September 1-10 2025 Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
Availability: September 1-10, 2025
Cost: $5,999 single room or $5,499 double shared accommodations.
Includes: White glove experience with all meals included, beautiful and comfortable accommodations throughout, private transportation, art classes and supplies with Matt Patterson, airport pickup & dropoff, all tours, activities.
Duration: 9 nights, 10 days
Maximum number of guests: 12
Trip Leader & Guide: Ignacio Oreamuno
Special Guest & Guide: Matt Patterson
Driver: Javier Solano
Transportation: Private Deluxe Bus “The DreamMachine”
Questions? ignacio@thedreamcatchers.co
Embark on a 10-day immersive adventure along Costa Rica’s lush Caribbean coastline, where the rhythms of nature will guide us each day as we chase the turtle dream deep into the heart of paradise. This journey is a harmonious blend of wildlife exploration, artistic expression, and cultural connection.
Led by Dreamcatchers founder and guide Ignacio Oreamuno and renowned wildlife illustrator Matt Patterson—known for his work on The Book of Turtles and Of Time and Turtles—you’ll delve deep into the world of turtles and the rich biodiversity of the region. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting under the stars, discover vibrant amphibians and reptiles in their natural habitats, and gain insights into a country that has dedicated itself to the conservation of nature.
“This was magic. This was life-changing. I didn’t want it to end.”
Each day brings its own kind of adventure—sometimes wild, sometimes quiet, always meaningful. We’ll explore the Caribbean coast in all its richness: its turtles, reptiles, amphibians, forests, food, culture, and people. Along the way, there will be time to rest, to reflect, and to create. Matt Patterson will be offering the group art sessions during the week, inviting you to engage with the natural world in a new way—but this isn’t an art retreat. It’s a full-spectrum experience: part exploration, part inspiration, part something you can’t quite name until you’re living it.
This all-inclusive experience ensures comfort and ease, with accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities thoughtfully arranged. With a maximum of 12 guests, the trip promises an intimate setting for personal growth, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
Special Guest and Turtle Expert
Matt Patterson
Our trip co-leader and special guest will be turtle expert and world-class illustrator Matt Patterson.
About Matt Patterson: There’s almost no distance Matt won’t go, almost nothing he won’t do, to learn all he can about his subjects and make his paintings of wild animals as accurate and lifelike as possible. He’s caught alligators with his bare hands from a kayak. He has pulled giant snapping turtles out of Boston’s muddy river, worked with the Turtle Survival Alliance to survey radiated tortoises in Madagascar’s Spiny Forest, and trapped and tagged turtles in the rainforest of Belize.
Unforgettable Adventures:
Costa Rica’s landscapes are ever-changing—lush mountains, misty rainforests, winding coastal roads—and each stretch of the journey offers a visual feast for the senses. But it’s not just the views that make the adventure—it’s how we move through them.
Our carefully selected routes are scenic masterpieces, curated to show you the beauty between destinations. Along the way, we’ll make spontaneous stops at hidden beaches, roadside fruit stands, jungle art studios, and quiet corners of nature that most travelers pass by. These unscripted moments often become the most cherished.
You’ll travel in comfort aboard our spacious, air-conditioned Dreamcatchers van, always stocked with fresh fruit, cold drinks, and snacks to keep you energized. With great music playing and good company around you, even the journey itself becomes part of the magic.
Explore a Breathtaking Display of Biodiversity:
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a living mosaic—humid rainforests, mangroves, and dark, winding riverswhere reptiles and amphibians flourish in astonishing forms.
We’ll move slowly and attentively through these habitats, where nature reveals itself in layers. In the forest understory, red-eyed tree frogs perch like neon brushstrokes, and poison dart frogs flash across the leaf litter. Iguanas lounge above riverbanks, while spectacled caimans linger silently in the shallows.
As night falls, the forest transforms. Glass frogs shimmer on translucent leaves. Snakes—from vine-thin to heavy-bodied—emerge from their hiding places. And the deep, resonant call of the smoky jungle frog echoes through the dark.
This is more than wildlife watching. It’s a direct encounter with a place where biodiversity pulses in every corner—wild, humid, and alive.
Coffee ☕️ Immersion
We’ll see firsthand how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed using sustainable, bird-friendly methods that preserve both the environment and the people who care for the land. You’ll walk the fields with local farmers, feel the texture of ripe coffee cherries, and witness the slow, intentional process that transforms fruit into the aromatic beans we know and love.
Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how this humble crop has shaped Costa Rica’s landscape, culture, and economy—from smallholder farms in the highlands to community-run cooperatives that have passed down traditions for generations. Coffee here isn’t just a beverage; it’s a way of life, a connector of people, and a symbol of balance between nature and livelihood.
