Day 1 -------- Arrive & Drive to La Cusinga (La Cusinga)
Today we will meet you outside of the SJO Airport. A midday arrival would work best for this itinerary. Both Spirit and JetBlue have flights from Orlando that arrive around noon. Their prices can be pretty good too, if reservations are made far enough in advance.
Upon arrival you will be introduced to your driver and guide. We like to operate our tours with two buses if the group is larger than 20. We do have the option of using a bus that fits the entire group but we have noticed with student groups it is more personalized with two different guides and buses. The entire tour goes at the same pace and we stay as a group in all excursions, hotels, and stops along the way but we have a guide for each bus which allows for a better CRR personnel/client ratio. We can give more personalized attention this way to both the students and teachers and no one gets left out.
Kitchen is ready for DHS
The drive from the airport will be to the famous La Cusinga Lodge. This lodge is one of the pioneers of eco-lodges in Costa Rica. It sits on cliffs of the Pacific with breath-taking views and is a perfect blend of where comfort meets sustainability and the natural wonders of Costa Rica. This will be a full travel day and we will have dinner waiting for you at the hotel when you arrive. Your guides will give you an intro to Costa Rica during the three hour scenic drive. We'll have a short orientation this first night along with a breifing every night to get some feedback from the kids. We also encourage journaling which we provide and try and get kids to write about their reactions of being abroad and the amazing scenery they will be experiencing. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 -------- Intro to the Rainforest, Visit Banana Plantation, Sunset on Beach (La Cusinga)
Intro to Rainforest
Today is an intro day and we will start by walking around the grounds of the lodge. Everyone will have the chance to sleep-in this morning. After breakfast we'll then take a short hike with your naturalist guide who will give you an introduction to the lowland tropical rainforest. We will also observe some of the sustainable practices used in the hotel. After the morning hike we will drive to a nearby banana plantation where the kids will get to see just how much work goes into getting the simple banana to your grocery store. We will look at the history of the United Fruit Company and also some of the results of large mono-culture farming in the tropics and some ideas that are being done to help with deforestation and the use of large amounts of pesticides.
Sleep like a Rock...
After the banana plantation and we get a feel for the work that is involved, we will take everyone to relax in the Pacific Ocean. Here the kids will have time to get their feet wet and swim. (Note: We are highly cautious with student groups in the ocean. We only use a small beach where there are no rip currents and we reschedule all swimming activities if the seas are rough.) This is a beautiful afternoon on the beach and a chance to watch the sunset on the Pacific which is something you are not doing in Daytona. After the sunset, it is back to the hotel for some dinner and a bonfire as we do our briefing and journaling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 -------- Enter Cavern (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Let the adventure begin! After breakfast we'll drive to where we'll start the hike.. The hike is not a long distance but is made up of high steps. Everyone can make as we take our time and stick together as a group. Here we will be seeing some of the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica as we make our way to where we will be staying for the night. We will arrive in the afternoon and dinner will be waiting for us. This is truly a place like non other on Earth. It is a tough hike but worth every second of the trek. In the evening we'll be getting to know the area which has bathrooms, showers, dining area, and sleeping area for everyone. You will be sleeping in the jungle but believe me, it is not roughing it. The night will be spent listening to some guitar music and eating some healthy camp food. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 -------- Rappel Waterfall, Hike to Pools, & Sunset at Diamante (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Today we will be up with the sun as you open your eyes and see the three beautiful waterfalls you slept behind. We will have breakfast waiting for you and then start getting geared up for the waterfall rappel adventure. The very same waterfall you slept behind that measures 120ft, you will be rappeling. This is a simple rappel but definitely some adrenaline involved as you descend from 120ft high. After the rappel we will hike to some more waterfalls. This is a chance for you to swim in the pools at the bottom and just enjoy the area. We will have lunch prepared for you here. Then we'll head back to the cavern and get ready for the evening activities. The evening will start as we make the short trek to the Diamante waterfall which is a 600ft waterfall. We will arrive at the top of the falls where we will watch the sun drop down on the Pacific, which seems close but is actually miles away. Costa Rica is just 50 miles wide at some parts and we can often see the Pacific and the Caribbean at the same time.
Sunset Diamante
In the evening we will have another briefing and hopefully some journal time as everyone gets a chance to reflect on this amazing experience in one of the planet's most pristine settings. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 -------- Travel to Turrialba (Espino Blanco Lodge)
We will hike out of the cavern after breakfast and drive over Costa Rica's tallest mountain range. This range is home to the mountains that have caused much of the speciation you see in Costa Rica and also the bridge between the Americas. Here we will make a stop and show the kids the Paramo. We plan on making this a travel day but it also lends itself to some very educational stops. We pass through many different micro-climates and ecosystems. We won't just be talking about these things. The students will be able to get out of the bus and walk, see, and feel the different zones. We will also be stopping in Cartago, Costa Rica's first capital, which will give us a chance to talk about some of Costa Rica's more recent history. A full day of fun, hands-on learning will culminate at a nice little hotel in the small beautiful town of Turrialba, with views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. This stay in town is a good break from the jungle and allows kids to really soak in what they saw and did. We will do our briefing in the hotel and maybe take an evening walk in the town of Turrialba for some ice-cream sandwiches. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 -------- Breakfast in Rural Village Enter Pacuare River (Camp Pacuare)
We're not in Deland anymore...
Today we will sleep in a bit and then pack our backpacks and head to what National Geographic has listed as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. Not a bad way to spend your day? We will first drive to a nearby village that is on the way to the Pacuare River. Here in Sitio de Mata, the local kids put on a traditional dance and local moms will teach the kids to make breakfast. The breakfast dish is called "Gallo Pinto y Tortillas". The kids will learn to make the Gallo Pinto and make their own tortillas. This is a great way to get a glimpse at the way the rural side of Costa Rica lives and also meet the most amazing species this country has to offer and that is the TICOS (Costa Rican's)! After we visit the village we will make our way to the river and get ready for some rafting. Your CRR guides will be ready. They are some of the top guides on the planet. We are proud to say three of our guides were on the Costa Rica National Rafting Team that competed in the world rafting championship just a month ago and placed 9th out of 50 teams (Not bad for a small country). We sponsored the team and take our rafting pretty serious here at Costa Rican Resource. We like to think if you are going on the river, you are in good hands with CRR. There are few companies that operate at the level of expertise and safety standards we require from our team.
Hey Deland! Ready for The Pacuare Rapids?!
We will begin rafting around 10am and stop for lunch along the way. Along with rafting our guides are not too bad in the kitchen either. Your lunch will be the river style lunch which just might be our best meal of the week. After the famous river lunch and relaxing on the banks of the river we will continue rafting until we get to the camp site. The camp site is a beautiful area surrounded by primary rainforest. We will be in tents but all is prepared and it is above ground tents. Everything is provided from pillows, sheets, and excellent meals. There are bathrooms for girls and boys, showers, and a social area for enjoying the view down river of the beautiful Pacuare Canyon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 -------- Raft Pacuare & Travel to Arenal (Casa Luna Lodge)
Casa Luna Lodge
If I had to pick my favorite two hours of all our tours it would probably be the two hours that follow breakfast on day two of Pacuare River trip. Today you will wake up, have breakfast and get back in the rafts to continue the adventure down the famous Pacuare Canyon. Some of the most fun rapids in Costa Rica are found in this canyon and it is just fun and laughter the entire way down. Keep smiling because we have our photographer taking pictures of everyone on their way down.
After we get out of the river we will drive to La Fortuna, where the Arenal Volcano is standing watch. We will be staying at Casa Luna Lodge, a beautiful hotel with amazing views of the Volcano. Dinner will be waiting for us and after some serious adventure you will love the luxury of the Casa Luna Lodge and just relaxing on the balcony. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 -------- Zipline & National Park (Casa Luna Lodge)
With over 70 ziplines in Costa Rica we like to stick with the safest and not too mention best view and cables of over 700ft high above the rainforest canopy. This is a beautiful ride that also includes a gandola canopy ride with a guide that is very interesting. After the exhilarating zipline we will take a hike through the Arenal National Park climbing on some old lava flow and having breath-taking views of the Arenal Volcano. In the evening we will take the kids out on the town for dinner and a chance to see the small town of La Fortuna that has been built on tourism from the volcano.
Gandola Ride in the Canopy
We will be briefing in the hotel after dinner and doing journal writing. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 9 -------- Organic Farms & HotSprings (Casa Luna Lodge)
Sugar-Cane with Don Juan
Today is the final day and we plan to tone it down a little on the adventure side. We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then head to the farm of our good friend Don Juan who will walk the kids around his spotless masterpiece of organic farming. This is a very educational morning and a chance to eat a filling organic lunch, of food that was produced from Don Juan's farm. This will be the best meal of the week, even better than the river lunch. After lunch we can make a quick visit to town to get any last minute souvenirs and then it is on to the Hot Springs (The Springs). We will be having a farewell dinner here and a chance to recap on this amazing adventure. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 10 ------ Fly Home!
