May 22nd - Arrive & Drive to Arenal (Nayara Resort)
Today we will meet you outside of the San Jose airport (consider the JetBlue direct flight from Orlando--it gets here about 12:30pm) and make the 2 1/2 hour drive to the area of Arenal. Here you will be in a beautiful hotel with breath-taking views of the Arenal Volcano. You will be staying at what we consider one of the best hotels on the planet! The Nayara Resort has been listed on TripAdvisor as one of the top five in all of the Americas. (Meals: None)
May 23rd - Zipline & Danaus (Nayara Resort)
Today we'll have some adventure and get the trip started by ziplining on a cable that runs from mountain top to mountain top and hangs over 700ft high above the rainforest. This also gives us amazing views of the Arenal Lake and the Arenal Volcano. I know there's a pretty neat zipline in Ocala now but it doesn't have views of a perfectly cone-shaped volcano
In the afternoon there is nothing better than getting an up-close look at some of Costa Rica's most famous species. We'll visit the Danaus Nature Reserve and take an easy hike and learn about the many different wonders of the rainforest. We will see sloths, butterflies, poisonous dart frogs, and much more. The kids will love this place.
In the evening we can take you out to one of the best restaurants in all of Costa Rica called Don Rufinos.
(Meals: Breakfast)
May 24th - Canyoneering (Nayara Resort)
Today is another day of adventure and fun in an area near the hotel that is home to five different waterfalls. You will make your way down the canyon and rappel the waterfalls. This is a great adventure keeping everyone wet from start to finish while enjoying another day surrounded by the wonders of the Rainforest.
(Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Manuel Antonio
May 25th - Drive to Arenas del Mar (Arenas del Mar)
Today is a travel day and we will make our way to one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Costa Rica called Manuel Antonio. We will make some fun and interesting stops along the way including a stop for ice-cream sandwiches that happen to be what we think the best ice-cream sandwiches on the planet.
When we arrive to Manuel Antonio you will be staying in the Arenas del Mar Hotel which is another hotel that has fabulous views and is an oasis in paradise. (Meals: Breakfast)
May 26th - Raft Savegre River (Arenas del Mar)
With all the mountains and rain in Costa Rica whitewater rafting is some of the best you will find anywhere. Considered the cleanest river in all of Latin America, the Savegre River is full of fun and adventure from start to finish. We will make our way down the river and stop for lunch and hike to some scenic waterfalls.
Enjoying the waterfall!
Here you will understand the beauty of Costa Rica because you will be whitewater rafting in the tropical rainforest for the first half of the day and then sitting on a white sandy beach in the afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
May 27th - Tour Park (Arenas del Mar)
Arenas del Mar
On your last day in Costa Rica we'll mingle with more monkeys than people as we hike through the National Park of Manuel Antonio. This is an easy hike while we learn about the biodiversity of the park and have time to see the best beaches of the area.
In the evening we can go out to eat at any one of the interesting restuarants in the area. (Meals: Breakfast)
May 28th - Fly Home!
Today we'll drive back to the San Jose Airport. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 1 --- Arrive & Drive to Dominical (Casa Belmar)
Today your private naturalist guides and drivers will meet you outside of the San Jose airport. Here you will make the 2 1/2 hour drive to one of the most scenic spots in all of Costa Rica. You will be heading south of Manuel Antonio to an area called Domincal. It is here that the mountain meets the sea and allows for incredible views of the Pacific coastline.
CRR operates its adventure tours in this area in a private residence allowing families to enjoy complete privacy. The arrival to Casa Belmar is across a river and up a steep hill just 10 minutes from the beach.
If your group is larger than 6 people you will have two different 4x4's and guides for the duration of your trip.
Your guides stay in an apartment at the Casa Belmar if you need anything during your stay. We arrange for cooks and have breakfast prepared for you. The spot is unique and surrounded by tropical rainforest. (Meals: None)
Day 2 --- Zipline & Visit Beaches (Casa Belmar)
After we prepare breakfast for you with a little Costa Rican spice to it, we will make our way south to one of the best ziplines in all of the country. Here you will have remarkable views of the Pacific coastline from cables that hang up to 400 ft above the rainforest floor.