And of course, you’ll taste it—fresh, local, and deeply rooted in place—perhaps brewed by the very hands that grew it. It’s not just coffee. It’s a story in every cup.
Up-Close Encounters!
Get ready for incredible reptile and amphibian photography opportunities! Our guides will position you for stunning views of nesting sea turtles, iguanas basking in the sun, and beautiful tree frogs camouflaged amongst the foliage.
Remote places
Let’s step off the beaten path—far from the crowds, deeper into the wild. We’ll visit remote coastal stretches, hidden reserves, and quiet villages where time slows down and the natural world feels close and alive. These are the kinds of places you don’t stumble upon—they’re chosen with intention, where the stars shine brighter, the air feels softer, and every moment invites presence. It’s in these quiet corners of Costa Rica that the real magic unfolds.
Relaxation & Camaraderie
Unwind after a day of exploration in comfortable, unique accommodations. Savor delicious, authentic Costa Rican cuisine and connect with fellow reptile enthusiasts, sharing experiences and forging new friendships.
“Ignacio read my mind and gave me an experience that not only changed my perspective but made me realize how wonderfully spontaneous life can still be.”
Paint nature in nature with Matt Patterson
Enjoy painting while immersed in the beautiful scenery of Costa Rica. Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, Matt will expertly guide you as you do your own unique watercolor painting and learn to capture the beautiful wildlife of Costa Rica.
Matt is a member of Artists For Conservation and is a Fellow in The Explorer’s Club. He is the illustrator for the NY Times bestselling book OF TIME AND TURTLES and the national award-winning book, THE BOOK OF TURTLES. His work has been featured in Yankee Magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur and has won numerous awards including twice winning the Roger Tory Peterson Wild American Art award and two National Outdoor Book Awards. He lives with his wife, Erin; their two dogs, two cats, two snakes and thirteen turtles. 👩🏻🤝👨🏼🐶🐶🐈🐈🐍🐍🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢
Expert Herpetological Guidance:
Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the most biodiverse regions, assisting you in spotting a variety of animals, from basking lizards to colorful tree frogs, to hidden turtles and even the occasional venomous snake (don't worry, from a safe distance!). We'll venture beyond typical tourist spots, uncovering secluded locations full of amazing Costa Rican biodiversity.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Fully unwind and embrace the Costa Rican tranquility.
You’ll rest deeply in handpicked lodges—comfortable, beautiful, and surrounded by nature—where the sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and distant ocean waves replace the noise of everyday life.
Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in spa treatments and therapeutic massages, offering you time to restore your body and mind. Whether it’s a quiet moment on a hammock, a gentle stretch by the sea, or a coconut water in hand as the sun goes down—wellness isn’t something you schedule here. It’s built into the rhythm of the days.
And if you’re curious or into yoga, sound healing, or Qigong we’ll have opportunities to incorporate practices like these into our time.
This is travel as nourishment. A chance to move slowly, breathe deeply, and return home not just inspired—but rebalanced and restored.
Your smile is our compass
This journey is designed with your joy in mind—balancing guided adventures with plenty of space to breathe, rest, and wander. You’ll have time to explore vibrant ecosystems, unwind in nature’s embrace, and experience the quiet thrill of encountering Costa Rica’s extraordinary reptiles and amphibians. Expect to fall in love—with the land, the creatures, and the feeling of being fully present in a place that still pulses with wild magic.
“We were cared for every step of the way. It was thoughtful, intentional, and it just felt… right.”
Unforgettable Experiences
We curate surprise-and-delight moments, from discovering hidden waterfalls to encountering friendly locals and savoring incredible food.
“The spontaneity was the best part. We didn’t always know what was coming, but every day felt meaningful.”
Culinary Delights
Savor fresh, authentic Costa Rican meals prepared with love and local ingredients. From just-caught seafood on the coast to homemade tortillas in the highlands, each dish is a window into the region’s culture and traditions. We’ll enjoy long, relaxed meals together—sharing stories over tropical fruit breakfasts, slow lunches under the trees, and candlelit dinners rich with flavor and connection.
“To be able to turn it all over to someone else to say these are what you’re going to be doing and experience and relax and enjoy and no pressure on you... it took a day for me to actually let myself become that person to relax and to let it go and enjoy and not worry about a single thing which is incredible.”
Explore Protected Areas:
Delve into Costa Rica’s stunning national parks and hidden biological reserves—places where the wild still leads. We’ll walk quiet jungle trails, cross misty lowland forests, and witness the remarkable biodiversity that thrives in these protected habitats. From ancient sea turtle nesting beaches to frog-filled wetlands and lush primary forests, each landscape offers a chance to encounter rare wildlife, learn from local experts, and deepen your connection to the natural world. These are not just visits—they’re intimate encounters with living ecosystems.
