In honor of International Women’s Month this March, Austin Adventures is proud to offer a women-only departure to the tropical land of Costa Rica where local women business owners will benefit from guests’ visits. Grab your girlfriends, mothers, sisters, and cousins for this empowering vacation that is not only fun but positively impactful. Enjoy women-led activities with vendors who were hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as an experience at Campesino Farm and a trek at La Fortuna with Pure Trek. Other activities include Sarapiqui Rafting Class, the Ecotermales Hot Springs, canyoning, snorkeling and so much more.
Hosted by President Kasey Austin alongside local female Costa Rican partner guides, the itinerary includes exclusive visits to all female-owned businesses. With each booking, $500 will be donated to local Costa Rican women’s nonprofit, the Commission of Artisans of Santa Elena de Monteverde (CASEM) – a cooperative of female artisans who produce textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and art in their homes to provide for their families. Founded in the 1980s as a result of the economic crisis, the group has today grown to include 82 women and four men.
Interact with local artisan women who create products in their homes to provide for their families
Meet a Costa Rican entrepreneur who has owned and managed an organic farm that produces fruits, tubers, and spices among the fertile volcanic rainforests
Go canyoning with a company owned by a San Franciscan woman who has found a second home and family in Costa Rica
Explore the Toro river by whitewater rafting and discussing the history of the rafting company owned by a Californian woman
Float above the cloud forest on the Monteverde Sky Tram and Trek
Witness the mesmerizing Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Balance adventure with relaxation as you have time to lay on the beach and actively interact with the environment
02
Learn from both Costa Rican and American female business owners who have found themselves at home in the Costa Rican tour industry
03
Enjoy a genuine taste of pure Costa Rican food grown from an organic farm
Arrive in San Jose and transfer to Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. Your adventures throughout the week will be led by female bilingual naturalist guides as well as include transportation with air conditioning and a private driver.
About Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Laced with deep green palms and shrubs, this oasis property provides an outdoor pool, fitness center, full-service spa, and golf driving range, and tennis court. Each room features a balcony offering views of the city melting into the fertile forests that lie beyond. Sleep comfortably in chic, crisply-decorated rooms brightened by natural light.
Begin your first day of activities in Arenal Volcano National Park this morning to prepare for a kayaking adventure on the Rio Toro! This expedition will carry you down class II-III waters. Hear from Vanessa Willing from the rafting company WAVE who will guide your rafting activity. Vanessa, a California native, has worked with Warner Baltodano from Costa Rica for over 14 years, exploring and sharing Costa Rica one paddle at a time. WAVE fittingly stands for Warner and Vannessa Expeditions.
Relax in EcoTermales hot springs this evening, a place that is home to Arenal’s only natural hot springs. The hot springs are ideal for relieving stress, anxiety, and provides dermatological benefits.
Transfer to Hotel Nayara Gardens where you’ll be staying for the evening.
About Hotel Nayara Gardens
This luscious escape is surrounded by the rainforest that lives just outside your room. Fall asleep to the sing-song of native birds and find peace and privacy within your plush room. Each room is airconditioned and features a glossy wood balcony to step out and enjoy the hammock and an outdoor jacuzzi.
Immersed in the warm and natural habitat facing the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by rivers and rainforests, we have the chance to visit the organic Campesino Farm. Here we will find, learn about, and taste some of the dozens of seasonal products grown in the healthy and fertile lands, typical of the nearby volcano. You will find a great variety of tropical fruits, tubers, and spices.
The mix of vegetation, forest edge, living fences, and fruit trees attract animals such as toucans, parrots, sloths, and iguanas! The highlight of this visit is wrapping up the walk with a delicious home-cooked lunch prepared by the owners – followed by a fresh cup of coffee and a tasty dessert!
Hear from Yulianna Rodriguez, owner of Campesino Farm. Yuliana has been an entrepreneur in the travel and tourism industry since 2006. She is a native of Naranjo’s famous coffee-growing area and is married with two children. Her farm was previously owned by her grandparents for many years and today this beautiful piece of paradise welcomes visitors.
