Sea to Shining Sea Adventure Costa Rica

Day 1 -- Arrive & Drive to Pacific Coast (La Cusinga Ecolodge)

Your naturalist guide and driver will meet you outside the airport and transport you to the Central Pacific. Your final destination will be the La Cusinga Ecolodge. The owner of this ecolodge is a pioneer in conservation in Costa Rica and uses his ecolodge to educate visitors on the importance of living more sustainably. The ecolodge is situated with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean and the famous Marina Ballena National Park of Costa Rica. 

Depending on the time we arrive we will have dinner, journal time, and a short briefing details about the trip.
(Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 -- Zipline & Nature Hike (La Cusinga Ecolodge)

We will get this trip off with a little education and adventure. Just 15 minutes away from the La Cusinga Ecolodge is the Osa Canopy Tour. This is one of our favorite ziplines in all of Costa Rica. The cables are located on a ridge that's a 1,000ft above the Pacific, with marvelous views of the coastline. The cables run through the canopy giving us views of different species of canopy trees and an excellent intro into the surrounding ecosystems.

After the zipline we'll head back to the ecolodge where we will do some nature awareness activities. Here each student will be part of a nature hike through the reserve with their naturalist guide. During the hike do a game designed to keep the kids engaged during this hands-on activity.

In the evening we'll hace a delicious dinner at the ecolodge from the locally grown food. We will also have a short talk on the concept of conservation. Then there will be time to write in our journals and reflect on the first full day of our adventure. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 -- Community Service, Organic Garden Tour, & Hike to Cavern (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Today each student will be tested in working as a team. The idea will be to design and create a compost bin which we will be donating to a school. We'll have the morning to build the bin and work on the lesson for the kids  and then in the afternoon make the presentation at the school. After the school project, we'll make our way to what we consider the most scenic spot in all of Costa Rica--the Diamente Canyon filled with gorgeous waterfalls.

We'll start at what we call the base-camp and from there we'll have 1 1/2 hours of hiking to our final destination -- a spot that is a land of waterfalls. We will make a stop along the way at an organic garden where the kids will get a lesson on different tropical species of fruits along with a boost of energy while trying the different fruits. When we arrive at the waterfalls we will hike behind a 150ft waterfall where you will see the living arrangements. This can be considered camping but not roughing it by any means. Everyone will have a comfortable sleeping area, there are private bathrooms and showers, and also a kitchen and dining area.

Sleeping in the Cavern!

In the evening we will have time to reflect on the day, write in our journals by candle light, and enjoy some time around the campfire. This is truly a magical place to spend the night. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 -- Rappel Waterfall, Hike to Pools, & Sunset atop 600ft Diamante Waterfall (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Today you will wake up to the sound of waterfalls all around. After everyone is up we'll gather for breakfast and go over the days agenda. It is a full day of fun and adventure in the land of the waterfalls. First, we get geared up for our waterfall rappel. Here you will be put to the test of rappelling a 120ft waterfall. This is quite the adrenaline rush when we ask you to walk over the side of a 120ft waterfall. It is one of the most scenic spots from atop the waterfall. After rappelling we will get some lunch and hike to the upper pools where we'll discover more waterfalls. The upper pools are some of the best spots for swimming and jumping off a 15 ft waterfall into the pools.

In the evening we'll hike to the top of the Diamante Waterfall. This is the tallest waterfall in all of Costa Rica and we will be watching the sunset over the Pacific from the top of this phenomenal viewing area.

After the sunset we will enjoy dinner behind the falls, campfire, and some time to reflect about today's adventure.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 -- Travel to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)

We will get an early start today, after breakfast. We will be driving over the tallest mountain range in Costa Rica. This is a unique experience because you will have the chance to see different ecosystems of the tropics as you rise in elevation and drop in a very short amount of time. Probably the most unique ecosystem will be at the top of the mountain range. Here you can see both the Caribbean and Pacific from the same spot. We will also be in an ecosystem that is referred to as the Paramo which is a high altitude ecosystem of the tropical regions that is only found in a few spots of the planet.

After a very scenic drive our final stop will be the rural village of Sitio de Mata. It is here that we have one of our homestay projects. The village is a picturesque village of perfect climate, incredible scenery, and fantastic people. With all the natural beauties in Costa Rica it is the faces of the new friends you will make here in the village of Sitio de Mata that you will remember more than anything.

