8 Days
Costa Rica
San Jose (1) La Fortuna (5) San Jose (1)
Embark on an exhilarating journey through Costa Rica, designed to blend community engagement with thrilling adventures. Your experience starts with a warm welcome in San José, moving to the heart of La Fortuna where cultural exchanges and community service projects await. Throughout your stay, participate in service initiatives that contribute to local infrastructure and education, while also indulging in the natural wonders of Costa Rica through zip-lining, rafting, and enjoying volcanic hot springs. Each day is packed with activities that promise both personal growth and unforgettable memories.
Depart from your home airport and arrive into the San Jose airport (SJO), where you will meet your tour director who will be with you for the duration of the program. Depending on your arrival time, you will either spend the night in San Jose, or head directly to La Fortuna, about 3 hours away. Settle in for the night and go over the itinerary for the next week, including some goal and intention setting.
Overnight: San Jose hotel or La Fortuna basehouse
After breakfast, start the day with a beautiful cultural presentation, featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling from the local community. This activitiy is designed to inspire and deepen your understanding of the area’s rich heritage. Later, join your community service group for a pre-service meeting to discuss the impactful work you’ll be doing. After lunch, it’s time to get to work on your service project! You’ll engage in meaningful community service projects, working alongside local leaders on initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, educational facilities, and the environment. Not only will you contribute to the community, but you’ll also learn about yourself and expand your personal growth.
Overnight: La Fortuna basehouse
Continue your service project, working alongside the community to make progress. Work on the project in the morning, taking a break for lunch, and work for a few more hours in the afternoon. At the end of the day, go back to the base house and enjoy the pool, hang out and relax.
Overnight: La Fortuna basehouse
Switch gears for a day of adventure! Wake up early and head to the canopy for a ziplining course. If you’re lucky you might spot a monkey or two as you zip through the lush tropical canopy. After the adrenaline, enjoy a delicious lunch at Finca Don Juan. In the afternoon you will learn more about the Tico culture, how fresh produce is cultivated from the farm, and local traditions.
Overnight: La Fortuna basehouse
Dive back into your service projects. Today you will spend the day with the community to put the finishing touches on your projects or advance as much as you can. In the afternoon, head into La Fortuna to explore the town and taste some of the local coffee and ice cream flavors.
Overnight: La Fortuna basehouse
Today you have one last morning session of service. Say goodbye to the community members you’ve been working with and have lunch at a stunning viewpoint. Spend the afternoon at one of the nearby hot springs heated by volcanic water. La Fortuna is known for its hot springs heated by Volcano Arenal and is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Enjoy your last group dinner at the base house. Buen provecho!
Overnight: La Fortuna basehouse
Say goodbye to La Fortuna and get ready for more adventure! Grab your paddles and hit the rapids of the Sarapiqui River for a white water rafting adventure! As you raft down the river, enjoy the rich greenery that has earned the Sarapiqui a reputation as one of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica. Stop along the way for a buffet picnic on the riverbanks. At the end of the trip, eat a hot Tico lunch before continuing the journey to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica.
After a final dinner, reflect with your group about your shared adventure and everything you learned. At the end of each program students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and brainstorm about how to apply learning and revelations to life back home.
Overnight: San Jose hotel
Adios Costa Rica! Your tour director will take you to the airport and help you get checked and and drop you off at security. We hope you had and incredible time in Costa Rica and safe travels home. Pura vida!
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