Sample Itin: Zipline, Cave, Homestay, & Rafting

Day 1 ------------  Drive to Pacific (La Cusinga)


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)

Thomas Sample Itin

Day 1 ------ Arrive & Stay at Central Valley Hotel (Central Valley Hotel)

Welcome to Costa Rica. We will meet you outside of the San Jose airport where you driver and bilingual guide will take you to your first hotel. We will have a welcome meal and an orientation to get everyone ready for the adventure and things to come during the week. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ------ Rappel Waterfall & Drive to Arenal Volcano (Arenal Hotel)

After breakfast at the hotel we will make our way to a nearby waterfall that is 160ft. From here everyone will face their fears as we rappel down the waterfall. This is an excellent adventure and a great way to start the week. After the morning rappel we'll head to the Arenal Volcano. We will be staying in a beautiful hotel with views of the volcano. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel when we arrive and the kids will have some time to relax in the evening and enjoy the pool. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------ Zipline & HotSprings (Arenal Hotel)


Community Service Project - 4 hours

Pacuare Tent-Lodge

Get ready for the zipline. Zipping on cables that are strung 700ft high above the rainforest with breath-taking views of the volcano makes for the perfect day. After the zipline we'll go to the hotsprings where the kids can just relax after two days of adventure. We'll have a great meal at the hotsprings and then back to the the hotel to rest up for the next big adventure. (Meals: Breakast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------ Enter Pacuare River (River Lodge)

We will be getting up early today and driving to the famous Pacuare River. National Geographic has this listed as one of the top five rivers on the planet which is why we think it is worth spending TWO DAYS on the river. This is an amazing adventure and something you will never find in NEW YORK. Today when we get to the river we'll put in, raft, hike, and havve an incredible river lunch prepared by the guides. We'll end the River Tent-Lodge which is above ground tents that are surrounded by jungle. This is camping but it is not roughing it by anymeans. The tents are very nice and so are the bathrooms, showers, dining and social areas. The evening will be filled with games, activities, and great food while listening to the tropical rainforest. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Caribbean Costa Rica

Day 5 ------ Raft & Drive to Caribbean (Beach Hotel)

The first two hours of rafting after breakfast might be the best two hours of the week. We will be rafting the Pacuare Canyon which happens to be some of the best and most scenic rapids in Costa Rica. We'll pass by beautiful waterfalls and canyons and getting all the adrenaline your heart desires. After the river we will make the drive to the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Coast. Here we will stay in a hotel located just steps from the beach. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 --- Snorkel (Beach Hotel)

We'll sleep in today and just relax. In the afternoon we'll go snorkeling at some of the nearby coral reefs. We can do this from right off the shore. The Caribbean is known for it's beautiful beaches and marine life.  After snorkeling we will take the kids back to the hotel to clean up and then we're off to one of our favorite Caribbean restaurants. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 ------ Beach Day (Beach Hotel)


Community Service Project in Morning - 4 hours



Today is your day just to relax on the beach. We will also probably be taking a short nature hike in a nearby reserve and give the kids chance to see some wildlife and then they can have their time on the beach. They will have the option of renting surf boards today if they would like. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 ------ Fly Home!

Today we will make the transfer to the San Jose airport to fly home! (Meals: Breakfast)

2012 Costa Rica Itin

Day 1 --------- Arrive and Drive to Homestay (Homestay)

Today we will meet you outside the airport and take you to the village of Sitio de Mata. As Nicole knows this area very well it is all the same smiling faces that you know from before. We will arrive in the evening and they will be waiting for us when we arrive. This will be a long day of travel and no activities planned for the evening just a good homecooked meal and a nice warm welcome. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 2 --------- Cultural Activities (Homestays)

Today will be a full day of cultural activities. We will get to know the locals of the village, learn about the food and traditions, and then do some activities in the afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 --------- Cultural Activities (Homestays)