Back to Deland with lots of great memories. Pura Vida! (Meals: Breakfast)
Includes All Meals, All Lodging, All Adventures & Tours, Private Transportation & Guides Note: International Airfare Not Included
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Park City Costa Rica 2012
Day 1 ------------ Arrive & Transfer to Airport Hotel (La Condesa)
Today is a long travel day and we will be meeting you at the airport and transfer everyone to the first hotel called La Condesa just 25 minutes from the San Jose Airport. Depending upon when you arrive you will have dinner waiting for you. Get some sleep because there are 8 days of adventure and fun coming next! (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 ------------ Visit Orphanage & Drive to Pacific (Cuna del Angel)
The Famous Pacuare River
Today after breakfast we will make our way to the girl's orphanage in Alajuela. This is a great morning spent giving company to the girls who very seldom get visitors. After our visit we will make our way south to Cuna del Angel which is a beautiful small hotel surrounded by lush rainforest on the southern Pacific. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 ------------- Zipline & Surf Classes (Cuna del Angel)
Sleeping behind a Waterfall
We will start the day out with a little bit of adventure as we take on one of the best ziplines in Costa Rica. We will head into the mountains to an elevation of 1,000ft and breath-taking views of the coastline below. This is a full morning of zipping through the rainforest.
After the zipline we will make our way to ride some waves. This is a great afternoon on the water learning and catching some of Costa Rica's best waves.
After surf classes it will be time for a surfers dinner as we eat at one of the local surf spots before we head back to the Cuna del Angel Hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 ------------ Enter Cave Hiking & Waterfall Rappel (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Get ready for an adventure as we head to the base of a ridge where we will begin our hike into the cave. This is actually just a cavern that is tucked behind a waterfall but without question one of the most unique and beautiful places you will ever see in your life. The hike is intense but worth it by all means. We will hike for around two hours as we make our way up the ridge and then down into the canyon. On our way to the waterfall we'll pass by a permaculture garden where we can learn solutions to large monoculture plantations.
Arriving at the cavern, we will have lunch and then get geared up for the 120ft waterfall rappel. This is a perfect rappel that literally ends right where you will be sleeping. After the rappel we will take one more small hike to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. Diamante Falls measures 600ft and it is where we'll watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 ------------ Leave Cave & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)
You will wake up and the first thing you will see is three waterfalls forming a wall that flow over where we'll be sleeping. There is nothing like this that we can compare it to. After breakfast we will make another hike to some more waterfalls and pools. The kids can jump off a 15ft waterfall into a beautiful pristine pool. After the hike and swim, it is back down to the cavern for lunch and then time to hike out. After we hike out of the cave we will drive to the area of Turrialba by way of the Paramo of Costa Rica which is one of the most unique areas of the tropics. The Paramo is what comes after the cloud-forest in high elevations of the tropics below the snow line.
When we get to Turrialba we have a real treat planned for everyone. You will be staying in a hotel called Casa Turire. This is a great spot surrounded by nature. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 ----------- Community Service in Sitio de Mata Village (Homestays)
The homestays are only 15 minutes from the hotel which will give us plenty of time to spend doing a morning of service working on a project we have planned. We will arrive to a simple rural mountain village which is a little different than Park City but just as exciting a place. We will spend a full day and night filled with cultural activities and allow for time to be spent with the homestays enjoying some of the best food of the trip. We will have activities planned getting kids involved with the cultural side of rural Costa Rica. There will also be a very fun soccer game planned for the kids with the locals. In the evening it is a full out salsa and merengue dancing as the locals put on a show for us and we will be testing our salsa skills also. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 ------------ Enter Pacuare River (Camp Pacuare)
Today the kids will enjoy what we consider the best adventure in all of Costa Rica. This is the Pacuare River which is filled with some of the county's best rapids and most scenic canyons and waterfalls This is a great way to save the best for last and make it a day of fun on the river. After we spend the day rafting we will be camping in the virgin rainforest alongside what National Geographic has as one of their top five scenic rivers on the planet. This is an amazing experience and a chance to have a full day and night of adventure and nature. We will be camping in a beautiful area where all meals and lodging are prepared. Excellent accommodations in above ground tents, bamboo showers, bathrooms, and a community dining area. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 ------------ Raft & Travel to San Jose (Airport Hotel)
Camping Pacuare River
Today we will raft the eight miles we have left on the Pacuare and then make our way back to the San Jose hotel. This is a great day of rafting and it's often voted the best three hours of the whole trip considering the big rapids are on the second day which the kids always seem to love. After we take out of the river we will all be pretty tired and make our way to the final destination a hotel that is close to the San Jose airport for your last night in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 9 ------------- Fly Home!
