Teacher Trip 2013

Day 1 ---- Arrive (La Condesa)

Today is arrival day and we welcome you to Costa Rica. You will be transferred from the San Jose (SJO) airport to the nearby La Condesa Hotel. This is a beautiful hotels located in the mountains of Heredia on the slopes of the Barva Volcano. Depending upon your flight arrival you will have time to enjoy the grounds of the hotel and get ready for the start of our program at 7pm with a welcome presentation and dinner for all.


Day 2 ---- Travel to Turrialba and Coffee Tour (Sitio de Mata Homestay)

Today we will be leaving the La Condesa Hotel and traveling 2 hours to the area of Turrialba. Turrialba is one of the larger towns outside of the central valley situated in a beautiful valley with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains including the smoking Turrialba Volcano.

During the travel we will be making one stop to experience the crop that has done so much for Costa Rica. We will be learning about the coffee bean. We will take a tour that will give us the history about the past, present, and future of this crop and the benefits it has brought to Costa Rica.

After the coffee Tour we will make our way to the village of Sitio de Mata. Here is where you will expierence our Proyecto Sitio de Mata and be immersed with the different families of the village. The village is located in an area that has been blessed with astonishing scenery located in the mountains with fabulous views all around. The scenery is only second to the families of the village which will be welcoming you with open arms inviting you to be part of the family. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)


Day 3 ---- Community Activities (Sitio de Mata Homestay)

Since our focus this year is on culture & Spanish you will be spending an entire day in the village experiencing the different culture activities and having the chance to get a feel for what your students will be experiencing. The activities we will be taking part in will involve everything from learning and experiencing rural life in Costa Rica to also activities such as cooking and dancing.

In the evening you will have the chance to experience one of the best fiestas in all of Costa Rica. The village of Sitio de Mata will be sending you on your way with a farewell party that we hope will have you eager to return with your students and support our project. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ---- Raft Pacuare Pacuare  (Caribbean Hotel)

Today it is time for some adventure. If you do not want to white-water raft we will have an optional activity of visiting the botanical gardens. National Geographic has the Pacuare River listed as one of the top 3 most scenic rivers in the planet.  Located just 20 minutes from Sitio de Mata is the famous Pacuare River. Here you will experience large canyons, waterfalls, and 4 hours of being in one of the most majestic places on the planet. We love our rafting so much we take our time and prepare an amazing river lunch for you allowing you to just relax on the river bank and take a few deep breaths and enjoy the moment.

After the day of rafting we will make the 2 hour drive to the Caribbean sea. Some of the most scenic waters in all of Costa Rica are located on the Caribbean offering white-sandy beaches and 3 very distinct cultures of the Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, & Bribri Indigenous tribes. Because our focus this year is culture there is no better place to focus on than the Caribbean for rich authentic Culture. You will enjoy the sounds of Calypso and learn about these three very distinct cultures and how they go about living together in paradise. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ---- Nature Hike to beach & Indigenous Chocolate Tour (Caribbean Hotel)

Today you will be having some time to enjoy the waters of the Caribbean. Your food will taste differnet because the Afro-Caribbean style is cooking with coconut milk! It adds a very rich sweet taste to your rice and beans. After breakfast we will take a short hike to experience some of the flor and fauna of Costa Rica as your naturalist guide walks you through the low-land tropical rainforest. Here you will have time to relax at the beach and enjoy the waters of the Caribbean.

In the afternoon we will make our way to a nearby indigenous chocolate farm where they make all their chocolate from the locally organic grown cacao trees. Here you will learn the history of the indigenous people, the cacao plant, and how it has evolved into the sweet loving piece of magic we all love and crave.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Travel to Central Valley (La Condesa Hotel)

Today we will travel back to San Jose where you will spend your last night at La Condesa Hotel. We will enjoy a farewell dinner and start getting you ready for your return trip with students! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Fly Home!

Today you will be transfered to the (SJO) airport and fly home!

