Day 1 --- Arrive & Drive to Central Pacific (La Cusinga)
Today we will meet you outside the airport. Our final destination will be the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica just south of the surf town of Dominical. Here we will be staying in the La Cusinga Ecolodge which is home to the most breath-taking views of the Pacific coast and the famous Whale-Tail National Park. This will be a long day of travel and we plan to get you a good night's rest. We will go over the itinerary on day one and give everyone a briefing of what to expect during their next 8 days! (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 --- Zipline Osa Canopy & Hike to Cave (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
After yesterday's full day of travel we plan to get this trip started with some adventure and fun. Our first stop will be the Osa Canopy Tour which is a new zipline in the southern Pacific Coast which happens to be one of our favorites. It is located on a ridge that is 1,000ft above sea-level giving you views of the Osa Peninsula to the south and the Manuel Antonio National Park to the north. There are 12 different cables that zip through the canopy, tree rappels, and even a tarzan swing. This is one of the most active and fun ziplines you will find in all of Costa Rica.
After the morning of ziplining we'll have a hearty lunch and then begin our hike. Here we will be hiking to what we still consider the most scenic spot in all of Costa Rica. The hike will take 1 1/2 hours to get to the spot where we will be staying for the next two nights. We will stop along the way at some organic gardens, which supplies much fo the nutritious foods we'll eat while in the cave. You won't need a white noise machine to sleep tonight--we'll have the natural relaxing sound of the waterfalls. (Meals: Breakafst, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 --- Rappel, Hike to Pools, Sunset atop Diamante Falls (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
We will wake up to the sound of rushing water surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. After breakfast we will get ready for our day full of fun and adventure. We'll begin by getting everyone geared up to rappel a 120ft waterfall. The adrenaline will be pumping as you are asked to walk off the edge of the 120ft drop. Its a beautiful rappel in a beautiful place and a chance to conquer any fear of heights you might have!
After the rappel we will hike to the pools that are located at the top of the canyon. This is a chance to see more beautiful waterfalls and relax in the pools. Our final stop for the day will be to visit the top of Diamante Waterfalls which is a 600ft drop and phenomenal views of the Pacific coastline allowing us to enjoy one of the most magical sunsets you will ever experience.
At night we will have some time to reflect on the day, enjoy some games around the camp-fire, and listen to Jesse play the guitar of course. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --- Travel to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)
We'll hike out of the cave early and get on the road to our next stop. We will get to Sitio de Mata and our homestays by lunch time. On the way we can stop in Cerro de la Muerte which can be a short or an extended stop just depends on what time you would like to arrive to the homestays.
At the homestays you know the drill and everyone will be happy to see the record-holding Cedaredge Family show up again for another couple of days of fun and constant laughter. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 --- Culture Activities in Sitio de Mata (Homestays)
This is your full day of culture activities, games, and an evening party. We will spend the morning giving back to the community with a type of community service project. After lunch we'll do some cooking classes and play some games with the local kids. Depending upon what day of the week it is we can also make a visit to the local school.
In the evening it will be time for a full "Tico" party! Here you'll be entertained with the performance talents of your homestay families. If you have any hidden talents this would be the night to break them out and we would love for you to share! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Enter Pacuare (Pacuare Camp)
Know these people?
Get ready for one of our favorite adventures. But first we will spend a few hours waiting for Marci Hodges to say good-bye to her homestay family and then after we wipe everyones tears from leaving the homestays we will be on our way to go RAFTING! The Pacuare River is listed as one of the top five most scenic on the planet. We'll spend two days on this picturesque river. This is a great adventure as we take our time on the first day enjoying some hikes to waterfalls, lunch on the river, and some great rapids. We will arrive to the camp around 3pm and have some activities planned for the kids during the night of camping in the jungle. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Rafting Pacuare
Day 7 --- Leave Pacuare & Travel to San Jose Area w/ optional Dinner w/ Max, Bruno, & Tuk at Ranieri's! (La Condesa)
This is the two hours of rafting today that you will never forget. This is not only the most adventurous part of the Pacuare River but it is also the most scenic. We will wake up in the jungle have a hearty breakfast and then get ready for some rafting. After we take out of the river we will make the two hour drive back to San Jose where we will have our farewell dinner at the Ranieri's house. Here your host will be a 120lb rottweiler. This will be a night of more music, fun, and dance! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 1 --- Arrive & Travel to La Cusinga (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
If you can arrive on an early afternoon flight we will make the three hour drive from the airport to the La Cusinga Ecolodge. This will have you situated for dinner with the most spectacular views of the Pacific while watching the sunset into the deep blue sea. Not a bad way to start the trip, even if you're use to Pacific sunsets. The La Cusinga Ecolodge is a pioneer in sustainable ecotourism. It is a large reserve with a small ecolodge surrounded by protected rainforest that meets the sea. The views are breath-taking. La Cusinga which opened back in the 70's has helped establish Costa Rica as the conservation icon that it is today.
