Day 1 --- Arrive & Travel to Arenal (Arenal Hotel)
Rio Celeste
Today you will be met outside the airport by your CRR driver and guide. We will make the drive to the area of the Arenal Volcano. Here we will be staying in a hotel with views of the volcano. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 --- Hike to Rio Celeste (Arenal Hotel)
This is one of the more unique spots you will find in all of Costa Rica. We will drive north for around 50 minutes to a National Park that will have you feeling like the entire place is something off Hollywood. We will hike along a river, visit natural hot springs, and arrive at an amazing waterfall. The river is called Rio Celeste and offers a neon sky blue look to it because of the minerals that are mixed from the nearby volcano of Rincon de la Vieja. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Pacuare River
Day 3 --- Canyoneering Adventure & Drive to River Lodge (CRR Lodge)
Today is a fun day with a different adventure that is becoming a popular sport in Costa Rica. Canyoneering will have us gearing up and rappeling down 4 different watefalls in a tropical canyon. This is an adventure for everyone and a chance to be immersed in the jungle for a few hours and enjoy the adrenaline thrill of rappeling down different waterfalls. The system is set up to make it easy enough for first timers to enjoy themselves.
After the canyoneering adventure we will make the drive to the CRR River lodge which we like to boast as having the best views on the entire river. We will let you be the judges of this! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --- Raft Pacuare (Almonds & Corals)
Almonds & Corals
Today is our day of rafting as we make our way down the Pacuare River with a chance to enjoy one of the worlds most scenic rivers according to National Geographic. This is a great day that will have us ending on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean.
Our final destination will be the Almonds & Corals Ecolodge which is a luxurious Ecolodge sitting on the edge of the ocean in the Southern Caribbean. This is your perfect mix of luxury and jungle. (Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 --- Nature Hike & Beach Day (Almonds & Corals)
See you in 2014 Murray!
Today is a beach day and we can have it open for an great nature hike with a chance to see a lot of animals on a trail that opens up to expansive views of the coastline. Another option would be surf classes on the beach or we can do a snorkeling trip in the National Park of Cahuita. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Fly Home!
Today we will make the drive back to the airport. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 1 --- Arrive & Travel to Arenal (Arenal Hotel)
Today you will be met outside the airport by your CRR driver and guide. We will make the drive to the area of the Arenal Volcano. Here we will be staying in a hotel with views of the volcano. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 --- Hike to Rio Celeste (Arenal Hotel)
This is one of the more unique spots you will find in all of Costa Rica. We will drive north for around 50 minutes to a National Park that will have you feeling like the entire place is something off Hollywood. We will hike along a river, visit natural hot springs, and arrive at an amazing waterfall. The river is called Rio Celeste and offers a neon sky blue look to it because of the minerals that are mixed from the nearby volcano of Rincon de la Vieja. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 --- Canyoneering Adventure & Drive to River Lodge (CRR Lodge)
Today is a fun day with a different adventure that is becoming a popular sport in Costa Rica. Canyoneering will have us gearing up and rappeling down 4 different watefalls in a tropical canyon. This is an adventure for everyone and a chance to be immersed in the jungle for a few hours and enjoy the adrenaline thrill of rappeling down different waterfalls. The system is set up to make it easy enough for first timers to enjoy themselves.
After the canyoneering adventure we will make the drive to the CRR River lodge which we like to boast as having the best views on the entire river. We will let you be the judges of this! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --- Raft Pacuare (Almonds & Corals)
Today is our day of rafting as we make our way down the Pacuare River with a chance to enjoy one of the worlds most scenic rivers according to National Geographic. This is a great day that will have us ending on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean.
Our final destination will be the Almonds & Corals Ecolodge which is a luxurious Ecolodge sitting on the edge of the ocean in the Southern Caribbean. This is your perfect mix of luxury and jungle. (Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 --- Nature Hike & Beach Day (Almonds & Corals)
Today is a beach day and we can have it open for an great nature hike with a chance to see a lot of animals on a trail that opens up to expansive views of the coastline. Another option would be surf classes on the beach or we can do a snorkeling trip in the National Park of Cahuita. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Fly Home!
