Blog

Costa Rica Charity Travel Auction

A trip that changes lives: Our dream week in Costa Rica is up for auction – for a good cause

There are trips that stay with you. And there are trips that make a difference far beyond your own vacation. This is exactly the kind of trip we are giving away – not just to an individual guest, but for a greater purpose.

Stéphane Dähler, owner of Swiss Tropical and Rotarian in the Rotary Club Belén, has donated a complete Costa Rica trip for two people worth USD 3,500. This trip will be auctioned in the USA. The entire proceeds – 100% – will benefit the wheelchair initiative, which we are implementing together with the Rotary Club of Denton, the responsible Rotary District, and the Wheelchair Foundation.

Because we are convinced: Solidarity knows no borders. And the most beautiful way to travel is when someone else wins too.

This auction is a rare opportunity: You secure a carefully planned dream trip through one of the happiest and most biodiverse countries in the world – and at the same time, you transform your bid into real mobility for people who are currently waiting for it. A win that counts double.

What this project is about

The goal is as simple as it is moving: People with disabilities throughout Costa Rica are to receive wheelchairs in May 2027.

A wheelchair means much more than mobility. It means independence, dignity, and new opportunities – for those affected as well as for their families. Every franc, every dollar bid is invested directly into this humanitarian goal.

What is particularly beautiful about this: Here, the beneficiary country itself is actively giving back. From the destination country Costa Rica, we are helping to make this international Rotary project a reality. When Rotary collaborates across national borders, the commitment unfolds a significantly greater and more far-reaching impact.

For us, this commitment is not an isolated case, but part of our core identity. For us, responsible tourism means that travel strengthens people and regions. You can find out more about how we are committed to social responsibility and the environment on our website. And our article on accessible travel in Costa Rica, for example, shows how individually trips in Costa Rica can be planned – a topic closely linked to the spirit of this project.

What you can win: A week in Costa Rica

The lucky highest bidder will receive a carefully curated round trip for two people through the most beautiful regions of Costa Rica.

Included in the package are:

• Airport transfer upon arrival
• 6 nights in selected hotels
• Rental car for the self-drive part of the trip
• Visit to a first-class coffee tour
• Visit to the pineapple farm
• The Tortuguero National Park experience
• An unforgettable Costa Rica adventure

The itinerary leads from a warm welcome in San José, to a coffee tour from bean to cup, through the legendary canals of Tortuguero National Park with its spectacular wildlife, onwards to Sarapiquí, and finally to the pineapple farm of Stéphane Dähler, member of the Rotary Club Belén, where sustainable farming and fresh tropical fruits await the guests.

Imagine: You are standing in the morning mist of a national park, hearing the roar of howler monkeys for the first time, gliding silently in a boat through the canals of Tortuguero and observing sloths, toucans, and caimans in their natural environment. You drive your own rental car through green valleys, stop wherever you please, and end the evening in a jungle ambiance with tropical fruits. And in between: a cup of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee – right where it grows. During a visit to a coffee plantation, you will learn how the coffee cherry becomes a true gourmet product bean by bean, and taste the fine aromas for which Costa Rica is known worldwide.

Exactly these moments – freedom, nature, and the famous “Pura Vida” – await the winner of this auction. Anyone looking for inspiration for other routes will find numerous ideas in our round trips.

Good to know

The trip is valid for two people. The international flight is not included. The trip is not available during the Christmas and New Year period or during Holy Week (Easter week); all other travel dates can be booked subject to availability. Early reservation is highly recommended.

Important for all bidders: Swiss Tropical Tourism does not receive any payment from this auction. The winning amount will be paid directly via the official donation link of the Wheelchair Foundation for the Costa Rica wheelchair project. This ensures that 100% of your bid benefits the humanitarian project.

Auction Dates

The auction opens on Sunday, July 26th, and remains active until August 15th.

At the end, Karen McDaniels and Stéphane Dähler will announce the official highest bid. For this special occasion, Stéphane is traveling personally to Denton, Texas, to be present for the announcement and to further strengthen this international partnership in the service of good.

Bid and change lives

By participating in this travel auction, you directly support an international humanitarian Rotary project that gives mobility, dignity, and hope to people with disabilities in Costa Rica.

You win an unforgettable trip. And at the same time, you give another person a piece of freedom. Two people experience Costa Rica – and many people get their independence back as a result. Rarely has a bid been worth so much.

It is the perfect idea for anyone who has always dreamed of Costa Rica, for a special gift to two loved ones, or for anyone who wants to make a lasting impact with their contribution. 100% of the amount goes to the Wheelchair Foundation – without detours.

How to participate

The auction runs from Sunday, July 26th, to August 15th. Don’t miss this chance: Save the dates, place your bid, and share this post with friends, family, and anyone who loves Costa Rica or wants to do good. The more people bid, the greater the impact for the wheelchair project.

Do you have questions about the trip, travel dates, or would you like to plan your own Costa Rica dream? Contact us – we will be happy to advise you personally and put together your tailor-made dream trip.

Thank you for your generosity – and good luck bidding.

Together we can change lives.