Celia Moses Costa Rica Turkey Day Adventure

Day 1 -- Arrive and Drive to Rural Mountains in Sitio de Mata, Turrialba (Homestay at Sitio de Mata)

Today our private guide and driver will meet us outside the San Jose Airport. We recommend to arrive on a mid-afternoon or earlier flight, and then we'll make the drive to the beautiful area of Turrialba. Our final destination will be the rural village of Sitio de Mata which is one of the most scenic areas in Costa Rica surrounded by mountains and breath-taking views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. Here is where we have our homestay project called "Proyecto Sitio de Mata" benefiting the community. The best part about Sitio de Mata is not the smoking volcano or the scenery but the people that will be welcoming you into their homes. When we arrive you will be introduced to your homestay family. All houses are very close to each other. One house might be 20 ft from the next and walking to any of the homes is very easy and accessible. (Meals:  Dinner)

Day 2 -- Culture Activities (Homesaty at Sitio de Mata )

Today is a full day of fun, culture, and practicing Spanish. This is a day that your Spanish will be put to the test. We do many different activities from cooking classes with the locals, playing games with the kids, visiting the village school, and playing an afternoon soccer game.

Day 3 -- Raft Pacuare River and Fiesta (Homestay at Sitio de Mata)

Rafting Pacuare River

We will get an early start today leaving our homes around 7:30am. This is full day of rafting. The best part of this day is the river we will be rafting. The Pacuare River is listed by National Geographic as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. It is filled with fabulous scenery from start to finish with canyon walls hundreds of feet high, waterfalls cascading right into the river, virgin tropical rainforest from start to finish and of course some thrilling rapids. Our CRR river guides will prepare lunch right on the banks that you'll consider one of the best meals of the trip.

In the evening is when the real fun starts with entertainment by our Sitio families. We'll meet in the community ranchito and enjoy local dance, food, and different skits performed by the community folks. This is a full evening of fun and unforgettable moments spent with your new friends from the Sitio de Mata community. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 -- Drive to The Cave (Sleep behind the Waterfall)

The Cave

Today we will drive throughout the Talamanca Mountain Range, the highest  range in Costa Rica. We have to leave early, because there is a 4 hour drive ahead of us. We will be heading south towards  the community of Las Tumbas (the Tombs) from there we will be hiking to one of the most beautiful and pristine spots in Costa Rica. This an 1 1/2 hour hike but worth every second since we'll be sleeping behind a cascading waterfall and watch the sunset over the Pacific from the top of a 600ft waterfall. On the way up, we will stop by an organic garden, filled with many different types of medicinal plants and tropical fruits making it a very interesting, educational experience. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ---- Rappel Waterfall,  & Hike to Pools (Sleep Behind the Waterfall)

Today is a full day surrounded by nature and filled with spectacular scenery. We will be sleeping behind a waterfall but we are not roughing it by any means. We can take showers and there are regular bathrooms. All meals are cooked for us which gives us time to make the most of the day. We'll start by rappelling a 120ft waterfall and then hiking to pools that are located nearby. Here at the pools the kids will jump off a 20ft waterfall into a welcoming waterhole and have views of the valley below.

In the evening it is back to the area behind the waterfall where we get a campfire going and make the best of spending the night outdoors. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Hike down and drive to San José. (La Condesa)

We will make our hike out of the cave, driving along the Pacif Coast and make a stop to visit the beach and then keep going back to San José. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Drive to San José and flight back home.

Today we'll take a short drive from our hotel to the airport and take our  flight back to the US.

Brendan Casey, Joan MacQueen Middle School, Science, Culture, Cloud-Forest, Adventure

Day 1 -- Arrive and Drive to Rural Mountains in Sitio de Mata, Turrialba (Homestay)

 

Today our private guide and driver will meet us outside the San Jose Airport. We recommend to arrive on a mid-afternoon or earlier flight, and then we'll make the drive to the beautiful area of Turrialba. Our final destination will be the rural village of Sitio de Mata which is one of the most scenic areas in Costa Rica surrounded by mountains and breath-taking views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. Here is where we have our homestay project called "Proyecto Sitio de Mata" benefiting the community. The best part about Sitio de Mata is not the smoking volcano or the scenery but the people that will be welcoming you into their homes. When we arrive you will be introduced to your homestay family. All houses are very close to each other. One house might be 20 ft from the next and walking to any of the homes is very easy and accessible. (Meals:  Dinner)

Day 2 -- Raft Pacuare River and Fiesta (Homestay)

Rafting at Pacuare River

We will get an early start today leaving our homes around 7:30am. This is full day of rafting. The best part of this day is the river we will be rafting. The Pacuare River is listed by National Geographic as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. It is filled with fabulous scenery from start to finish with canyon walls hundreds of feet high, waterfalls cascading right into the river, virgin tropical rainforest from start to finish and of course some thrilling rapids. Our CRR river guides will prepare lunch right on the banks that you'll consider one of the best meals of the trip.

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 3 -- Drive to San Gerardo de Dota - Cloud Forest (Trogon Lodge)

Cloud Forest

Today we will drive throughout the Talamanca Mountain Range, the highest  range in Costa Rica. Our next destination is in a valley between the mountains, at 7000ft of elevation. San Gerardo de Dota is world famous for the incredible view of its Cloud Forest full of ancient Oak trees and for being the best place in Costa Rica to observe the Resplendant Quetzal. This bird, considered sacred by ancient cultures, is recognized as the most beautiful of the American Continent. Once we're settled in our lodge we will take a hike inside the Cloud Forest, and learn about its uniqueness . (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 -- Quest for the Quetzal and Highland Ecosystems (Trogon Lodge)

The Cave

Early in the morning we will start our search for the Resplendant Quetzal. They are more active during the early morning before the sun starts to heat things up.  We will look for them as they feed on the wild avocado trees. To see the Quetzal is one of the most magical experiences one could dream of.  Later today we will drive back up to the Pan-American Highway to visit two very different and interesting ecosystems, first the Highland Bogs, which is a wetland that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material—often mosses. After this, we will drive farther up, pass the 11,000 ft. and experience the Paramo--a variety of alpine tundra ecosystems. Some ecologists describe the Páramo broadly as “all high, tropical, montane vegetation above the continuous timberline”.  The vegetal structure and biodiversity present in both ecosystems will allow us to learn about the different species that live there and the adaptations that they have developed to survive the extreme conditions. We will come back to the lodge, later in the afternoon, rest and have dinner.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Paramo at Cerro de la Muerte

Day 5 ----  Hike to Cave, Organic Garden Tour (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

After breakfast we will make our way down to the Pacific slopes, towards  the community of Las Tumbas (the Tombs) from there we will be hiking to one of the most beautiful and pristine spots in Costa Rica. This an 1 1/2 hour hike but worth every second since we'll be sleeping behind a cascading waterfall and watch the sunset over the Pacific from the top of a 600ft waterfall. On the way up, we will stop by an organic garden, filled with many different types of medicinal plants and tropical fruits making it a very interesting, educational experience. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ---- Rappel Waterfall,  & Hike to Pools (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

Rappeling at the Cave

Today is a full day surrounded by nature and filled with spectacular scenery. We will be sleeping behind a waterfall but we are not roughing it by any means. We can take showers and there are regular bathrooms. All meals are cooked for us which gives us time to make the most of the day. We'll start by rappelling a 120ft waterfall and then hiking to pools that are located nearby. Here at the pools the kids will jump off a 20ft waterfall into a welcoming waterhole and have views of the valley below.
In the evening it is back to the area behind the waterfall where we get a campfire going and make the best of spending the night outdoors. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Hike down and head to the Beach. (La Cusinga Lodge)

We will make our hike out of the cave and we will be on our way to La Cusinga Ecolodge which is one of the pioneer lodges of conservation. The Institute of Biomimicry uses La Cisinga for their training courses, so you will be seeing some spectacular examples of boimimicry along with great views of the Pacific. Here, surrounded by protected rainforest, and among the genius of the natural world, we'll take a deep look into just how much we can learn from nature to get us to a more sustainable future. (Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 8 ---- Hike in the lodge's reserve and beach time. (La Cusinga Lodge)

Sunset at the Pacific Coast

This is our last full day, it's been an amazing time and today we will take a nice hike around the grounds of the lodge to learn a little bit more about the biodiversity that surrounds it. After lunch there will be time to relax and enjoy the beach. (Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 9 ---- Drive to San José and fly home.

Today we'll make the 3 hr. drive to San José for your flight back to the US.

Madeline March 2013 Costa Rica Adventure

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

Today we will meet you at the airport and we'll travel to the Pacific Coast. Our first stop will be La Cusinga Ecolodge which is one of the pioneer lodges of conservation. The Institute of Biomimicry uses La Cisinga for their training courses, so you will be seeing some spectacular examples of boimimicry. There is no better spot to start the trip than relaxing at La Cusinga with breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. Here, surrounded by protected rainforest, and among the genius of the natural world, we'll take a deep look into just how much we can learn from nature to get us to a more sustainable future. (Meals: Lunch & Dinner)

Hey Humans! Try Hiking like Me!

Day 2 ---- Zipline & Afternoon Nature Hike (La Cusinga)

Today we will enjoy some of the best locally grown food from the La Cusinga's organic farm. After breakfast we will make the short trip to the area of Cortez where you can view the large southern mountain range against the virgin Pacific coastline. Here you'll have a super zipline adventure through a primary rainforest from an elevation of 1000ft above sea-level and jaw-dropping views of one of the most biodiverse places on the planet -- Corcovado National Park.

In the afternoon it's some nature activities in the La Cusinga Reserve where we'll do some fun and exciting biomimicry discoveries. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Western High School Sleeping in the Cave

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

After breakfast today we will make the very short trip to the famous Whale Tail where the kids can enjoy the water. This is one of Costa Rica's most unique beaches and a chance to experience some of the rich marine biodiversity Costa Rica has to offer. We will be snorkeling in the Marino Ballena National Park which is a very popular spot for humpback whales to visit and give birth to their young.

Western High kids looking West during the Suset 

After the beach we will head back to the hotel and get packed and ready for an afternoon of hiking to one of the most beautiful and pristine spots Costa Rica has to offer. This an 1 1/2 hour hike but worth every second as you will have the chance to sleep behind a cascading waterfall and watch the sunset over the Pacific from the top of a 600ft waterfall. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ---- Rappel Waterfall, Organic Garden Tour, & Hike to Pools (Sleep Behind Waterfall)

You Ready for the rappel!

Today is a full day surrounded by nature and filled with spectacular scenery. We will be sleeping behind a waterfall but you are not roughing it by any means. You can take showers and there are regular bathrooms. All meals are cooked for you which gives us time to make the most of the day. We'll start by rappelling a 120ft waterfall and then hiking to pools that are located nearby. Here at the pools the kids will jump off a 20ft waterfall into a welcoming waterhole and have views of the valley below.

We will also be spending part of our day touring an organic garden. This garden is filled with many different types of medicinal plants and tropical fruits making it a very educational experience.

In the evening it is back to the area behind the waterfall where we get a campfire going and make the best of spending the night outdoors. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ---- Travel to Sitio de Mata & Experience Culture Activities (Homestays)

After breakfast we will head to the village of Sitio de Mata. This is a beautiful drive and we will be crossing Costa Rica's tallest mountain range reaching an elevation of almost 12,000ft. Here we will be in a very unique area called the Paramo. In this area there's much to learn about the many adaptive characteristics of species. We'll be arriving at the village in time to have lunch with   our our families and enjoy an afternoon of culture and fun.

The evening activity will be a full-on party of getting the students to experience as much culture and fun as possible as we listen to music, watch dance presentations, and test out our salsa skills. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Rafting Pacuare River

Day 6 ---- Raft Pacuare River to Pacuare Camp (Pacuare Camp Site)

Listed by National Geographic as one of their most scenic rivers on the planet, the Pacuare River is a must-do when visiting Costa Rica. Surrounded by virgin rainforest from start to finish, the Pacuare River offers a four hour river rafting adventure. We stop for a river lunch prepared for you by your CRR river guides.

Lets get ready for the night hike Western High!

After lunch we will raft a little bit more with time to hike to some nearby waterfalls. We will arrive to the Pacuare Tent Camp Lodge around 3pm and have the rest of the day to settle in and explore the camp. This is again not roughing it by any means.  One of the favorite activities here at the camp is the night hike. Your naturalist guide will introduce you to all the different species that come to life at night.

The camp at Pacuare has private bathrooms and showers, above ground tents, a lounge area with views down the Pacuare Canyon and everything will be supplied for you. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ---- Raft Canyon & Drive to Central Valley (La Condesa)

CRR - Lets get Ready for some Adventure!

One of the best parts about today is waking up to the sound of nature and watching the clouds rise as the sun comes out. Today is more rafting on the most scenic part of the river and the most adventurous. We will get a hearty breakfast at camp and then make our way down the river for a unforgettable three hour run.

After a full day of rafting we'll drive back to the Central Valley and the beautiful La Condesa Hotel where everyone will get a good night's rest. We'll have a very fun farewell dinner as we send you home safely to FL and get you ready for your return trip to Costa Rica! (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ---- Fly Home!

Today you will be transferred 20 minutes to the San Jose Airport to catch your flight home!

Sylvie Lucile, Español y Cultura, The Bearley School, Costa Rica 2013

Día 1 --- Llegada al país y traslado al hotel (Hotel Bougainvillea)

Basílica de los Angeles

Hoy el personal de Costa Rican Resource les recibirá en el aeropuerto. Preferible reservar un vuelo que llegue en horas tempranas de la tarde. Nos trasladaremos al hotel, que se ubica a unos 25 minutos de viaje desde el aeropuerto. Una vez instalados nos reuniremos para conversar acerca de nuestro itinerario, evacuar dudas. Nuestro guia hará una explicación acerca de la historia del país, su cultura y otros datos interesantes que nos ayudarán durante nuestra estadía en el país. Saldremos a cenar a un restaurante de comidas típicas costarricenses. Comidas incluidas: Cena.

Día 2 --- Volcán Poás, Grecia y Sarchi (Hotel Bougainvillea) 

Volcán Poás

Iniciamos nuestra aventura saliendo después del desayuno con rumbo al Parque Nacional Volcán Poás, uno de los más bellos escenarios naturales del país, ubicado en la Cordillera Volcánica Central, a solamente 1 hora de vieja desde nuestro hotel. Este es uno de los volcanes más visitados en Costa Rica, principalmente por el facil acceso y cercanía desde la capital. El Bosque Nuboso es el ecosistema presente en los alrededores del cráter del volcán.  Al terminar la visita nos dirigiremos hacia un restaurante de la zona, en donde podrémos disfrutar de deliciosos platos típicos. Nuestro siguiente destino es Grecia una pequeña ciudad ubicada a solo 45 minutos de distancia, en donde se produce la caña de azucar, en este hermoso pueblo histórico visitaremos la iglesia metálica contruida en Bélgica y posteriormete ensamblada en Costa Rica a principios del siglo XX. Continuamos nuestro recorrido hacia Sarchi, ciudad conocida por ser la cuna de la artesanía costarricense y lugar en el que se fabrican las hermosas carretas típicas, uno de los símbolos nacionales del país. También visitaremos el mercado de artesanías. Por la tarde estaremos de regreso al hotel para descansar y cenar por la noche. Comidas incluidas: Desayuno, almuerzo y cena.

Día 3 --- Recorrido en la Ciudad de San José y viaje hacia Sitio de Mata (Hospedaje con Familias) 

Esferas de Piedra, Museo Nacional

Iniciamos el día con una visita a los principales atractivos de la Ciudad Capital, entre ellos el Teatro Nacional, el Parque Central, la Catedral Metropolitana, la Plaza de la Cultura, Plaza de la Democracia, el Museo de Oro, el Museo de Jade y el Museo Nacional. Caminando por las calles de San José vamos a tener la oportunidad de compartir y ver se cerca el estilo de vida de los Ticos. Continuaremos con rumbo hacia Turrialba, en el camino haremos una parada para visitar la que es conocida por muchos como la iglesia más importante de Costa Rica, la Basílica de los Angeles, conoceremos la historia de este importante templo religioso. Vamos a almorzar en el camino en un restaurante local. En el camino a Turrialba disfrutaremos de hermosas vistas de las montañas, plantaciones de café y caña de azucar.
Sitio de Mata es una pequeña comunidad rural en las afueras de Turrialba, nuestras familias anfitrionas nos recibiran e inciaremos esta entrañable experiencia, compartiendo con ellos y siendo parte de sus hogares. Comidas incluidas: Desayuno, almuerzo y cena.

Día 4 --- Estadía en Sitio de Mata (Hospedaje con Familias) 
El día de hoy tendremos contacto directo con la cultura y modo de vida de las familias de la comunidad, visitando una finca para ver y participar en las labores agrícolas. Regresaremos a casa para almorzar con nuestras familias y luego vamos a reunirnos para aprender como se preparan platos típicos como Tortillas y el Gallo Pinto.  Comidas incluidas: Desayuno, almuerzo y cena.




Día 5 --- Busqueda de tesoros, juegos tradicionales y fiesta (Hospedaje con Familias)

Sitio de Mata

Hoy tenemos un entretenida actividad para poner en práctica nuestro español. Las familias organizarán una fiesta de despedida para nosotros esta noche, pero para ello, es necesario comprar los víveres y demás artículos necesarios. Viajaremos en el autobus público hasta Turrialba, nos organizaremos en grupos a los cuales se les asignará una lista de árticulos que deberán adquirir. Todas nuestras habilidades de español serán necesarias mientras se camina por el mercado del pueblo, y se visitan las tiendas en busca de estos artículos. Al regresar a Sitio de Mata, almorzaremos con nuetras respectivas familias, para luego reunirnos en la plaza de futbol para una tarde de juegos tradicionales, futbol y compartir con los niños de la comunidad. Por la noche es tiempo de comer, festejar y bailar con la bonita fiesta preparada por la comunidad. Comidas incluidas: Desayuno, almuerzo y cena.

Día 6 --- Viaje hacia el Caribe (Hospedaje en Almonds and Corals Hotel)

Manzanillo

Llega el momento de despedirnos de nuestras familias y iniciar el viaje hacia la costa Caribe, en el camino vamos a aprender acerca de la riqueza cultural e histórica de esta zona del país. Veremos plantaciones de  piña y otros cultivos, y haremos una parada en una plantación de banano, para aprender porque este cultivo es tan importante en la historia del país. Almozaremos durante el recorrido. Una vez en el hotel nos reunimos para comentar y hacer algunas dinámicas de grupo antes de la cena. Comidas incluidas: Desayuno, almuerzo y cena.
 
Día 7 --- Plantación de Cacao, Cultura Afrocaribeña y Manzanillo (Hospedaje en Almonds and Corals)

Omar, nuestro guía local

El cacao es uno de los cultivos más importantes en la zona caribe de Costa Rica, estrechamente asociado a la cultura y la historía de sus pobladores y de los pueblos indígenas, visitaremos una plantación de Cacao para aprender más acerca de el. Nos acompañará un guía local de la zona para ayudarnos a conocer más acerca de la cultura afrocaribeña. También haremos una caminata dentro del refugio de vida silvestre Gandoca Manzanillo, con una exhuberante flora y abundante fauna, además de paradisiacas playas. Comidas incluidas: Desayuno, almuerzo y cena.

Día 8 --- Viaje a San José y vuelo de regreso a casa

Temprano iniciamos el viaje de regreso a la capital para tomar el vuelo de regreso. ¡Buen Viaje!

Newtown Spanish Adventure Costa Rica

Day 1 -- Arrive and Drive to Rural Mountains Turrialba (Sitio de Mata or Turrialtico Lodge)

Today your private guide and driver will meet you outside the San Jose Airport. If you can arrive on a mid-afternoon or earlier flight, we will make the drive to the beautiful area of Turrialba. Our final destination will be the rural village of Sitio de Mata which is one of the most scenic areas in Costa Rica surrounded by mountains and breath-taking views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano. Here is where we have our homestay Project called "Proyecto Sitio de Mata" benefiting the community and visiting Newtown High School students. The best part about Sitio de Mata is not the smoking volcano or the scenery but the people that will be welcoming you into their homes (NOTE: If you decide not to do a homestay you have the option of visiting the village but staying in a nearby lodge with views of the volcano). When we arrive you will be welcomed as family and introduced to your homestay family. All houses are very close to each other. One house might be 20 ft from the next and walking to any of the homes is very easy and accesible. (Meals:  Dinner)

Day 2 -- Culture Activities (Sitio de Mata or Turrialtico Lodge)

Today is a full day of fun, culture, and practicing Spanish. This is a day that your Spanish will be put to the test. We do many different activities from cooking classes with the locals, playing games with the kids, visiting the village school, and playing an afternoon soccer game.

In the evening is when the real fun starts with entertainment by our Sitio families. We'll meet in the community ranchito and enjoy local dance, food, and different skits performed by the community folks. This is a full evening of fun and unforgettable moments spent with your new friends from the Sitio de Mata community. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 -- Raft Pacuare River & Drive to Arenal Volcano (Manoa Hotel)

We will get an early start today leaving our homes around 7:30am. This is full day of rafting and and then driving to the Arenal Volcano. The best part of this day is the river we will be rafting. The Pacuare River is listed by National Geographic as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. It is filled with fabulous scenery from start to finish with canyon walls hundreds of feet high, waterfalls cascading right into the river, virgin tropical rainforest from start to finish and of course some thrilling rapids. Your CRR river guides will prepare your lunch that you will consider one of the best meals of the trip.

Overnight Option at Pacuare Camp Lodge

After we get out of the river we will head to the Arenal Volcano. This drive that will take us through the northern plains and we will make some interesting stops along the way. One stop for sure will be to try the best ice-cream sandwiches on the planet according to some. The kids will love it and your CRR guide will treat you to this. We also do a scavenger hunt with our Spanish student groups at different local stores. This allows them to interact more, use their Spanish, and makes for a fun competition that keeps everyone engaged. 

In Arenal you will be staying at the beautiful Manoa Hotel. This is a place with absolutely astonishing views of the volcano. The Arenal Volcano is not erupting these days but it's well worth the visit to see the perfect structure. Dinner will be waiting for us when we arrive at Manoa. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 -- Don Juan Farm & Danaus Reserve (Manoa Hotel)

Manoa Hotel

Today you'll experience some of the best of Costa Rica. We will be at the base of the volcano for the entire day (you get the feeling it's following you), visiting some different fun educational sites. The first in the morning will be a small reserve where students can see, smell and touch some of the many flor and fauna of Costa Rica. The Danaus Reserve is filled with everything from poisonous dart frogs, butterflies, sloths, and hundreds of species of birds. It is a small reserve with easy walking and our naturalist guides make it a very interesting and interactive hike.

See you soon Newtown students!

In the afternoon we will make our way to an organic farm where you will meet one of Costa Rica's most seasoned educators. With years of teaching experience in Costa Rican schools, Don Juan decided he was going to focus on making his farm educational. Here we will hang out with Don Juan as he shows us the benefits of farming organically and some of the fun rural activities of Costa Rica like making your own sugar-cane juice and the best part of all--eating a meal that was produced with foods from his small two acre farm. In the afternoon we can make a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall or head back to Manoa and enjoy some time in the pool and hotsprings that the hotel has on its property. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 -- Zipline & Visit School (Manoa Hotel)

One of the most exciting adventures in Costa Rica is the ziplining. There are now over 70 different zipline companies in Costa Rica and Skytrek is one of, if not, the best in the entire country. This is a fabulous ride zipping across the primary rainforest with views of the Arenal lake and volcano. The cables are strung almost 1 km long and will have you hanging 700ft above the forest floor.

In the afternoon we will get some lunch and then visit another school. What we like to do is have ten questions that your kids ask the local kids in Spanish. The local kids will respond with 10 questions they have prepared in English. We divide the kids into small groups for this activity to have better interaction. In the evening we can enjoy an evening at the hotsprings at Manoa. (Meals: Breakast, Lunch, & Dinner)

You never know what you might find at the beach.

Day 6 -- Travel to Manuel Antonio (Espadilla Hotel)

Today we will make a drive to the Manuel Antonio area. We will get an early start and arrive to the Pacific coast around lunch time. This is one of the more popular beaches in Costa Rica due to the beauty of the National Park of Manuel Antonio. We will be staying at the Espadilla Hotel. It's a great hotel with a prime location just steps from the entrance to the national park and the public beaches in the area. In the evening we'll watch the sunset on the Pacific. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 7 -- Visit National Park Manuel Antonio (Espadilla Hotel)

National Park Manuel Antonio

Today we will be visiting the National Park of Manuel Antonio. They say there are still more monkeys than people in Manuel Antonio. This is an unforgettable walk that you will have the chance to see some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and also the opportunity to make some primate friends. 

This will be a full day of fun in the ocean! Don't forget your sunblock! (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 -- Travel to San Jose Airport & Fly Home!

We will make the 2.5 hour drive back to the San Jose (SJO) Airport. We like to dropp you off two hours before your flight's departure.  (Meals: Breakfast)