San José, Costa Rica — May 7 - 16, 2027
Costa Rica - Playing With Mother Nature
A joyful Mother’s Day offering inviting women into the freedom of play, presence, and gentle renewal together — see play as healing!
This is Costa Rica through the lens of women gathering.
Removed from roles and responsibilities,
we step into a space where play is not indulgent — it is healing.
Where wonder is not childish — it is wisdom remembered.
Trip Overview
From lush jungle canopies alive with birdsong and hidden waterfalls, to misty cloud forests and sun-warmed Pacific shores, Costa Rica invites us into a world where nature is not something we visit, but something we belong to.
Together, we’ll move through vibrant villages, women-led spaces, and intimate homestays, experiencing the country not as observers, but as welcomed guests.
Whether soaking in volcanic hot springs, sharing meals with local families, or crossing hanging bridges high in the forest canopy, each moment is an invitation to reconnect with the land, with others, and with ourselves.
Many of us may have experienced Costa Rica before, either on a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a fast-paced adventure.
But when we gather as women, something shifts. There is space to soften, to open, to laugh more freely, and to play!
Held over Mother’s Day, this journey invites us to explore not only how we’ve been mothered, but how we nurture ourselves and one another. Inspired by the novel The Little Prince, we will rediscover childlike wonder, imagination, and trust.
You’ll leave not only with unforgettable memories of Costa Rica’s beauty, but with a renewed sense of joy, connection, and permission to live more lightly and fully.
2027 Itinerary
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![A woman with gray and black curly hair sitting in a hammock outdoors, using a laptop, with a background of greenery and flowers.]()
Pre-Trip: Begin the journey before we even depart.
We will host an online Welcome Call to connect and set intentions and a second call exploring the novel The Little Prince and the themes we’ll carry with us, as well as the sisterhood and culture that we’ll immerse ourselves in.
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![Night scene at an outdoor restaurant or bar with string lights, tropical plants, and a thatched roof. People are standing and sitting around tables, with chairs and lounge chairs nearby. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed.]()
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Arrive in San José. Gather at 4PM for welcome and opening dinner at an historic family-owned boutique hotel and restaurant. (D)
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![Group of women sitting on a boat with hills in the background, some wearing life jackets, sunglasses, and hats, on a sunny day.]()
Day 2: Into the Heart of Community
Leave the city behind for a rural homestay community in the highlands. Visit a women-run farm, take a gentle hike to dip in the community waterfall and cook Costa Rican traditional food with the local women. (B,D)
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![Colorful kayaks are lined up on the sandy beach, with some boats floating on calm water near a rocky shore, and two people standing in the water, all under a clear blue sky.]()
Day 3: Mother’s Day Celebration
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Costa Rican traditions. Share stories of the women who have shaped us, and explore what it means to “mother” ourselves—with joy, play, and permission. Learn to salsa dance and get groovy alongside our new friends. (B,L,D)
“You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.” -
![A woman with gray hair sitting in a boat on turquoise water, watching another boat pass by with mountains in the background under a bright blue sky.]()
Day 4: Rest & Renewal in Nature
Float a stunning turquoise river, then soak the evening away in volcanic hot springs surrounded by lush forest. Awaken curiosity with the unexpected discoveries of a gentle night hike through the jungle. (B)
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![Group of women wearing colorful flower crowns in an outdoor setting at night, smiling and posing together.]()
Day 5: Journey to the Cloud Forest
Travel by land and boat across Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloud Forest – a living museum of biodiversity and home to the resplendent Quetzal. Settle into an historic family-owned luxury lodge amongst the treetops. (B,D)
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![A group of people gathered on a covered outdoor terrace with a thatched roof, sitting in a semi-circle, listening to a woman standing and speaking. The area has a fire extinguisher, a sign promoting social distancing, and potted plants. Some attendees are taking notes or using phones, with lush green trees visible in the background.]()
Day 6: Forest Immersion Experience