Today we will make the drive back to the airport. (Meals: Breakfast)
Today you will be met outside the airport by your private CRR guide and driver. We will drive to the Sanchiri Hotel located in the mountains where we'll enjoy the cool mountain air while situated on the slopes of the Irazu Volcano. This is a small family owned hotel and boasts some of the most breath-taking views of the Orosi Valley.
This first day is an orientation to the logistics, the guides/staff and the various topics we'll cover on the trip (Meals Included: Dinner)
Day 2 --- Enter Pacuare (Pacuare Ecolodge)
Today we will get an early start and have the option as a group to do the white water rafting or visit the
Pacuare
Irazuvolcano crater. The rafting will take us on an adventure of traveling down one of the most scenic spots in all of Costa Rica. The Irazu Volcano crater is a drive to the top of the tallest volcano in Costa Rica.
We will be spending the night at the Pacuare Ecolodge which is located in the canyon of the Pacuare River, offering breath-taking views of the Pacuare canyon with its lush green mountain tops as far as the eye can see. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 --- Leave Pacuare & Travel to Turtle Project (Pacuare Reserve)
Leatherback Sea-Turtle
Today we'll get an early start to raft the most scenic section of the river. We'll see 200ft waterfalls and canyon walls that rise 300ft straight up from the river bank. After we take out of the river (or drive out depending if your package includes rafting) we will head to the Caribbean Coast where you will visit the Turtle Project. Here you will work with the famous Leatherback Turtles as you spend the nights doing some intense volunteer work of counting and collecting eggs, working in the nursery, and helping hatchlings make their way back to sea.
Day 4 --- Work with Turtles (Pacuare Reserve)
I can do this!!!!
Today you will spend another full day working at the Turtle Project. The better half of the morning will be used for resting as you will have spent most of the night hours working on the beach. In the afternoon we'll hear from the experts who have worked in the Turtle Project for years.
When the evening comes it is back to work with the different tasks of helping the turtles. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 --- Travel to Sarapiqui (Sarapiqui Ecolodge)
Lovin the Sloth Life!
Today we take our adventure inland a bit as we visit one of the most biodiverse lowland tropical rainforests you will find anywhere on the planet. The area of Sarapiqui is home to some of the more well-known institutions for research and field work as we hope to do our part and allow you to work in the field and take the steps as a true tropical field biologist.
The best part about being in this area is that you will be exposed to a lot of wildlife and be learning every minute you are there. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Research & Field Projects (Sarapiqui Ecolodge)
See you in Sarapiqui!
Today is another full day of working in the field and helping out in the area. All our mornings during this tour will have an optional pre-breakfast bird watching tour with your CRR guide and an evening night hike before dinner. These are chances to enjoy some of the species you might have missed during the day hours.
Depending upon what you are looking for during this day we can include: a species count project, how to work with butterflies, reforestation project, ag project, and the list goes on of things we can get involved in. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 --- Fly Home!
Today we will make the transfer to SJO and fly home! (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 1 --- Arrive & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)
Casa Turire
Depending on your flight time arriving I was thinking about heading out to the Turrialba area which is on your way to the Caribbean. Here we can put you up in the beautiful Casa Turire Hotel which sits on a beautiful lake in a valley offering marvelous views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: None)
Day 2 --- Pacuare (House Rental)
Raft Pacuare
Today we get started after breakfast and you will have the chance to whitewater raft one of the top 3 most scenic rivers on the planet listed by National Geographic. We are only throwing this option out there because it works as an in route adventure to the Caribbean. You will raft through lush primary rainforest, see 200 ft waterfalls, and canyon rock walls that rise 300 ft from the banks of the river. This section is made up of class III & IV rapids and we will enjoy lunch on the river and take out on the Caribbean side where we will make the drive to your rental arriving in the early afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 3 --- Caminata con Omar (House Rental)
I prefer the Caribbeannnnnn!
