Humane Journeys: Costa Rica

October 7-12, 2025

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 HSI/Latin American 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 accommodation 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!

A multi-colored bar showing the difficulty of the trip

Sample itinerary

This sample itinerary is for informational purposes only. Additional scheduling details will be provided to all registered guests in advance of each trip.

  • Providing essential care for companion dogs and cats in and around Tortuguero.
  • Participation in local humane education.
  • Wildlife hike through well-maintained trails in Tortuguero National Park, one of the last intact areas of tropical rainforest in Latin America.
  • 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. 

 

A happy-looking dog sits outside on a sidewalk in front of a green building
Victoria Grupp
/
The HSUS

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.

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.

This trip includes:
A black cat stands on an exam table, held by the gloved hands of a vet tech

Providing essential care for companion dogs and cats in and around Tortuguero.

A sea turtle faces the camera on a beach with a receding tide

Nighttime walk along a moonlit beach with the chance to witness sea turtle nesting, a ritual millions of years old.

An aerial view of a lush, green seaside forest with a large water canal running into the distance

Wildlife sighting expedition through the mystical canals in and around Tortuguero National Park.

Responsible wildlife watching on Humane Journeys

Humane Journeys maintains a responsible and respectful animal-watching program. You will be accompanied by HSI program experts and local guides into areas where wild and domestic animals are part of this itinerary. We will take necessary precautions to help ensure your safety and that our presence does not disturb the animals.

Registration information

To reserve your spot or get more information, please contact us.

Space is limited to 12 people. Participation is $7,000 for single-occupancy accommodation and $12,500 for double-occupancy accommodation. Proceeds will benefit Humane Society International’s programs in Costa Rica. Your contribution less $4,000 per person is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The HSUS 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.