Diane's Not-So-Boring Costa Rica Adventure 2013

Grano de Oro

Day 1 -- Arrive and Travel to Grano de Oro Hotel (Grano de Oro)

Today your private guide and driver will meet you outside the airport and transport you to your first hotel. The first hotel will be Grano de Oro and is one of the nicer hotels in the San Jose area. After a long day of traveling this will give you a good night's rest before we begin the week long adventure. We plan on keeping you active and having fun and adventures from start to finish. One interesting fact the kids like is that the Grano de Oro Hotel was the former home of the family that makes all the cookies here in Costa Rica. They were known as the Pozuelo Family and their cookies are still around. Its a small boutique hotel. (Meals: None)

Cuna del Angel

Day 2 --  Travel to Central Pacific (Cuna del Angel)

Today we will make the drive to the Central Pacific. We will make some stops along the way and enjoy the scenery as we make our way south. This is a beautiful area of the country. If the you are interested we can plan on doing some surf classes today but we have it as a travel day.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 -- Zipline (Cuna del Angel)

One of my favorite ziplines in the country. Not only are the cables high and fast but the views are amazing. Here you get to zipline on 16 different cables that take you high into the tree canopy.  There are platforms in the trees that will allow us to rappel down the trees. It is a real tarzan experience and in my opinion the best views of any zipline in all of Costa Rica. After the zipline we plan on showing you one of our favorite spots. It is a small hidden waterfall with a rope swing that allows the kids to swing out into a beautiful pool surrounded by jungle. In the evening the kids will have time to enjoy the pool at the hotel and we can take you out for dinner if you desire or the hotel has an excellent restaurant. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 -- Rappel Nauyaca (Cuna del Angel)

Now it is time for some adventure. Today the kids will have the opportunity to rappel a 120ft waterfall. This without question in the most beautiful waterfall in all of Costa Rica. The Nauyaca Falls has breath-taking scenery and many people hike in just to view it. We add a little extra excitement. We have a rappelling system set up at top that allows our guests to rappel and literally walk down the side of the waterfall. It's something you can't say you do everyday and we have taken kids as young as 6 to do this.

After the rappel we will just relax in the very large and pristine pools below and enjoy the site of the large waterfall.

In the afternoon it is back to the hotel where you will have time to relax or we can take you on a hike with your naturalist guide to learn about the different species of the nearby rainforest. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Riding the Duckies

Day 5 -- Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Today is a travel day. We will make some stops along the way and enjoy one of the most scenic drives in all of Central America. The drive will take us down the Central Mountain range at an elevation of 10,000ft. Here we will be able to see the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Ocean from the same spot. This drive also takes us into a unique ecosystem of the tropics called the Paramo. Its a fun day of traveling with some stops along the way to learn and see the beautiful sites.

When we arrive to Turrialba we will be staying in the picturesque Casa Turire Hotel. Here you will have astonishing views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 -- Duckie Adventure  (Casa Turire)

Personally this is probably my favorite day for young kids. We'll visit a nearby river called Pejibaye. Here we will have mini two man rafts. Everyone will be in his own raft with a guide. The adventure takes us down the river steering in and around the rocks and rapids. It is a great experience and really allows you to get soaked and feel like the waves are big from start to finish. Its a small river and easy for our guides to steer the boats. You just hold on and enjoy the ride and paddle when needed! In the afternoon it is back to the hotel and we can take you to nearby local village where you can meet our local friends and you can enjoy a meal and experience some of the dance and culture of Costa Rica. The village we will visit is called Sitio de Mata and most of our river guides are from this village. You will enjoy a local meal, hang with the families, and learn how they are living more sustainable each and every day!  (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

We take the Boring out of waterspouts!

Day 7 -- Raft Pacuare River (Pacuare Lodge)

Today is without question the best of the best. We save the best for last for a reason and the Pacuare River is listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet by National Geographic. Because you will be visiting in the dry season we can operate this tour with children. It is an amazing river filled with waterfalls, rapids, and virgin rainforest from start to finish. Our guides will prepare a lunch on the river for you allowing you to enjoy some time on the river bank just soaking in the scenery. 