The best part about this zipline is that you will be in the primary rainforest and have a chance to experience some of the largest trees in Costa Rica. It will make you feel as if you are an actor in the movie Avatar!
After the zipline we will have some time to visit the local beaches before heading back to Casa Belmar. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 3 --- Visit Nauyaca Falls & Rappel (Casa Belmar)
After another breakfast of tasty Costa Rican cuisine, we'll head to the most beautiful waterfall in all of Costa Rica. One reason it is so beautiful is that it is not overun with tourists as the access is pretty rough. Your guides will drive you on the 4x4 vehicles back into a ridge surrounded by jungle and mountainous views.
We will then gear you up with all the equipment at the top of the waterfall and rappel down a 140ft fall. After we rappel down to the bottom we will make our way hiking to the bottom pools where you will have the chance to enjoy some time in a picturesque pool at the base of this enormous waterfall.
We will then hike back up to the top where your guides will prepare a great lunch for you on the river bank where you can just relax in paradise.
In the afternoon it is back to the Casa Belmar to watch the sunset. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 4 --- Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire Hotel)
Today is a travel day. After breakfast we will be making the drive over the tallest mountain range in all of Costa Rica. Here we will get up to 10,000ft and be in a very unique area of the tropics called the Paramo. You will notice completely different vegetation and be awed by the view of the Pacific and the Caribbean from the same spot.
We will then drop down to the valley of Turrialba that sits at the base of the Turrialba Volcano. We will be staying in the Casa Turire Hotel which is an old plantation home that resides on a lake and has spectacular views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)
Riding the Duckies!
Day 5 --- Duckies in Upper Pacuare River & Dinner in Village (Casa Turire Hotel)
Today we will be taking the group on some more off-roads to an area of the Pacuare River where no tourist go. This is a great section of smaller rapids and a chance to see the real rural Costa Rica. You'll love this day on the river and even cross a real hammock bridge that the indigenous tribes use.
Our mode of transportation in the river will be in small rafts that fit two people. We will have a guide and a guest in each duckie. If you feel adventurous we will even let you steer your own duckie. Lunch will be on the river and a chance to just enjoy a spot where few tourist venture.
Enjoying the Hike to the Waterfalls
In the afternoon it is back to the Casa Turire where you can have some time to relax in the pool. In the evening we will be taking you to another local village where you'll experience life as a Costa Rican and have a home cooked meal while the local kids put on a dance presentation for their guests. This will be your best meal of the week without question! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Enter & Raft Pacuare River (Pacuare Camp)
Pacuare River
Today we will enter into the Pacuare river which was named the third most scenic river on the planet by National Geographic. Your trip will be completely private operated by your CRR-Guides. We will spend the day rafting and hiking to waterfalls and in the incredible setting of the Pacuare River. We will arrive at the Pacuare Camp area where you will have above ground tents. This is not roughing it as you will have private bathrooms, great meals, and be surrounded by jungle. If you wanted to upgrade you could stay at the famous Pacuare Lodge which is a 5-Star Eco-Lodge located nearby. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 --- Raft Pacuare Canyon & Drive to San Jose (Grano de Oro Hotel)
Grano de Oro
Today you will have breakfast prepared for you and get ready for a fun day of rafting. Not only is today the most scenic day of rafting with 300ft canyon walls and 200ft waterfalls cascading into the river, but it is also has the most adventurous rapids. This is a chance to raft class III & IV rapids and be soaked from start to finish.
When we finish rafting we will make the two hour drive back to the San Jose area where you will get a good last night rest in the luxury boutique hotel of Grano de Oro. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 8 --- Fly Home!
