Broadreach's Costa Rica Adventure

  Costa Rica

• Other Cities in Costa Rica: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 14 day trips in June and July

Description: With a dozen years of experience running a wide variety of expeditions in Costa Rica, Broadreach knows the hidden treasures and how to make the most of endless opportunities for adventure in Nature's Playground. Join us to trek through lush jungles, raft world-class rapids, journey on horseback through cloud forest and relax on beautiful beaches. Come prepared for unspoiled adventure and exploration surrounded by an astounding abundance of plant and animal life.

This trip is action-packed and covers a lot of ground in just two weeks. Thrill seekers are in their element as we take on spectacular whitewater amidst breathtaking scenery, soar through a jungle canopy on a zip line and rappel into a stunning river canyon. Learn to surf perfect waves off palm-fringed beaches on the Caribbean coast. Camp under star-filled skies. A highlight of the trip is working together on conservation projects in vibrant rainforests, and getting to know the locals we help. Explore indigenous communities and learn about their traditions and customs. Heart pounding adventure combined with the amazing people and landscapes of Costa Rica make this an unforgettable expedition& Pura Vida!

Day 1-4
Ready for action, enjoy the thrill of soaring through the jungle on a zip line canopy tour. Glide above the trees, one by one, platform to platform, through a world normally reserved for monkeys and birds. Then float beneath the rainforest canopy on a whitewater adventure down the Sarapiqui River. Class II and III rapids Ahh Caramba, The Roller Coaster and Superman are fun introductions to paddling and navigating whitewater. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, caimans, quetzals and toucans! In the afternoon we tackle the adrenaline pumping rapids of the upper Sarapiqui. Together we take on Morning Coffee, Dos Locos and Bananas, Class IV rapids that inspire some great stories and laughter back at the campsite. Have fun getting muddy while riding horses through jungle trails and green pastures on a 2,000 acre working ranch. Then put on a harness and rappel 90 feet into a river canyon for a magnificent view of the Sarapiqui River. This Costa Rica adventure is faced paced and high energy, so hold to your paddles, reins, and ropes. We're just getting started!

Day 5-7
We saddle up our horses and travel down valley through forests, creeks and fields to Heliconias Lodge, an eco-lodge and research station where we participate in ongoing conservation initiatives. This region has been economically dependent on cattle, coffee and timber production for many years, and harvesting the forest is part of the valley's history. Local conservationists are working to create alternative, environmentally sustainable economic activities focused on eco-tourism to preserve this rare ecosystem. We take two days to work on a community service project that gives us a firsthand appreciation for Costa Rica's fragile environments and rich culture. The project changes every year depending on current needs, but past endeavors include riverbank rehabilitation, reforestation work and trail maintenance in the rainforest. Even getting dirty and working is fun with your new team of friends. Take a break to play soccer and practice your Spanish with the locals.

Day 8-11
Experience Costa Rica's most exhilarating whitewater on an overnight rafting trip down the world renowned Rio Pacuare. The thrilling Class IV rapids take us on a roller coaster ride through tropical rainforests and rocky gorges populated by monkeys, ocelots and an astounding variety of birds. Camp under a blanket of stars to the sounds of the river, then hike out of the river gorge and through the La Amistad National Park, the largest single protected area in Costa Rica that is home to more than two thirds of the country's species. Visit an indigenous community and learn about the traditional customs and history of the Cabecar tribe. Then spend an afternoon in another small village where we enjoy an authentic lunch and play soccer with the local kids. Ready for more adventure on the river, we hop back in our rafts and take on the remaining rapids of the Pacuare's lower section.

Day 12-14
We head to the Caribbean coast for more fun and find ourselves in a tropical paradise&white sand beaches, sunshine, palm trees and wooden bungalows. Spend a day on perfect beach break waves learning how to surf. Our local surfing instructor has you riding the waves in no time! When you are not in the water, play games on the beach and relax in the sun. At a celebration on the final night, share stories about all the amazing adventures you have shared in such a short time.

Highlights:
- Multi-sport ecological adventure in jungle and coastal regions
- Sea kayaking, surfing, whitewater rafting
- Backcountry hiking, horseback riding, zip line canopy tour
- Learn about conservation and sustainable agriculture
- 10 hours of environmental and cultural community service
- Grades 9-10 or 11-12; no prerequisite

Cost in US$: USD 3,480

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-14

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Broadreach Summer Adventures / Academic Treks's Mission Statement: Broadreach offers experiential summer adventures for teenagers and young adults including scuba, sailing, marine biology, academic and wilderness programs that span the globe. Broadreach's educational adventures provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world. Academic Treks is the academic adventure and community service division of Broadreach Summer Adventure Camps for Teenagers. Our educational summer camps and high school study abroad programs provide excellent alternatives to traditional summer camps and summer school. Lastly, Academic Treks College is the university division of Broadreach Summer Adventures. Our college study abroad programs provide unique opportunities to study a single topic in multiple countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1993