. Walk the sandy streets, learn about the local Afro-Caribbean culture, and visit small artisan shops before heading back to the lodge.
-Dinner is served at the lodge before an open evening to soak up the rainforest vibes. Sweet serenity!
-Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest before enjoying breakfast and heading back out on the water.
-We’re embarking on a boat tour through Tortuguero National Park, where the real locals (sloths, river otters, and maybe even a jaguar if we are really lucky) call home. The canals here are like nature’s slow-moving highways, offering a front-row seat to the incredible landscapes.
-Next up, we trade boats for boots on a private guided trek through the jungle trails adjacent to our lodge. A local guide will lead us, pointing out medicinal plants, tiny red-eyed tree frogs, and the symbiotic relationships that make this ecosystem thrive.
-After a well-earned lunch back at the lodge, we come together for a beach cleanup along Tortuguero’s stunning shoreline. Leaving a positive impact on the places you explore is rewarding beyond measure, and every bit of plastic removed makes a difference for the nesting sea turtles dotting the coast.
-The rest of the afternoon is yours to swim, nap in a hammock, or just stroll breathing in the fresh jungle air. After dinner, maybe catch the sunset over the canals or just listen to the symphony of the rainforest from the comfort of your bed. There’s no wrong answers here!
-Following one last breakfast surrounded by jungle sounds, we say goodbye to Tortuguero and hop back on the boat, gliding through the canals one last time before reaching the main dock. From there, we hit the road toward Guápiles, where we’ll take a break for lunch before continuing the journey.
-Our final destination is La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. As we get closer, you’ll start to see the dramatic peak of Arenal rising above the landscape, setting the tone for the epic discoveries to come.
-Check into our accommodations, settle & refresh, then the afternoon is yours. Explore the amenities, check out the surrounding area, or maybe even take a little snooze after a morning of travel.
-Tonight, we head to a local restaurant for dinner to savor more Costa Rican flavors before a free night to play our way.
-Fuel up with breakfast because it’s an adventure-packed day ahead!
-Our first destination is La Fortuna Waterfall, a 230-foot cascade hidden deep in the rainforest. The trek down is steep but worth every step. As you descend through lush jungle, you’ll hear the roar of the falls before you see it…then suddenly, there it is, crashing into a turquoise pool below. Take a dip, snap some pics, and bask in the glory of a successful trek!
-After the climb back up, we switch gears for a visit to Vida Campesina, a local farm where we’ll experience Costa Rican rural life firsthand. Here, we’ll meet local farmers, learn about sustainable agriculture, and take part in a tortilla-making experience, rolling and shaping with our very own hands. We’ll also enjoy a farm-to-table lunch here, packed with fresh, organic ingredients straight from the land.
-The rest of the evening is yours. Hot springs, cool views, and warm hospitality await.
-After breakfast, we ease into the day with one of Costa Rica’s most laid-back yet rewarding experiences: a sloth observation tour. With a local guide leading the way, we’ll wander through a lush rainforest reserve, scanning the treetops for these slow-moving icons. Patience is key, because sloths are masters of camouflage, blending into the dense greenery. But when you spot one, it’s pure magic – you’ll leave understanding why a trip to Costa Rica isn’t complete without spotting one of these creatures.
-After our sloth-spotting adventure, we return to the lodge, where it’s time to fully embrace relaxation mode. The on-site hot springs, naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano, are the perfect place to soak, unwind, and reflect on the week’s adventures.
-The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish – one more night in paradise before the journey home!
-The time has come to say so long. Savor one final breakfast with a view, then it’s time to pack up and say goodbye to the land of volcanoes, rainforests, and pura vida vibes. We check out and begin the scenic drive back to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), soaking in the last glimpses of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes along the way.
-As you board your flight, take a deep breath, replay the highlights, and get ready to share the stories. Costa Rica isn’t just a place you visit, but a place that stays with you – we’re sure you’ll be back. Safe travels, and until the next adventure!