Our solitary goal today since it is a long day of travel, will be that the kids understand from the start the magnitude of being in a country so small yet so biodiverse. OVS coming from California can boast of 641 different bird species in the state of California while Costa Rica has 860 bird species. It is even more impressive when you compare the size of the two countries. California is 8.3 times larger than Costa Rica.
Day 2 --- Zipline & Nature Hike (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
Today we will start the trip off with a little adventure. One of the interesting parts of the topography of the Central and Southern Pacific of Costa Rica is the mountains right off the coast are very steep allowing for great views and even better ziplines! We will make our way into the first ridge off the coast where one of the more scenic ziplines in all of Costa Rica is set up. I can not think of a zipline that goes along with the philosophy of OVS and experiential learning in the outdoors. This is not only a high and fast zipline but the trees are labeled and your naturalist guide gives you some interesting facts on different areas of the canopy before and after each zip.
After a morning of zipping we are back to La Cusinga to take a nature hike through the reserve. This hike will take us down to the beach where you can get your feet wet and enjoy some waves. There will be an evening lecture at the lodge on sustainability & the idea of conservation in a country like Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 --- Enter Cave & Rappel (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Sleeping Behind a Waterfall
Today we'll make the short drive to one of the ridges behind the coastal mountain range. We will get our hiking gear on and do a 1 1/2 hour hike though the primary rainforest to one of the most pristine and scenic spots in all of Costa Rica. Our destination will be a natural rock formation that forms caverns behind a land full of waterfalls. Half way through the hike we'll visit a permaculture garden where you will see a flourishing array of natural and organic herbs. We tend to spend quite a bit of time here as the students pick, eat, and try countless amounts of new fruits and herbs which are used in preparing the meals in the Cave.
Sunset Diamante Falls
When we reach the Cave, lunch will be waiting for us and we will have a very fresh, nutritious, and delicious meal. After lunch we'll get ready for the next adventure, rappelling a 120ft waterfall. This is a neat experience and a chance to get the adrenaline going. After we have all rappelled we will drop the heart beat down by making the short hike to the top of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls, Diamante Falls. Here we will sit and relax as we watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean with long reaching views of the Pacific coastline to the north and south. In the evening it is back to the cavern for a campfire and some evening activities to get us ready for sleeping behind the waterfall! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --- Leave Cave & Travel to Sitio de Mata Village (Homestay)
The Orrrganic Kitchen
Today we will make the hike from the Cave back down to the bus. We'll then travel to the Turrialba area. This is a beautiful drive that will take the better half of the morning. At one high point we'll be able to see both the Caribbean and Pacific from the same spot. The area where we will be traveling through is called the Paramo which is a very unique ecosystem in this tropical high mountain region.
Sitio de Mata is a small village in the Turrialba area. It is a picturesque place with astonishing views of the smoking Turrialba volcano from across the valley. The real beauty of Sitio de Mata is not in its volcanoes or beautiful mountain views but in the people that will be welcoming you into their homes. Here you will have a chance to see the simple living vibe meets happy smiling faces, coincidence? I mentioned before with our student groups it is often the homestays they vote as the highlight of their trip.