Today you will enjoy what we consider a must do in the area of the Caribbean. Omar is our local friend from where the road ends in Manzanillo. He is of Afro-Caribbean decent and offers a chance to learn so much about the culture of the area as he takes you on one of the most fascinating and authentic hikes on the Caribbean. This is also a natural hike and Omar happens to be one of the areas top naturalist also. You will fall in love with the views, Omar's passion for his culture, along with all the different species of flor & fauna you will encounter. (Meals: None)
Day 4 --- Beach Day (House Rental)
Today is your day to enjoy the many different beaches in the area. One way is to use the transportation we supply for you or just cruise around on bikes up
and down the coast. (Meals: None)
Day 5 --- Beach Day (House Rental)
This is another day for open tours such as surf lessons or other optional tours in the area. (Meals: None)
Day 6 --- Snorkeling con Fernando (House Rental)
Cahuita
There are many places to snorkel in Costa Rica but Fernando is the guy to do it with. He offers an authentic ride and a chance to see so much as he takes you out in his boat on a half day of touring the area
along with some of the best snorkeling spots. Along with Omar it is the energy Fernando brings to the tour that will make it a memorable experience.
In the evening it is back at the house or into town for a meal to try some of the many great tasting Caribbean style resturaunts in the area. (Meals: None)
Day 7 --- Beach Day or Optional Visit to Bribri Indigenous Reserve/Sea-Kayak/Chocolate Tour (House Rental)
Bribri Indigenous Tribe
There are many different tours we operate in the area and if you are interested in indigenous culture we can take you deep into the Bribri Reserve, meet with a Shaman and learn about the culture, and then hop on tubes we pack and ride out on the beautiful Uren river on a relaxed tubing adventure making it a mode of transportation. (Meals: None)
Day 8 --- Fly Home!
Make the drive to catch your flight home! (Meals: None)
June 9 -- Arrive & Drive to Central Pacific Coast (La Cusinga Lodge)
Today we will start with a visit from Costa Rican university student (it would be good to name the university & what the student is studying) sharing his experiences working with the biodiversity in the country.
After this we will be on our way to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Along the way we will learn and see the many different microclimates of Costa Rica and the ecosystems that they host. Also, we’ll stop by Tarcoles River to see the largest population of American Crocodiles in the country. Along the way we will also be able see African Palm plantations, and learn about the effects of monoculture and the impact of big transnational companies, such as United Fruit Company.
Our final destination today is La Cusinga Ecolodge which is one of the pioneer lodges of conservation.
See you in Corcovado Mary Beth!
The Institute of Biomimicry uses La Cisinga for their training courses. Here, surrounded by protected rainforest, and among the genius of the natural world, we'll take a indepth look into just how much we can learn from nature to get us to a more sustainable future (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
June 10 -- Travel to Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park (Drake Bay Lodge)
We will be driving south to Sierpe, along the way we will see banana plantations and also one of the biggest mysteries of the Pre-Columbian times. The Stone Spheres, are unique structures in the world . The archaeological sites where most of them have been found are on our route down to Drake Bay.
HOLA!
Once in Sierpe we will go by boat down the Sierpe River. On the way we will see and visit the Terraba-Sierpe Mangrove Forest, which happens to be the biggest remainder of mangrove in Central American Pacific Coast. Once on the ocean we will sail by the shore of Drake Bay until we reach our
lodge. The lodge will have basic accommodation, using generators and solar power to provide electricity.
When we get to the lodge, we’ll rest and talk about the logistics of the next few days. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
June 11 -- Corcovado National Park & Sea Kayak (Drake Bay Lodge)
"The most biologically intense place on earth" - according to National Geographic - Corcovado National Park is the place to be when talking about flora and fauna in the tropics. Lots of birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals, plants, trees--it is just a paradise totally worth visiting. After breakfast we will take the boat down to the National Park, where we will be taking a hike looking for monkeys, sloths, tapirs, birds, crocodiles and much more. This full outdoor experience will be great to comprehend the dynamics of the ecosystems present in this lush tropical rainforest. We will have a picnic lunch at Corcovado and return to the lodge later in the afternoon.
During the evening hours we will enjoy another adventure of riding Sea-kayaks near the coastline. The kayaking begins in a very calm river and we will row our way out to the pacific ocean where we will enjoy the beautiful scenery just before the sunsets on the pacific. After this adventure we will head back to the hotel to enjoy dinner and reflect on the days adventure. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Adventure to Caño Island
June 12 - Caño Island Biological Reserve & Snorkeling (Drake Bay Lodge)
Today after breakfast we will be taking our next adventure into the ocean. Drake Bay is well known for being the place where many species of cetaceans including Humpback Whales come to spend the winter, while mating and giving birth to their cubs. There is always a chance to see big groups of dolphins, jumping and spinning around the boat. Sea turtles, many species of birds, stingrays, reef sharks and more are among the many things that could be seen today. The island is also an archeological site for the ancient native tribes that use to live inland and would use the island as a sacred burial place.