Today we will make the transfer to the airport and get you safely on your way to Park City! (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 1 - Arrive and drive to Arenal Volcano (Arenal Hotel)
Today we will meet you at the airport with your private driver and guide. We will take you the 2 1/2 hour drive through the cloudforest to the area of the Arenal Volcano. This is a beautiful area and we will have you staying in a nice simple hotel at the base of the volcano. (Meals: None)
Day 2 - Zipline & Cano Negro (Arenal Hotel)
Today we will make our way to the zipline after breakfast. Here you will have the chance to zip through the treetops of the jungle while having breathtaking views of the volcano. There are over 100 different zipline companies in Costa Rica now and this is by far the best. After the zipline we will do an afternoon tour of visiting the Cano Negro. This is an easy boat float over the wetlands and a chance to see plenty of wildlife. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 3 - Drive to Sitio de Mata (Homestay)
Today we will take you to one of the most unique places in all of Costa Rica. Not only will you be visiting homestays in a rural mountain village but you will be staying with some of my best friends. These people are some of the best people to be around and a chance to experience the culture first hand. They will love having us stay with them and we will even learn how to make the perfect tortilla. The food is absolutely amazing here. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 - A Day in the Village (Homestays)
Today we will spend the day in the village. We will take some hikes to the nearby by plantations and fill up the day just doing what the locals do. Although it is rural we will find plenty to do and just a chance to be in the "real" Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 - Drive to Caribbean Sea (Caribbean Hotel)
Today we will take you to the beautiful Caribbean. This will be a travel day and we will make some stops along the way and arrive around lunch time. This is a beautiful area and a chance to enjoy breath-taking scenery of the white sand and crystal blue water.
Day 6 - Beach Day (Caribbean Hotel)
Today is a day of just relaxing around town or visiting the local spots in and around the Caribbean towns. We could also take a day trip into the nearby indigenous reservations which is quite the adventure. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 - Travel to San Jose Area (Central Valley Hotel)
Today we will travel back to the San Jose area and you will also get the chance to have dinner at my parents house since my mom said my hug didnt count and she was only accepting one from you. In the evening we will cook you a great meal and then we can take you to a nearby hotel where you will begin the adventure on your own. Some suggestions might be heading out to the Pacific areas of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)
July 5th ----------- Arrive to San Jose Costa Rica (Sanchiri Hotel)
Today we will meet you at the airport. From the airport we will be making our way to the San Jose area where Community School's Costa Rica connections will be taking you to a surprise visit. We can only guess what the event might be but just to give you a hint most Costa Rican events turn out to be an amazing time with amazing people so we here at CRR would bet that its going to be a blast. After the event we will make our way to Rincon del Valle hotel which is located in the San Jose are as compared to the Sanchiri which was farther out. Although if the event does not go late into the evening then Sanchiri would be a nice place to stay. (Meals: Dinner)
July 6th ----------- Visit CATIE & Travel to Sitio de Mata Village Turrialba (Homestays)
Tropical Fruits in Homestays
Today we'll drive to the Sitio de Mata Village where we will meet our homestays. Before we leave for the drive we will have a morning meeting to get everyone ready for the homestays. We'll also give an introduction to the environmental issues of the tropics. We will go over our plans for the week and set some goals for what we hope to accomplish during our visit to the village.
Map of the Village Sitio de Mata
We will be arriving at the village around lunch time. Before we arrive we'll visit one of the most advanced centers for the study of sustainability and tropical agriculture in all of the Americas. This is the CATIE which has beautiful gardens and home to some of the present and future lead conservationists and environmentalists from all over the globe. It is a brief stop but it will show the kids the gardens and give them a sense of environmentalism on a very professional and studious level. After CATIE we will make our way to Sitio de Mata, one of the most picturesque mountain settings in all of Costa Rica. We have views of the mountains and the smoking Turrialba Volcano from everywhere in the village. When we arrive we will be welcomed at a local meeting area where everyone's homestay family will be waiting for them. Our first meal we will eat as a group as we break the ice and get everyone introduced to their new families for the week. The afternoon will be spent with your families and we will take a walking tour of the village in the afternoon so everyone gets their bearings for the week to come. The homes are split up into two sections, Section #1 & Section #2. Both sections are within easy walking distance, only seperated by a soccer field. During our walking tour we will point out the homestays so you'll know where everyone is staying. In the evening it is back to your homestays for dinner and then we will be meeting up as a group to do some debreifing and get some feedback from the kids about their first impressions. We strongly encourage 15 minutes of journaling here and even make questions for the kids to get them going on different topics. This helps them express the initial impact of the homestay environment. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
July 7th ----------- Visit Fruit Market in town of Turrialba & play Fruit BINGO!!! (Homestays)
Today we will wake up and make our way to the local market. Because everyone is so close together we like to give the kids a chance to take the 15 minute ride in the village bus to the fruit market. We all ride as a group and it is a great experience. When we arrive to the fruit market everyone will have their bingo sheet and a list of things they have to buy for their homestay (homestays will supply the money for the fruits). The group will be split up into teams and they and they must fill their bingo sheet of fruits. The winner will get ice-cream sandwiches! The best Ice-cream sandwiches you have ever tasted.
In the evening it is back to your homestays for dinner and then we will meet up for the evening briefing where we plan to get the kids talking about the experience so far along with 20 minutes of journal time and then some salsa and merengue classes! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
July 8th --------------------- Continue Work on Environmental Project (Homestays)
Today we will begin the work on the project we have in mind. We might be continuing on the green house we have in mind along with many compost bins for the schools in the nearby village. This will be a full day of work and we might be doing lunch on site so your homestay mom will give you a lunch pail just as if you were going to school. The project we do will be done within walking distance of all the homestays.
