Costa Rica Hike and Explore

We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.

Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.

Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable. 

• Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
  • You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
• Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
  • We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
• Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
  • We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
  • The deposit may be credited to a future trip.

View our full cancellation policy.

Yes. Many Wilderness Inquiry participants choose to travel solo, and this adventure is very welcoming to individual travelers. You’ll be part of a small group led by experienced guides, so you’ll never feel like you’re on your own once the trip begins.

If you’re new to traveling solo, this kind of guided trip can be an ideal fit. Your guides handle the logistics, help break the ice with other participants, and create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where it’s easy to connect at your own pace. Many solo travelers appreciate having their own room option when a paid single supplement is available, while others are comfortable with a shared room—details about rooming arrangements are provided in your trip information. If you have questions about what solo travel on this adventure trip will look like for you, our team is happy to talk through options before you book.

We’re happy to talk through your needs and expectations. In some cases, another accessible vacation or different season may be a better match. Our goal is to help you choose a trip where you’ll feel supported, safe, and able to enjoy the experience. If you have additional questions, please reach out—our team is ready to help you plan your Boundary Waters winter adventure.

In general, the trip price includes transportation during the trip, lodging, meals, park entrance fees, scheduled activities, and the services of professional local guides and drivers. You’ll want to budget separately for international airfare, travel insurance, optional tips for guides and lodge staff, beverages beyond standard offerings, and personal items such as souvenirs or extra snacks. A detailed inclusions list is provided with your booking materials so you can see exactly what’s covered on this tour. 

Health preparations can vary based on your home country, personal health history, and current public health guidelines. For international travel, some travelers choose to update routine vaccinations and may discuss additional vaccines or medications with their healthcare provider, depending on the regions they plan to visit and their own risk profile. Wilderness Inquiry will provide general pre‑trip information and resources so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor. We strongly recommend scheduling that appointment well before departure to review any recommended vaccinations, medications, and personal health considerations, and to make a plan that feels right for you.

On this trip you stay in small, locally owned hotels, eco‑lodges, and cabanas that keep you close to the landscapes you came to experience. Rooms are generally simple yet comfortable, with two people per room in most locations. Solo travelers typically have single beds and couples share beds. You can expect basic but welcoming spaces with fresh linens, private or shared bathrooms depending on the property, and shared common areas where you can relax with your trip mates at the end of the day. Single travelers are warmly welcomed. If you are traveling alone, you’ll be matched with a roommate unless you choose to purchase a single supplement for your own room throughout the trip.

This trip is designed for adults who are comfortable on uneven ground for extended periods but do not want a high-altitude expedition or extreme challenge. Most days include 2–5 hours of activity, broken into shorter segments. Most days include walking on uneven surfaces such as dirt trails, sand, roots, rocks, and occasional mud, and there are some stairs and moderate elevation changes in places like cloud forests and coastal trails.

Meals highlight typical Costa Rican fare, including rice, beans, eggs, cheese, fresh fruits, and chicken, fish, or beef. All meals are prepared for you, so you can relax after a day of exploring instead of figuring out where to eat. We’ll enjoy happy hours together, but alcoholic beverages are not included in trip fees.