We have this homestay set up in a different sort of philosophy as compared to just coming to visit, paying some dollars, and leaving. Many families are living off the groups we send to the village. Our goal is to have an impact on the community in a positive sustainable way. What we do is with each group make this an opportunity for both ends of the visit to gain and share knowledge. The visiting OVS is allowed to visit the community and see life on simple terms and happy faces at the same time while experiencing the Costa Rican language and culture. The local community also presents their innovative ways of adapting to simple lifestyles. Some of the projects to make this sustainable is trapping methane from lifestock, each house now composts, we have build a hydroponic project to allow for some of the food to be local, and there is now a recycle center. These are small steps to making for a more sustainable future for these families and its amazing how fast you can get there when the consumeristic mentality is brought down a few notches. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 --- Homestay activities (Homestay)
Today is a full day of culture and fun. We will have a number of different activities planned starting with learning a bit about adaptive techniques--what the locals do in the village to make life a little easier and practical for living. We will learn how they use organic fertilizer, compost their food, recycle, and work as a community to get things done. Along with day to day life skills we will also learn how to cook and dance!
In the afternoon we will have the chance to organize a soccer game with the local kids which is often a highlight of the trip. This is a great day of fun and excitement for kids on both ends. We'll also visit the village school so your kids can get a feel for what it is like for the rural kids of Costa Rica and their learning conditions.
Welcome to our Home!
In the evening it is time for the local fiesta! The homestay families will be putting on some entertaining traditional song and dance. After the performances it is time for everyone to practice their salsa skills! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Enter Pacuare (Tent Camp Lodge)
Rafting Pacuare
After saying our good-byes to our homestay families we will make our way to the Pacuare River. National Geographic has it listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet and it lives up to it. We will make the 20 minute drive from the village and put our rafts in giving us four hours of rafting on this first day. This four hours will involve hiking to see some 150ft waterfalls, having a river lunch, and stopping for some swims.
We will then arrive to where we will be camping. Yes, you will be in tents but it is not roughing it by any means. These are above ground tents and there are private bathrooms and showers. There is a beautiful common area (with hammocks) where you will have phenomenal views of the river and canyons downstream.
Pacuare Tent Lodge
Before we sit down and rest we will be getting everyone out for a night hike. This one of the most educational experiences for anybody, seeing the rainforest at night. We have a great little trail we take kids on during this trip and it gives them a chance to see an entirely new world filled with frogs, insects, sleeping birds, and so much more.
We will then meet as a group and do one of the nightly briefings of the trip that along with journaling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Visitor at the River!
Day 7 --- Raft Pacuare & Drive back to San Jose (La Condesa)
Today is three hours of rafting that you will never forget. This is the section of the Pacuare River that is the most scenic. While we are on the river, we will be in waterfall land, passing through virgin rainforest, and floating through canyons as we make our way through some adventurous rafting.
Pura Vida!
Once we take out of the river, we will stop for lunch. Then it's back to the Central Valley through the National Park of Braulio Carrillo which will make for the most scenic viewing from the bus yet. We'll get to the La Condesa Hotel which is on another beautiful mountain just 20 minutes from SJO. Here we'll have a farewell dinner and a good night's rest. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 --- Fly Home!
Today we will transfer you to the airport to catch you flight home and start planning your next Costa Rica Adventure! (Meals: Breakfast)
Day 1 --- Arrive & Drive to Rafiki Lodge (Rafiki Lodge)
Today you will be met at the airport by your private naturalist guide and driver. You will leave the San Jose Airport and make the 3 hour drive to the Rafiki Lodge. This is a very unique place tucked away deep in the mountains on the banks of the beautiful Savegre River. Rafiki Lodge is unique in the sense that it is where camping meets luxury. The concept behind the Lodge was to be completely immersed in nature, give everyone a camping experience, and bring the amenities of luxury travel to your visit. Each tent has beds, bathrooms, and decorated to make you feel comfortable at all times.
Depending on your flight arrival we will plan on having dinner at the lodge in their large restaurant built out of local woods & a thatch roof by a master craftsman, with breath-taking views of the surrounding virgin rainforest, and delicious food to welcome you to Costa Rica. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 --- Raft Savegre (Rafiki Lodge)
CRR Rafting Savegre
We will be just steps away from the famous Savegre River which boast as being one of the most beautiful rivers in all of the America's. We will leave the Rafiki Lodge after breakfast where you will make the short trip to the upper waters of Savegre. From there you will begin your whitewater rafting adventure. Depending upon if you want class III or IV rapids will depend where you decide to start. This is a great day adventure filled with hikes to waterfalls and a chance to enjoy a meal on the river prepared for you by your CRR-Pacific Journey guides.