Get ready to traverse the landscape near Arenal Volcano while canyoning with our partner Pure Trek on this next adventure! This half-day tour will include rappeling around waterfalls — you will get wet! — and other rock climbing experiences. Cynthia Crummer, originally from California, began her Pure Trek business to give families and beginners access to canyons near the Arenal Volcano they otherwise would not have.
Be part of the greater good at Danaus Ecological Reserve where you’ll have the chance to volunteer some time. Located just outside of La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano, this reserve features jungles crawling with native wildlife, flora, and fauna. After spending the day there, cross the lake by private boat to Monteverde where you’ll arrive at your accommodation.
About Senda Monteverde Hotel
A five-star mountain lodge nestled in a cloud forest, Senda Monteverde’s Junior Suites provide cozy private accommodations complete with a private entrance, a small dining area near large windows, and a private balcony seating area. Decorated with warm-toned wood and other modern earth-inspired touches, you can relax in style.
Climb above Costa Rica’s cloud forest on the sky tram that travels from Monteverde. The tram track is 570 feet long and takes about an hour to reach the top. A guide will accompany you on the gondola to provide an interpretation of the rainforest below. Reflect on your Costa Rican journey so far as you gain a bird’s eye perspective of the vistas.
Later, you’ll visit and talk with local Costa Rican women at Cooperative of Artisans, Santa Elena, Monteverde (CASEM). This non-profit organization produces handmade crafts by local artisans who use local materials. This work bolsters the support for impoverished families in the area. Gifts such as decorations, stationery, clothing, jewelry, toys, and more are created to be sold. CASEM was founded by eight women in 1982 and has grown to 90 women and four men.
To finish the day, embark on a hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, immersing yourself in the wilderness of Costa Rica.
Be transported to Carrillo in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, making a stop at the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall. After hiking about 2 miles, you’ll step into an oasis featuring wispy, angelic falling water at Llanos de Cortez. Retreat to your resort tonight.
About Nambu Beachfront Bungalows
Unwind at this seaside getaway that features large windows and a patio door leading to a private balcony overlooking the beach. Your room offers lots of space and is minimally decorated for a simple luxuriousness as the outdoor view serves as the greatest feature.
Paddle through aquamarine water and to Chora Island, just off Samara’s coast. White sand beaches await you where you will have the opportunity to snorkel and swim. Get a close-up view of Costa Rica’s marine life. When you’re ready to relax, stretch out on the deserted beach and enjoy a drink and the warm sunshine.
On Day 1, arrive at San José International Airport where you will be picked up and transferred to Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. On Day 8, you will be transferred to Liberia Airport and fly out of the international airport in the afternoon.
Activities
Hiking – Easy to moderately strenuous hikes ranging from 1.5 to 3 miles (1 – 3 hours) through national parks and nature reserves.
Canyoning– Tour includes a short rappel, hanging bridge, zip line, and mellow hike. Guides provide detailed instructions on how to use the equipment. No experience necessary.
Snorkeling– No experience necessary. Guides will provide detailed instructions.
Kayaking – No experience necessary. Guides provide detailed instructions on how to use the equipment.
Our guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels.
Cultural Discoveries
Costa Rica, a tiny country that forms the land bridge between North and South America, is almost too good to believe. Although slightly smaller than West Virginia, it boasts a world-famous National Park system, unmatched flora (including over 3,000 species of wild orchids), world-class rivers, active volcanoes, and more species of mammals and birds than the continental United States and Canada combined. Did you know that a sloth has a unique sort of fur that is a breeding ground for algae? (The algae help it blend in with its environment!) Could you have guessed that an armadillo is a good swimmer and can hold its breath for up to six minutes? Were you aware that when a number of howler monkeys let loose their lungs in concert, often at dawn or dusk, the din can be heard up to three miles away? Come explore “The Crossroads of the Americas!”
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as indicated by itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt and luggage tags.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Meals as not indicated by the detailed daily itinerary.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Costa Rica Expert
Kasey Austin
As President at Austin Adventures, Kasey Austin can tell you the logistical ins and outs of every single trip. More than that, though, Kasey has lived and breathed most of the company’s featured destinations and will eagerly share her contagious passion for the transformational power of active travel. Kasey grew up in the adventure travel business; she knows the positive, lifelong impact of family travel, a quality that earned her the distinction of being named top family travel guide by Outside Magazine in 2014.
