Itinerary

Upon arrival at San Jose's International Airport, our friendly guides will welcome you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner, providing an opportunity to review the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

Our adventure begins in the charming town of Juan Viñas, known for its sugarcane and coffee plantations. Students will have the unique opportunity to stay with local families for two nights, allowing for a truly immersive experience. After being introduced to their new families at the local high school, students will participate in a reforestation initiative aimed at protecting vital water sources in the community. A welcoming dinner at the high school will foster connections between students and their host families.

The following day, we will visit the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), a prestigious institute dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. As home to the largest seed bank in the world, CATIE collaborates with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to enhance the biological corridor in Mesoamerica, benefiting countless migratory species.

After bidding farewell to our Costa Rican host families, students will embark on an exhilarating journey into the rainforest via the scenic Pacuare River.

Experience Class III and IV rapids during a thrilling 17-mile rafting expedition, where you’ll encounter breathtaking waterfalls, diverse bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife. The Pacuare is celebrated as one of the top ten most beautiful rivers in the world.

Our next stop is La Selva Biological Research Station, operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). This international consortium fosters a deeper understanding of rainforests and tropical natural resources. Students will enjoy a guided naturalist hike through the La Selva preserve to learn about rainforest conservation efforts and participate in ongoing research projects.

Today promises excitement as we explore the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano, the most active volcano in the Western Hemisphere. If luck is on our side, we may witness small eruptions, observing lava and boulders cascading down the mountainside. After lunch, prepare for an exhilarating treetop canopy ride, zipping through the canopy on 150-foot high zip lines. In the evening, relax in the soothing hot springs.

Explore the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, one of Costa Rica's RAMSAR sites (Wetlands of International Importance) and a hotspot for biological diversity. Here, we will observe resident and migratory birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, and caimans. Enjoy a two-hour boat ride through this vibrant ecosystem and later visit the site of an extraordinary lava flow from the 1968 eruption. Dinner will be served at the Volcano Observatory.

Our adventure continues on the picturesque Nicoya Peninsula along the Pacific Coast. Experience the transition from rainforest to dry forest in Guanacaste Province. For three days, students will join local conservationists working with the WWF to protect the magnificent Leatherback turtles.

Witness one of nature’s most incredible moments as baby turtles make their way to the Pacific Ocean, marking the start of their new life cycle. Students will assist in beach patrols at night, aiding in the nesting process, tagging turtles, counting eggs, and transferring them to a safe hatchery to ensure optimal incubation conditions.

During these days, students will also have the opportunity to indulge in local activities, including surfing and snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Costa Rica.

As our incredible journey comes to a close, it's time to return home and share the fantastic stories from this unforgettable Costa Rica Experience.