Program Reviews

I had a wonderful experience with Discover Corps. I was especially impressed with the personal one-on-one guidance from the moment I inquired to the moment I boarded my plane. They really make an effort to make sure you are getting the trip you signed on for and are comfortable and ready. The trip itself was also great -- our guide was always 2 steps ahead in making the days go smoothly and as expected. He was very knowledgeable and personable. He took great care of us. And our driver was skilled and a lovely addition to the group. We explored and learned and enjoyed all that beautiful Costa Rica has to offer. The accommodations were fine, not fancy but certainly adequate. The last three days were in a fabulous resort that was definitely over the top luxurious. I had a wonderful time and learned so much. Perfect.

This trip was a very fine experience. The guide and fellow travelers were wonderful to share experiencing Costa Rica with. We saw a wide variety of plant and animal wildlife at several national parks and an wildlife rescue center. The local people were very nice as we interacted with them in two volunteer experiences. This was my second trip with Discover Corps in Costa Rica and I would go again.

I planned this vacation for our family of 6, before our two oldest go off to college. I knew it was going to be something different from our normal vacations but had NO idea how absolutely amazing it would be! Every day brought a new adventure, and every adventure gave us all an insight into Costa Rica as a country not just a destination. The activities brought us closer together as a family, and we enjoyed them all. Not even sure I could pick a favorite one. One meal was better then the next, we especially LOVED the Costa Rican family that taught us to make a true CR meal. They graciously brought us into their home. None of this would have been as amazing as it was without our guide, Tara. You could not ask for a better person to show us Costa Rica, she was absolutely wonderful. Her knowledge was incredible, she speaks Spanish fluently and without a doubt loves her job. Thank you so much Discover Corps for this fantastic experience for all of us from 15 to 58.

My 16 year old daughter and I just returned from the Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Vacation. Discover Corps put together an experience which far exceeded my highest expectations. The pre-trip communications were helpful and I had a personal contact I could call or email as often as needed to get last minute information. I was well prepared with clothing and essentials thanks to their attention to pre-trip planning.

The trip was a blend of special experiences (including a meal and sugar cane pressing lesson with a family, a school with adorable children giving us a performance and getting to know about us and sharing about themselves, and a wildlife rescue center), along with tours from outstanding outfits in different areas of the country. There were also a few stops at top-notch vacation spots (hot springs and National Park beaches). The Discover Corps outfit had personal connections with the locals we spent time with, allowing us to enjoy a casual, comfortable time learning about the country and giving back to the people in various ways.

The two guides we had provided us with outstanding guidance and support. They were wonderful and fun people with unending knowledge of Costa Rica, which they would share spontaneously or if we had questions. They also knew spots where we would bump into wildlife along our route or good stops for photos or food. The restaurants they chose were locally owned and the food was always amazingly fresh and proudly presented. They were clearly professionally trained (always keeping a mindful eye on us, but often staying back a bit allowing us to take in our experience). We developed a warm connection with both guides.

The accommodations we stayed at ranged from rustic to wonderfully unique to a ‘good old staple’ Best Western. We felt the places we stayed were well suited to the type of experience we were pursuing.

I cannot say enough good things about the Discover Corps staff and the volunteer vacation experience they put together.