RAINFOREST ADVENTURE CENTER - FONSECA FAMILY LODGE GROUPSTAY

Welcome to the real Costa Rica! After a one-night orientation at the Quetzals Lodge, travel by four wheel drive vehicle to the village of El Brujo where we begin our exhilarating hike to the beautiful and rustic Rainforest Adventure Center. This amazing trek will take you wading through the Division River, across a suspension bridge past scenic waterfalls, gazing at Birds of Paradise, guava trees and teak plantations, and all while listening to the amazing sounds of toucans and other unique wildlife in the distance.

Once you cross the gondola to the Center you will be greeted by the Fonseca family, our host for three amazing days during our “group stay”. Embark on a medicinal plant walk and partake in a traditional spiritual ceremony with Albino Fonseca, a trained Shaman of the Cabacar tribe. Rappel down a 60-foot waterfall, make your own chocolate from Cacao seeds, and ride the zip-line over the surrounding forest! Fall asleep each night to the relaxing sound of the nearby waterfall. By eating our meals and participating in day-today activities with the Fonseca family, we will surely improve our Spanish and appreciation of Costa Rican culture.

HOGAR AMA ORPHANAGE PROJECT – SAN ISIDRO

At the foothills of Mount Chirripó (the tallest peak in Costa Rica), San Isidro will be our home for the next 4 days as we partake in our first community service project. Get to know the children of the Hogar Ama Orphanage through group dynamic and cultural exchange initiatives such as sports, music and crafts. We will also be constructing a playground for the children to use and remember us always. At the end of our stay, celebrate with the village children and receive recognition from the local government. We will surely appreciate all we have learned from each other.

After a relaxing day off in the hot springs near our rustic lodge, we will assist our community hosts while farming delicious fruit. We put our Spanish skills to good use as we organize the community in recreational games and compete at the local rock climbing gym with our local hosts. Our farewell bonfire with our new local friends will be filled with local folklore while listening to native instruments.

SURF, SPANISH & SERVICE – PLAYA UVITA & DOMINICAL

The unspoiled beachfront paradise of Uvita is our home for the next five days. Begin our time here with an incredible 2-day surf school! Our experienced, professional guides cover all aspects of surf safety and technique, from entering a wave to positioning and falling safely. Feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re able to stand and ride the waves!

Interact with local students by reading to them, performing skits in Spanish, and participating during our environmental preservation project to protect the unspoiled beauty of this incredible beach. Afternoons are for chilling on the beach, kayaking lessons, touring the reptile zoo and more surfing!

LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROJECT – ZARCERO

Get ready for the ultimate community project in the mountain village of Zarcero. Strangers become friends as we get to know all we can about the people of this small town. We interview local community leaders, children, farmers, teachers, athletes – all in Spanish of course! Meet the mayor, discover who the oldest person in the community is, and which family has the most children. Uncover facts that others in the community may not even know! You will truly get to know the unique personality of this town, and by the end of our three days, you will have a great understanding of what typical, rural life in Costa Rica is really like. On our final night in town, we host a party for the villagers to present our unique take on their community. Use your own creativity – through video, photos, skits – to share your findings with our new extended family. We will surely be sad to leave, but we will take with us an amazing experience and undoubtedly many new friends.

GRAND FINALE – ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK & LA FORTUNA

Get set for an amazing three-day finale in the park that is home to Costa Rica’s youngest and most active volcano! Of course we keep a safe distance as we spend an amazing evening having dinner at the Observatory Lodge, watching avalanches of lava cascading over the side of the volcano. Learn about “vulcanology” from a local specialist and relax in the local hot springs. Zip -line over surrounding forestsand waterfalls at up to 45 miles per hour on a canopy adventure covering a mile and a half – a once in a lifetime thrill! Look back with pride at our final banquet, as we realize we have not only moved outside the classroom, but outside our own comfort zone and truly embraced la pura vida.