Today we'll transfer you to the San Jose Airport where you will catch your flight home and begin planning your return trip to Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast)
Today we will meet you outside of the airport (SJO). Your group will have private transportation and will be able to stop and go as you wish for pictures, snacks, or just to enjoy a view. Your naturalist guide and driver are often what make trips exciting and we promise you a fun and engaging CRR-Team for your week in Costa Rica!
After your arrival we'll make the drive through the capital city to one of my favorite hotels. This is the Casa Turire Hotel and is located in the valley of Turrialba with amazing views of the smokin' Turrialba Volcano. The rooms are amazing, service is excellent, and it is small so it works great for small groups. (Meals: None)
Day 2 --- Raft Pacuare (Casa Turire)
Pacuare River
Today we will leave around 9am for one of our favorite adventures in Costa Rica. The Pacuare River is rated one of the three most scenic rivers on the planet by National Geographic. Here you will see the true and amazing beauties that Costa Rica has to offer. Your rafting trip will be privately operated by the CRR-Raft guides and a chance to enjoy the river without large crowds.
Your CRR guides will prepare a river lunch for the group and make it a meal you will not forget. After lunch we'll continue down river, enjoying some of the most picturesque parts.
When we take out of the Pacuare we will drive back to the Casa Turire Hotel where you can relax in the pool and enjoy the hotel grounds. If you are up for an authentic Costa Rica activity we can take the group to a local village with breath-taking views of the valley and have a home-made meal from the family of one of our raft guides. We can also arrange some local and traditional dance performances by the local kids to give you a true taste of the Costa Rican culture. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 --- Drive to Arenal (Manoa Resort)
Today is a travel day. We will leave Casa Turire after breakfast and drive to the Arenal Volcano area. Here you will be staying at the Manoa Resort which has some of the best views of the volcano. When we arrive you can explore the hotel grounds and take a swim in their hot springs.
On the drive we'll have lunch on the road and arrive to the Arenal area in the early afternoon. We have some fun and interesting stops along the way that will be educational and interesting for everyone. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 4 --- Zipline & Danaus Reserve (Manoa Resort)
Costa Rica is known for the ziplines and here on the side of the Arenal Volcano is one of the best ziplines in all of the country. We will leave the hotel in the morning and drive to the other side of the volcano where you have fantastic views of the Arenal Lake and volcano.
The zipline you will be conquering has eight different cables and the longest one is one half mile long and 700ft high above the rainforest floor. In the afternoon we can take you on a nature hike through a small reserve that is filled with animals where you get a chance to get up close with a sloth! (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 5 --- Canyoneering (Manoa Resort)
Today's adventure has you using all fours. We will be hiking down a canyon that is filled with waterfalls and surrounded by tropical rainforest. We'll be hopping in pools and hiking until we get to waterfalls that measure up to 200ft high. This is where we will tie you into the climbing gear and you'll rappel down five different waterfalls.
In the afternoon you will have time to relax in the hotel and enjoy the views of the volcano. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Arenas del Mar
Day 6 --- Travel to Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar Room Type: Ocean Breeze Suite)
Today we will get an early start and make the drive to the area of Manuel Antonio. Your final two nights will be at another one of my favorite hotels in all of Costa Rica. The views are amazing and the accommodations are perfect. The Arenas del Mar Resort is an excellent finish to a week of adventure and fun. We will arrive to the hotel around lunch time. Then you will just unwind and enjoy the Pacific at one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. (Meals: Breakfast)
See you in the Park Molly!
Day 7 --- Manuel Antonio National Park (Arenas del Mar)
Today you will exlplore the park with your naturalist guide and see more monkeys than people. If the kids wanted to take some surf lessons we could add them in as an option tour because the area is great for learning to surf. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 8 --- Fly Home!
Today we will make the drive to the San Jose Airport and send you on your way so we can start planning your next trip to Costa Rica!