Not the Safari Boat Float!

After around 3 hours of rafting and hiking to waterfalls you will be staying in the CRR river lodge. this is an amazing a spot with breath-taking views of the river and complete privacy. Truly a magical place.

Day 9 -- Fly Home! 

Today we will transfer you to the airport and get ready for your return trip to Costa Rica! (Meals: Breakfast)

Jerry Costa Rica Adventure 2013

Day 1  Feb 5th, Tues ---- Travel to Central Pacific (Arenas del Mar)

Arenas del Mar

Arrive & Drive to Central Pacific Coast. There are some interesting stops along the way and it's not a bad drive but the option to fly is available. Your final destination will be the Manuel Antonio area. Here you will enjoy some of the most breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean from the Arenas del Mar Resort. This is the most luxurious hotel in the area tucked away in the hills and surrounded by nature. Your rooms will have astonishing views along with monkeys all around. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 2 Feb 6th, Wed ---- Hike National Park Manuel Antonio (Arenas del Mar)

Manuel Antonio

Today your guide will pick you up at the hotel in the morning as you will be hiking the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. This will be your chance to get some great hiking in and enjoy the views as your expert naturalist guide invites you to learn about the many wonders of the tropical rainforest. 

In the afternoon you will have time to relax in the hotel or enjoy the nearby beaches of the Resort. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 Feb 7th, Thurs ---- Rainforest Spice Tour (Arenas del Mar)

Arenal Volcano

A very unique tour is the Rainforest Spice Tour. If you like food and want an appreciation for some of the many tastes that come from the rainforest then the spice tour is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. If you wanted to add an activitity we could do some whitewater rafting or take an easy kayak row through the mangroves with your guide and have a chance to see more wildlife and learn about the mangroves. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 Feb 8th, Fri ---- Travel to Arenal Volcano by Flight and arrive by 1pm to Tabacon (Tabacon Resort & Spa)

Today you will be flying north to the famous Arenal Volcano. Your final destination will be the Tabacon Resort. This resort is home to some of the top hotsprings in the country. Tabacon has great views of the volcano and the hotel sits at the base of the volcano. This is a beautiful area of the country and a chance to see a completely different type of ecosystem, wildlife, and the enormous Arenal Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 5 Feb 9th, Sat ---- Rest Day (Tabacon Resort & Spa)

 Today you can relax. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 Feb 10th, Sun ---- Zipline (Tabacon Resort & Spa)

Ready to zipline Jerry?

Today we will be doing some adventure. With many ziplines in the country the one we will do today is still our favourite. It has the best views and is surrounded by virgin tropical rainforest. There is not a lot of hiking today and if you did not want to do the adventurous ziplines we can also have the option of just walking hanging bridges through the canopy of the rainforest. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 Feb 11th, Mon ---- Travel to El Silencio Lodge (El Silencio)

El Silencio Lodge

Today you will travel to an area of the country that will allow you to get away from it all. This is only a 1 1/2 hour drive from the Tabacon Resort and it is a small luxurious lodge completely surrounded by nature. No other hotels, restaurants, malls, or anything around. It is you and nature! There are some great hikes in the area and a chance to spend your last two days relaxed. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 Feb 12th, Tues ---- Visit Toro Armarillo Waterfall Hike (El Silencio)

Costa Rica is known for its waterfalls and in our opinion Toro Armarillo is one of the best. Today you will make the hike to visit this 300ft waterfalls. Your naturalist guide will show you the different flora & fauna as this will be a higher elevation than the last hikes you have been on. You will then arrive to the 300ft falls and be in aw at the beauty of it. Here you can sit on a rock and enjoy its magic and the fact that not many other tourist will be around is rather nice also. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9 Feb 13th, Wed ---  Visit Poas Volcano Crater & Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Toro Armarillo Waterfall

Today you will spend your last day seeing more waterfalls as you drive back to the Central Valley. On your way back you will be visiting the Poas Volcano crater. This is a short hike of 6 blocks that will allow you to look down into the crater of the active voclano of Poas. You will also have amazing views of the entire country of Costa Rica from the 10,000ft elevation. After you visit the volcano you will be eating lunch at one of our favorite places to eat called Freddy Fresas. Great food and excellent family atmosphere. 