Savegre Rapids!
After the whitewater rafting adventure it will be back to the lodge where you can enjoy an afternoon of relaxing on the grounds. Rafiki has a pool with a slide that many consider the fastest on the planet. Wether it is the fastest on the planet we do not know but it sure keeps those that enjoy a good time busy for hours on end.
As it begins to get dark we will venture out onto the grounds with your naturalist guide where you can enjoy an evening taking a nature hike along the different areas of the Rafiki grounds. This allows you to get an intro to the different species of wildlife that roam the rainforest during the night hours. With your expert naturalist guide this will open up an entirely different concept of how busy things are during the night hours in the jungle. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Surfs Up!
Day 3 --- Surf Classes & Hike to Cavern (Sleep behind Waterfall)
Today we will get an early start after breakfast and head to the Pacific beach town of Dominical. Here you will have the chance to take part in one of the more challenging yet confidence building and fun adventures you will experience. Surfing is not something you are born knowing how to do but with the right board, good size waves, and a short class we plan on making you all experts by lunch time. This is a perfect area to learn how to surf and the instructions are from start to finish making sure everyone gets up on the board and rides a wave in. We can not promise you that you will be signing Quicksilver contracts by the end of the day but we do know for sure that you will enjoy your time in the water.
Future Pro-Surf Team
After the surf classes we will make the short drive to the most miraculous valley in all of Costa Rica. Here you will be surrounded by cutting edge rock, home to a land of waterfalls that can only be compared to a world of the gods in a mystical land of untouched natural beauty. What you will see and experience in the next three days will be jaw-dropping views and astonishing scenery that will give you a look at the natural world like you would have never imagined. It all starts with a 1 1/2 hour hike after the road ends into one of Costa Rica's steepest ridges. At half way point we will arrive to an organic garden where you will have the chance to rejuvenate your sense and energy while eating freshly cut sugar-cane and many different tropical fruits. We will then make our way to what we call the cavern and it is an area where we sleep behind a waterfall. This is quite frankly an enormous WOW!-Factor for everyone that visits.
Sleeping Behind Waterfall in Cavern
In the evening after rappeling and preparing a fantastic meal for you while enjoying your time behind the waterfall in a very spacious open cavern we will make a short hike to the top of Costa Rica's tallest waterfall which is known as Diamante falls. Here we will watch the sunset over the ocean that feels worlds away from when we took our surf-class. This is a moment everyone remembers as we sit up in the heavens and look down upon the light of our planet settling down into the deep blue Pacific. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
The Organic Cave Kitchen
Day 4 --- Rappel Waterfall & Hike to Pools (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
This is a full day in and around the land of the waterfalls. We will have two different activities both of which involve some fun and adventure. Our first adventure will be a short hike to the top of the cavern waterfall. Here we will get everyone geared up for the rappeling adventure. This is a 100 ft rappel that is not only one of the most beautiful waterfall rappels but also just a practice for the following rappel of Baru Falls. After the Rappeling we will enjoy lunch behind the falls.
Hanging at the Cavern
In the afternoon we will be making our way to the upper pools. Here is more waterfalls one of which measures about 20ft that you will have chance to jump off of into a startling pool of clear blue reflecting water.
In the evening we will enjoy some activities around a camp-fire and an opportunity to watch the sunset for a second night atop Diamante Falls. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 --- Hike out of Cave, Visit Local Village, Tube Baru River, & Travel to Baru Falls (Nauyaca Falls) (Cabins at Falls)
See you at the Cabins!!!
After breakfast today we will make our way down the cave. Once we arrive to the area where the bus will be waiting for us we will make the drive to the top of Baru Falls. This is a drive of only 10 minutes and we will have a chance to enjoy some local culture in a nearby town of San Salvador. This is a small town and a chance to enjoy some rural culture of Costa Rica. We will give you a tour of the town and explain the lifestyle and visit a local family allowing us to not just see the culture as a tourist but to experience it fully as a traveler.
