Experience Costa Rica
On this extraordinary journey to Costa Rica, you will not only witness the awe-inspiring wildlife of the tropics but also immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of Tortuguero, exploring its rainforests, canals, and beaches by land and water.
Be part of providing essential care for companion dogs and cats in and around the Caribbean coast.
A nighttime walk along a moonlit beach with the chance to witness sea turtle nesting, a ritual millions of years old.
Wildlife sighting expedition through the mystical canals in and around Tortuguero National Park.
Trip overview
Join us for an unforgettable journey to the lush, tropical jungles along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, where the river canals serve as the region’s only highways. Here, you will join the Humane World for Animals, formerly called Humane Society International, team in their efforts to enhance the care standards for companion dogs and cats while reducing negative interactions between these animals and remarkable wildlife, including jaguars and sea turtles, in a small remote village that seems almost untouched by time.
During this five-day adventure, you will assist at an animal welfare and temporary veterinary clinic while being surrounded by the breathtaking wildlife of Costa Rica. While we cannot guarantee it, you’ll have an excellent chance of witnessing the ancient nesting rituals of Atlantic green sea turtles.
Your travel accommodations will be at an exclusive lodge nestled along the banks of the Tortuguero River, where you’ll be immersed in nature. The area is home to three of Costa Rica's four monkey species, crocodiles, toucans, Great Green Macaws and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference while experiencing the incredible beauty of Costa Rica!
Journey to Costa Rica: Discover the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
Sample activities
This list of sample activities is for informational purposes only. Additional scheduling details will be provided to all registered guests in advance of each trip.
Fredder Mata/Humane Society International
Kent Gilbert/AP Images for The HSUS
Javier Fernández Sánchez/Getty Images
Grettel Delgadillo/Humane Society International
Victoria Grupp/The Humane Society of the united States
Grettel Delgadillo/HSI
Reserve your spot
Space is limited to 12 people. Participation is $7,000 for single-occupancy accommodation and $12,500 for double-occupancy accommodation. Proceeds will benefit our work in Costa Rica. Your contribution less $4,000 per person is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Humane World for Animals, formerly called Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, tax ID number is 53-0225390. Ground transportation, all meals, and luxury accommodations are included. International flights, alcohol, gratuities and items of a personal nature are not included.
Humane Journeys
Humane Journeys offers authentic, cause-driven travel to unique destinations around the world. Each small group trip is guided by experts and designed to provide a tailored, immersive experience into our efforts to protect all animals.
Program background
Costa Rica is a megadiverse country, encompassing 5% of the world's biodiversity despite covering just 0.03% of the Earth's surface. An impressive 25% of its land is protected through national parks, wildlife refuges and biological reserves. However, each community in Costa Rica—be it urban, rural or coastal—faces unique challenges concerning the dynamics between companion animals, wildlife and humans. The “Animal-Friendly Communities” initiative seeks to empower local communities to achieve sustainable, humanitarian improvements in canine and feline welfare while reducing negative interactions with wildlife.
Kent Gilbert/AP Images for The Humane Society of the United States
Tortuguero has been chosen as our pilot site. Nestled within Tortuguero National Park—an area renowned for its biodiversity—this town is home to a variety of species, including jaguars and marine sea turtles. The interactions between wildlife and companion animals in Tortuguero are complex and often detrimental. For example, free-roaming dogs and cats frequently prey on wild species, especially sea turtle eggs and hatchlings. Conversely, jaguars, which typically hunt turtles during nesting season, have adapted to prey on unattended dogs and cats when turtle visits are scarce. Additionally, unvaccinated dogs and cats pose a risk of disease transmission to wildlife when they share territories. Unfortunately, accessible veterinary services are lacking in the area.
To address these challenges, we are developing a community-driven program focused on implementing strategies to mitigate negative interactions between wildlife and companion animals. Our efforts include providing essential medical services for pets, improving pet ownership practices and promoting biodiversity conservation while safeguarding human health. Our goal is to leverage local resources and build community capacity by fostering connections, listening to community needs and empowering residents. We aim to facilitate collaboration among local stakeholders, creating spaces for dialogue and collective action.
Responsible wildlife watching
Humane Journeys maintains a responsible and respectful animal-watching program. You will always be accompanied by experts who take the necessary precautions to help ensure your safety and that our presence does not disturb the animals.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime?
Humane Journeys offer the opportunity to travel to unique destinations throughout the world and support our cause.
Kent Gilbert/AP Images for Humane World for Animals