Costa Rica Adventure and Service II

DAYS 1 – 4: SAN JOSE, TURRIALBA

We begin our journey with a short ride from San Jose to the Turrialba National Park where we’ll spend two days and nights in this beautiful region. We’ll horseback ride through rolling sugar cane and coffee plantations spotting sloths, iguanas and tropical birds along the way, volunteer at a local school with whatever project they need help with at the time, and visit Guayabo National Monument, Costa Rica's most important archaeological site where there are mysterious ancient stone carvings of alligator and jaguar gods and ingeniously engineered Pre-Columbian aqueducts where water still flows.

DAYS 4 – 5: SARAPIQUI

We then head to La Quinta de Sarapiqui, a family-run rain forest resort where we'll take a night bat tour and even touch, feed and safely release them. The following morning we'll participate in a tree planting activity to help the restoration process of the native flora, specifically the Almendro de Montaña, to improve the habitat for the Green Macaw.

DAYS 5 – 6: ARENAL

Our next stop is Arenal, where we'll stay in a hotel at the foot of the Arenal Volcano - the 10th most active volcano in the world! The hotel is extremely comfortable and has a series of 6 naturally heated mineral hot pools connected by an uphill foot path and covered in tropical vegetation. In the afternoon we'll head to La Fortuna waterfall, a 210 foot ribbon of water gushing into a pool where we'll relax and swim. The following morning we head into the town and meet up with a local scout troop to help out with whatever may be needed at the time: you may paint a wall or do some light handiwork.

DAYS 6 – 8: MONTEVERDE

We’ll say goodbye to the scouts and take a bus to Arenal lake for a boat ride to the other side where our bus will pick us up and take us to our hotel in Monteverde. That evening we’ll head into the lush cloud forest after watching the beautiful sunset and watch as the forest seems to awaken during the transition to night. The following day we’ll again have the opportunity to help out at a local school with whatever is needed before we begin our canopy adventure! Zipline over the rainforest for a thrilling view of the jungle from above and don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe!

DAYS 8 – 10: PUNTA LEONA, FLIGHT HOME FROM SAN JOSE

Our final stop takes us to a 750 acre beach resort on the Pacific coast were we'll soak up the sun on world class triple flag white sand beaches, enjoy the resort's many amenities (pools surrounded by tropical nature, snorkeling, water sports, even an 18 hole mini golf course!). We'll also go on a crocodile safari for an up-close look at these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The charm and splendor of Costa Rica is so ubiquitous it leaves an indelible mark on anyone who travels there; from arrival to sad wave goodbye in San Jose, the warmth of the people and the marvel of the natural beauty are truly unforgettable.