Today your naturalist guide and driver will meet you outside of the San Jose airport. Your mode of transportation will be a 4x4 due to the level of off-roading FUN you will be experiencing during this week. The first hotel will be around the San Jose area. If you arrive on an early flight we can make the drive to Rafiki Lodge on this day. (Meals: None)
Day 2 -- Travel to Rafiki Lodge (Rafiki Lodge)
Today will be a travel day to Rafiki Lodge along with some horseback riding. We will make the drive to Rafiki Lodge and when we arrive drive for around 30 minutes on off-road to arrive to the lodge. When we arrive it will be your daughters highlight of the trip because we will be horseback riding! This is a great adventure in and around the mountains that surround the Rafiki lodge through the virgin rainforest.
The Rafiki Lodge is a very unique place located on the banks of the Savegre river. It is surrounded by nothing except primary rainforest and the sounds of nature. The service and food is excellent and a night hike to keep the little guy excited will have us seeing more critters than you will see all year in the temperate zones. Just for the record for the little guy there are 350,000 different species of insects in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 -- Raft Savegre (Rafiki Lodge)
Hanging in the Waterfalls at Savegre
Today we will have the rafts ready to go and head up river of the Savegre and put in for a full day of rafting. The river is absolutely gorgeous and a perfect level for the kids. We will plan on rafting for around 2 hours and stopping for lunch along the way and some hikes to an enormous waterfall making it a day on the river.
In the afternoon we will take you back to the Rafiki Lodge where the kids can enjoy one of the fastest slides in all of the world! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 -- Enter Cueva (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Probably our most unique tour and something you will not find anywhere else. Today we will hike for about 1 1/2 hours. It is a steep hike and we have taken young kids before but we do ask that they are up for the challenge. Once we get to the top of the ridge we will rappel down a waterfall and sleep behind the waterfall. This is truly a unique spot and plenty of open area to just enjoy the sound of water and amazing views.
Sleeping Behind the Waterfall
In the evening we will take another short hike and be at the top of a 600ft waterfall called Diamante Falls. Here we will watch the sunset and then head back to where we will spend the night behind the waterfall. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 -- Hike out and Travel to Coastal Hotel (Cuna del Angel)
Today we will be hiking out from behind the cavern but first visit some pristine pools hidden in the jungle where we will have some time to just relax in the paradise and privacy of absolutely no tourist for miles and miles!
After the hike out we will head to the Cuna del Angel luxury boutique hotel. Here you will have a chance to have a tasty meal in one of the best restaurants in the country and enjoy a splash of luxury for the night. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Cuna del Angel
Day 6 -- Zipline & Enter Drake (Aquila de Osa)
Where nature meets luxury is no better place than the Aquila de Osa and the peninsula of Corcavado. One of the few places where you will still find more monkeys than people walking around. Considered to be one of the most biodiverse rich places on the planet it is here you will enjoy the true essence of Costa Rica and its wildlife.
Before we make our way on the boat we will be doing a nearby zipline. One of my favorite ziplines in the country here you will have the chance to zip on cables with breath-taking views of the Pacific Coast line and even enjoy a tarzan swing.
We will travel 1 hour south driving and then make another hour travel in boat through mangroves and then out into the ocean to Drake Bay. Here we will have the chance to see whales, dolphins, and plenty of scarlett macaws to welcome us when we arrive. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Homework for the little naturalist. What animal is this?
Day 7 -- Nature Hike National Park (Aquila de Osa)
While staying in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet it only makes sense to take a nature hike and train our future naturalist (your son) for his future summer job of nature hikes in the rainforest for CRR!!!! In the evening we can have some time on the beach and renew the vows and celebrate the 10 years that have past and the many more years to come in the future! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 -- Fly Home!
