Costa Rica is a small country with an extraordinary natural richness. Rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and tropical beaches create a landscape full of life and color. It is home to sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, tree frogs, orchids, and thousands of other species, making it one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
This natural treasure is precious, yet biodiversity everywhere remains vulnerable to deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss. Costa Rica has become a symbol of conservation, showing how nature can be protected and celebrated.
For artists, Costa Rica is pure inspiration: vibrant greens, exotic wildlife, misty forests, and the energy of tropical light. To paint and draw Costa Rica is to capture the harmony between beauty and nature.
International Animal Rescue Costa Rica is dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of vulnerable animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term conservation efforts. Working in Costa Rica’s rich but fragile ecosystems, the organization focuses on helping injured, abused, and displaced wildlife while promoting coexistence between people, animals, and nature. Their mission combines immediate animal care with education and sustainable community engagement to create lasting impact.
In practice, this means combining:
• Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation (emergency response, veterinary treatment, rewilding)
• Conservation efforts (protecting habitats and supporting biodiversity)
• Community education and outreach (raising awareness about wildlife protection and humane practices)
• Long-term sustainability initiatives that support both animal welfare and environmental preservation.
Each day is thoughtfully designed to blend artistic practice, collaboration, and impact:
Your adventure begins with an international flight to San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica.
Upon arrival, a representative of our local partner will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in the city. As you drive through the green suburbs into the lively center, you’ll get your first glimpse of Costa Rica’s unique atmosphere, where colonial architecture, tropical gardens, and bustling streets blend together.
After checking in, you can relax, enjoy your first Costa Rican meal, and prepare for an inspiring week ahead.
Overnight in San José.
After breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of famous Costa Rican coffee, we travel to the peaceful coastal town of Nosara.
Located along the Pacific coast, Nosara is known for its pristine beaches, tropical forests, and laid-back atmosphere. This beautiful location offers the perfect environment to slow down, reconnect with nature, and begin gathering ideas for your artwork.
Your hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and located close to the beach, making it easy to explore the area, spot monkeys swinging through the trees, and observe colorful tropical birds.
The afternoon is free for sketching, photography, painting, or simply enjoying the tropical surroundings.
Overnight in Nosara.
Today we visit one of the highlights of our journey: the International Animal Rescue Center.
This inspiring organization works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect Costa Rica’s wildlife. Here you’ll learn about the challenges facing animals in the region and witness firsthand the incredible conservation work being done.
For artists, this is a unique opportunity to observe wildlife up close and gather inspiration for future paintings and sketches.
The remainder of the day can be spent creating art, exploring the coastline, or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Nosara.
Overnight in Nosara.
Today we travel inland to the famous cloud forests of Monteverde.
The journey itself is part of the adventure as we wind through mountains, valleys, and spectacular landscapes. Upon arrival in Santa Elena, the gateway to Monteverde, you’ll immediately feel the magic of this mist-covered forest.
You will stay in a remarkable eco-hotel that invests part of its profits into educational projects for local children and young people. The hotel combines modern comfort with sustainable values and features beautiful craftsmanship created by local artisans.
The cool mountain air, dense forests, and mysterious atmosphere make Monteverde one of Costa Rica’s most inspiring destinations for artists.
Overnight in Santa Elena.
This morning we explore the enchanting Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve with an experienced naturalist guide.
Walking beneath giant trees draped in orchids, mosses, and ferns feels like entering another world. The ever-present mist creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere that artists will find impossible to resist.
In the afternoon we visit a special wildlife sanctuary where you’ll encounter one of Costa Rica’s most beloved animals: the sloth.
The excursion also includes tropical butterfly gardens, reptile and amphibian exhibits, and hanging bridges high above the forest floor. Wildlife sightings may include hummingbirds, toucans, frogs, butterflies, and many other rainforest species.
This is a day full of inspiration, color, texture, and unforgettable encounters with nature.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Today we continue to La Fortuna, home of the iconic Arenal Volcano.
The scenic drive offers spectacular views across valleys, mountains, and Lake Arenal. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately understand why this region is considered one of Costa Rica’s greatest natural treasures.
Your comfortable hotel offers magnificent views of the volcano, providing endless inspiration for landscape sketches and paintings.
Spend the afternoon exploring the surroundings, visiting waterfalls, enjoying hot springs, or finding the perfect spot to paint one of Costa Rica’s most famous landmarks.
Overnight in La Fortuna.
The excursion also includes tropical butterfly gardens, reptile and amphibian exhibits, and hanging bridges high above the forest floor. Wildlife sightings may include hummingbirds, toucans, frogs, butterflies, and many other rainforest species.
This is a day full of inspiration, color, texture, and unforgettable encounters with nature.
Overnight in Monteverde.
Today we visit Proyecto Asis, a respected wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center dedicated to protecting Costa Rica’s native animals.
During a guided tour you’ll meet rescued monkeys, parrots, and other wildlife, each with their own remarkable story. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute through hands-on volunteer activities, helping prepare food or enrichment materials for the animals.
One of the most memorable moments is the walk through the private nature reserve, where we may spot wild sloths living freely among the treetops.
For artists, this day provides extraordinary opportunities to connect with nature and create meaningful work inspired by conservation.
Overnight in La Fortuna.
After breakfast we travel back to San José, bringing our Costa Rica Art Week to a close
** Accommodations
** Meals : breakfast, lunch and dinner
** All the transfers from and to the airport
** A Grand Starex car with driver and fuel during the tour
** English-speaking tour guide
** All visits and activities mentioned in the program
– Visa fees
– Extra Meals & Drinks
– Tips and Gratuities
– Travel insurance
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and meaningful experience.
To reserve your seat:
This journey is open to artists of all levels who want to create with purpose and contribute to real impact. As we like to create as much donation as possible for Animal Neighbours Project we are looking for sellable art.
Price of our complete 8-day art week in Costa Rica is €2850,-
Have questions or want to apply?
Reach out to us:
We’re happy to help you prepare for this unique experience.
We’re here to help you prepare for this unforgettable experience.