We will also have the chance to snorkel around the island and experience some of the most biodiverse region of Marine Life found in Costa Rica.
Cloudforest here we come!
Later we will come back to the lodge and at dusk we’ll do a night walk on one of the trails of the lodge to untangle some of the secrets of the rain forest at night. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
June 13 - The Highland of Costa Rica, San Gerardo de Dota Valley (San Gerardo de Dota Lodge)
After this amazing adventure at Corcovado area it is time to get back to Sierpe and be on our way to our next destination. We will take the boat and then get on our bus and drive to the highlands of Talamanca Mountain Range, the highest in Costa Rica. The valley of San Gerardo is also the best place in Costa to spot the amazing Resplendent Quetzal, considered by many the most beautiful bird on the American Continent. June is part of its mating season.
Hola Drea! You might know me from Mayan Culture. (Quetzal)
Today is a driving day, we will stop on the way for lunch and if the weather conditions permit, we will visit the Paramo. This is a South American ecosystem present only in the highlands and that gets as far north as Costa Rica. At 11,000 ft. of elevation the Paramo is a variety of alpine tundra ecosystems. Some ecologists describe the Páramo broadly as “all high, tropical, mountain vegetation above the continuous timberline”. The vegetal structure and biodiversity present in both ecosystems will allow us to learn about the different species that live there and the adaptations that they have developed to survive the extreme conditions.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
June 14 - Birdwatching and drive to Homestay (Sitio de Mata)
Early in the morning we will start our search for the Resplendant Quetzal. They are more active during the early morning before the sun starts to heat things up. We will look for them as they feed on the wild avocado trees. To see the Quetzal is one of the most magical experiences one could dream of. Later today we will drive back up to the Pan-American Highway to see a very different and interesting ecosystem, the Highland Bogs, which is a wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material.
Doña Fressy
We will make the drive to Sitio de Mata where you will be saying "hola!" to your new families. This is the part of the trip where the kids will be immersed with some of the greatest families for homestays you will find anywhere. You will be taken in as family and have the chance to communicate in Spanish from start to finish. Every day will be
filled with activities and things to keep us busy, building new friendships, learning about the culture, and understanding the importance of family values.
When we arrive we will meet in a little ranchito where all the moms will be present and we will introduce all of you to your new families. Although not everyone will be in the same house, this is a small village and houses are close together. Everything is within a very short walking distance.
In the evening we will meet as a group in one of the ranchitos where the kids will have time to journal and reflect on the homestay arrival. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
June 15 - Homestay activities (Sitio de Mata)
Homestay Friends
Today we have a fun activity to practice our Spanish. Families organized a farewell party for us tonight, but for this it is necessary to buy food and other necessary items. We travel on the public bus to Turrialba. We’ll organize in groups and each will be assigned a list of items to be acquired. All our Spanish skills will be needed while walking through the village market, and visiting the shops in search of these items. We’ll return to Sitio de Mata, lunch with our families, and then help out cooking and preparing the food for the party. Then there’ll be a little time for play—we’ll meet at the soccer field for that game Ticos, young and old all love—Costa Rican futbol. At night it is time to eat, party and dance at the beautiful fiesta prepared by the community (Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Pacuare Ecolodge
June 16 - Enter Pacuare River and Stay at River Lodge (River Lodge)
Today we will spend the morning saying "Hasta Pronto" to our Sitio de Mata famililes. Once we give our final hugs, good-byes or "until next time", we'll head to what National Geographic has listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers in the world. In the morning we'll raft some small class II & III rapids then have lunch right on the river followed by a little hiking to some waterfalls.
Your Cabin with bomber River Views
Then it's back in our rafts to get to our final river destination, our beautiful river lodge that has breath-taking views of the Pacuare Canyon and lush green mountains as far as the eye can see. In the evening we will have activities planned for everyone as we experience living in the jungle for a night. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 17 - Environmental Activities at River Lodge (Pacuare Ecolodge)
Today we enjoy a day at the lodge where we will learn about different indigenous medicinal plants and also have time to do some conservation work with the area around the lodge. In the evening we will have a bon-fire and play games after a day in the jungle and some time playing in the river. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
June 18 - Class III & IV Rapids and travel to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)
Camp Fire!
