Itinerary & Activities
Turrialba
Our once-in-a-lifetime summer adventure begins as we touch down in the capital city of San Jose. After opening day introductions and a good night’s sleep, we are off to Turrialba, the first stop on our journey together. Turrialba is a hidden gem in the heart of Costa Rica, surrounded by unparalleled beauty, lush hills, and framed by majestic volcanoes. The quaint and peaceful Guayabo Lodge is our home while exploring this amazing location. Our participants will have the opportunity to spend time with CATIE, an incredible organization whose mission it is to train and empower local women to become entrepreneurs to escape poverty and to support their families. We’ll head into Irazu Volcano National Park, home to the tallest volcano in Costa Rica. Marvel at the flora and fauna and take in the sites from one of the only locations in Central America where you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Strap on your helmet as we grab our mountain bikes for a Guided Bike Tour through the Costa Rican countryside. Ride past coffee fields, pedal past pineapple, avocado, banana, and mango plantations, and learn about the sustainability practices in place that serve to protect the environment. We’ll put on our aprons for our traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class as we learn how to make some of the delicious local dishes.Sarapiqui
Our next stop is serene Sarapiqui, known for its tropical rainforest, exotic wildlife, and exciting outdoor activities. This area is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to visit a less touristic rainforest area in Costa Rica. We will be immersed in the jungle during our stay at the lovely La Quinta de Sarapiqui Lodge. We’ll spend time with the Sarapiqui Conservation and Learning Center, getting to know the local community through volunteering and cultural activities. Navigate thrilling rapids, serene stretches, and witness cascading waterfalls during our White-water Rafting Trip on the Pacuare River. Walk across the longest hanging bridge in Costa Rica to a traditional cacao plantation at Tirimbina Biological Reserve, where we will learn how to prepare chocolate from the cacao bean all the way to the final product! Things get spooky during our evening Bat Experience, as we learn about the different species of bats and their importance to the local ecosystems.Arenal
Onward to the adventure capital of Costa Rica – Arenal! Known worldwide for its majestic conical volcano, lush green rainforests, and exciting adventure activities, this amazing area is a must-see destination when traveling through Costa Rica. We'll marvel at the views from our riverside resort, the Tilajari Eco Resort. Get ready for an experience you will never forget as we explore some of Costa Rica's most fantastic waterfalls during the exhilarating Pure Trek Canyoning Tour! After a fun 4x4 Ride into the rainforest, our trained guides will help us rappel down the center of several gushing waterfalls into pristine jungle canyons. Next, we head to the famous Hanging Bridges, keeping our eyes open for monkeys and sloths as we hike through the dense canopy, crossing 16 suspension bridges high above the jungle floor. We'll spend a relaxing evening soaking in the geothermally heated pools and rivers at Baldi Hot Springs. The soothing purity of the water, believed to have restorative properties, will help us re-energize as we head off on our next amazing adventure.Monteverde
A relaxing boat ride across Lake Arenal brings us to our next stop, Monteverde Cloud Forest. Set atop Costa Rica's continental divide, Monteverde is a place of cloud forests and coffee plantations, monkeys, mist, and friendly locals. The Cloud Forest astounds visitors with its beauty and great amount of biodiversity, home to more than 2,000 species of plants and trees, 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds, and roughly 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. We'll check into El Establo, a beautiful and comfortable mountain lodge. We will spend time working with Bosque Eterno de los Ninos, dedicated to the protection and preservation of the rainforest. Get ready for the adrenaline-pumping Zip-line Canopy Tour, home to one of the longest zip-lines in Latin America! We'll explore the nearby town of Santa Elena and end each day watching the sunset through the trees and the mist of this breathtaking paradise.Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Considered one of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to bubbling mud pots, rushing creeks, towering waterfalls, and views of magnificent mountains and active volcanoes. We will stay at the comfortable Buena Vista Lodge, centrally located to all our incredible activities. You'll experience pure adrenaline and excitement as you splash 400 meters through the tropical forest on an incredible Mountain Water Slide! We'll visit the Natural Thermal Pools and have an opportunity to enjoy the healing benefits of a Volcanic Mud Bath. Bounce and splash your way through endless fun and excitement during our White-water Tubing Adventure!Playa Carillo
The final stop on our incredible journey is the hidden gem of Playa Carrillo, a picturesque piece of paradise surrounded by clear, aqua waters and quiet, gorgeous beaches. We’ll check into Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, nestled in nature with unspoiled views of Carillo Bay. We’ll work with Ostional Wildlife Refuge, whose mission is to protect the leatherback sea turtles and their natural environment. Hang ten during our surf lessons at majestic Playa Samara! Board a catamaran to check out the Pacific marine life on our half-day dolphin cruise. We’ll enjoy our last night in paradise as we kayak to Isla Chora for an afternoon of snorkeling and an amazing sunset over this Pacific paradise.