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Costa Rica with Happiest Sober (Madeline Forrest)
Dates
May 4–10, 2023
Group Size
8–20 Travelers
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileHappiest Sober
Hi! I’m Madeline and I’m from Toronto, Canada. You might know me from Instagram as @happiestsober. I got sober in November 2020 after a decade of gray-area problem drinking and discovered that life is so much happier for me without alcohol in it. Now I’m passionate about sharing that message and inspiring others on their sober journeys. I love travelling, but I know that it can also be a difficult thing to do after you quit drinking. I’m so excited to create a supportive environment where we can connect with other sober travellers, experience new things, and have a ton of fun together along the way. I hope you’ll join me!
Trip Activities
Organic Farm Visit
Hike at Arenal Volcano
Hot Springs Visit at the hotel
La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
Cooking lesson
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Guided Tour to Manuel Antonio National Park
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Optional Activities*
Canyoneering with Lunch
*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 4-star hotels
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Arrival airport transfer
Departure airport transfer
Not Included
International flights
Food (except as noted)
Visas and travel insurance
Airport transfers outside of designated times
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
Airport Transfer
3 Airport Transfers: - 8:45 am - 2:00 pm - 4:10 pm
dinner
7:30 pm. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Park Inn by Radisson San Jose Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in San José.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast starts at 6:00 am at the hotel is included.
Organic Farm Visit
10:00 am. Immerse yourself in Costa Rican rural life when you join the Elizondo Herrera family on a tour of their farm to learn about the different crops. Other activities will include how to make homemade tortillas and at the end of the tour, sit down and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by your hosts. Delish! ~2 hours.
lunch
12:00 pm Lunch at the farm is included.
Hike at Arenal Volcano
2:15 pm. Lace up your hiking boots for this excursion through Arenal Volcano National Park. Stroll over hardened lava flows, witness panoramic views of the volcano and learn about plant and animal species on this one-of-a-kind trek. ~ 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Hot Springs Visit at the hotel
5:00 pm. Spend the afternoon at the Hot Springs Resort of your hotel and relax in natural thermal water pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures with focused hydromassage for back, legs, and feet.
dinner
7:30 pm. Dinner at the hotel
Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort (or similar)
Overnight in La Fortuna.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Canyoneering with Lunch (optional)
5 Pax confirmed for Optional activity. 6:50 am. You'll rappel down huge waterfalls, jump into pools, zip down guided rappels, descend the canyon walls and hike up through the rainforest. Weight limit: Canyoneering has a weight limit of 220 lbs and the maximum harness size can fit a waist size of 42". ~4 hours.
La Fortuna Waterfall Visit
1:00 pm. Don’t be intimidated by the waterfall’s 530 step decline, the views, wildlife and lush rainforest make it all worth it! Once you arrive at the waterfall, prepare to be blown away by its towering beauty. If the weather allows, you’ll even be able to take a dip in the crystal blue water. ~ 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Cooking lesson
5:00 pm. This afternoon, you will enjoy a very special activity, you will learn to cook your own Costa Rican meal. To start you will go to the farm to collect the herbs and seasoning that you will use to prepare the meals later. Then you will learn about the sugar cane process and taste 3 delicious products, Sugar cane juice, and small pieces of sugar cane. After this demonstration, you will proceed to prepare the typical Costa Rican meal. On the menu tortillas, vegetables, meat choices, and other delightful options. Once the meal is ready, you'll get to share it family-style. ~2 hours.
Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort (or similar)
Overnight in La Fortuna.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
9:00 am. The coffee tour takes participants on a journey through history. You will learn the importance of coffee in Costa Rica’s past and current economy. You will walk through the farm and factory to see how the bean becomes the rich dark liquid that Costa Ricans love. The famous chocolate tour is next. You will smell and taste different types of chocolate as your Guide explains the cultural history behind the treat. The Guide will also walk you through how the plant goes from seed to pure ground cocoa. ~ 3 hours.
Transfer to Jacó
1:00 pm. Transfer to Jacó.
Croc’s Resort & Casino (or similar)
Overnight in Jacó.
Info
breakfast
7:00 am. Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Guided Tour to Manuel Antonio National Park
9:00 am. Walking trails surrounded by wildlife and lazing on white sandy beaches are options that promise to captivate your senses. The magic of the beach and the greenery of the forest come together in one place and the result is a natural paradise. In addition to beaches, the Park offers a very humid tropical forest where species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction coexist. The area also has a mangrove, marine environments, islands and a lagoon of 14 hectares. Disclaimer: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. ~ 4 hours.
Croc’s Resort & Casino (or similar)
Overnight in Jacó.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Kayaking and Snorkeling
9:00 am. Travel to Agujas beach, where you’ll hop on your kayak and paddle out into the turquoise water. Relax on the sand, and when you’re ready, jump in to snorkel! You’ll be able to see a variety of tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles. Weight limit: Kayaking has a weight limit of 275 pounds. ~ 4 hours.
lunch
12:00 pm. Picnic lunch is included.
dinner
7:30 pm. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.
Croc’s Resort & Casino (or similar)
Overnight in Jacó.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Airport Transfer
2 Airport Transfers: - 06:00 am. - 08:30 am.
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
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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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 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 days or fewer 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.
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.