Climb an ancient ficus tree, hang upside down like a bat, cross bridges through the vibrant canopy, listen and look for wildlife. Free your soul through the natural joy of the forest and its melodies in today’s total forest immersion. (B,L)
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![Assorted tropical fruits on green banana leaves, including sliced dragon fruit, whole rambutans with white flesh showing, chopped mango, and peeled mangosteens, with a wooden fork resting on the leaves.]()
Day 7: The Joy of Stillness
Bask in all that our luxury surroundings offer, from riding horses, mixing farm-fresh mocktails, morning yoga on the deck, a jaunt into town, or soaking with a breathtaking view. (B,L)
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![Multiple yellow kayaks with people paddling near a lush green island surrounded by blue water under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Day 8: From Forest to Sea
Emerge from the cloud forest toward the Pacific coast to cruise crystal waters in an collaborative outrigger canoe experience. Continue further south to a boho beach retreat whose colorful cottages welcome us with comfort and charm – a perfect place for walks on the chocolate sand beach and sumptuous sunsets. (B, D)
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![Two women riding horses along a beach with the ocean on their left and a green hillside on their right under a blue sky.]()
Day 9: Play & Celebration
Enjoy a free morning for optional activities – yoga, surfing, horseback riding on the beach or visiting the nearby national park. Join together this afternoon for a heart-opening cacao ceremony and celebratory final dinner gathering.
“And now here is my secret… it is only with the heart that one can see rightly.”
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![Lush green hillside landscape with dense trees, cultivated patches, and scattered banana plants under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Day 10: Departure Day
Allow for 2.5 hours to get to the airport, and plan to arrive 3 hours prior to your flight. Night flights are preferable to allow us to coordinate one shared departure. (B)
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![People standing on wet sand, with seashells in the center, as seen from above.]()
Continued Community
After returning home, we host a virtual reunion gathering—a space to reflect, integrate, and share highlights from your journey.
The connection doesn’t end there. You’re invited to continue the joy, support, and inspiration of your fellow travelers through the Honest Heart Community online—a place to stay connected, share insights, and carry the spirit of play and wonder forward.
Trip Highlights
Place & Culture
Experience Costa Rica beyond the surface—through jungle lodges, cloud forests, women-led farms, cacao traditions, and meaningful cultural exchanges rooted in simplicity, community, and connection to nature.
The Inner Journey
Guided by The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, we’ll explore wonder, presence, love, and what truly matters—integrating insights through curated experiences and reflection.
Sisterhood
Form deep bonds within a circle of women as we share stories, celebrate Mother’s Day, and support one another through both playful and profound moments.
The Experience
Let Us Host Your Journey
Honest Heart Journey’s Hosts curate space for both your outer and inner journeys.
This is a journey into play as healing. Through immersive nature experiences, cultural connection, and intentional sisterhood, we explore how to return to a more joyful, present, and trusting way of being.
Our Trip Book
We journey alongside The Little Prince—a poetic, short, and powerful story that invites us to see with the heart, reconnect with wonder, and remember what truly matters.
Activities
Be prepared for moderate activites, including walking, light hiking, swimming, two 3+ hour drives and optional yoga, horseback riding or surfing. Our itinerary is designed with flexibility and choice.
True Immersion
Known for its extraordinary biodiversity, lush landscapes, and the philosophy of pura vida—the pure, simple life—this country offers more than beauty. It offers a way of being. A slower rhythm. A deep reverence for nature, family, and everyday joy. Time in nature that invites presence, not performance, meaningful connection with local women and communities, and experiences that balance exploration with reflection.
Accommodations
Our spaces are as vibrant and authentic as Costa Rica itself. From a boutique woman-owned hotel and rustic rural homestay to treetop eco-lodges and serene beachfront bungalow, each is chosen for comfort, connection, and immersion in the local landscape and culture.
Cuisine
Fresh, local, and shared.—meals that nourish both body and connection. Expect tropical fruits, traditional dishes (rice and beans, meats and vegetables), and shared meals. We can accommodate dietary needs.