We will arrive and each student will meet their homestay family. You will get some time to  spend with your family and then in the evening we will all meet up first for some journalling and reflecting. Afterwards there will be a fiesta that you will never forget. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Pacuare Camp

Day 6 -- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Camp)

We will be thanking our homestay families for a very memorable day and a fun fiesta. We will be moving on to the  Pacuare River for some whitewater rafting. National Geographic has this river listed as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet and because of this we think it is worth spending two days on the river. Our first day will be spent on some smaller rapids, hiking to some waterfalls on the river bank, and enjoying a river lunch prepared for you buy your CRR river guides.

We will arrive at camp around 3pm and again this is camping but not roughing it. Our camp has above ground tents, private bathrooms, and is surrounded by virgin tropical rainforest. Our naturalists guides love taking the kids for a night hike and showing them the different critters that come out at night in the rainforest.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 -- Raft Canyon & Travel to Caribbean (Almonds & Corals)

Pacuare Canyon

This is three hours of rafting that you will never forget. Today's section of the Pacuare River not only has the adventurous class IV rapids but it also is the most scenic. Filled with canyons and waterfalls that fall into the river from the side, this is a picturesque run from start to finish. After we take out of the river, we will have lunch and then drive to the Caribbean coast. Here we will be staying at the Almonds & Corals which was voted Costa Rica's top ecolodge in 2010. This is a beautiful place that operates as a sustainalbe ecolodge completely surrounded by lowland tropical rainforest and just steps away from a white-sandy beach.

Here you will wake up to the sound of howler monkeys, see sloths, and literally be part of the rainforest while enjoying a splash of luxury to keep you comfortable. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 -- Nature Hike & Beach Day (Almonds & Corals)

One of our favorite nature hikes in all of Costa Rica is done by the local naturalist guides of the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Here we will have the native Afro-Caribbean guides of Tino and Omar who give you a rich look into their culture and history of being Afro-Caribbean in Costa Rica. They also are expert animal finders in their local reserve and promise to show us a number of different species of flora and fauna of the area. This hike ends on another white sandy beach. Here you can cool off in the water and then we'll teach you to cut up some coconuts.

In the afternoon we will meet back at the Almonds and Corals  and reflect on all the different things we learned and saw today. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 9 -- Time at Beach & Travel to San Jose (La Condesa Hotel)

Never know what you might find?

Today you will get your last few hours at the beach and then we will make the drive back to San Jose.  We will be staying in La Condesa Hotel which is 25 minutes from the San Jose Airport. We will be planning a farewell dinner for this last night so everyone can recap the amazing events of the last 10 days! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 10 -- Fly Home!

Today we will transport you to the SJO  to catch your flight home and start planning a return trip to Costa Rica! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Winsor School Spanish/Culture/Adventure Costa Rica

Day 1 ------ Arrive (San Jose Hotel)

Today we will meet you outside the San Jose Airport. We'll be staying the first night in the San Jose area. We imagine a long day of travel and plan on getting you to the hotel for a dinner, a briefing of the trip and an introduction to the CRR staff.  Then, most importantly a good night's rest. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ------ City Tour of San Jose & Drive to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)

Today after breakfast we'll start our morning walking tour of San Jose. We have a great route we use for this tour which includes some of San Jose's most historic sites, seeing all while learning the history of San Jose. This is an excellent way to get a general idea of Costa Rica and why much of what we will see is the way it is. For example you will learn about the arrival of the Europeans from the coffee boom which developed much of San Jose. You will also see where the railroad was built in the center of San Jose which required a large imported workforce of Afro-Caribbeans. Their descendents now make up the Caribbean population of Costa Rica. We will also learn how these two cultures affected a third culture -- the indigenous population of Costa Rica.

The next eight days will be a combination of all three cultures giving you a chance to see it from all angles, the good and the not so good.

La Basilica de la Virgen de Los Angeles-Cartago

After we walk San Jose and enjoy lunch in a little city-vibe cafe, we will make the two hour drive  to the rural mountains of Costa Rica. This drive will take us to the country's original capital, Cartago. Here we'll do another short walking tour through the Basilica of the Virgin of Los Angeles, Costa Rica's most popular church.  This is a very important area for many locals with some fascinating stories about the church.

We'll continue on to Sitio de Mata in the Turrialba area and get to our homestays around 3pm. Here they will be waiting for us and each girl will be introduced to their homestay family. You will have the afternoon to spend with your family, use your Spanish (no English spoken here) have a delicious dinner, and then we will meet back up for some journal time and reflection on the day. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------ Culture Activities in village of Sitio de Mata (Homestays)

You can sleep-in today even though the sun rises at 5:30am here and the rural roosters are announcing the new day at 5am. This is a full day of fun in the village, getting a chance to make new friends, try new activities, and make the best out of being in place that most people find to be the best part of their trip. Sitio de Mata has breath-taking views of the smoking Turrialba volcano and picturesque scenery from everywhere you look.