Today we will get breakfast and begin our final raft. This is the most scenic part of the river with the most adventurous rapids. We will deftly make our way down the class III & IV sections passing beautiful canyon walls that rise 300ft high, primary rainforests from start to finish, and 100ft waterfalls that drop into the banks of the river.
Back on dry land and in the bus, we will make the 3 1/2 hour drive to the Arenal Volcano area where we will have dinner at the beautiful Casa Luna Lodge. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
June 19 -- Arenal (Don Juan, Ziplining, National Park) (Casa Luna Lodge)
Zipline Adventure
Today we will start with a little adventure and head to the ziplines that hang 700ft above the rainforest floor. This will be the students’ introduction to the primary rainforest. The students will also get to use their Spanish in an adrenaline-pumping situation. We'll give them a list of words to use such as
TUANIS! PURA VIDA! BUENAZO! and many more local favorite phrases. The zipline guides will
surely be impressed with their bi-lingual guests. After the zipline we will go to the Arenal Volcano National Park, starting with a presentation by your guide about the geology, history and biodiversity that is related to Arenal. Then we will hike up to the old lava flows enjoying the
landscapes and nature that surrounds the area.
Nos vemos pronto!
After lunch it’s a hands-on experience at the Finca of Don Juan. Here the kids will taste, see, smell, and feel the different stages of organic farming from one of Costa Rica's most respected farmers. We will gain an even deeper appreciation of the organic production that Don Juan teaches by feasting on a delicious dinner prepared from all the things grown on the farm. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
June 20 - Fly home!!!
Today we’ll drive to the San Jose Airport where you will catch your flight home! (Meals: Breakfast)
Today you will be met at the airport by your private driver and CRR guide. We'll load up the bus and make our way to an area outside of the Central Valley just south of San Jose at the base of the Irazu Volcano. Your first hotel will be a small hotel with one of the most spectacular views of any. This is a family owned hotel and you get the feel the friendliness and hospitality from the moment you arrive. The hotel is called Sanchiri and located looking out over the Orosi Valley.
At Sanchiri we'll check you in and then meet in the restaurant where we will have an orientation to get you ready for the next 10 days of what we plan on making a life-changing experience for all.(Meals: Dinner)
Evening Activity: Orientation
Day 2 - Tour Orosi & Travel to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)
Today we will wake up to the view of the clouds peeling off the side of green mountains as far as the eye can see. After we have a local traditional breakfast we'll drive down into the Orosi Valley. This is a valley that is filled with history and culture, offering the students a chance to start the trip with a little history of Costa Rica and the influence of the Spanish starting with a visit to the oldest colonial town in Costa Rica a chance to see different ruins.
We will also visit an old Franciscan Monastery that dates back to 1743 making it the countries oldest house of worship still in use.
Sitio de Mata Homestays
After a morning of learning about the history of Costa Rica and the beautiful sites of the valley of Orosi we will make our way to Turrialba. The route we take is a beautiful ride through the rural country-side. Much of this will be unpaved road and a chance to get a feeling of what life is like in rural Central America. Our final stop will be the homestays of Sitio de Mata where you'll be welcomed into your new families with open arms and hearts. Here is where you will experience an immersion like none other as the mom's at the Proyecto Sitio de Mata make every effort along with their families to give you an immersion filled with love, education, and humble family values.
NOTE: This is more than just an immersion. We are going to take a deeper look not only into the language and culture but into the community style of living. How every family knows their neighbors. All meals are eaten together as a community or as a family. The idea of working together as a community for the overall benefit of all second nature to everyone in the village of Sitio de Mata. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Evening Activity: Circle Reflection/Journal Writing
Day 3 - Culture Activity in Sitio de Mata (Homestays)
Today you will wake up to another traditional breakfast and the rich smell of some of the world's finest coffee. It is even said by many Costa Rican's that Juan Valdez drinks Costa Rican coffee...? After
Be a part of our Homestay Project!
breakfast we will begin the day of learning different culture activities. You will learn how to cook different cuisines and traditional dishes, practice your dance moves, and visit a local school.
The school visit will be in the morning and will consist of immersing yourself in the everyday school life of the Costa Rica education system. In the afternoon we will have our soccer game against the local kids where you will test your skills and surely pick up some new ones from the locals who love and cherish their futbol!
