Costa Rica with Kels Kiel

Dates

Aug 22–28, 2024

Group Size

8–20 Travelers

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Activity Level

Adventure

About This Trip

Explore the Costa Rican South Pacific Coast! Challenge yourself by climbing natural rock faces or kayaking in the Pacific Ocean. Experience the freshwater rivers while tubing, as well as surfing the saltwater waves. Be prepared to actively experience the nature of the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and end each day relaxing in the lush coastal greenery of Dominical.
$2,099USD
$2,299USD
Aug 22–28, 2024
7 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Kels Kiel
Kels Kiel

Kelsey is a collegiate soccer player, multi-trip Crossfit Games team athlete, individual Games qualifying athlete, Team USA Bobsled push athlete, and is now back in the CrossFit space working her way to her goal of the 2022 CrossFit Games! Kelsey is excited to travel (and workout!) with you, plus explore new cultures and countries together!!

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Trip Activities

  • River Tubing

  • Ocean Kayaking

  • Surf Lesson

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels

  • Local guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

What's included by Your Host

Fitness!

Workshop
We'll get some fitness in together!

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Bienvenidos and welcome to Costa Rica! TrovaTrip will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where your adventure begins.

Airport Transfer

25 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide three transfers from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), between 10:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

dinner

Included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel Auténtico (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in San Jose

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Day 2

Info

Today you will head to Dominical and the Pacific Coast. On your way you'll stop in Cachi, a small town in the Reventazon Valley to do some rock climbing, before continuing onwards.

breakfast

Breakfast included in the hotel

Transfer to Dominical

4 Hours

lunch

Included lunch at a local restaurant

Hotel Villas Rio Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/4

Overnight in Dominical

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Day 3

Info

Today you will enjoy nature mixed with adventure by tubing down the Baru River!

breakfast

Breakfast included in the hotel

River Tubing

1 Hour

Enjoy the nature and the beautiful scenery as you float down the river. You will have your own individual tube or share a larger tube if you feel more comfortable doing the descent with the guide. The section that you will be running has small and fun rapids.

Fitness!

2 Hours

We'll get some fitness in together!

Hotel Villas Rio Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/4

Overnight in Dominical

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Day 4

Info

Enjoy of an adventurous day doing kayaking in the beautiful South Pacific Coast

breakfast

Breakfast included in the hotel

Ocean Kayaking

1 Hour

Paddle along Costa Ballena and enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique natural rock formations of Ventanas. Ventanas is surrounded by tunnels in the cliffs that look like impressive windows in the surrounding landscape - hence the beach’s name. You will stop at Playa Ventanas (Windows Beach) for some snacks with the possibility of trying some kayak surfing.

Hotel Villas Rio Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/4

Overnight in Dominical

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Day 5

Info

Prepare for great surfing waves, laid-back vibes and breathtaking landscapes in Dominical!

breakfast

Breakfast included in the hotel

Surf Lesson

1 Hour

First time surfer? No worries! Come join the ocean and have a beginner lesson, in which you are guaranteed to stand and ride a wave. The lessons are 2 hours long and consist of about 15 minutes spent on the beach, where your instructor will go over the basic fundamentals necessary to get up properly on your surfboard and ride a wave, as well as the safe ways to do it; the rest of the time is spent in the ocean catching waves with your surf coach.

Hotel Villas Rio Mar (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 4/4

Overnight in Dominical

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Day 6

Info

Today, enjoy your last breakfast in the beautiful Costa Rican South Pacific before you return to San Jose.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel included

Transfer to San Jose

4 Hours

lunch

Lunch at a local restaurant

dinner

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Hotel Auténtico (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 6/1

Overnight in San Jose

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Day 7

Info

All good things must come to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast before saying goodbye to Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel included

Airport Transfer

1 Hour

TrovaTrip will provide two transfers from the hotel to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), between 8:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M.

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Physical Activity Level:Adventure

These trips are great if you want to get moving. These itineraries may include scenic hikes and/or exercise. A moderate level of fitness is required to enjoy these trips.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Flexible Payment Options

Reserve your spot with just 25% down, pay in full, or apply for a payment plan at booking. Your dream trip, your way.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.