Today we'll do various activities such as preparing local dishes, learning Costa Rican dances , playing a soccer game, and doing some other tours around the village like visiting the school. In the evening it will be time for a gathering that you will never forget. The evening fiesta will consist of dancing, great music, and more amazing food! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Rafting Pacuare River

Day 4 ------ Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Lodge Camp)

Today you will say good-bye to your new friends and we'll head to the nearby Pacuare River. This is what National Geographic has listed as one of their top five scenic rivers on the planet. We like it so much we'll stay two days on the river. Yes, we will be camping but we will not be roughing it by any means. Every two girls will have an above ground tent. There are private bathrooms and showers, a large dining area, and a spot to relax on hammocks with views of the river.

Camping Pacuare River

Our first day of rafting will be three hours on small class II rapids. We will take our time viewing the scenery, doing short hikes to waterfalls, and enjoying a river lunch on the bank of the river. In the afternoon we will make it to the camp area around 3pm. We will have some activities planned for the evening and just have a great night around camp listening and sleeping to the sound of the river and jungle.

Before taking rest, we'll do a night hike. This is a great experience, letting the girls experience the wonders of the rainforest and how much of it comes to life at night. After everyone dons head lamps, our naturalist guide will walk you through the trails and take you on a fun and educational hike as he points out all the different critters that come out at night.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Eating Cacao with the Bribri

Day 5 ------ Raft Pacuare & Drive to Bribri Reserve (Indigenous Reserve)

Today we raft the most scenic part of the river with the more adventurous rapids. We will be in the river for around three hours and when we take out we will make the three hour drive to the Bribri Indigenous Reserve. Here we will be staying in a Culture Rescue Center that is beautiful with views of the surrounding Talamanca Mountains. The Culture Rescue Center is complete with thatch roof, wooden floor, giving us a chance to live as the indigenous live.

When we arrive to the Culture Center we'll be welcomed by members of the Bribri Tribe. They share with us the different beliefs of their culture and traditions.  Here we begin to understand some of the good and the bad of what larger companies have done to their land. We will also have some time to reflect on the day and write in our journals as it will be full day from start to finish. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ------ Indigenous Culture & Travel to Caribbean Coast (Almonds & Corals)

After breakfast we are going to go even deeper into the reserve. Today is a bit of an adventure as we will make our way in by boat, going up a river. Our destination will be the conical house which is used by the tribes in traditional rituals. This is a day full of learning and new experiences as we venture deep into these sacred lands.

In the afternoon we'll be leaving the reserve and heading over to the Caribbean Coast. Our final destination is the Almonds & Corals Hotel. This is beautiful hotel where eco-friendly meets luxury. It is located right on the beach and a nice treat for a few nights. We are now in the area of the Afro-Caribbean Culture of Costa Rica and this will be our third very different culture we will visit during our trip. In the afternoon we will have time to reflect and journal and begin to compare the different cultures. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

See you on the Nature Hike!

Day 7 ------ Nature Hike with Afro-Caribbean Culture Tour (Almonds & Corals)

No point in visiting the Caribbean unless you take one of our nature hikes with Tino or Omar. These are two native Afro-Caribbeans who give you not only an excellent tour through the lowland tropical rainforest that runs along the white sandy beach but they also give you lessons and a passion for the Afro-Caribbean culture, language, and way of thinking.

During the hike we will have the chance to see many different species of monkeys, sloths, birds, butterflies, and frogs. Along with wildlife, this area has some of the most spectacular views of Caribbean coastline you can ask for. This is a very educational hike in the low-land tropical rainforest. In the evening it will be back to the Almonds and Corals where we can reflect for a bit, get in some journal time, and enjoy the hotel grounds. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Thanks for visiting!!!

Day 8 ------ Travel to San Jose (La Condesa Hotel)

Today we'll make the drive back to San Jose and stay in La Condesa Hotel. Depending on your flight time on day 9 we could really travel to the airport on day 9 if your flight was in the afternoon or evening. This would allow for us to extend a night in the homestays if you would like? But no matter where we spend the last night you can count on a very memorable farewell dinner with great reflections of the trip. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 9 ------- Fly Home

Today we transfer you to the San Jose Airport where you will catch your flight home! (Meals: Breakfast)