Recently updated on March 4th, 2025 at 10:26 am
Later this month the 15 lucky winners of our Trafalgar Unlocked Awards will be heading to Costa Rica. On our 8-day Costa Rica Eco Adventure, these travelers will meet the locals, connect with one another, and experience the fantastic biodiversity of this Central American country.
From seeing turtles nesting in coastal Tortuguero National Park, to meeting tropical birds in Monteverde Cloud Forest, this action-packed week squeezes the best of nature and adventure into one great trip.
We can’t wait to hear how the trip goes (and you can follow along on Instagram and Facebook), but in the meantime we asked our lucky winners why they are excited to be visiting Costa Rica, and what they are most looking forward to.
“Bring on the white water rafting and zip-lining!”
“It’s our first time to Central America, and we are looking forward to experiencing the beautiful country as well as meeting the lovely people of Costa Rica as well as our tour mates,” says Trafalgar Unlocked winner Sharon Y.
“I am most excited about white water rafting in the Sarapiqui River, while my husband is really looking forward to ziplining among the trees and watching out for local wildlife in the forest of Monteverde Cloud Forest!”
“We’ve been saving up for Costa Rica for two years”
“My boyfriend and I have actually been saving up to go to Costa Rica for two years now, so this trip is really a dream come true for us!!” says Rosie A.
“I would say I’m most looking forward to experiencing the culture and wildlife! If we’re lucky enough to see turtles at all, I’ll probably cry with happiness!
“In regards to my lucky travel partner, this is his first holiday and I’m so excited for him to experience everything we’re going to do and to open his eyes to what travelling has to offer. I’ve always travelled solo, so I’m looking forward to this aspect and getting to experience it all with him too.
“Also, I’m really looking forward to kayaking. I haven’t done it since I was a child and I think it will be a good laugh and bonding experience for all involved!”
“Let’s spot wildlife in Tortuguero National Park”
“I am really excited about the entire trip to beautiful Costa Rica. I especially look forward to visiting Tortuguero National Park and seeing native animals there,” says Rebecca C.
“I’m sure the mineral hot springs at Arenal Paraiso will be wonderful. I’m also looking forward to the chocolate-making workshop, as I’m pretty much a chocoholic! The visits with local people will also be so interesting, I’m sure.
“I didn’t know about the American Quaker connection with Costa Rica until I saw it in the itinerary. It is always fascinating to hear how people live in different countries, but it will also be interesting to talk with the other people on the trip about their experiences. I can’t wait!”
“To make memories that dad couldn’t”
“I am so excited for this trip because it’s an unexpected adventure,” says Kristina T. “I won because I told the story of my dad’s passing prior to having the ability to travel in retirement. He didn’t make it to that life stage, and now I’m travelling with my mum (while my very patient husband stays home with our kids).
“Costa Rica is somewhere that has been on the fringes of my radar for a while but not somewhere I was likely to travel to any time soon. I feel very lucky to have won and am excited for another adventure with my mum! I’m most excited to go zip lining on this trip as it seems like a ‘safer’ thrill. Seeing the jungle from above will be an amazing experience.”
“I’m a National Geographic fan”
“I’m most looking forward to seeing the nature and wildlife. I am a National Geographic fan so seeing and being in nature in real life would make me so happy,” says Ria C.
“I’m also looking forward to water activities since I love the beach so kayaking and hot springs are definitely up my alley. Watching my mom experience Central America for the first time will also be really fun. Looking forward to the trip!”
“Take us to colorful San Jose”
“Ingrid and I recently watched a movie about Costa Rica,” says Dietmar V. “We were really impressed by the spectacular scenery, including the national parks and beaches and we would love to explore them. We also liked what we saw of colourful San Jose and look forward to strolling through it.”
“I have never won anything”
“I cannot believe I am getting ready to go on a trip that I won. I’ve never won anything and to win something this significant is amazing,” says Marguerite K.
“I have been googling the hotels and they all look so unique and unlike anything I have ever experienced. I’m going with my best friend Annette who joined my family on our Trafalgar trip to Ireland and we both just can’t wait to meet everyone and embark on this amazing trip.”
“Counting down to the Monteverde Cloud Forest”
“My husband and I are counting down the days. It still feels so surreal that we won a trip to Costa Rica,” says Kailin S.
“We are pretty much looking forward to everything. I think what we are both looking forward to the most is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. And we are crossing our fingers that we will get to witness baby turtles find their way home to the ocean!”
“A second honeymoon”
“This would be the first time since our honeymoon in 2011 that we will have time away which is longer than two nights. So, let’s call it second honeymoon (whoop whoop!),” says Preshanti P. “So [I want to] relax, reconnect, and reminisce.
“Did you say hot springs… sounds like a treat for my back. Ziplining through the cloud forest, could I be closer to heaven? And then there is chocolate-making workshop, every foodie’s dream. Mind you as much as I am excited about kayaking, I don’t know why visions of the movie Anaconda or the like keep flashing through my mind, yikes!”
“Connecting with Costa Rican locals”
“I want to get to know the people of Costa Rica and find out what is special to them about where they live,” says Dan G. “There are moments that only happen when you travel – when you suddenly realise the light is different, the sounds in the morning are unique, the smells and vibe of a new destination are all new and have to be experienced first hand.
“And when I get home I load my travel photos onto a digital photo frame that sits in my hallway. On my way out the door, and when busy life takes back over, I can pause and relive those memories. I am so grateful for the chance to do this and thank Trafalgar so much for making it possible!”
“Dreaming of tropical landscapes”
“I have never traveled to Costa Rica and I am eager to experience its tropical landscape,” says Josephine P. “I am eager to explore the waterfalls, beaches volcanos and picturesque countryside. I’m looking forward to some relaxing time just taking in the beauty as we lay on the beach.
“Who wouldn’t be thrilled about attending a chocolate-making workshop and zip-lining through the cloud forest? These activities are quite different, but I’m excited about both of them.
QUOTE”Visiting Costa Rica will be stepping out of my box a bit in terms of hiking and immersing myself in nature. My vacations usually include dresses and high heels and make up and I’m open to embracing the casual, natural vibe that Costa Rica is known for.”
“To continue building my travel ‘confidence muscle'”
“Just buzzing about this gift and opportunity to spend time in what I know will be a beautiful part of the world…” says Jayne C.
“For its diverse and lush beauty; for its wildlife and creatures; for its habitat; for its adventure…to share an incredible experience with other travellers; to spend special time with my beautiful niece, and to continue building my ‘confidence muscle’ for travel.
“[I’ll travel] with eyes wide open to connect, share, experience and be blessed. I can’t wait –I have goosebumps!”
“…to see turtles, monkeys, and river otters”
“I am most excited about visiting Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, where I’ll get the chance to see turtles, monkeys, and river otters in their natural habitat,” says Daisy F.
“The idea of experiencing such diverse wildlife up close is thrilling, and it promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Adding to the excitement, I’m celebrating my 65th birthday on July 22, the traditional age for retirement in the United States.
“I’m also looking forward to sharing these incredible experiences with my husband (We’re high school sweethearts, graduated 1976), from relaxing in the mineral hot springs at the Arenal Paraiso Resort to the adrenaline rush of ziplining in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
“This trip perfectly combines relaxation, adventure, and unique cultural experiences, eating the amazing food and meeting wonderful people and learning about the country are really the memories to cherish making it an unforgettable journey.”
Have you been to Costa Rica or is it on your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments…