Introduction to Spanish Language

Our introduction to Costa Rica begins with an orientation and a fun day of informal Spanish language instruction in San Jose. Here we'll begin to adjust to "Pura Vida" and "Tico Time" in preparation for our immersion into Costa Rican culture.

Explore Arenal Volcano National Park

Next our group will journey to the Arenal Volcano National Park, where we will spend two days experiencing the beauty and power of one of the world's most active volcanoes. After completing spectacular hikes and float trips near the base of Arenal, we'll relax in the thermal waters of Tabacon Hot Springs. Before departing the Arenal area, we'll enjoy soaring high above the forest canopy on one of the best ziplines in all of Costa Rica.

Village Community Service Project

Immersing ourselves in a rural Costa Rican village, we'll live and work in this agrarian community while assisting villagers with a much-needed service project. Our service components will be both educational and physical; after meeting with and getting to know our local hosts, we'll embark on a compliment of dynamic, need-driven service projects as well as teaching important English language skills to local schoolchildren. Our local village also happens to be situated in one of the world's finest tropical bird habitats, so we should see a wide variety of tropical birds such as macaws, parrots, and the elusive quetzal.

Preserve Sea Turtle Habitat

From our surfing base camp, there will be plenty to do each evening as we assist with a sea turtle conservation project to help preserve the endangered sea turtles. During our meaningful project, we'll help conduct nighttime beach patrols where we’ll record our sightings, assist with turtle nest protection and learn about sea turtle ecology. As part of this important and educational project, we'll have the chance to witness the turtles' nocturnal egg laying, as well as to explore this wildlife-rich coastal environment.

Surf the Famous Nicoya Peninsula

From the Savegre Village, we’ll be off to our private lodge on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. A backdrop of lush green vegetation and broad sandy beaches provides a perfect setting for our introduction to Costa Rican waves and classic breaks. Over the next three days, we’ll learn proper paddling and stance techniques under the guidance of professional instructors who will be able to impart new skills for novice surfers and hone the proficiency of the more advanced riders in the group

Whitewater Raft the Pacuare River

Our amazing adventure concludes on the nearby wild and scenic Pacuare River where we will spend a full day rafting its world-class whitewater. With monkeys and colorful toucans overhead and spectacular waterfalls around many bends, we'll plunge through Class III and IV rapids with our talented local guides. Our final day in San Jose will allow us time to shop for souvenirs and enjoy a Tico feast before we depart for home.

 

Teachers/Group Leaders: This adventure or a variation of it can be offered as a private/custom trip with your own departure dates. Please contact our group desk at 800-533-2281.