In the evening you will be heading to the area of Turrialba. This is our favorite hotel in Costa Rica. A small plantation hotel surrounded by mountains and the smoking volcano of Turrialba.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10 Feb 14th, Thurs --- Raft Pacuare River & Return to Casa Turire (Casa Turire)

National Geographic has this river listed as one of the top 3 most scenic rivers on the planet. Here you will get the chance to enjoy a day of sun and fun while rafting the Pacuare River. Our CRR guides are experts and almost take the fun out of the rafting they are so good. You will get wet but the best part by far will be the scenery of large canyons, enormous waterfalls, and virgin rainforest from start to finish. In the evening it is back to the Casa Turire Hotel to enjoy your last meal dinner in Costa Rica and start planning your return trip! (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

You won't find this in Long Island!

Day 11 Feb 15th, Fri --- Morning Travel to Grano de Oro Hotel (Grano de Oro)

This will be about a 2 hour drive to the (SJO) San Jose airport. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 12 Feb 16th, Sat --- Rest Day

Today you will have the chance to relax in the beautiful Grano de Oro hotel. After a week of adventure this is the perfect place to spend a day. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 13 Feb 17th, Sun --- Fly Home!

Today you will fly back to Long Island and start planning your return trip!

MacVicar Family Adventure 2013 Costa Rica

Don't worry Janice we have modernized our transportation

Day 1 -- Arrive and Travel to Grano de Oro Hotel (Grano de Oro)

Today your private guide and driver will meet you outside the airport and transport you to your first hotel. The first hotel will be Grano de Oro and is one of the nicer hotels in the San Jose area. After a long day of traveling this will give you a good night's rest before we begin the week long adventure. We plan on keeping the kids active and having fun and adventures from start to finish. One interesting fact the kids like is that the Grano de Oro Hotel was the former home of the family that makes all the cookies here in Costa Rica. They were known as the Pozuelo Family and their cookies are still around. Its a small boutique hotel. (Meals: None)

Day 2 --  Travel to Central Pacific & Deep Sea Fish (Cuna del Angel)

Today we will make the drive to the Central Pacific. We will make some stops along the way and enjoy the scenery as we make our way south. This is a beautiful area of the country. If the kids are interested we can plan on doing some surf classes today but we have it as a travel day. We could also have the option of including Deep Sea Fishing today if we left the hotel early. If your flight arrives not too late on Day 1 then we can make the drive to the Central Pacific on Day 1. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 -- Zipline (Cuna del Angel)

Cuna del Angel

One of my favorite ziplines in the country. Not only are the cables high and fast but the views are amazing. Here you get to zipline on 16 different cables that take you high into the tree canopy.  There are platforms in the trees that will allow us to rappel down the trees. It is a real tarzan experience and in my opinion the best views of any zipline in all of Costa Rica. After the zipline we plan on showing you one of our favorite spots. It is a small hidden waterfall with a rope swing that allows the kids to swing out into a beautiful pool surrounded by jungle. In the evening the kids will have time to enjoy the pool at the hotel and we can take you out for dinner if you desire or the hotel has an excellent restaurant. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 -- Rappel Nauyaca (Cuna del Angel)

Now it is time for some adventure. Today the kids will have the opportunity to rappel a 140ft waterfall. This without question in the most beautiful waterfall in all of Costa Rica. The Nauyaca Falls has breath-taking scenery and many people hike in just to view it. We add a little extra excitement. We have a rappelling system set up at top that allows our guests to rappel and literally walk down the side of the waterfall. It's something you can't say you do everyday and we have taken kids as young as 6 to do this.

After the rappel we will just relax in the very large and pristine pools below and enjoy the site of the large waterfall.