You will travel back by in-country flight to the San Jose area to catch your flight home from the San Jose Airport! (Meals: Breakfast)
Today we will meet you outside of the San Jose Airport. We'll drive 2 1/2 hour drive through the Central Valley of Costa Rica. We will be headed to Costa Rica's most well known volcano which is the perfectly cone-shaped Arenal Volcano. On our way we'll pass through many different ecosystems such as high elevation cloud-forest and then drop down into the lowlands of the northern plains. You will also get a chance to see much of the diary industry as we pass through the farms of the highlands. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 --- Zipline & Don Juan (Arenal Hotel)
Today we will start off with a little adventure and then make the entire afternoon educational. We will start with the zipline and if somebody does not want to zip they have the option of doing just the tram ride through a virgin rainforest canopy. The zipline will take you on cables almost 1km long and hanging 700ft above primary rainforest from start to finish with breath-taking views of the Arenal Volcano.
After the zipline we will spend the entire afternoon at the Don Juan Farm. Here we are going to take our time and get the full lesson on sustainable farming. We plan on having Don Juan do his in-depth tour emphazing sustainable agriculture. Then, of course, we'll have a delicious, very fresh, nutritious lunch there. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Welcome to Homestay with some Sugar-cane
Day 3 --- Visit EARTH University & Travel to Sitio de Mata Village (Homestay)
We will leave the hotel after breakfast with our bags packed as we will make our way to the Village of Sitio de Mata. Before our arrival we will visit the EARTH University. This is an agriculture University known on a global level for it's efforts in teaching agriculture to students from around the world.
After our visit to the University we will make our way to the village of Sitio de Mata, located in a picturesque setting with fabulous views of the Turrialba Volcano which is constantly smoking for your cameras delight. The scenery is outstanding but not half as good as the people you will meet. It's village filled with smiling kids and parents, a world of simple living with happy minds! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --- Homestay Activity & Visit CATIE (Homestay)
This is the day that is filled with culture and fun and education. We will begin the day visiting one of the most important centers in all of the tropical region on a global level named CATIE. This is a center where students from all over the world come and learn and study different techniques of agriculture to help solve the poverty issues of the world through more sustainable agriculture. In the afternoon we will be back to the homestays and enjoying some more time with our new friends visiting the local organic compost system that the village uses for fertilizer.
Get Ready for Rafting Pacuare!
The evening will be cultural fun which will include learning how to cook the local cuisine, a soccer game with the local kids, and a evening fiesta where you are introduced to the dance and music of the country. This is an evening that you will not forget and one of the true highlights of visiting Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Rafting Pacuare River
Day 5 --- Raft Pacuare River Camp Pacuare (Tent Lodge on River)
Listed by National Geographic as one of the top five commercially rafted rivers in the world, Pacuare lives up to every bit of the press it gets. The river is filled with canyons, waterfalls, and virgin rainforest as you get a true sense of what the miraculous wonders of nature can do when left alone. We will spend the day hiking to waterfalls and rafting rapids as we make our way half way down the Pacuare River. Here we will spend the night in a beautiful river lodge that has breath-taking views of the Pacuare Canyon upstream and downstream. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Raft Pacuare Canyon & Travel to Caribbean (Almonds & Corals)
Living in the Jungle
Today you will be rafting the most scenic section of the Pacuare River. You will also be waking up to the sound of the jungle which is a good way to get you ready for the adventure ahead.
After 3 hours of rafting we will take out and make our way to the nearby white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Our final destination will be the Almonds and Corals Ecolodge which will be perfect for talking about the topic of this trip. Almonds and Corals was voted one of the top Ecolodges in all of Costa Rica for it's commitment and innovative ways of operating sustainably. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 --- Caribbean Coast (Almonds & Corals)
Getting Ready to Eat Termites with Tino
After a full day of rafting we plan on making this a relaxed day on the beach. You will have the chance to rent some surf-boards with the kids, visit some of the local shops, and just enjoy some fruity drinks with your toes in the sand. We will meet back up for dinner and go over day 7's adventure. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Day 8 --- Nature Hike & Visit to Permaculture Farm & Beach Day (Almonds & Corals)
Today is another beach day but we also plan on taking you to a nearby Permaculture Garden where you will see a different kind of organic farming. This is a real treat for a trip focusing on agriculture. A visit to this permaculture garden is a very interesting concept and much can be learned. This no doubt is a different concept and will be a nice comparison to the different ideas you have seen throughout the week. You will be enjoying a nature hike during your day through the low-land tropical rainforest and then the afternoon will be in the permaculture gardens.