Weather
Costa Rica is warm, lush, alive.
Sun, rain, and everything in between.
Typical (70–85°F) with some humidity.
What to Bring
Come prepared for movement, water, and ease—you’ll receive a full guide. Key items include breathable clothing, walking shoes, rain layer, and swimwear.
Your Trip Hosts
Summer Davis
Costa Rica Trip Host
Jennifer Dale
Founder & Trip Host
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All lodging: 1 night boutique woman-owned hotel, 2 nights rustic rural homestay, 4 nights luxury eco-lodges, and 2 nights beachfront bungalows – each place chosen for its unique identity, authenticity, and comfort.
Most meals (9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners)
All included activities (cooking class, salsa dance class, hotsprings entrance, river float, forest immersion experience, artisan co-op visit, outrigger canoe, cacao ceremony)
Private transportation with space for luggage
Experienced tour hosts + local guides
HHJ journal and pen
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Airfare to & from San Jose, Costa Rica
Travel insurance (required emergency/medical)
Travel day meals
Optional activities (yoga, surfing, horseback riding, spa treatment)
Alcohol
Additional expenses, shopping, and gratuities
Costa Rica – Playing with Mother Nature
San José, Costa Rica — May 7 - 16, 2027
Our journeys often fill well in advance due to limited group size, so we highly recommend registering early.
Traveling solo? You're warmly welcomed!
Many guests join us on their own. When selecting double occupancy, we thoughtfully survey and pair roommates based on your preferences and comfort.
Book Your Spot
Double Occupancy
(shared room)
Single Occupancy
(private room)
6495 USD
7990 USD
FAQS
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Reserve your spot through our website, which links you to our WeTravel registration platform. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 180 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card or debit with a flexible payment schedule.
Please keep your WeTravel reservation confirmation email to access your individual account information any time through the ‘Manage Your Booking’ button at the bottom. Everything regarding your trip – guest survey, waiver forms, visa/passport uploads, planning guide, etc. – lives here.
If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time through our Contact page.
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A 50% deposit is due at registration, and balances are due 180 days before departure. If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded no less than a $500 per person service charge. Cancellations that are less than 179 days prior to the departure date will be charged in full. Payment plans are available upon request.
Itineraries are subject to change depending on weather, availability of activities, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, etc. It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing via email to info@honestheartjourneys.com.
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HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of unexpected medical circumstances. We also highly recommend you obtain cancellation insurance.
We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. If you don’t already have your own insurance source, you can now book insurance directly on WeTravel registration platform.
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Once your registration is complete and your trip is paid in full, you’ll receive a detailed Planning Guide designed to support your preparation. This includes:
A complete day-by-day itinerary
A curated packing list tailored to your destination
Hotel and lodging information
Important travel tips and logistics
An introduction to our selected trip book and related resources
Additional materials to help you feel confident and prepared
At this time, we’ll also collect your emergency contact details, travel insurance information, and require signed release forms to ensure your safety and the smooth coordination of our journey together.
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Getting to Costa Rica:
Fly in and out of SJO – Juan Santamaría International Airport (not SJC in San Jose, California).Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before your departure. Your hotel offers airport shuttle service for convenience.
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United States citizens do not need a visa for tourism, typically for stays up to 90 or 180 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay, with at least six months’ validity recommended beyond your arrival. A round-trip or onward ticket is required.
Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that it is valid. Your passport must be:
Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue')
Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the expiration date).
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We curate our gatherings to support deep connection, clarity, and authentic joy within our sisterhood. In service of this, alcohol is not part of our shared group experiences. Guests are always free to make personal choices outside of scheduled activities.
Building Relationships Around the World
Whenever possible, we partner with sustainable and women-led companies who care deeply for their communities and environments. We also support organizations within the regions we visit, fostering relationships that extend beyond a single journey. Together, these connections help cultivate a growing global sisterhood rooted in respect and shared purpose.