We will then make our way just a few more minutes to the Baru River. Here we will have River-Tubes waiting for us where everyone will be tubing down a small river. This is a small river with very small rapids but often the most exciting part of the trip for many. It is a chance to be on your own and just enjoy bumping off of small rocks and floating along a lazy river with a few small rapids here and there. Our final destination will be the Cabins at the top of Baru Falls. Here we will get everyone situated and have a chance to meet in the evening to enjoy some more activities as a group. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Rappel Nauyaca Falls, horseback, & Travel to Pacific Coast (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
Today we will have the chance to rappel one of the most adrenaline pumping and without a doubt scenic waterfalls anywhere in the America's. The Baru falls is a 200 ft rappel just steps away from our cabins. We will enjoy a nice breakfast surrounded by the mountains and canyon of the Baru falls and then make our way for the rappeling adventure. Your skills were tested at the cave and now everyone is ready for the big rappel. After the rappel we will make the short hike down to the second falls where we will have a chance to enjoy a swim in the most scenic pool for a waterfall we have found in Costa Rica. This is a place that you will not want to leave. We often spend hours down at the bottom with the view of the enormous and powerful falls of Baru. This is a full day of high energy from start to finish.
After lunch at the bottom of the Baru Falls we will take a horseback ride out to the main road. This will be a productive way of transportation as we will make up time and the bus will meet us on the main road and transport us to the La Cusinga Lodge. La Cusinga Lodge is one of the pioneer ecolodges of Costa Rica and a true testament to conservation in the area. It is living eco-friendly, with a splash of luxury, and breath-taking ocean views. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 7 --- Zipline & Nature Hike (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
Many people that come to Costa Rica have in their sites the famous ziplines through the tropical rainforest. The zipline we will be taking you to is one of the best we know of in Costa Rica. Not only are the cables high and fast but they are at an elevation of 1,000ft on a coastal ridge off the southern Pacific. This gives you views of the famous Osa Peninsula to the South and the Manuel Antonio National Park to the North.
After you ziplining adventure it is back to the La Cusinga Ecolodge where you will go on one final hike though the rainforest with your naturalist and be ending at the beach giving you a chance to enjoy the warm tropical pacific waters one last time before heading home. In the evening we will have a dinner of celebration of all the amazing adventures and a chance to reflect on just how magical this trip was! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 1 --- Arrive & Travel to La Cusinga (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
If you can arrive on an early afternoon flight we will make the three hour drive from the Airport to the La Cusinga Ecolodge. This will have you situated for dinner with the most spectacular views of the Pacific while watching the sunset into the deep blue sea. Not a bad way to start the trip. The La Cusinga Ecolodge is a pioneer in sustainable ecotourism. It is a large reserve with a small ecolodge surrounded by protected rainforest that meets the sea. The views are breath-taking.
Day 2 --- Zipline & Nature Hike (La Cusinga Ecolodge)
Today we will start the trip off with a little adventure. One of the interesting parts of the topography of the Central and Southern Pacific of Costa Rica is that the mountains right off the coast are very steep allowing for great views and even better ziplines! We will make our way into the first ridge off the coast where one of the more scenic ziplines in all of Costa Rica is set up.
After a morning of zipping we are back to La Cusinga to take a nature hike through the reserve. This hike will take us down to the beach where you can get your feet wet and enjoy some waves. There will be an evening lecture at the lodge on sustainability & the idea of conservation in a country like Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3 --- Enter Cave & Rappel (Sleep Behind Waterfall)
Sleeping Behind a Waterfall
Today we'll make the short drive to one of the ridges behind the coastal mountain range. We will get our hiking gear on and do a 1 1/2 hour hike though the primary rainforest to one of the most pristine and scenic spots in all of Costa Rica. Our destination will be a natural rock formation that forms caverns behind a land full of waterfalls. Half way through the hike we'll visit a permaculture garden where you will see a flourishing array of natural and organic herbs. We tend to spend quite a bit of time here as the students pick, eat, and try countless amounts of new fruits and herbs which are used in preparing the meals in the Cave.