In the afternoon it is some more beach time. You will have the option to finish the book you brought or maybe rent some surf boards and test your skills. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Guanabana one of our favorite fruits
Day 9 --- Travel to San Jose & Fly Home!
It would be ideal if you had a noon or later flight. We will make the drive back to the San Jose Airport where you will catch your flight home.
Don't worry Rita we have upgraded our Transportation
Day 1 - Arrive and Drive to Paraiso (Sanchiri Hotel)
Today we will meet you outside of the San Jose (SJO) Airport where your private driver and guide will take you to the Sanchiri Hotel. This is located just outside of the city of Cartago and has excellent views of the Orosi Valley. This is a great spot to spend the first night after a long day of travel. They will have dinner waiting for the group at the hotel. Depending on the hour of arrival, we'll have a short meeting introducing the staff for the week and getting everyone excited about the next 11 days! (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 - Travel to Sitio de Mata Tour Village (Homestays)
Great Views & Costa Rican Family Owned
Today we will make the 1 1/2 hour drive to the village of Sitio de Mata. Here the kids will meet their new families. We'll gather as a group in one of the communal areas where everyone will be introduced to their family. The kids will also have a list posted to know where to find their friends all of which are in very short walking distances from each other. We will be arriving at lunch time and the kids will have a couple hours to get settled and break the ice with their new family. In the afternoon we will all walk as a group so everyone can get their bearings of where things are located from the school, pulpuria, church, soccer field, and the two different sections we have the houses divided into.
After the tour of the village we will meet back up and give the kids some journal time. We like to get the kids journaling from the start to reflect on their first impressions of the people and the village. We will also be discussing some of the plans for the rest of the week going over the itinerary and having our first dance lesson of salsa and merengue. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 - Community Service in Morning & Recycled Crafts in Afternoon (Homestays)
Note: 2 hours of Spanish in Afternoon before Craft Class
Tour the Town
After breakfast today we will start our community service project. The community service project can be from a number of different things. There is much to be done in the community in terms of labor or we can offer service in the form of education, such as English classes for the kids or whatever it might be. We'll dedicate this morning to giving back and it will be much appreciated!
In the afternoon after everyone has lunch in their homes we'll have a Recycled Crafts class where the kids will learn how to make some great souvenirs to bring back home. Dona Fressy will head up this class in her home and we will have plenty of trash on hand so the kids can make things like wallets, purses, crafts, and a number of other ideas Dona Fressy comes up with.
In the evening we will meet at a communal area where the kids bring their journals and write. After a little journal time we will have an evening activity planned which usually entail a number of games that are used a lot at social gatherings all over Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 - Community Service in Morning & Soccer Game in Afternoon (Homestays)
Note: We can have 2 hours of Spanish classes today before the game.
Another day of community service; we will spend the morning giving back. We can continue the project we started the day before or we can have a completely new project planned. After giving back for the morning we will take our skills to the soccer field. The local kids love showing off their passion for playing futbol and it is always a fun game just to get out on the field, mix the kids up, and play a game of soccer.
Dona Fressy
In the evening we will have dinner in their homes and then meet again for more journal time and maybe some cooking classes. Since this will be after dinner we will be teaching the kids to make a local dessert from some of the delicious tropical fruits of the area. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 - Bus to Turrialba and Town Scavenger Hunt & Ridge Hike in Afternoon for Sunset (Homestays)
Note: We can have 2 hours of Spanish classes today before the Ridge Hike.
One of our favorite sites is all the kids waiting outside their homes for the public bus. The village is so small the public bus is only full of family members that you will already recognize and know from spending four days in the village. Our adventure today will be to ride the bus 20 minutes down to the larger town of Turrialba. We will be traveling as a group and once all gathered in the central park we will divide the kids up into smaller groups. We'll give each group a list of things they need to find. It might be in a hardware store, grocery store, municipal office, candy store, or wherever. It will be a real live test using their Spanish in a Scavenger Hunt that will of course have an excellent prize for the winning group!