Today we will spend the day doing some community service in the morning. This will be a way to give back for the amazing hospitality we experience during our stay in the village. In the afternoon there will be time to spend with your homestay families and polish up those Spanish verbs. The evening will be spent celebrating with song, dance, and some more amazing food! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 --------- Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare Tent Camp)


During the next two days, you'll see why National Geographic has the Pacuare River listed as one of the top five rivers on the planet. We'll say good-bye to our homestay families make our way to the put-in on the Pacuare.  We'll spend the morning rafting, having lunch on the river, and arriving to the tent lodge where we will spend the night in the jungle. This is an amazing experience with a chance to be surrounded by nature and enjoy the best of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 --------- Leave River & Drive to Arenal (Casa Luna Lodge)


The next two hours of the trip might be the best two hours of your stay. We will raft the famous Pacuare Canyon where we'll maneuver the best rapids in Costa Rica while viewing the best scenery. After we take out of the river we will then drive to the Arenal Volcano where we'll be staying where everyone has a view of the beautiful volcano from their balcony. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 --------- Zipline, Rainforest Hike, & Organic Farm (Casa Luna Lodge)


Time for some more adventure as we zip through the rainforest on cables that hang 700ft above the rainforest floor and have spectacular views of the volcano and Arenal lake. After the zipline we will take a hike through a private nature reserve and have one of the best lunches in all of Costa Rica at Don Juan's organic farm. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 --------- Canyoneering  (Casa Luna Lodge)

One of the best adventures besides rafting has to be the famous canyoneering adventure through a canyon in a tropical jungle. You will make your way down the canyon and be rappeling waterfalls that are 120ft high. This adventure will take the better half of the morning and the afternoon will be spent visiting the town of La Fortuna where the kids can do some souvenir shopping. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 --------- Fly Home!


Today we will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight home!

Arenal, Homestay, Caribbean

Day 1 --------- Arrive and drive to Arenal (Casa Luna Lodge)

We know it will be a long day of traveling but it makes sense to just add an extra 2 1/2 hours and get to our first stop. We will start the trip at the Arenal Volcano where everyone will have a view of the volcano. When we arrive at Casa Luna a nice meal will be waiting for us and then it is straight to bed to rest up for the Day two of the adventure we have planned. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 --------- Zipline & Canyoneering (Casa Luna Lodge)

Today we will be ziplining one of the ultimate ziplines in the country. These cables have the best view of any zipline and are hanging 700ft above the rainforest floor. After the zipline it is back to the jungle as you make your way down a beautiful canyon using all fours and some ropes and climbing gear to get you to the bottom. In the evening we will have dinner on the town and the kids can get to know the town of La Fortuna. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 --------- Jungle Hike & Drive to Sitio de Mata (Homestay)

We will wake up in the morning have breakfast and then make our way to the lowland tropical rainforest. We'll hike through the rainforest giving everyone an understanding of the amazing wonders of these super biodiverse jungles of Costa Rica. In the afternoon we will be arriving to the rural mountain village of Sitio de Mata where we will be staying two nights.  This is often considered the best part of the trip. At the homestay we will be greeted by our homestay host. All houses are in very short walking distance of each other. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 --------- Community Service & Culture Activities (Homestay)

Today we will get to work in a community service project in the village. We will spend the better half of the morning doing some work and then back to our homestays for some lunch. The afternoon will involve some cultural activities along with a soccer game with the village kids. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 --------- Enter Pacuare River (River Tent Lodge)

We will say good-bye to our host families and then head to what is known by National Geographic as one of the top five rivers on the planet. The Pacuare River is an excellent place to spend the day. We like it so much we are going to take Sherwood there for two days. We will be doing an overnight adventure on the Pacuare staying in the midst of the primary tropical rainforest in a river lodge that has above ground tents. This is one of the most memorable experiences ever as we have the entire day on the river and the evening at camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 --------- Leave Pacuare & Drive to Caribbean (Almonds & Corals)