Sunset Diamante Falls
The Orrrganic Kitchen
When we get to the Cave behind the waterfall, lunch will be waiting for us and we will have a very fresh, nutritious, and delicious meal. After lunch we'll get ready for the next adventure, rappelling a 120ft waterfall. This is a neat experience and a chance to get the adrenaline going. After we have all rappelled we will drop the heart beat down by making the short hike to the top of Costa Rica's tallest waterfalls, Diamante Falls. Here we will sit and relax as we watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean with long reaching views of the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica to the north and south. In the evening it is back to the cavern for a campfire and some evening activities to get us ready for sleeping behind the waterfall! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --- Leave Cave & Travel to Sitio de Mata Village (Homestay)
Today we will make the hike from the Cave back down to the bus. We will then travel to the Turrialba area. This is a beautiful drive that will take the better half of the morning. At one high point we'll be able to see both the Caribbean and Pacific from the same spot. The area where we will be traveling through is called the Paramo which is a very unique ecosystem in this tropical high mountain region.
Sitio de Mata is a small village in the Turrialba area. It is a picturesque place with astonishing views of the smoking Turrialba volcano from across the valley. The real beauty of Sitio de Mata is not in its volcanos or beautiful mountain views but in the people that will be welcoming you into their homes. Here you will have a chance to see the simple living vibe meets happy smiling faces, coincidence? (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 5 --- Homestay activities (Homestay)
Today is a full day of culture and fun. We will have a number of different activities planned starting with learning a bit about adaptive techniques--what the locals do in the village to make life a little easier and practical for living. We will learn how they use organic fertilizer, compost their food, recycle, and work as a community to get things done. Along with day to day life skills we will also learn how to cook and dance!
In the afternoon we will have the chance to organize a soccer game with the local kids which is often a highlight of the trip. This is a great day of fun and excitement for kids on both ends. We'll also visit the village school so your kids can get a feel for what it is like for the rural kids of Costa Rica and their learning conditions.
Welcome to our Home!
In the evening it is time for the local fiesta! The homestay families will be putting on some exciting performances where they display the style of traditional song and dance. After the performances it is time for everyone to practice their salsa skills! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Enter Pacuare (Tent Camp Lodge)
Rafting Pacuare
After saying our good-byes to our homestay families we will make our way to the Pacuare River. National Geographic has it listed as one of the top five most scenic rivers on the planet and it lives up to it. We will make the 20 minute drive from the village and put our rafts in giving us four hours of rafting on this first day. This four hours will involve hiking to see some 150ft waterfalls, having a river lunch, and stopping for some swims.
We will then arrive to where we will be camping. Yes, you will be in tents but it is not roughing it by any means. These are above ground tents and there are private bathrooms and showers. There is a beautiful common area (with hammocks) where you will have phenomenal views of the river and canyons downstream.
Pacuare Tent Lodge
Before we sit down and rest we will be getting everyone out for a night hike. This one of the most educational experiences for anybody, seeing the rainforest at night. We have a great little trail we take kids on during this trip and it gives them a chance to see an entirely new world filled with frogs, insects, sleeping birds, and so much more.
We will then have a chance to meet as a group and do one of the many briefings of the trip that we will be doing every night along with journaling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Visitor at the River!
Day 7 --- Raft Pacuare & Drive back to San Jose (La Condesa)
Today is three hours of rafting that you will never forget. This is the section of the Pacuare River that is the most scenic. While we are on the river, we will be in waterfall land, passing through virgin rainforest, and floating through canyons as we make our way through some adventurous rafting.
Pura Vida!
Once we take out of the river, we will stop for lunch. Then it's back to the Central Valley through the National Park of Braulio Carrillo which will make for the most scenic viewing from the bus yet. We'll get to the La Condesa Hotel which is another beautiful mountain just 20 minutes from SJO. Here we'll have a farewell dinner and a good night's rest. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 --- Fly Home!
Today we will transfer you to the airport to catch you flight home and start planning your next Costa Rica Adventure! (Meals: Breakfast)
Today we will meet you outside of the San Jose Airport. Our first stop will be San Jose which is the capital city. Here we will give you a glimpse into the modern history of Costa Rica on social, economical, and cultural levels. Then we'll travel south through the former capital of Cartago where you will have a chance to see some of the colonial structures of Costa Rica. We'll also visit the Basilica of the Virgin of Los Angeles which is considered the most important church in Costa Rica, named after the patron saint of the country.
