Ultimate Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
San Ramon

Description: Wondering if it's possible to see everything there is to see in Costa Rica in one short month? Sadly, the answer is no! But on this Ultimate Costa Rica tour, you come pretty darn close! From morning until night you will be dazzled by Costa Rica's natural beauty and friendly Pura Vida" (pure life) attitude. Your adventure will take you to the base of the active Arenal volcano, flying by zip line through the magical cloud forests, lounging on the golden beaches of the Pacific coast and swaying gently to the reggae beat while running your toes through the black sands of the Caribbean coast. After spending a few days building homes for Costa Rican families in need, you will also have a chance to catch a few waves during your surf lesson and visit with some surprisingly adorable sea turtles. So don't you dare waste another month on your carrying out your boring routines. Come to Costa Rica and have the most amazing month of your life!

*Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica. You will spend the night in Alajuela settling into the tropical climate and meeting your fellow travelers.

*Day 2: Orientation and San Jose
After a brief orientation on life in Costa Rica you will take a tour of San Jose, Costa Rica's capital. Admire how the colonial architecture and historic landmarks mingle with modern day superstores and bustling street markets.

*Day 3: Travel to La Fortuna
Today you will travel inland to the lovely town of La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal volcano - if you're lucky you'll see the volcano glowing in the evening providing a stunning backdrop to you first night in this great little town.

*Day 4: Trekking around Arenal volcano
Get ready to work up a sweat as you trek along the base of the active volcano. On a clear day you will see the daunting peak smoking, threatening to erupt! Tonight you will treat your aching limps to a soothing soak in the natural hot springs, kept warm from the volcanic activity. Sip tasty drinks under the starts as you watch the bright red lava slip softly from Arenal's majestic peak.

*Day 5: La Fortuna
Use today to relax and enjoy the pleasures of this small Costa Rican town. Practice your Spanish at the local shops or go for another hike around the volcano.

*Day 6: Lush forests of Las Heliconias
You will travel up to the green hills of Las Heliconias - a stunning area of forest nestled between two volcanoes. Enjoy the fresh forest air and allow the gentle sounds of the geckos and trees frogs lull you to sleep. Spend the day immersed in the diverse flora and fauna of the Costa Rican forest. Chase the butterflies, admire the translucent tree frogs, spot Toucans and if you're really lucky see some sloth's hanging out in the trees!

*Day 7: Horse back tour and waterfalls of Rio Celeste
Feast your eyes on the magical Rio Celeste, a shiny blue river which gets its unique color from chemical reactions with the nearby Tenorio volcano. You will trek through the lush forests on you way to the awe-inspiring Rio Celeste waterfall. Some believe it to be the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica, or maybe the world&.

*Day 8: San Ramon
You will travel to San Ramon, in Costa Rica's Central Valley and settle into your new digs.

*Day 9 to 13: Building project
Put on your gloves and get to work. You will spend the next few days helping on a building project. Depending on the stage of the house being built at your arrival, you could be involved in building septic tanks, laying floors, digging trenches, helping put on roofs, preparing metal framework for the foundations, mixing cement and concrete and carrying materials to the building site.

*Day 14: Canopy tour
Hop on the zip line and see the leaves rush past at amazing speeds. Close your eyes as you fly through the forest, inhaling the intoxicating scents of life all around you.

*Day 15: San Ramon
Spend the day relaxing in San Ramon. Write some letters, catch up on your reading or simply enjoy the gentle pace of Tico life.

*Day 16: Samara Beach on the Pacific Coast
Relax on the golden sands of Samara beach. Work on your tan or relax in the shade of the countless palm tress.

*Day 17: Sea turtle visit
Are curious about what a baby sea turtle eats or how many eggs a full grown sea turtle may lay at any one time? Find out on this exciting visit to a sea turtle conservation project. See full grown sea turtles up close and learn how volunteers are working to help protect these highly endangered creatures.

*Day 18: Surf's up
Wax up your board and hit the beach. You can take a surf lesson or jump right in if you know what you're doing! Feel the rush of the ocean under your board as you ride the waves towards the shore (surf lesson is included in the tour fee).

*Day 19: Beach time!
Today you can do as much or as little as you want. Rent a board and go surfing or lay in the sand. It's up to you.

*Day 20: Montezuma
Enjoy Montezuma, a cool beach town with plenty of shops and cafes to keep any traveller entertained. Do some yoga on the beach or walk through the forest in search of waterfalls, monkeys and sloths. Do keep a close eye on your breakfast though as local monkeys have been know to steal bananas right off the plate.

*Day 21: Cabo Blanco National Park
Visit the first national park in Costa Rica, Cabo Blanco. Take a hike through the beautiful forest and search for the elusive jaguar and pumas who call the park home.

*Day 22: Waterfalls
Visit some beautiful waterfalls and swim in the fresh rivers below.

*Day 23: San Jose
You will travel back to the noble capital, San Jose. Spend the night getting acquainted with this modern city steeped in history and culture.

*Day 24: Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast
Be careful not to burn your feet as you trot along the hot black sand beaches of the Caribbean coast. Relax to the reggae beat and enjoy the mix of African and Latin cultures.

*Day 25 to 27: Maxin' and Relaxin'
Spend the next couple days really slowing down the pace. Drink agua de coco" (coconut water) straight from the shell. Adjust your life to Caribbean vacation time. Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired and dance around when if feels right. You are the master of your time so feel free to indulge in whatever whim strikes your fancy.

*Day 28: Back to Alajuela
Tonight is you final night. Say goodbye to new friends and this magical country.

*Day 29: Departure
You will be transferred back to the airport in time to board your flight home or onto your next adventure. As you fasten your seatbelt, you will think back on all the incredible places you've been and people you've met. What an amazing month!

Highlights:
* Trek around the Arenal Volcano
* Canopy tour through the rainforest
* Surfing in the Pacific Ocean
* Visit to Rio Celeste - one of the wonders of the natural world
* Visit to a Turtle Project
* Hit the Pacific and Caribbean beaches
* Participation in our on-going rural building project
* Costa Rica itself - a fun and beautiful destination with something for everyone!

Cost in US$: USD 3,075.00 for 4 weeks

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994