In the afternoon it is back to the hotel where you will have time to relax or we can take you on a hike with your naturalist guide to learn about the different species of the nearby rainforest. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 -- Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Today is a travel day. We will make some stops along the way and enjoy one of the most scenic drives in all of Central America. The drive will take us down the Central Mountain range at an elevation of 10,000ft. Here we will be able to see the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Ocean from the same spot. This drive also takes us into a unique ecosystem of the tropics called the Paramo. Its a fun day of traveling with some stops along the way to learn and see the beautiful sites.

Riding the Duckies

When we arrive to Turrialba we will be staying in the picturesque Casa Turire Hotel. Here you will have astonishing views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 -- Duckie Adventure  (Casa Turire)

Personally this is probably my favorite day for young kids. We'll visit a nearby river called Pejibaye. Here we will have mini two man rafts. Each boy will be in his own raft with a guide. The adventure takes us down the river steering in and around the rocks and rapids. It is a great experience and really allows the kids to get soaked and feel like the waves are big from start to finish. Its a small river and easy for our guides to steer the boats. You and the kids just hold on and enjoy the ride and paddle when needed! In the afternoon it is back to the hotel and we can take you to nearby local village where the kids can maybe play some soccer with the locals and you can enjoy a meal and experience some of the dance and culture of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Time in the Waterfalls!

Day 7 -- Raft Pacuare River (Grano de Oro)

Today is without question the best of the best. We save the best for last for a reason and the Pacuare River is listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet by National Geographic. Because you will be visiting in the dry season we can operate this tour with your children. We will have two extra guides in the raft as we always do when we have kids under the age of 12 as it adds to safety and the personalised attention as compared to a larger commercial operation. It is an amazing river filled with waterfalls, rapids, and virgin rainforest from start to finish. Our guides will prepare a lunch on the river for you allowing you to enjoy some time on the river bank just soaking in the scenery. 

Janice, Ready for Pacuare?!

After the river we will make the drive back to San Jose through a beautiful National Park called Braulio Carrillo and arrive back at the Grano de Oro Hotel to get you ready for your Day 8 flight home.

Day 8 -- Fly Home! 

Today we will transfer you to the airport with three little ones that are now Professional Adventure Kids! (Meals: Breakfast)

Kristie Costa Rica Adventure

Grano de Oro Hotel

Day 1 -- Arrive and Travel to Grano de Oro Hotel (Grano de Oro)

Cuna del Angel

Today your private guide and driver will meet you outside the airport and transport you to your first hotel. The first hotel will be Grano de Oro and is one of the nicer hotels in the San Jose area. After a long day of traveling this will give you a good night's rest before we begin the week long adventure. We plan on keeping you active and having fun and adventures from start to finish. One interesting fact the kids like is that the Grano de Oro Hotel was the former home of the family that makes all the cookies here in Costa Rica. They were known as the Pozuelo Family and their cookies are still around. Its a small boutique hotel. (Meals: None)

Day 2 --  Travel to Central Pacific (Cuna del Angel)

Today we will make the drive to the Central Pacific. We will make some stops along the way and enjoy the scenery as we make our way south. This is a beautiful area of the country. If the you are interested we can plan on doing some surf classes today but we have it as a travel day.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3 -- Zipline (Cuna del Angel)

One of my favorite ziplines in the country. Not only are the cables high and fast but the views are amazing. Here you get to zipline on 16 different cables that take you high into the tree canopy.  There are platforms in the trees that will allow us to rappel down the trees. It is a real tarzan experience and in my opinion the best views of any zipline in all of Costa Rica. After the zipline we plan on showing you one of our favorite spots. It is a small hidden waterfall with a rope swing that allows the kids to swing out into a beautiful pool surrounded by jungle. In the evening the kids will have time to enjoy the pool at the hotel and we can take you out for dinner if you desire or the hotel has an excellent restaurant. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 -- Rappel Nauyaca (Cuna del Angel)

Now it is time for some adventure. Today the kids will have the opportunity to rappel a 120ft waterfall. This without question in the most beautiful waterfall in all of Costa Rica. The Nauyaca Falls has breath-taking scenery and many people hike in just to view it. We add a little extra excitement. We have a rappelling system set up at top that allows our guests to rappel and literally walk down the side of the waterfall. It's something you can't say you do everyday and we have taken kids as young as 6 to do this.