“It’s a journey both internal and external, which is super awesome. You don’t get that opportunity in your day-to-day life or even if you’re traveling.”
Local Interactions: Meet and interact with inspiring local artisans.
Along the Caribbean coast, creativity and tradition flow as naturally as the rivers and tides. During our journey, you’ll have the chance to spend time with local artisans—woodcarvers, basket weavers, cacao growers, and painters—each carrying forward a craft shaped by generations and place.
These aren’t staged encounters. You’ll step into open workshops, home studios, and community spaces where art is made slowly, by hand, and with intention. You might learn how natural dyes are sourced from forest plants, how masks are carved for local festivals, or how chocolate is still made the traditional way—from bean to bar.
These moments offer more than souvenirs. They’re windows into living culture, built on resilience, creativity, and deep connection to the land. Every conversation, every shared story, adds another layer to your experience—personal, grounded, and unforgettable.
Unique Accommodations: Relax in comfortable and unique lodgings.
Our stays are chosen with care—comfortable, boutique, character-rich lodges that reflect the landscape and culture of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. You might sleep in a deluxe bungalow tucked into the rainforest, surrounded by the sounds of frogs and flowing water, or wake up to the smell of sea air in a coastal ecolodge just steps from the beach. Each place offers a different kind of charm—locally owned, thoughtfully designed, and deeply connected to its surroundings. It’s comfort without excess, with just enough wildness to remind you where you are. Our aim is to take you to places that will inspire and nourish you.
Explore Wellness
Throughout the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore unique approaches to wellness woven into the natural rhythm of our days. From yoga and meditation to sound healing and other restorative practices, these sessions are offered in beautiful, grounded settings—always optional, never forced. Whether you’re curious or experienced, this is a chance to reconnect with your body, quiet the mind, and experience healing in a setting where nature holds the space.
Expert Guidance
Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by experienced, deeply knowledgeable guides who know these landscapes not just as professionals—but as home. Their insight goes far beyond field facts; they share stories, identify subtle signs in the forest, and help you see what most travelers miss. Whether you’re spotting a rare frog camouflaged on a leaf, learning about local conservation efforts, or simply asking questions around the dinner table, their presence adds richness to every moment.
This is guidance rooted in care and curiosity—attuned to both the natural world and the unique rhythm of the group. You’ll feel supported, informed, and inspired to go deeper—not just into the wild, but into the meaning behind what you see.
Reconnect to Nature
This journey is an invitation to step out of the noise and return to something older, quieter, and more essential. Surrounded by rainforests, rivers, and coastline, you’ll have the space to slow down and truly listen—to the calls of howler monkeys at dawn, the hush of leaves in the wind, the rhythm of waves on black-sand beaches.
Majestic Beaches
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast offers beaches that feel untouched by time—wild, quiet, and alive with natural beauty. These are not crowded resorts or polished boardwalks. They’re stretches of black and golden sand, backed by palm forests and lined with driftwood and tide pools, where you can walk for miles and see more hermit crabs and shorebirds than people.
Some mornings, the beach is wrapped in mist and the only sound is the rhythmic pull of the sea. In the heat of the afternoon, you might find a hidden cove where the jungle meets the shoreline and the waves curl in slow, steady sets. And at day’s end, sunsets cast long shadows and turn the sky to fire.
Whether you’re swimming, walking barefoot, or just sitting still, these beaches offer more than scenery—they offer space. Space to breathe, to let go, and to feel the wild edge of the world.
More Highlights
Travel Like a Local: Discover unique natural wonders and hidden secrets beyond the tourist trail.
Scenic Drives: Witness breathtaking landscapes that will inspire awe.
Comfy Transportation: Travel in air-conditioned comfort.
Diverse Microclimates: Explore a variety of habitats teeming with life.
Cultural Insight: Learn about Costa Rica’s history, values, and conservation efforts through local voices and lived experience.
“Every time we would have a wonderful experience... I thought how are they going to top this one and I kept saying that every day and you came through all the way through to the end it was really good.”
The Dreamcatchers Blind Itinerary Experience
When you travel with The Dreamcatchers, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a unique adventurewhere the itinerary is a secret, revealed to you gradually each day. This element of surprise allows you to truly disconnect, let go of expectations, and immerse yourself in the present moment.
On a Dreamcatchers journey, all your needs are taken care of, and we’ll travel in comfort as the natural beauty of Costa Rica unveils day by day. Imagine waking up each morning with a sense of anticipation, ready to discover the wonders that await. Every moment is a chance for unexpected joy.