Our final destination will be the Sanchiri Hotel. This is a small family-owned hotel with magnificent views of the Orosi Valley below. The view from the rooms is one of the finest in the country and the idea is to get a good meal and a good night's rest after a long day of traveling. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 2 --- Travel to Sitio de Mata (Homestay)
Today we will drive through more of the country roads of Costa Rica as we make our way to the village of Sitio de Mata. On the way we'll visit some of Costa Rica's most historical churches, each with their own story. The village is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and a spectacular view of the Turrialba Volcano which has been smoking for the last two years.
At the village we will get a warm welcome from our host families. This is a simple village filled with warm-hearted people. The type of folks you expect to find in a country that has been noted as having some of the happiest people on the planet.
The day will be spent totally immersed in speaking Spanish, doing different activities that relate to the lifestyle and culture of living in rural Costa Rica. In the evening there will be time for some dance classes to get us ready for the next evening's fiesta! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Waterfall Rappel in Sitio de Mata
Day 3 --- Rappel & Culture Activities (Homestay)
After breakfast with your family we will get everyone ready to rappel a nearby waterfall. This is a small canyon that involves two different waterfalls where we will have the gear set up and the students will be rappeling down the waterfalls into pools located in a lush canyon.
When the rappeling adventure is finished we'll do more cultural activities such as cooking classes, recycled craft classes, and a soccer game with the local little kids many of who will be in your homestays.
In the evening is when the real fun happens. We will have a Fiesta planned where you get to experience the local music and dance putting your skills to the test of salsa & merengue. This is a great show that the locals love to share with us and makes for an amazing last night in the village. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Pacuare 2-Day Adventure
Day 4 --- Enter Pacuare (Camp)
Listed as one of the top five rivers in the world for its scenery of lush tropical canyons and waterfalls todays adventure is nothing less than the Pacuare River. This is about the only attraction that is motivating enough to get the students to leave their friends at the homestays because it is a tough morning saying "adios" to their new amigos.
We will spend the first day rafting just class I & II rapids stopping along the way to hike and visit some waterfalls and swim in some pools. This is a great day spent on the river as we will make lunch for you on the river bank while the kids can skip rocks and enjoy some unstructured time in paradise.
We arrive at the camp-site around 3pm. We'll show everyone around the camp, tents and lounge area filled with hammocks and views of the canyon below. This is camping it but it is not roughing it by any means. Here everyone has their above ground tents prepared for them, area for private bathrooms & showers. All of your meals are prepared for you by your CRR guides.
Rafting Pacuare
Day 5 --- Leave Pacuare & Travel to Arenal (Arenal Hotel)
Today we will raft the most adventurous and scenic part of the Pacuare River. This will be three hours of rafting filled with fun, canyons, and more waterfalls. After we finish rafting we will drive to one of Costa Rica's most popular volcanoes. We will be traveling on the northern plains as we make our way to the Arenal Volcano. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Danaus Reserve & Zipline (Arenal Hotel)
Today we'll do an easy hike through one of the most biodiverse parts of the area which is the Danaus Nature Reserve. Here the kids will have a chance to observe the many different species of butterflies, poisonous dart frogs, sloths, hummingbirds, and so much more as we spend the morning hiking and learning about the different flor & fauna of Costa Rica.
In the afternoon we will head to the zipline adventure which is something you will not be forgetting. This is one of the best ziplines in the country and a chance to take a tram ride and then zip through the primary rainforest 700ft above the forest floor. The cables measure almost one kilometer long with breath-taking views of the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & DInner)
Day 7 --- Travel to La Condesa (La Condesa Hotel)
Today is a special day. We will be traveling through the many mountain roads with more great scenery. Our main stop today will not be souvenir shopping but a visit to a teenage girls home. These are girls that have been removed from their homes at an early age and are being trained to go out into the real world when they turn 18. Many of them are orphans, rape victims, or other forms of abuse where no family members were left to take care of them. Our time spent here will give the students a chance to practice more of their Spanish and be a blessing of a visit to the girls at Hogar Siembra Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano
In the evening it will be up to the La Condesa hotel which everyone should enjoy for your last night in Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 8 --- Fly Home!