After the rappel we will just relax in the very large and pristine pools below and enjoy the site of the large waterfall.

In the afternoon it is back to the hotel where you will have time to relax or we can take you on a hike with your naturalist guide to learn about the different species of the nearby rainforest. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Riding the Duckies

This could be you Kristie!

Day 5 -- Travel to Turrialba (Casa Turire)

Today is a travel day. We will make some stops along the way and enjoy one of the most scenic drives in all of Central America. The drive will take us down the Central Mountain range at an elevation of 10,000ft. Here we will be able to see the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Ocean from the same spot. This drive also takes us into a unique ecosystem of the tropics called the Paramo. Its a fun day of traveling with some stops along the way to learn and see the beautiful sites.

When we arrive to Turrialba we will be staying in the picturesque Casa Turire Hotel. Here you will have astonishing views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 -- Duckie Adventure  (Casa Turire)

Personally this is probably my favorite day for young kids. We'll visit a nearby river called Pejibaye. Here we will have mini two man rafts. Everyone will be in his own raft with a guide. The adventure takes us down the river steering in and around the rocks and rapids. It is a great experience and really allows you to get soaked and feel like the waves are big from start to finish. Its a small river and easy for our guides to steer the boats. You just hold on and enjoy the ride and paddle when needed! In the afternoon it is back to the hotel and we can take you to nearby local village where you can meet our local friends and you can enjoy a meal and experience some of the dance and culture of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Pacuare River Ready for Kristie and Fam!

Day 7 -- Raft Pacuare River (Grano de Oro)

Today is without question the best of the best. We save the best for last for a reason and the Pacuare River is listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet by National Geographic. Because you will be visiting in the dry season we can operate this tour with children. It is an amazing river filled with waterfalls, rapids, and virgin rainforest from start to finish. Our guides will prepare a lunch on the river for you allowing you to enjoy some time on the river bank just soaking in the scenery. 

After the river we will make the drive back to San Jose through a beautiful National Park called Braulio Carrillo and arrive back at the Grano de Oro Hotel to get you ready for your Day 8 flight home.

Day 8 -- Fly Home! 

Today we will transfer you to the airport and get ready for your return trip to Costa Rica! (Meals: Breakfast)

U-13 Boys Soccer 2013

Villa Florencia

Day 1 ---- Travel to Turrialba (Villa Florencia)

Today you will be met at the airport and travel southeast from the capital city to the beautiful town of Turrialba surrounded by mountains and the smoking Turrialba Volcano. We will be staying in the Villa Florencia which is an Hacienda setting on a sugar-cane plantation with fabulous views of the surrounding mountains. This hotel just finished the construction of 10 new beautiful rooms to go along with their other nice rooms and a large restuarant to fit the group and a brand new pool for all to enjoy. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ---- Visit Sitio de Mata & Soccer Game & Optional Coffee Tour (Villa Florencia)

Today you will be visiting the rural village of Sitio de Mata. The kids will have a chance to mingle with the locals and even maybe a soccer clinic would be fun for the younger local kids to take part in. In the evening we will have a soccer match scheduled against one of the local sub-13 teams and have the crowds ready to cheer on the teams.

Pacuare River

The early morning would be the option for the coffee tour and those that take part in coffee tour would meet us when we head to Sitio de Mata around 11am. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 ---- Raft Pacuare River & Evening Soccer Game (Villa Florencia)

Today is the adventurous rafting on the Pacuare River. This will be an option for those that want to take part and in the afternoon we will have another soccer game scheduled this one in the center of town of Turrialba. Again we will plan on trying to get some excitement for the game and have some of the locals join. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Cahuita

Day 4 ---- Travel to Cahuita  (La Casa de Las Flores)

This is a travel day to the Caribbean. We will make the 3 hour bus ride to the area of Cahuita where the kids will enjoy the small quaint little town of the Caribbean. This is the perfect choice for kids of this age and a fun and safe vibe in the small little town. The hotels we use in Cahuita are small and we can get two hotels close to each other for the group. You would basically have the entire hotel to yourself. One example of one I really like is La Casa de Las Flores. If you did not want to use two hotels because of the size of the group we would move closer to the area of Puerto Viejo. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

One Surf Lesson is all you Need!