Pacuare Tent Lodge

After breakfast today might be the best two hours of your trip to Costa Rica. We will spend two hours rafting the famous Pacuare Canyon which is home to the best scenery and some of the best rapids on the river. After we enjoy another river lunch we will take out and make our way to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica which is where you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Central America. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 --------- Snorkel Reef on Caribbean (Almonds & Corals)

Today is a beach day but first we will all be doing some snorkeling through the beautiful coral reefs of the Caribbean. The wildlife is plentiful here both near the sea and also inland, in the many wildlife refuge areas. We'll take some hikes in the afternoon to get some upclose looks at the sloths, monkeys, and many different bird species of the area. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 --------- Travel to San Jose Hotel (La Condesa Hotel)

We will spend the morning getting the last bit of beach time and then head back to the Central Valley where we will be staying in a hotel in the mountains looking down into the valley. Your last night will be at La Condesa Hotel which is just 20 minutes from the airport for your return flight home. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 9 --------- Fly Home!

Today we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home!

Turtles, Ecolodges, Bugs, Tents, & Rafting

Day 1 --------- Arrive and Stay in Central Valley Hotel (Central Valley)

If you love nature and you want a full experience of the rainforest along with plenty of wildlife and education then this is the trip for you. Today we will meet you outside of the airport and transport you to your first hotel. Here your guide will give you a briefing on what to expect during this nature filled adventure. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 2 --------- Travel to Sarapiqui and stay in Ecolodge Jungle (Rara Avis)

Today we will travel to the Sarapiqui area and the adventure will continue when we leave the main road and head deep into the jungle. We will be surrounded by lowland tropical rainforest and be transported by some 4x4's to get us through the rough terrain. We will then arrive at the world famous ecolodge of Rara Avis which is known for it's location of being hidden in some of the most biodiverse lowland tropical rainforest on Earth. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 --------- Rainforest Activities (Rara Avis)

Today will be a day of nature hikes and activities of getting the kids to experience the rainforest like a naturalist would. We will educate the kids on observational techniques and teach them the importance of using their senses and becoming observant of nature not just in the rainforest but in everyday activities. We will go over the what, when, where, how, & why? of different things we see in the jungle. We will also play games that involve the kids being in contact with nature. The day will be filled with great hikes, games, learning experiences, nature journaling and evening activities of story telling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 --------- Travel to Pacuare River (Camp Near River)

Today we will make our way out of the rainforest and visit a rural village in the mountains. This will give the students a chance to have a personal experience of the local families of Costa Rica. We will visit our "Sitio de Mata" project which is our project of making a local rural community as environmentally friendly as possible and living in a sustainable manner. We will arrive and enjoy an excellent homemade lunch from the local families, learn about sustainable living, and watch some traditional dancing. We will then head back into the jungle where we will camp near the famous Pacuare River. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 --------- Raft Pacuare & Camp along River (Pacuare Camp Lodge)

Today we will spend the morning doing different nature activities of getting the kids to observe nature again and develop an awareness for the natural world around them. We will spend the entire morning doing activities and then around 11am hop into the rafts and make our way down what National Geographic has listed as one of their top 5 rivers on the planet. After rafting for around 2 hours we will stop for a river lunch where kids will have the chance to relax and enjoy the afternoon on the beautiful river banks of the Pacuare. After lunch we will raft for one more hour and arrive to the famous Pacuare River Camp Lodge where we spend another night in the jungle surrounded by lush primary rainforest. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 --------- Leave Pacuare & Travel to Tortuguero (Tortuguero Lodge)


After breakfast, today might be your two favorite hours of the trip as we will be rafting the famous Pacuare Canyon. Here you will enjoy the most scenic part of the river filled with canyons and waterfalls. We will also be rafting some of the best class IV rapids in Costa Rica. After we make our way to the take out point of the Pacuare we will then head to the area of Tortuguero. When we arrive to the area where the bus must stop we will then be transported by boats to our lodge which sits on the beautiful canals of Tortuguero. Tortuguero has been called the Venice of the rainforest and it is a protected area for nesting sites of the the Giant Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead turtles, and Green turtle for which the National Park was created to prevent it from extinction back in 1960's. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 --------- Visit Canals & Turtles (Tortuguero Lodge)


