Known for its gorgeous beaches, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and world class surf, Costa Rica is the perfect paradise. Its stunning geography and beauty is overshadowed only by the warmth of its friendly people or “Ticos”. This tiny country visited by more than a million people a year also boasts a reputation of being the safest country in Central America.
Destino Abroad offers three different programs to Costa Rica. Our 10-day trip is open to both middle school and high school students. The 17-day and 24-day trips are available to high school students. University credit is available on both the 17-day and 24-day trips.
Day 1
Travel Day: Our group meets at the airport three hours prior to our flight to Costa Rica. After checking in, we proceed as a group to the security checkpoint and to our gate.
Day 2
After arriving in Liberia, we travel to Playa Potrero to meet our gracious Costa Rican host families who welcome us into their homes. We settle into this quiet coastal village where we meet and get to know our fellow adventurers. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding sandy coves and swimming in the warm gentle water. Enjoy an orientation dinner where we address safety issues, learn about local customs, and set personal goals.
Day 3
We drive two hours north to Rincon de la Vieja volcano area for an action-packed day of adventure! We begin with an exhilarating rock climbing, repelling and canopy tour. See howler monkeys, iguanas, and birds as we zip-line through the tropical forest. We then horseback ride to Victoria Waterfall where we go on a tubing adventure through the crystal clear rapids of Río Negro. Next on the tour is a visit to the thermal hot springs and volcanic mud baths where we unwind and relax in the pools. Finally we make our way back to the Hacienda, where a delicious Costa Rican meal is waiting for us. Ahhh…
Day 4-8
For the next week, we live in paired homestay (2 students per home) with our adopted “Tico” families in Playa Potrero. Most mornings are spent surfing at Playa Grande where students receive personal coaching from our knowledgeable surf instructors. In the afternoon, we attend daily Spanish classes at a language institute in Flamingo. Over the course of the week, we spend 10 to 15 hours working and giving back to the community. When we’re not volunteering, we are enjoying the natural beauty of Guanacaste. Kayak to secluded beaches, go horseback riding, trek through rolling hills, snorkel in tropical waters, and bodysurf at gorgeous Playa Penca. This truly is paradise!
Day 9
It’s hard to believe that this our last full day in Costa Rica! After a hearty Costa Rican breakfast with our families, we travel to beautiful Playa Grande for a final surf session and beach day. We then head to town for lunch and some shopping for anyone who wants to put their Spanish skills to the test and pick up some Costa Rican souvenirs. Our farewell fiesta dinner and awards ceremony is a perfect way to wrap up the week and celebrate with friends.
Day 10
After saying goodbye to our “familias,” we pack up our things and head home. The trip to the airport gives us a moment to reminisce with friends and to reflect on our incredible Costa Rican adventure.