Day 5 ---- Optional Surf Classes (La Casa de Las Flores)

Today they will have the option of just enjoying the beach or they can do some surf classes. Another option would be to enjoy the National Park of Cahuita which is a must see while in the area. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Game in Punta Uva & Optional Schooner Tour (La Casa de Las Flores)

We are expecting a Sell-Out!

Today is back to the field with some soccer games at the area of Punta Uva. After the game the kids can have the option to hop on a boat and enjoy Punta Uva as one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Travel to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui (Hacienda Pozo Azul)

Today we will travel to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui and stay at the Hacienda Pozo Azul. This is a unique area and located right on the Sarapiqui river. This will be a travel day and when we arrive to the Hacienda the kids will have time to enjoy the local area of the Hacienda. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Anybody seen my hair brush?

Day 8 ---- Hike Lowland Tropical Rainforest & Travel back to San Jose via Vara Blanca (La Condesa)

Today we will wake up in the morning and enjoy a short walk to try and see some wildlife. After the hike we will make the drive back to San Jose but on a back road that will allow the kids to see some amazing waterfalls from the road. When we arrive we will drop in on the back side of the valley on the side that La Condesa is located and we will enjoy our last night and a farewell dinner at La Condesa. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 9 ---- Fly Home!

Today we will make the 25 minute transfer to the (SJO) San Jose Airport. (Meals: Breakfast)

Mirtha & Family Fishbowl Adventure

Day 1 --- Travel from Mirtha's House to Dominical (Fishbowl)

Today we will all depart from Sister Mirtha's house early in the morning. We will make the 3 hour drive to the area of Dominical. Here we will be staying in the beautiful fishbowl home with views of the Pacific and jungle all around.


Day 2 --- Whitewater Raft Savegre River (Fishbowl)

Playing in Waterfalls at Savegre River!

After a long night of salsa dancing we will begin some adventure. We will be rafting on the famous Savegre river on class II & III rapids. This is a great day of fun on a beautiful rivers filled with rainforest and waterfall hikes. After the rafting we will all enjoy lunch at the Rafiki Lodge. Those that do not want to raft can just relax at the Rafiki Lodge and enjoy the views. The afternoon of today can be spent at the beach or at the pool in the house.

Day 3 --- Zipline (Fishbowl)

After another long night of salsa dancing we will get ready for some more adventure. We will be visiting a zipline that is one of the best in the country. Located on the ridge that runs down the Pacific coast this will offer some of the most breathtaking views in all of Costa Rica. In the afternoon again we will have some time at the beach or you can enjoy the pool at the house.

Day 4 --- Return to San Jose!

Today we say good-bye to the fishbowl and travel back to San Jose. On the way back we could hike the National Park of Manuel Antonio and get lunch in the area.

Dr. Jason Corosanite Costa Rica Adventure 2013

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

Today we will meet you outside of the San Jose Airport where you will make the three hour drive to the La Cusinga Ecolodge. This is an amazing spot with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. The owner of La Cusinga is a pioneer in ecotourism and a true conservationist. The chance to stay at the lodge is a tour in itself just learning the different aspects of operating as an ecolodge.

Arriving on a mid-day flight would be best allowing us to get to the ecolodge around dinner time and give everyone a briefing on the trip and a chance to have a good night's sleep. (Meals: Beakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Northern Tamandua wants to say hola Jason!

