Costa Rica has become a global leader in conservation, protecting more than 30% of its land through National Parks, reserves and protected areas. This carefully designed itinerary goes beyond simply visiting these incredible places - it explores the people, projects and ecosystems helping to protect them for generations to come.
Designed by a zoologist with first-hand conservation experience, this itinerary combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with meaningful experiences that showcase Costa Rica's pioneering approach to sustainability. From releasing hatchling sea turtles in Quepos to joining marine biologists in dolphin kayak surveys in the Golfo Dulce, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why Costa Rica is considered one of the world's greatest conservation success stories
Designed by a zoologist with first-hand conservation experience, this itinerary combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with meaningful experiences that showcase Costa Rica's pioneering approach to sustainability. From releasing hatchling sea turtles in Quepos to joining marine biologists in dolphin kayak surveys in the Golfo Dulce, you'll gain a deeper understanding of why Costa Rica is considered one of the world's greatest conservation success stories
Trip At A Glance
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Is This Itinerary Right For Me?All our itineraries are 100% customisable. But this one could be for you if you: ✔ Have an interest in wildlife conservation and sustainability ✔Want to support responsible tourism initiatives. ✔ Prefer authentic nature experiences over busy resorts ✔ Want to experience Costa Rica beyond the typical tourist route |
Why Choose This Tour?This itinerary goes beyond the standard trips to Costa Rica. This is total immersion and authentic travel ✔ Designed by a zoologist ✔ Visit three of the country's richest ecosystems ✔ Exceptional wildlife viewing ✔ Support responsible tourism ✔ Stay in carefully selected eco-lodges |
Tour Highlights
Price Includes:
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Destinations You'll Visit
La GuacimaHome of the renowned Rescue Center Costa Rica, the area provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Its convenient location also makes La Guacima an ideal starting point for exploring the country
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Manuel AntonioAlthough Costa Rica's smallest national park, Manuel Antonio is rich in wildlife. This is one of the best places to see sloths, scarlet macaws, and squirrel monkeys. But hidden wonders can be found outside Manuel Antonio too - from sea turtle nestings to kayaking through mangroves
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Piedras BlancasCreated to protect vital rainforest habitat and wildlife corridors, the park offers a quieter and more intimate rainforest experience. Dense forests shelter monkeys, sloths, toucans and an astonishing variety of amphibians, reptiles and tropical birds
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CorcovadoConsidered one of the world's most biodiverse regions, Corcovado is home to upwards of 10,000 species. It protects the largest remaining tract of Pacific lowland rainforest in Central America and is home to tapir, jaguar, and macaws. Whale sharks can also be seen
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Where You'll Stay
Whilst the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, holidays to Costa Rica with Cecropia Travel are 100% tailor-made, and our specialists can help you select the option best suited to your requirements. This tour is based on two people sharing. Prices may change with the addition of extra people. To see other hotels, explore our full accommodation page.
La Guacima Country Inn,
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Parador Nature Resort,
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Playa Nicuesa Lodge,
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El Remanso,
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Why Conservation Matters in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is often recognised as one of the world's leading conservation success stories. Once affected by widespread deforestation, the country has reversed forest loss through ambitious conservation policies, sustainable tourism and community-led initiatives.
Today, around 57% to 60% of Costa Rica is currently covered by forests. This is a remarkable recovery from the 1980s, when forest cover had dropped to a low of about 21% due to deforestation. This has also been a direct effect of the abolishment of their army. With a surplus of funds, money was able to put back into communities - through universal healthcare, free education, and healthier ecosystems.
This itinerary has been created to celebrate these achievements, whilst supporting businesses and experiences that share the same values as Cecropia Travel. With us, visitors play an important role in safeguarding Costa Rica's wildlife and the communities that depend upon these remarkable ecosystems.
Conservation Projects You Can Get Involved With
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At Cecropia Travel, we believe travel should leave a positive impact.
That's why we've partnered with a range of conservation organisations across Costa Rica, giving our guests the opportunity to connect with the people protecting the country's extraordinary biodiversity. From releasing baby sea turtles with Tortuga La Isla Damas, supporting rainforest restoration and wildlife research with Osa Conservation, contributing to sea turtle monitoring through L.A.S.T. (Latin American Sea Turtles), or learning how Osa Wild is transforming sustainable gold panning into a source of income for local communities. Every experience offers the chance to support conservation while creating unforgettable memories. This is Costa Rica travel to a whole other level. And we're proud to support pioneers in the industry. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors to Costa Rica?
Yes. While conservation is the central theme, the itinerary also includes some of Costa Rica's most spectacular wildlife destinations.
What wildlife am I likely to see?
On this itinerary, you may encounter monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans, frogs and reptiles. Corcovado also offers excellent opportunities to spot larger mammals such as Baird's tapirs, pumas, and even jaguar - if you're really lucky! Depending on the season, you may also spot humpback whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
What makes this different from a standard Costa Rica holiday?
Rather than simply visiting National Parks, this itinerary explores the conservation story behind them, offering a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's remarkable biodiversity and sustainability efforts. You can actively get stuck in and help projects directly - from identifying cetaceans to supporting artistinal community projects. You may have the opportunity to prepare food for rescued wildlife at a rehabilitation centre.
Is this itinerary physically demanding?
Expect moderate walks along rainforest trails with some uneven terrain. You'll also be kayaking. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Does my holiday contribute to conservation?
Yes. We work with responsible tourism providers, eco-conscious accommodation and local guides who help protect Costa Rica's natural heritage while benefiting surrounding communities.
Yes. While conservation is the central theme, the itinerary also includes some of Costa Rica's most spectacular wildlife destinations.
What wildlife am I likely to see?
On this itinerary, you may encounter monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans, frogs and reptiles. Corcovado also offers excellent opportunities to spot larger mammals such as Baird's tapirs, pumas, and even jaguar - if you're really lucky! Depending on the season, you may also spot humpback whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
What makes this different from a standard Costa Rica holiday?
Rather than simply visiting National Parks, this itinerary explores the conservation story behind them, offering a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's remarkable biodiversity and sustainability efforts. You can actively get stuck in and help projects directly - from identifying cetaceans to supporting artistinal community projects. You may have the opportunity to prepare food for rescued wildlife at a rehabilitation centre.
Is this itinerary physically demanding?
Expect moderate walks along rainforest trails with some uneven terrain. You'll also be kayaking. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Does my holiday contribute to conservation?
Yes. We work with responsible tourism providers, eco-conscious accommodation and local guides who help protect Costa Rica's natural heritage while benefiting surrounding communities.
