Itinerary at a Glance

2

Dec. 19

Monday

Orientation breakfast; Transfer to Turrialba; Canyoneering , zip lines and hanging bridges; Spanish class; Welcome dinner; Country orientation; Overnight at Siloe -- a family homestay.

3

Dec. 20

Tuesday

Spanish class; Turrialba "family immersion challenge" and fun;  CATIE botantical class; Tico cooking class; Dinner;  Evening guest speaker; Overnight at Siloe.

4

Dec. 21

Wednesday

Full day expedition; Trek Volcan Turrialba or choose interpretive tour of Guayabo National Archeological Monument; Behind the scenes visit to a coffee plantation and mill followed by special restaurant dinner w/ Tico cuisine; Overnight at Siloe.

5

Dec. 22

Thursday

Travel deep into the Talamanca mountains; Visit local family and friends; Tropical farming and country living class; Pick up soccer game; Overnight Albergue Hacienda in Moravia.

6

Dec. 23

Friday

Guided horseback ride through trails in the Chirripo Indian Reserve visiting the Cabecars, one of Costa Rica's largest indigenous groups. Learn some Cabecar, like "jishta bashkina".  Overnight at the Hacienda.

7

Dec. 24

Saturday

Exchange with the Cabecar culture; full day service project with students of a remote rural school. Special holiday dinner with local friends and family invited. Overnight at the Hacienda.

8

Dec. 25

Sunday

Journey by private vehicle to Tres Equis.  Take a guided raft trip down one the world's top ten rivers known for its beauty and whitewater fun!  Explore side canyons, search for wildlife and waterfalls. Enjoy preparing a fine riverside dinner followed by a "jungle party" in an authentic open air, thatched roofed rancho.  Overnight in safari style tent camp.

9

Dec. 26

Monday

Wake up for an early morning birdwatching class then board rafts floating peacefully through some of Costa Rica's most beautiful tropical scenery. Transfer to Limon for special coast to coast charter flight to Drake Bay. Overnight Rancho Corcovado. 

10

Dec. 27

Tuesday

Depart on high tide for motorboat trip to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth; Guiding us down coastal trails, local park naturalists help us seek out wildlife and secret swimming holes.  Lunch at the San Pedrillo Ranger Station.  Overnight Rancho Corcovado.

11

Dec. 28

Wednesday

Visit a family living in extreme isolation located on Isla Violin.  Stunning scenery, hiking to a remote island homestead is followed by a sit on top kayak trip through the waterways of the world's largest mangrove forest.  This is a good day to try swinging from a vine!  Special recognitions, awards and celebration seafood dinner. Overnight Rancho Corcovado.

12

Dec. 29

Thursday

Morning return flight to San Jose from Drake Bay.  Transfer to your hotel of choice or to the international airport for a homebound flight.