Day 2 ------ Mangrove Tour & Visit Corcovado National Park (La Cusinga Lodge)

With removing the homestays there is no better option than the Corcovado National Park. Considered the most biodiverse place on the planet this is a real treat. It is a full day of adventure as we will drive for 45 minutes, travel in a boat through mangroves for an hour, and then travel around to the beach of San Pedrillo where the kids will have a nature hike like none other on the planet. Some of the largest trees you can find in the tropics and an area that is truly wild makes this place very unique. Yes, even unique for Costa Rica. We would arrive back to the La Cusinga Lodge around 5pm after a full day of fun in the sun and some great hiking in the jungle. It is easy hiking and more learning than actually trekking as our naturalist make it some of the most educational moments of the entire adventure. It is truly a special place where you don't just talk about wildlife but you see it! (Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------ Zipline & Hike to Cave (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Nature Hike

We will make the short drive to the nearby zipline which is located on the first mountain ridge off the coast. You'll notice the Pacific side of Costa Rica is much like California where the mountains meet the sea, yet a bit greener and probably less developed. Here you will be zipping from tree to tree on cables 400 ft above the rainforest floor with a chance to view the canopy and some of the most biodiverse areas of all of Costa Rica.

Before the zipline we will have a short chat on the physics of ziplining getting everyone in the mood to get ready to experience and feel the friction and forces behind one of ecotourism's most exciting events.

After the zipline we will make our way to get a nice big meal before we hike to the area where we sleep behind the waterfall. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------ Rappel Waterfalls, Visit Pools, & Sunset Diamante Falls (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Sleeping behind the Waterfall

With breakfast digested we'll get everyone ready for the next big thrill, a 120 ft rappel down a waterfall. This happens to be one of the most scenic waterfalls and a chance to rappel down it is just icing on the cake. In the evening we will make a short hike to the top of the Diamante Falls,  a 600ft waterfall, to watch the sunset over the Pacific. We then head back to the sleeping area behind the waterfall you just rappelled.  After some campfire activities, we'll slumber to the oh so natural dream-machine sound of a waterfall all night.  Having a second night sleeping behind the waterfall allows us to really not be rushed on day 5 and actually spend some time in the Paramo and arrive at a reasonable hour to our next hotel with views of the Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ------ Travel to Turrialba (Turrialba Hotel)

One of the many Waterfalls

In the afternoon, we say goodbye to the magical mountain, waterfall land and cave and drive to the our next hotel where you will have excellent views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. This takes the better half of the afternoon but that does not mean it does not have its thrills. We will be driving over what we like to call the spine of Costa Rica. It is the mountain range that has been lifted up from the plate tectonic movement causing speciation of species along with what many consider the bridge of the Americas. Because of this uplift the area we will be visiting is known as the Paramo and is a very unique ecosystem of the tropics. This is also one of the few areas of the Americas where you can see the Caribbean and the Pacific without adjusting your feet.

Huacas Falls, Pacuare River

 (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

This could be you Jason!

Day 6 ------ Enter Pacuare, Raft & Night Hike (Pacuare Camp)

Today we will enter Pacuare and have the chance to talk about many different components of the rafting adventure and river hydraulics. These are two days that you will be in it and completely surrounded by some of the finest scenery Costa Rica has to offer. The river is filled with canyons, waterfalls, and countless amounts of biodiversity.

Lets get Ready String Theory, Bellevue for Pacuare!

We will spend the first day rafting and stopping for lunch along the way. We will then get to our river camp where we'll have some more fun learning. We'll do a night hike which will give you a chance to see a number of different species of insects, frogs, sleeping birds, and maybe a JAGUAR!!! Unfortunately in all our years we have never seen a Jaguar. They are out there but because of their ability to smell us from 2 km away they would rather not deal with us. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Rafting Pacuare River

Day 7 ------ Leave Pacuare & Drive to San Jose (La Condesa Hotel)

Today we raft the most scenic and the most adventurous section of the river. This will be two hours on the river you will not forget. Once we take out we will grab some lunch and then head back to San Jose.

You will get a good night's rest in the La Condesa Hotel where you will be just 20 minutes from the San Jose Airport. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ------ Fly Home!

Today we will transfer you to the airport to catch you flight home and take begin to refelct on the amazing adventure that just happened! PURA VIDA! (Meals: Breakfast)