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!