A Dreamcatchers trip is more than just sightseeing; it’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Let go of control, embrace the unknown, and discover the magic that unfolds on this extraordinary journey.
Let go and feel The Dreamcatchers Experience.
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Testimonials
Ignacio and The Dreamcatchers changed my life. I was in a rut and needed something to wake me up out of my funk. Ignacio read my mind and gave me an experience that not only changed my perspective but made me realize how wonderfully spontaneous life can still be. The trip made me more open to new experiences, more optimistic about people and simply more happy the weeks and months that followed. Do yourself a favor and call The Dreamcatchers.
David, 2018
Availability: September 1-10, 2025
Cost: $5,999 single room or $5,499 double shared accommodations.
Includes: White glove experience with all meals included, beautiful and comfortable accommodations throughout, private transportation, art classes and supplies with Matt Patterson, airport pickup & dropoff, all tours, activities.
Duration: 9 nights, 10 days
Maximum number of guests: 12
Trip Leader & Guide: Ignacio Oreamuno
Driver: Javier Solano
Transportation: Private Deluxe Bus “The DreamMachine”
Questions? ignacio@thedreamcatchers.co
THE TEAM
Ignacio Oreamuno - The Dreamatcher / Trip Leader
Matt Patterson - award-winning illustrator & guide
Javier Solano is our professional driver.
Photo by Phil Brown
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should come on this trip?
Coffee & Turtles in Paradise is designed for adventurous travelers of any age who love comfortably exploring the beauty of nature, meeting new people, and enjoying delicious food while experiencing one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
This trip is ideal for anyone seeking a true insider’s look at Costa Rica’s ecological wonders, culture, and cuisine. It will be especially geared toward discovering the country’s astonishing diversity of herpetofauna—frogs, snakes, lizards, and more—across a variety of ecosystems. We’ll also visit bird-friendly coffee farms and encounter all kinds of wildlife, from colorful birds to elusive mammals.
What level of physical activity is required for this Dreamcatchers trip?
Immerse yourself in the natural world at a pace that enhances your experience—not tests your endurance. Our walks are relaxed, with plenty of breaks to take in the surroundings. A basic level of fitness is helpful, but all activities are optional. We believe the best way to connect with nature is by moving slowly enough to truly notice it.
Is there free time?
Yes. The rhythm of the trip allows for free time each day to relax, nap, call home, or simply be. We take great care not to overbook the schedule, so you’ll always have time to yourself—if that’s what you’re looking for.
I have food and dietary restrictions, am I going to be ok?
Yes. Before the trip, we’ll collect your dietary needs and preferences, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them throughout the journey.
Will I be able to connect with my phone?
Yes. Costa Rica has a strong mobile network, and most phones will have coverage—even in some of the more remote areas we visit. Most of our accommodations will also offer Wi-Fi. You can expect to stay connected most of the time.
Do I need to know Spanish?
Not at all. You’ll be traveling with bilingual guides fluent in both English and Spanish. Plus, many locals in Costa Rica speak English. By the end of the trip, though, don’t be surprised if you’ve picked up a few new words.
Pipa = Coconut in Costa Rica. Vamos a tomar muchas pipas frías en la playa! (We’re going to drink a lot of cold coconut water at the beach!)
What is our transportation like?
We’ll travel in the deluxe Dreamcatchers bus—aka The DreamMachine—complete with spacious, comfortable seating, air conditioning, great music, snacks, and our full-time professional driver, Javier.
We drive at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for coffee (of course), snacks, and bathroom breaks.
What kind of gear do I need for this trip?
Before the trip, we’ll send you a detailed gear list specific to this journey. It’ll be clear, straightforward, and tailored to make sure you pack just right—not too much, not too little.
What is your all-inclusive policy?
We aim to minimize how often you need to reach for your wallet. The trip fee includes all accommodations, meals, entrance fees, tours, activities, snacks, fresh fruit, and water throughout the journey.
What is not included?
Tips Alcoholic beverages Items of personal nature Flights to and from Costa Rica. We also strongly recommend arriving a day or two before the trip begins. Any extra hotel nights and meals during that time are your responsibility.
What happens when I arrive in Costa Rica?
We’ll be there to welcome you at the airport and whisk you into the experience. At the end of the trip, we’ll personally bring you back to the airport. From start to finish, you’ll be well taken care of.
What's the weather like?
Temperatures will vary depending on location—from around 88°F (31°C) on the beach to a cool 65°F (18°C) in the highlands. Expect humid warmth in the lowland rainforest and refreshing breezes in the mountains.