The evening activities will be meeting, journaling, and some more dance practice. Sometimes we are asked to organize a skit, dance, or song for the fiesta on the last night so we might be using some of the evening activities to do a trial run of Community School's Got Talent! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
July 9th ---------------------- Continue Work on Environmental Project (Homestays)
Today we will continue with the project. This will be another full day of work. In the evening we will have some activities planned along with the normal briefing, journaling, and we should be experts by now in journaling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
July 10th ---------------------- Continue Work on Environmental Project (Homestays)
Today we will plan on finishing the project in the morning. After work in the morning we will make a visit to the school. If we were building compost bins for the schools we will deliver them now with a short introduction on the importance of composting, soil, and yummy food. The afternoon will be scheduled for the soccer game. Even if Community School isn't big on soccer the locals are, and it's one of the more fun events of the entire trip. The mom's, babies, and dogs are all out on the field making it a frenzy of fun and laughter not to mention a bomber view of an active volcano smoking from it's crater. After the soccer game you can shower up and head to the "Ranchito" which is where we will have the Farewell Fiesta. This is when the locals come out in full costume of traditional song, dance, and food. If we have prepared something to perform then we will be doing our skit or dancing during this time. The locals perform like six different shows so the competition is pretty tough but just an average moon-walk from one of the Community School kids usually gets the crowd going. We give the night off on journaling also, so the kids have no excuse not to try their new salsa skills! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
July 11th ----------------- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare River Tent-Lodge)
Nature Hike
Today we will be leaving the village after breakfast, saying good-bye to the friends you have made or a "see you next time" always feels better. The best part about the village is the people and the scenery and the second best part is it's location to the Pacuare River. The Pacuare River is rated as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet by National Geographic and we will be just 20 minutes from the put-in of this amazing rafting adventure through the rainforest. Today we will raft for around 2 1/2 hours. It is a great day of fun and adventure getting soaked, taking hikes, and enjoying lunch on the river. We'll get to the camp-site around mid-afternoon where we will have everything ready for you. This is camping but not roughing it by any means. All tents are above ground, surrounded by beautiful lush tropical rainforest. There are bathrooms and showers made of bamboo and all meals are prepared for you. This allows time for different activities in the natural setting. We use our time on the river in the overnight setting to do some back-to-nature activities with the students. These are fun hands-on activities that allow everyone to experience through games and searches the explosiveness of the biodiversity we will be surrounded by in the tropical rainforest. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
July 12th ------------------ Raft & Camp (River Camp-Site)
Camping in the Jungle
Everyone will get the chance to sleep in today, although most rise with the sun. We will take some hikes in the morning, do some swimming, eat some breakfast, and squeeze in some journal time. There's no better place to give a talk on the world's fresh water supply than sitting along side one of the most beautiful rivers on Earth. Then we will make our back into the rafts, go over some pretty neat rapids and end up at a large waterfall. Here we will hike to the waterfall where everyone can swim in its pools. After cooling off in the waterfall, we will have lunch prepared for you along side the river and then head to the second camp-site. This is another beautiful area where we can do more nature related activities. When it comes to environmental projects and conservation we feel that the importance of nature awareness should be at the forefront of teaching kids about the environment and although it is great to blow their senses on the exhuberant life of the tropics, we also encourage nature awareness on their own hometown level. It not only allows them to compare to things from home to what they see in the tropics but it allows them to gain respect on a local level which is often the most important. We get kids that can name five different types of rainforest animals and 1000 different brand names but can not even name one species of tree native to their local area.
July 13th ------------ Leave River (Airport Hotel)
Choco-holic!
Today we'll raft down the beautiful Pacuare Canyon where you will see sheer wall of rock as we float down one of the most scenic areas in all of Costa Rica. The rafting today also has some nice little rapids that will keep the adventure exciting. After taking-out we'll drive back to the San Jose area where we will be at a hotel near the airport for the flight home on the 14th. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
July 14th -------------- Fly Home!
Today we will say our good-byes after an adventurous, educational, and service-giving week!