After the Scavenger Hunt we will head back to the village where we will have an hour or two of down time with the families. We will then head to the nearby ridge which offers breath-taking views as far as the eye can see. We will make our way to the top of the ridge so we can enjoy an unforgettable sunset as the sun drops down behind the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 - Whitewater Rafting Adventure of Pacuare River (Camp)
Thanks for the Support!
Note: We could do 2 hours of Spanish classes before departing for the River.
National Geographic has this river listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet. We like it so much we raft down half way and then stay at our river lodge located with astonishing views of the surrounding tropical rainforest and the Pacuare. This is not roughing it by any means. Everyone has their private showers and bathroom and it's just a truly special place to spend the night and enjoy nature.
In the evening we organize activities with our river guides to keep the kids engaged and we even find a way to get the journals to the lodge nice and dry. All your meals are prepared by your guides. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 - Raft Pacuare River and Drive to Caribbean beach Punta Uva (Villas Caribe)
Note: No Classes
Rafting Pacuare River
Today you will wake up to the sound of the jungle and we will raft the second half of the river. This is a great day of fun rapids and the most scenic part of the river. We will take out of the river around noon and make the drive to the Caribbean beach area. The area we will be visiting is called Punta Uva and is one of the nicest beaches in all of Costa Rica. Your group will be staying in Villas Caribe which is a great hotel with balcony's on your room looking out at the ocean. This is a fun, safe, and quiet area and great for student groups.
Here we will begin to learn about the different culture of the area as we give you the opportunity to learn a little calypso music and hear the native language of the area. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 - Beach Day & Drive to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)
Note: No Classes
Today will be your day to play in the sand. We always pick a fun and safe beach just to relax for a bit. After some fun in the sun and sand we will make the drive back to Sitio de Mata where you will be reunited with your new family and friends. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 9 - Classes at Local High School in Turrialba (Homestays)
Caribbean Beaches
Note: 2 hour of Spanish in the Afternoon
Well it looks like it is back to school for everyone! Today we will be students at a local high school in Turrialba. We will spend half the day learning as the locals learn and getting an understanding of how the educational system works and the feeling of being in a foreign classroom.
This is a great experience and always makes for great conversations getting the kids together to talk about their experience. In the afternoon we will have some free time and we can mix up dinner and maybe do a pizza night in the town of Turrialba if you think the kids would enjoy. We can also organize a visit to the nearby church giving the kids an experience of visiting their church abroad. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
We are Ready for Davis School District! PURA VIDA!
Day 10 - Final Day with Families & Practice for Talent Show! (Homestays)
Note: 2 hours of Spanish in Morning
Today is the final day with the family. You will have time to do a last minute practice for the talent show and we can include another activity but we thought we woud leave a day open incase you have other ideas in mind that we left out. In the evening we will surely enjoy one of the best fiestas in all of Costa Rica as we say farewell to our new family and friends!
Day 11 - Travel to San Jose Airport & Fly Home!
Today we will make the transfer to the San Jose Airport! (Meals: Breakfast)
We are inviting teachers to come join Costa Rican Resource on our Fifth Annual Free Teacher Trip from July 16th - July 21st 2013. This year our trip will include a sampling of what we can offer students studying Spanish, Latin Culture,and many areas of Science. We'll spend two days in the mountain village of Sitio de Mata, where students will receive a positive immersion experience. Here they will learn why Costa Ricans are some of the happiest people in the world. (2009 & 2012 According to HPI index including 151 countries calculating overall sustainable well-being). As usual this trip will involve some adventure and a look at the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica. It's an incredible trip that teachers from all over the US have experienced and consider it the best six days of fun and learning they've ever had.
