Blake Moynes
SOSA Founder and Storyteller
Core: Sept 6 - 11
Extended: Sept 11 - 15
Core: 6 days, 5 nights
Extended: 4 days, 4 nights
Group Size
12
Activity Level
Moderate
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and this immersive SOSA Experience places you alongside the people working to protect it. Journey along the Caribbean coast as you track wild sloths with researchers, search for rare amphibians on night expeditions, and learn from Indigenous community leaders about the deep cultural connection between land, wildlife, and conservation.
Along the way, you’ll explore vibrant ecosystems and gain a firsthand look at the science, community partnerships, and fieldwork shaping the future of wildlife protection. For those wanting to go further, an extended expedition continues into a remote rainforest reserve to participate directly in wildlife research.
Because when you travel with SOSA, you travel with experts.
SOSA Founder and Storyteller
SOSA Videographer
Sloth Conservation Foundation Founder
about
The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to the research and protection of wild sloths. They track sloths across rainforest habitats to study behavior, ecology, and survival, while implementing innovative solutions like Sloth Crossing canopy bridges to keep them safe from urban hazards. Through habitat restoration, community engagement, and educational programs, SloCo is working to ensure sloths thrive in a rapidly changing world.
about
Ecology Project International (EPI) is a global conservation nonprofit that engages people in real scientific research and community-focused environmental stewardship. With over 35 years of impact, EPI blends rigorous field science with immersive education to advance conservation outcomes and empower future environmental leaders.
Pacuare Reserve has become a sanctuary for thousands of animal and plant species, including at least six Central American feline species (such as jaguar, ocelot, and margay), three of the four primate species found in Costa Rica (white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys) and over 200 bird species, including the elusive agami heron.
In Costa Rica, their work includes primate and predator monitoring, checking camera traps to study biodiversity, and supporting sea turtle conservation through nest monitoring and potential releases. By participating in their programs, guests become part of active research teams, gaining hands-on experience in field science while contributing to meaningful, long‑term conservation efforts.
VISIT EPI'S WEBSITE
Limón & Puerto Viejo (core) → Pacuare Reserve & San José (extended)
Get hands-on with the world’s leading sloth researchers! Track wild sloths, learn field techniques, and see how SloCo protects these iconic rainforest residents.
Explore the rainforest after dark and encounter elusive frogs and other amphibians, learning about their fascinating behaviors and the threats they face.
Connect with local Indigenous communities, plant native trees, and discover how traditional knowledge supports habitat restoration and wildlife conservation.
Step into the field at the Pacuare Reserve to monitor primates and their predators, check camera traps, and assist with sea turtle releases, experiencing firsthand how science drives real-world impact.
Limón, Costa Rica
Optional add-on experiences (e.g., rainforest zipline tour or boat excursion)
Sept 6–7
Touch down in Limón and settle into your rainforest surroundings. After orientation and a welcome dinner, explore nearby beaches or local sights. As night falls, venture into the jungle on an amphibian night walk, discovering Costa Rica’s rare frogs and learning about the delicate rainforest ecosystem. Optional excursions like canopy tours or a boat ride offer even more ways to connect with nature.
Sept 8–10
Head to Puerto Viejo and dive into hands-on conservation with the Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo). Track sloths in forest and urban environments, learn field techniques, and see how researchers protect these iconic rainforest residents. Visit a Bribri Indigenous community, plant native trees, enjoy a traditional lunch, and explore how Indigenous knowledge supports habitat restoration. End this section with a farewell dinner with the SloCo team, celebrating your immersive conservation experience.
Sept 11–14
Begin the extended adventure at Pacuare Reserve with Ecology Project International (EPI). Participate in primate and predator monitoring, learn camera trap conservation techniques, and assist with sea turtle nest exhumation and hatchling releases. Hike lush forest trails, float through jungle canals by boat, engage in community programs, and experience the daily rhythm of field research, from sunrise birdwatching to evening wildlife walks. Every day offers hands-on experiences that contribute directly to conservation efforts.
Sept 15
Photo credit: Alberto Font/The Tico Times
Wrap up your Costa Rica journey in San José, enjoying Independence Day festivities and reflecting on your rainforest adventures. Depart for your flights home with memories, knowledge, and the satisfaction of having made a real difference in wildlife conservation.
Every SOSA expedition supports conservation work on the ground. On this journey, guests will help fund GPS tracking collars used by the Sloth Conservation Foundation to monitor wild sloths across fragmented rainforest landscapes. These collars allow researchers to track sloth movements over time, revealing how they navigate urbanization and helping guide solutions like canopy bridges and habitat restoration.
Fun fact: Tracking collars also support global sloth education through Fahlo’s sloth bracelets! All sloth bracelet proceeds go directly back to the Sloth Conservation Foundation. You can connect to SloCo sloths through this awesome initiative!
Your participation also supports broader wildlife conservation in Costa Rica. Through our extended programming with Ecology Project International, the expedition contributes to long-term research and protection efforts that help safeguard the country’s remarkable rainforest biodiversity.
If you have questions about SOSA experiences or, visit our FAQ Page - and if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, send us a message by filling out our experience inquiry form!
Please note daily schedules and activities are likely to change dates and times due to the nature of working with wildlife, weather and operations. While we strive to offer an unforgettable wildlife experience, sightings of specific animals or species are subject to their natural behaviors and cannot be guaranteed. Animal placement, veterinary medical emergencies, and program schedules can potentially cause delays or conflicts in schedule. SOSA will do its absolute best to make sure you are able to participate in this category.