(Meals: Breakfast)
Today we will meet you at the airport and make the 2 hour drive to the homestays. If you arrive from Tennessee to Costa Rica on a mid-afternoon flight we will have time to make the drive directly to the homestays on day 1. When we arrive we will have a central meeting area where everyone will meet their homestay families. We will have different activities to break the ice and get everyone introduced to the village and the visiting guest. The first meal we will all eat together upon arrival giving more time for everyone to get comfortable with everyone. After the ice breakers and dinner you will go to your homes and spend the rest of the evening with your family. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 ----------- Homestay Activities (Sitio de Mata Homestays)
Today we will wake up and all eat breakfast at our homestays and then meet up for the day activities. The day will start with visiting a local school. Many of the kids in the homestay will be attending school and chances are we will be visiting their school. We will do an activity of culture exchange where we pair the students up with local kids and learn about different things in their culture. This is a great day to get to know more people in the community and use those Spanish skills. After a morning in the school we will make our way to our homestays and enjoy lunch. After lunch you will have some rest time and a chance to enjoy your family or just walk around the village. We will meet back at 3pm when we will do tortilla classes & gallo pinto classes. This activity will take us into dinner time where we will eat the food we prepared. Today your students are cooking for their homestays which is always fun and interesting considering some of the tortillas usually come out shaped like Tennessee and not the perfect moon circle the locals have mastered. In the evening we will have a meeting where we will talk about the experience so far and try and get some feedback from the kids. After the meeting it is time for dance classes. It will be a full salsa and merengue class. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 ----------- Turrialba Scavenger Hunt (Sitio de Mata Homestays)
Today is another full day of activities of experience the culture. Everyone will enjoy breakfast at the homestay and then you will be given 100 colones (20 US cents) from your homestay mother where you will have to wait outside of your house to catch the local bus to Turrialba. We will all be traveling together as a group. We will then arrive to the small town of Turrialba where teams of 4 will be given list of things to buy along with a member of your homestay to help guide along if it is too difficult. This is a true immersion of kids having to use their Spanish in a real setting of out in the real world. IN the evening we will have dinner and then do dance classes again. Our plan is to master a dancing skills for the final night fiesta. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 ----------- Community Service (Sitio de Mata Homestays)
Today we are going to give back to the community after they have given so much to us. Our community service project will depend on what you are looking to do. We often do different eco-projects which the community really enjoys getting the kids outside. There are a number of things to do and help is always welcomed. The community service will be a morning activity and then lunch at their homestays. At 3pm we will get a soccer game going which is often the highlight of the trip. After the soccer game you will make your way to your homestays and shower up for the last night fiesta. This is a full on show of local culture, food, and dance. We will be pro's at salsa dancing and ready for the fiesta with all of the friends we have made in the last few days. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 ----------- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Tent Lodge)
Today we will say good-bye to our families and make our way to what National Geographic has listed as one of their top 3 rivers on the planet for scenery. We will spend the afternoon rafting through the tropical rainforest and sleeping in a beautiful lodge on the side of the river. We sleep in tents but they are above ground tents with bathrooms, showers, and a dinning area. It is camping but it is not roughing it by any means. We will be your cooks for the night and will prepare for you a river lunch and dinner during your stay. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 ----------- Leave Pacuare & Travel to Arenal Volcano (Casa Luna Lodge)
A night in the jungle!
Today we will raft the famous Pacuare Canyon. This is the most scenic part of the river that is filled with waterfalls and canyons. It also has some of the best rapids on the river which will keep everyone student soaked from start to finish. After we make our way out of the river we will drive to the famous Arenal Volcano. Here you will be staying in the Casa Luna Lodge which is a beautiful hotel that has views of the volcano from every room. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 ----------- Zipline & Visit La Fortuna Town (Casa Luna Lodge)
Today we will be doing the zipline. This is a chance to zip through the rainforest and have excellent views of the Arenal Volcano. The kids always love this adventure and makes for a great thing to do on the last day. After the zipline we will have the afternoon to enjoy the pool at the hotel and visit the town of La Fortuna where they can souvenir shop. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 ----------- Fly Home!
Today we will make the 2 1/2 hour drive to the airport. It would be best to not have a very early morning flight on this day if possible. (Meals: Breakfast)
Today we will meet you at the airport and make our way to the Arenal area. This is really the spot we need to be in order to make the Cano Negro trip. We will stay at the Casa Luna hotel or if you wanted to mix it up a little bit we could stay somewhere different like the Arenal Observatory Hotel. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 ------ Visit Cano Negro (Casa Luna)
Today will be the day trip to Cano Negro. It is a full day on a private boat with a chance to see plenty of wildlife. We will spend around 3 hours on the boat just floating around the wetlands seeing different birds, mammals, and reptiles. In the evening we will head back to the hotel in the Arenal area. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 ------ Canyoneering Drive to Tirimbina (Tirimbina Sarapiqui)
Today we will start the day with the canyoneering as I feel everyone would like to get that in since it was scratched last year. The morning will be filled with the canyoneering adventure and the afternoon making the 2 hour drive to the Tirimbina rainforest area. This is another area where wildlife is plentiful and an excellent learning environment for students. When we arrive we will get situated and then take part in the night hike. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 ------ Travel to Casa Turire (Casa Turire)
When we wake up we will do some of the best birding in the country along with another nature hike looking for some critters and animals of all types. After lunch we will make the drive to the Casa Turire hotel which is one of Turrialba's finest. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 ------ Raft Duckies to Camp (Camp Pacuare)
Today is your day for rafting in Dukies. Here everyone will get their own duckie or they will have the option to raft with a guide. You can decide to do a full day of duckie rafting and we return to the Casa Turire hotel for another night or we can do the night on the river and raft out in rafts on day 2 of the river. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 ------ Raft Out and Travel to San Jose (San Jose Hotel)
Today we will raft out and travel back to the San Jose area. If you decided just to do the day trip of rafting we can get up in the morning and head to the Irazu Volcano crater which is at 9,000ft and has some excellent views of looking into the crater. If you decided to camp on the river we will raft the big rapids of Pacuare and then head straight back to the San Jose area. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 ------ Fly Home!