Today you will spend the day visiting the Canals of Tortuguero. You will get an up close look of the rainforest and the National Park as we make our way through the many different canals looking for wildlife. When night time comes it is time to put on your bug spray and make our way out to spot the turtles nesting their eggs. This is a marvelous experience along with hearing the story of how these turtles live their lives and the struggle of fighting to protect them. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 --------- Travel to Central Valley (Airport Hotel)


Today is a travel day back to the Central Valley. We will enjoy breakfast at our lodge in Tortuguero and then make our way back by canal to meet our transportation to take us to San Jose. We will be staying just 30 minutes from the San Jose International Airport and will plan an evening activity to celebrate the end of our amazing adventure. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 9 --------- Fly Home!


Today you will be transfered to the airport from the hotel and say your final good-byes to your driver and guide. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Super Low-Carbon Adventure

Day 1 ----------- Arrive (Central Valley Hotel)

The idea of this tour is to offer a low carbon option for those looking for as little bus time as possible. You should understand if we decide to use less energy from the oil companies, this means we will need more energy from YOU! The trip is intense but if you are mildly fit for hiking hills then it will not be a problem as we take our time during all hikes. We will be spending much of our time deep in the mountains hiking, rafting, and experiencing some of the best homestays, in some of the most non-touristy areas of Costa Rica. We will meet you at the airport where we will begin to give you an understanding of how the trip will be operated. One of the most important things to remember during this trip is to pack light as we will be spending much of the time trekking through the mountains. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 ----------- Drive & Hike to camp (Camp in Mountains)

Today we will drive out of the Central Valley of Costa Rica and head south to the Talamanca Mountain range that runs down the center of the country. We will get dropped off in an area that is about 7 km from our first camp site. The hike which is relatively easy, will take us down into a canyon and past  breathtaking waterfalls. When we arrive we will set up camp alongside the beautiful Savegre River and enjoy our first night in the jungle. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ----------- Hike & Homestay (Homestay)

Today it is time for some more intense hiking. We will be taking our time as we make a four hour hike deep into the mountains on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. The views are spectacular and even more so is the lush rainforest that will be surrounding us from start to finish. When get to our homestays we will be warmly greeted by our host families. We'll have a hearty meal and enjoy some evening activities with the families. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ----------- Rappel Waterfall & Cultural Activities (Homestay)

We'll begin today with rappelling a 100ft waterfall. This is a thrilling adventure for those looking for a little adrenaline rush. Everyone will learn the skills of rappeling and become experts by the end of the day. We will then do a nature hike that will involve different activities where students will learn to observe nature and become more in tune with their surroundings. The evening will involve some more Costa Rican culture, such as cooking and dancing as we enjoy another night in the jungle. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ----------- Hike & Raft (Camp along River)

We will wake up and have our last delicious homestay breakfast, then head back down to the Savegre  and get ready for our rafting adventure. After about an hour of rafting, we'll have a river lunch, then raft for another couple of hours on one of Costa Rica's most beautiful rivers. We will set up camp next to a picturesque waterfall and spend another evening under the stars. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ----------- Raft & Travel to Beach (Beach Hotel)


We'll raft a few more hours this morning and make our way down to the Pacific Ocean. Here our transportation will be waiting for us as we are transferred to the local beach town of Dominical. We'll check into the hotel where everyone can take a nice warm shower and then have some beach time. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ----------- Travel to Central Valley (Central Valley Hotel)


Today we'll wake up, have breakfast and hit the beach again for some more surfing and waves. In the afternoon we will pack up our bags and head to the Central Valley hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ----------- Fly Home!


Today we will get you to the airport, say good-bye and wish you "Pura Vida" and many more trips to Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast)