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!