The evening is what we consider the best part of the trip. This is a fiesta where all you new friends will join in giving you a farewell like non other. The farewell fiesta will include amazing food along with song and dance testing your new salsa and merengue skills. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Evening Activity: Local Fiesta and Skits
Day 4 - Raft Pacuare (Pacuare Ecolodge)
Rafting Pacuare River
Let the rafting adventure begin as we enter the Pacuare River which National Geographic has listed as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. We will spend the day hiking to waterfalls and rafting small Class II rapids. Our final destination will be the Pacuare Ecolodge which boast of some of the most beautiful views found anywhere on the river. Here you will have the chance to stay in your cabins with views of the primary rainforest and Pacuare Canyon. We will have evening activities planned to keep everyone engaged at the lodge and offer you a memorable evening before sleeping in the jungle. For those not interested in rafting you will be transported to the Ecolodge by land. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Evening Activity: Story Telling/Reflection/Journal Writing
Day 5 - Raft Pacuare & Travel to Bribri Indigenous Village (Soki)
Bri-bri Indigenous Project
Today you will wake up to the sound of the river and the jungle all around. We will continue our rafting adventure as we make our way down the most scenic section of the beautiful Pacuare. Today you will see waterfalls that fall 200ft into the river along with canyon walls that rise 300ft straight up.
Learning an Ancient Culture
This is truly a magical day visiting one of our planet's most precious spots and a true gem of Costa Rica. After our day of rafting we will make our way to the Caribbean low lands where we will head into another adventure. Our Indigenous Project Bri-Bri at the village Soki, takes us into an ancient culture to learn from these people many fascinating traits from their culture that we lack today. Here you will fall in love with the knowledge these families have, experience another language, and make new friends! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Evening Activity: Circle Reflection with Shaman
Day 6 - Travel to Caribbean Coast (Almendras y Corales Ecolodge)
Today we will wake up to the sound of another river as Soki is located on the banks of the Uren River. We will head to the Caribbean coast after breakfast. We'll be staying at Almonds & Corals, one of Costa Rica's top ecolodges. This is a beautiful hotel with a splash of luxury allowing you a chance to be completely surrounded by nature with all the amenities of luxury lodging.
The beauty of staying at this ecolodge is that it offers students a look at how places can operate sustainably in commune with nature. The culture you will experience on the Costa Rican Caribbean side is the Afro-Caribbean. Here we will be looking into our 3rd different very distinct culture of the week. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 - Beach Day & Nature Hike (Almendros y Corales Ecolodge)
Today we will visit some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches found anywhere in Costa Rica. We'll take a nature hike with a local man who is known as one of the experts in the native flor & fauna and culture of the Caribbean. This walk will take us to different beaches for swimming and a chance to stand at some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Caribbean coast. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Evening Activity: Circle Reflection & Journal Writing
Day 8 - Travel to San Jose & Zipline (San Jose Hotel)
Today we will make the drive back to San Jose. On the way back we'll stop for a zip through the tropical
Zipline Adventure
rainforest. This is a great zipline of different cables that open up to beautiful views of the Caribbean coast and a zip across one of the largest rivers in the area.
In San Jose we'll be staying in a hotel in the city allowing us to be close to the airport and enjoy our last day in Costa Rica, exploring the capital city. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Evening Activity: Reflection Comparing Three Cultures/Journal Writing
Day 9 - City Tour & Souvenir Shop (San Jose Hotel)
Back to the Airport! We promise more modern transportation
We'll take a city tour of San Jose today. This will be a great day of walking, seeing sites, and connecting a lot of where we been with different historical and culture facts found in the capital city. Today we will also have time to shop for souvenirs and of course end the day with a farewell dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Evening Activity: Farewell Reflection & Fiesta
Day 10 - Fly Home!
Today we will make the transfer to catch your flight home from the San Jose Airport (SJO). (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 1 -- Arrive and Drive to Pacific Coast (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
When you arrive you will meet your private guide and driver outside of the airport where you will begin your journey to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Your guide will keep you infomred on the many sites along the way including the crodile bridge at Tarcoles River, Carara National Park which seperates the troipcal dry and moist forest, and the National Park of Manuel Antonio.
