Cost Rican Adventure
10 Days, 9 Nights
Costa Rica is a tropical Central American country bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Unlike many of its neighbors, Costa Rica has remained democratic and peaceful for much of its history. A significant event that reflects the character of the Costa Rican people is their decision, in 1949, to become the first nation in the world to abolish the military, and still has no armed forces to this day.
Despite its beautiful and peaceful surroundings, 20% of the Costa Rican people live in poverty. During your time in this amazing country, you will be giving back to the community by engaging in a construction and maintenance project and teaching English to school children. You will also be engaging in some critical conservation efforts, assisting with a program to support the local sea turtle population.
In return for your hard work, there is plenty of time for fun too, visiting the pristine beaches, taking a salsa lesson, viewing crocodiles in the mangrove (from a very safe distance!), and learning the local cuisine with a cooking lesson. So prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime that will stay with you forever.
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour guide and taken to the accommodation. The afternoon will be spent on the program orientation and what to expect over the next few days, followed by a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Project Accommodation
Day 2: Project Work - Construction
As a construction volunteer, you will be making a tangible difference in people’s lives by improving local homes, schools, community spaces, and public buildings. The project is tailored to meet the requirements of the community’s needs, and your efforts will help uplift the local community, boosting the morale of the people to build a better tomorrow.
The work involved includes repairs, painting, remodeling, assisting with construction, and maintaining green areas. Alongside helping, you will pick up some useful skills too.
Overnight: Project Accommodation
Day 3: Project Work - Teaching
In Costa Rica, learning English is a highly sought-after privilege that not everyone has access to. The students you will be working with are very eager to learn. Unfortunately, many of the classrooms are overcrowded with only one teacher, which is why your contribution is so important. The opportunity to converse with native English speakers to improve their grammar and conversation skills will be invaluable. As Costa Rica increasingly becomes a tourist destination, these skills will be very important to many of the children in the future.
During your time teaching, you will also get time to play sports with the children, devising interactive games that make the learning experience much more fun.
After a morning with the children, in the afternoon, it’s time to see some of the local wildlife by visiting Heraduravia Bridge, a great place to view crocodiles (from a very safe distance!) in the mangroves below. Then you have the evening to relax and have dinner at the accommodation.
Overnight: Project Accommodation
Day 4: Project Work - Teaching and Salsa Lesson
Another morning to spend with the children, and then in the afternoon, time to learn some of Latin America’s famous moves with a salsa dance lesson. In the evening, there is a karaoke session before your last day of project work tomorrow.
Overnight: Project Accommodation
Day 5: Project Work - Construction - Monteverde
In the morning, you will continue with the construction project and in the afternoon, you will travel to Monteverde for the next stage of your trip. By the evening, you will have arrived in Costa Rica’s famous Cloud Forest Reserve, consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Overnight: Monteverde
Day 6: Zip Lining in Monteverde
It was here that ziplining was invented, and amongst the treetops, you will have a thrilling ziplining adventure above the canopy of the forest. You will also walk along the hanging bridges, giving you a unique perspective of the lush rainforest below.
Lunch is served at a local family’s home, where they will also teach you how to cook a special Costa Rican dessert, so you can show off your cooking skills back home.
Overnight: Monteverde
Day 7: Crocodile Safari
For millions of years, the American Crocodile has been the apex predator of the continent. Even though you will have seen a few crocs from the Heraduravia Bridge, today you get to see them a little more closely. With an expert guide, you will take a boat cruise to see the crocodiles in their natural habitat. The guide will take you to the best spots where you will see crocodiles that are up to 13 feet long!
The next stop is the Pacific Coast paradise of Manuel Antonio, for the last leg of your tour.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio
Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park
Your day begins with more wildlife adventures visiting the Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is home to a wide range of plants and animals, including endangered species. As well as the rainforest, there are pristine white sand beaches for you to explore.
The adventure continues with a catamaran sea cruise that will take you to the best snorkeling sites on the coast. You will stay on the boat for the rest of the day, swimming, spotting whales and then watching the sun set over the horizon.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio
Day 9: Whitewater rafting and Surfing
The final day is full of watersports adventure, beginning with whitewater rafting. An expert guide will help you navigate the rapids as the adrenaline-filled morning takes you through more of the national park's stunning scenery.
The perfect way to wrap up your journey is with a surfing lesson in the Pacific Ocean. Then it’s time for one last evening meal to reflect on the fantastic time you have had together.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio
Day 10: Departure
Time to say adios to Costa Rica.
Total cost: From $4200
What is included
Activities:
Whitewater rafting
Surfing lesson
Catamaran ride
Whale spotting
Crocodile safari
Ziplining
Heraduravia Crocodile Viewing bridge
Cooking class
Salsa lesson
Karaoke
Accommodation and services:
All meals included
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Private transportation throughout the trip
Project accommodation in the project center
Post project in Eco-lodges and 3 and 4* hotels
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Projects:
Renovation and construction
Teaching and sports
Not included in this Trip:
International flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation insurance. (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)