Today we will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight home! (Meals: Breakfast)
Today we will meet you outside of the San Jose Airport. We'll drive 2 1/2 hour drive through the Central Valley of Costa Rica. We will be headed to Costa Rica's most well known volcano which is the perfectly cone-shaped Arenal Volcano. On our way we'll pass through many different ecosystems such as high elevation cloud-forest and then drop down into the lowlands of the northern plains. You will also get a chance to see much of the diary industry as we pass through the farms of the highlands. (Meals: Dinner)
Day 2 --- Zipline & Don Juan (Arenal Hotel)
Today we will start off with a little adventure and then make the entire afternoon educational. We will start with the zipline and if somebody does not want to zip they have the option of doing just the tram ride through a virgin rainforest canopy. The zipline will take you on cables almost 1km long and hanging 700ft above primary rainforest from start to finish with breath-taking views of the Arenal Volcano.
After the zipline we will spend the entire afternoon at the Don Juan Farm. Here we are going to take our time and get the full lesson on sustainable farming. We plan on having Don Juan do his in-depth tour emphazing sustainable agriculture. Then, of course, we'll have a delicious, very fresh, nutritious lunch there. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Welcome to Homestay with some Sugar-cane
Day 3 --- Visit EARTH University & Travel to Sitio de Mata Village (Homestay)
We will leave the hotel after breakfast with our bags packed as we will make our way to the Village of Sitio de Mata. Before our arrival we will visit the EARTH University. This is an agriculture University known on a global level for it's efforts in teaching agriculture to students from around the world.
After our visit to the University we will make our way to the village of Sitio de Mata, located in a picturesque setting with fabulous views of the Turrialba Volcano which is constantly smoking for your cameras delight. The scenery is outstanding but not half as good as the people you will meet. It's village filled with smiling kids and parents, a world of simple living with happy minds! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4 --- Homestay Activity & Visit CATIE (Homestay)
This is the day that is filled with culture and fun and education. We will begin the day visiting one of the most important centers in all of the tropical region on a global level named CATIE. This is a center where students from all over the world come and learn and study different techniques of agriculture to help solve the poverty issues of the world through more sustainable agriculture. In the afternoon we will be back to the homestays and enjoying some more time with our new friends visiting the local organic compost system that the village uses for fertilizer.
Get Ready for Rafting Pacuare!
The evening will be cultural fun which will include learning how to cook the local cuisine, a soccer game with the local kids, and a evening fiesta where you are introduced to the dance and music of the country. This is an evening that you will not forget and one of the true highlights of visiting Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Rafting Pacuare River
Day 5 --- Raft Pacuare River & Travel to Almonds & Corals (Almonds & Corals)
Listed by National Geographic as one of the top five commercially rafted rivers in the world, Pacuare lives up to every bit of the press it gets. The river is filled with canyons, waterfalls, and virgin rainforest as you get a true sense of what the miraculous wonders of nature can do when left alone. This is a class III & IV section and our age limit is 10 yr old. If smaller kids are on the tour we can offer an alternative option to rafting and the group will be reunited at the end of the rafting trip.
After a very adventurous day of rafting we will make our way to the Caribbean coast and enjoy some time on the white-sandy beaches. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 6 --- Caribbean Coast (Almonds & Corals)
Getting Ready to Eat Termites with Tino
After a full day of rafting we plan on making this a relaxed day on the beach. You will have the chance to rent some surf-boards with the kids, visit some of the local shops, and just enjoy some fruity drinks with your toes in the sand. We will meet back up for dinner and go over day 7's adventure. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Day 7 --- Nature Hike & Visit to Permaculture Farm & Beach Day (Almonds & Corals)
Today is another beach day but we also plan on taking you to a nearby Permaculture Garden where you will see a different kind of organic farming. This is a real treat for a trip focusing on agriculture. A visit to this permaculture garden is a very interesting concept and much can be learned. This no doubt is a different concept and will be a nice comparison to the different ideas you have seen throughout the week. You will be enjoying a nature hike during your day through the low-land tropical rainforest and then the afternoon will be in the permaculture gardens.
In the afternoon it is some more beach time. You will have the option to finish the book you brought or maybe rent some surf boards and test your skills. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Guanabana one of our favorite fruits
Day 8 --- Travel to San Jose & Fly Home!
It would be ideal if you had a noon or later flight. We will make the drive back to the San Jose Airport where you will catch your flight home.