Your final destination will be the La Cusinga Ecolodge. This is one of the pioneer ecolodges in all of Costa Rica and is a great lesson on green living, ecotourism and operating a hotel in a sustianable manner. The views of the La Cusinga are unmatched by any other property on the Pacific. It is made up of 900 acres of preserved rainforest. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 -- Zipline & Nature Hike (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
Zipline Adventure
Today we will begin with a little adventure. We will head south for 30 minutes to the area of Cortez where we'll ziplining. This property sits 1,000ft above sea-level and has primary rainforest offering one of Costa Rica's most scenic zipline tours available. Along with zipline the adventure will include a tree rappel, hanging bridges, and always the favorite of all is the Tarzan swing.
In the afternoon it is full on education at the La Cusinga Ecolodge. Your CRR naturalist will take you for a hike through the secondary and primary rainforest giving you a lesson on all the wonders of the tropical rainforest. Here you get to see, hear, touch, and experience different plants, flor & fauna. This area is considered one of the most biodiverse in all of Costa Rica.
In the evening we will have a time for reflection and feedback on the day's adventure. The kids will also be given time to write in their journals which we ask all students to do during our tours. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 -- Hike to Cavern (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Waterfall Rappel
We begin our first of two backcountry adventures today. We will make a 1 hour drive to the spot where we begin to hike. This is only a 1 1/2 hour hike but it is steep. We will take a break halfway up, stopping at an organic garden where the kids will taste many new and different tropical fruits.
Once we get to the cavern you will feel as if you are in the land of the waterfalls. Here you will enjoy lunch behind three different waterfalls all measuring over 100ft. Then we will gear up and get ready for the rappel which will take us on a 120ft waterfall rappel back down into the cavern where we will be sleeping. The evening will be spent doing as short hike to the top of Costa Rica's tallest waterfall. Here we will sit and watch the sunset drop over the Pacific before heading to the cavern for dinner. After dinner we will have candlelight and a bon-fire and listen to the surround-sound of the waterfalls. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Sunset Diamante Falls
Day 4 -- Drive to Turrialba Homestays (Sitio de Mata - Village of the Homestays)
Today we will hike out of the cavern and make one of the most scenic drives in all of Costa Rica. With mountains that rise up to 11,000ft and a chance to see both the Caribbean and the Pacific from the same spot, we will be stopping along the way for plenty of pictures. This is also the perfect teachable moment to talk about and show the kids the formation of Costa Rica through tectonic activity. It's a unique area of the tropics known as the Paramo located just below the snow-line.
As we arrive to the area of Turrialba we will be passing the active volcano of Turrialba which has a picturesque smoke stack coming from it's crater.
Today's final destination will be our favorite spot in all of Costa Rica. This is Sitio de Mata, your home away from home. Our homestay families will be waiting for us with open arms inviting us into their homes to learn about their culture and offer us a chance to make new friends. In the evening they will put on a fiesta displaying song and dance while we indulge in one of the best meals of the trip. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 -- Enter Pacuare River Rafting Adventure (CRR River Lodge)
Today you will say good-bye to your homestay families and get ready for a day of fun and adventure. We will begin rafting at about 10 am on the famous River Pacuare. National Geographic has this listed as one of their top five rivers on the planet. The two day rafting adventure offers a chance to take hikes to waterfalls and really enjoy our time on the river while being completey immersed in primarey rainforest from start to finish.
Rafting Pacuare
After a half day of rafting we will arrive to our private river lodge. Here the kids will be spending the night in their private bungalows with breath-taking views of mountains covered in green as far as the eye can see.
In the evening we will meet again and have more time for relfection and writing in journals. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 -- Raft Pacuare Canyon & Travel Closer to Airport (La Condesa)
Today we will wake up to the sound of the jungle. This is the most adventurous and most scenic day of rafting in all of Costa Rica. We will make our way down the famous Pacuare Canyon where you'll see 200ft waterfalls falling into the side of the river along with canyon walls of rock that rise straight up 300ft.
After we take out of the river we will drive back to San Jose to be close to the airport for the last night and stay at the beautiful La Condesa Hotel for the last night where we will have our farwell dinner! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 -- Fly Home!
Today we will make the transfer to catch your flight departing form the (SJO) San Jose Airport. (Meals: Breakfast)
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