Southern Itinerary

We arrive in San Jose and are met by our local Tour Director. We are transported to the Guayabo Lodge and have a short orientation meeting. (D)

After breakfast we spend the entire day white water rafting to Siquirres.  Along the  way, we pass through beautiful, narrow canyons and see exquisite waterfalls flowing directly into the river from high above. Everyone is guaranteed to receive a cooling shower on our way down the river! The group returns to the Guayabo Lodge for dinner and the night. (B, L, D)

We spend the morning on a tour of the Center for Agronomy Research and Development (CATIE).  This center is one of the world's foremost facilities for research into tropical agriculture. Among the plants the 2,000 acres are hundreds of varieties of cacao and thousands of varieties of coffee.  Later, we travel from Turrialba to San Gerardo de Dota for dinner. (B, L, D)

Today we take a guided nature hike in the cooler mountain temperatures in search of the     quetzal bird. During the hike we also see many plants and animals that prefer the cooler climate.  In the afternoon we take a horseback ride to explore the jungle. (B, L, D)

After breakfast we travel through the mountains to the west coast. Along the way we see the tallest peak in Costa Rica.  The group stops for lunch and then everyone gets a monkey’s eye view of the jungle as they travel on the “zip line” canopy. In the evening the students participate in a discussion led by a local environmentalist.  (B, L, D)

Our morning begins with a hike through the Rainforest to the Playa Arco Beach. Time is     allowed to for swimming and exploration of the nearby cave and waterfall!  Students will     spend the afternoon in a workshop on self-sustaining ecological activities directed by our     guide. (B, L, D)

We start the day with a stop to see the pre-Columbian stone spheres, then continue on to Sierpe. Here we board a boat and travel through the largest mangrove swamp in the Pacific.  We check into our hotel and spend the remainder of the day swimming and exploring the area. Look for monkeys, anteaters, coati mundis, hummingbirds, toucans and other wildlife to join the party! (B, L, D)

Our adventure continues with a trip to Cano island. We spend the day snorkeling on a natural reef, swimming, and enjoying the beach. You are certain to see an amazing variety of sea life and may be lucky enough to catch the dolphins and whales.  (B, L, D)

We boat back to Sierpe through the ocean, river, and canals. Our coach picks us up for and we travel ride through the countryside to Quepos for dinner. (B, L, D)

We visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Its main attractions include: two white-sand beaches (Espadilla & Manuel Antonio), and emerald blue seas against a background of deep green tropical jungle with excellent walking trails that will allow the visitor to get glance at the different types of monkeys, and provide a great opportunity for bird-watching. We spend the night in either Manual Antonio or head to Jan Jose depending on flight times.  (B, L, D)

After a week of very adventurous travel, you will finally say goodbye to Costa Rica. We hope you take home many great memories and return to visit this wonderful country again. (B)