Note: This trip is open to Middle School, High School, & College Professors who are seriously considering taking students on an educational trip to Costa Rica. We do ask that you are committed to returning with students, your school administration approves this idea (unless you plan to travel without the school's auspicis), and this is something your students and parents in the area can realistically afford at the per student cost of $1400 w/o Airfare.
Day 1, July 14th - Arrive & Travel to Arenal (Casa Luna Lodge)
Today we ask that everyone arrives on a flight no later that early afternoon. If your flights is late we prefer that you arrive on the 13th. Upon arrival to the San Jose (SJO) Airport we will be making the drive north to the area of the Arenal Volcano. This first day will be a travel day and we'll be having a small gathering for dinner allowing everyone to meet, break the ice discover what is going to be an amazing six days of adventure, fun, and education! (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2, July 15th - Zipline & Organic Farm (Casa Luna Lodge)
After breakfast we'll make our way to one of the most well-known adventures in all of Costa Rica. Not only is the zipline through the rainforest an adventure but doing it along side an active volcano 700ft above the rainforest surely adds to the adrenaline rush.
After ziplining we will be making our way to a spot for lunch that we consider one of the best in the country. Here you will have a chance to meet many of our local friends and enjoy an authentic organic farm tour. This is not only an excellent understanding of organic farming but also a way to see how local rural families can farm and live on small pieces of land.
In the evening we will have an introduction to what contributes to Costa Ricans being the happiest people on the planet. On the eve of what will be the best part of the trip (visiting the rural village of Sitio de Mata) we plan to give you a jump start on what to expect and how bringing your students down can help make the happiness virus become contagious as they immerse themselves with Costa Rican families. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3, July 16th - Nature Reserve Hike & Travel to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)
Today we will be traveling to Sitio de Mata. We'll make one stop to enjoy an easy nature hike through a lowland tropical rainforest. Here we'll introduce you to some of the many different species of Costa Rica, e.g. sloths, monkeys, frogs, and beautiful butterflies. Remember it is part of Costa Ricans' conscious awareness of nature that allows them to be some of the happiest people on the planet.
Then it's on to Sitio de Mata. With all the amazing natural beauties of Costa Rica few compare to enjoying rural life which happens to be in a natural setting that will take your breath-away. Amazing views of a smoking volcano, excellent company, mouth-savoring food, and a culture rich in community and family, Sitio de Mata is a place you will not want to leave. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4, July 17th - Homestay Activities (Homestays)
Nothing like a day of rural living and here in Sitio de Mata we plan to dedicate this day to showing and teaching you everything we know about the culture of Costa Rica. The families of the village will do their part in teaching you how to cook and what it is that keeps them happy, living simply. In the evening we will have a celebration that is on par with most New Year's in Time Square but it will surely have it's flavor of Costa Rica food and dance. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5, July 18th - Raft Pacuare River or Coffee Tour & Farewell Dinner (Turrialba Hotel)
We often save the best for last and on this trip it's rafting the Pacuare River. Rated by National Geographic as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet, the Pacuare is a special place with three hours of white-water rafting amid breath-taking vistas and a river lunch prepared by your guides. It is a day that you will cherish forever. If your not up for rafting we will have an optional coffee tour. After the rafting adventure we'll head back to the town of Turrialba where we will spend the last night in a hotel. Here we will have a meeting in the evening where each teacher can begin to prepare and talk about ideas for their return trip with students. This is a great way to sit down with our guides and trip planners, look at a map, and use your imagination to design the perfect trip for your students in 2014! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 6, July 19th - Fly Home!
Today we will be transfering everyone to the San Jose Airport (SJO). It is a two hour drive to the San Jose Airport and it makes sense to make your departure flight NOT VERY EARLY. If you do have an early flight we will get you to the airport but you will be waking up very early with us which is fine we are early risers! (Meals: Breakfast)
Price: $FREE$
Includes: All private transportation with bilingual guide and driver, all meals listed, all lodging listed, all tours and adventures
Does Not Include: Departure Tax from Costa Rica $26 & International Airfare
