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 several 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.

Sea Kayak the Golfo Dulce in Corcovado Natonal Park

Traveling to the southern portion of Costa Rica, we'll sea kayak for 3 days in the pristine waters of the Golfo Dulce, along the shores of Corcovado National Park. Nothing in Costa Rica compares with this lush and wildlife-rich jungle setting, which is part of the last coastal rainforest in Central America. Along our journey, we will witness amazing waterfalls, experience a tropical coastal paradise of monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws while sleeping on star-lit sandy beaches.

Surf the Pacific Coast

We'll conclude our Corcovado experience with a final few fun days of surfing. First we'll learn how to paddle our boards and read the water. This area is perfect for introductory surfing as there are waves for everyone's ability. By the end of 2 days, we'll be standing on our boards and riding with confidence along a palm-lined coastline in this tropical paradise.

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.

Whitewater Raft the Pacuare River

Our amazing adventure concludes on the nearby wild and scenic Pacuare River where we will spend our final 2 days 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.