Today we will catch your flight and go back home!!! Always hate to see Maria Leave!!!
Itinerary Option #2
Day 1 ------ Arrive & Drive to La Cusinga (La Cusinga)
Today we will meet you at the airport and make the 3 hour drive to La Cusinga. This is one of the most unique spots in Costa Rica. It is a true ecolodge developed by one of the pioneer conservationist that came down to Costa Rica from the US 40 years ago. When it comes to views of the Pacific this place can not be beat. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 ------ Zipline & Nature Hike at La Cusinga (La Cusinga)
Today you will zip probably my second favorite zipline in the country. One part about it that beats all other ziplines is that it has a tarzan swing. This swing is amazing and the kids will love it with a view of 1,000ft above sea-level it gets the adrenaline going. After the zipline we will head back to La Cusinga where we will take a hike on the reserve and look for some wildlife. In the evening we can do a bon-fire on the property and do one of Maria's great ideas of who knows what you will come up with next for evening activities for outdoors! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 ------ Raft Savegre River (La Cusinga)
Why Raft when you can TUBE!!!
Today we will raft the Savegre River. This is a great day trip and something different than Pacuare. We have a section of it that is class IV where we will raft in rafts and then at the bottom section where it is just class II's we will let everyone get their private inner-tube and we will make our way down on tubes that are actually made for whitewater. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 ------ Travel to Drake Bay (Drake Bay Lodge)
Nature Hike
Today we will leave La Cusinga and make our way down to the Osa Peninsula. Here we will drive for around 1hour and then be transported by boat. We will make our way through mangroves where we have a chance to see wildlife and then out into the Pacific getting through the mouth of the river is an adventure in itself. We will then arrive at Drake Bay where we will be staying for the next few nights among complete jungle and wildlife. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Hola Maria!!!
Day 5 ------ Nature Hike (Drake Bay Lodge)
You will wake up to the sound of the Scarlett Macaws that are everywhere down here flying in pairs up and down the coastline. After we get some breakfast we will get into the jungle and start to learn about the rainforest. We have developed some great games that I think you would enjoy when we have a full day like this in the jungle we have teams and different activities where they compete against each other while finding different species and things of such and then we tally up in the afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 ------ Activities at Lodge (Drake Bay Lodge)
Eyelash Pit-Viper
After a full day in the jungle today we can plan on doing some water activites. You have the option of renting kayaks or we can do a Cano Negro Trip where we head out to the island and do some snorkeling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 ------ Fly to San Jose Airport to catch flight home!
Today we will fly off the peninsula and into the San Jose airport where you will connect to your international flight. (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 1 --------- Arrive and Drive to La Cusinga (La Cusinga)
Today you will arrive in San Jose and continue to travel south to the the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica. You will be staying in one of the most amazing eco-lodges in the country. It is situated on the edge of the Pacific where everyone will have a view of the ocean. The lodge is called La Cusinga and is surrounded by 500 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. It is a great place to be for a few nights and do an intro to the rainforest from the lodge. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 2 --------- Intro to the Rainforest & Zipline (La Cusinga)
Today we will allow everyone to sleep in. We want you rested after your long first day of travel. We'll have breakfast with views of the Pacific where we might catch a glimpse of the humpback whales who often visit these waters. Then we'll take a nature hike into the rainforest and start observing first-hand the biodiversity and basic ecology of the tropics. After a morning in the jungle we'll have lunch at the hotel and then head to the zipline. This is a great zipline with 14 cables and a tarzan swing. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 --------- Enter Cave (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Today we will travel inland to the base of the ridge where we will make a hike to one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica. This is an intense hike that we often take school groups to, but we do ask that everyone is ready for about a 1 1/2 hour hike in hot and humid weather that is pretty much uneven stairs the entire way. You might be asking yourself if it is worth it and the answer we always get is YES! When we arrive at the cave, lunch will be ready for us and then we'll spend the afternoon rappeling a 150ft waterfall. In the evening we will be sitting around the campfire and just enjoying the sound of the rushing waterfalls. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --------- Hike out of Cave and Travel to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)
The morning will be spent hiking to visit some more waterfalls in the area and then we will be hiking out of the cavern and making our way to the homestays. It is a beautiful drive to the homestays as we pass over the tallest mountain range in all of Costa Rica and pass through the region of the Paramo getting up to almost 11,000ft. We will descend down to the Turrialba area and the homestays in Stio de Mata. We will be staying here for two nights. Our homestay families will welcome us warmly.
Day 5 --------- Sitio de Mata Activities (Homestays) Today will be a full day of activities at the homestays. We will be visiting our local farm where we will do some environmental activities such as planting and learning about sustainability. The students will also spend time with their families, playing games and taking part in different cultural activities. We'll have a Ticos vs. Gringos soccer game for the kids and then in the evening it will be a full-out fiesta of local food and dance. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --------- Raft Pacuare River (Central Valley Hotel)
Today will be some of the best three hours you can find anywhere in Costa Rica. We will be rafting the Pacuare River which this past weekend was the site of the World Rafting Championships. So you will have bragging rights now, saying you not only rafted what National Geographic has listed as one of their top five rivers on the planet but also where the pros run their competition. The section we will be running is the lower commercial section that is filled with beautiful canyons and waterfalls from start to finish. After the rafting we will make our way back to the Central Valley where we will celebrate all the great adventures we had in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Today is a full travel day and the best part is your final destination is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Your views of the Pacific will be unmatched as you stay in one of the most famous and pioneer of eco-lodges "La Cusinga". (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 ------------- Zipline & Intro to the Rainforest (La Cusinga)
We will start the day out with a little bit of adventure as we take on one of the best ziplines in Costa Rica. We will head into the mountains to an elevation of 1,000ft and breath-taking views of the coastline below. This is a full morning of zipping through the rainforest.
After the zipline we will make our way into the jungle where we will enjoy Rainforest 101. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Learning in the jungle
Day 3 ------------ Enter Cave Hiking & Waterfall Rappel (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Get ready for an adventure as we head to the base of a ridge where we will begin our hike into the cave. This is actually just a cavern that is tucked behind a waterfall but without question one of the most unique and beautiful places you will ever see in your life. The hike is intense but worth it by all means. We will hike for around two hours as we make our way up the ridge and then down into the canyon. On our way to the waterfall we'll pass by a permaculture garden where we can learn solutions to large monoculture plantations.
Arriving at the cavern, we will have lunch and then get geared up for the 120ft waterfall rappel. This is a perfect rappel that literally ends right where you will be sleeping. After the rappel we will take one more small hike to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. Diamante Falls measures 600ft and it is where we'll watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 ------------ Leave Cave & Drive to Turrialba (Casa Turire)
You will wake up and the first thing you will see is three waterfalls forming a wall that flow over where we'll be sleeping. There is nothing like this that we can compare it to. After breakfast we will make another hike to some more waterfalls and pools. The kids can jump off a 15ft waterfall into a beautiful pristine pool. After the hike and swim, it is back down to the cavern for lunch and then time to hike out. After we hike out of the cave we will drive to the area of Turrialba by way of the Paramo of Costa Rica which is one of the most unique areas of the tropics. The Paramo is what comes after the cloud-forest in high elevations of the tropics below the snow line.
When we get to Turrialba we have a real treat planned for everyone. You will be staying in a hotel called Casa Turire. This is a great spot surrounded by nature. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 ---------------------- Sitio de Mata Village (Homestays)
The homestays are only 15 minutes from the hotel and we will arrive to a simple rural mountain village which is a little different than NYC but just as exciting a place. We will spend a full day and night filled with cultural activities and allow for time to be spent with the homestays enjoying some of the best food of the trip. will have activities planned from eco-projects to getting kids involved with the cultural side of rural Costa Rica. There will also be a very fun soccer game planned for the kids with the locals. In the evening it is a full out salsa and merengue dancing as the locals put on a show for us and we will be testing our salsa skills also. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 ------------ Enter Pacuare River (Camp Pacuare)
Today the kids will enjoy what we consider the best adventure in all of Costa Rica. This is the Pacuare River which is filled with some of the county's best rapids and most scenic canyons and waterfalls This is a great way to save the best for last and make it a day of fun on the river. After we spend the day rafting we will be camping in the virgin rainforest alongside what National Geographic has as one of their top five scenic rivers on the planet. This is an amazing experience and a chance to have a full day and night of adventure and nature. We will be camping in a beautiful area where all meals and lodging are prepared. Excellent accommodations in above ground tents, bamboo showers, bathrooms, and a community dining area. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 ------------ Raft & Travel to San Jose (Airport Hotel)
Camping Pacuare River
Today we will raft the eight miles we have left on the Pacuare and then make our way back to the San Jose hotel. This is a great day of rafting and it's often voted the best three hours of the whole trip considering the big rapids are on the second day which the kids always seem to love. After we take out of the river we will all be pretty tired and make our way to the final destination a hotel that is close to the San Jose airport for your last night in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 ------------- Fly Home!
Today we will make the transfer to the airport and get you safely on your way to New York! (Meals: Breakfast)
