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Day 1-11

Language instruction by day. Soccer with locals by night.

After flying into San Jose, get to know your fellow adventurers on a thrilling whitewater expedition. Together you take on the rapids of the world-famous Rio Pacuare, considered to be the most scenic in a country renowned for its natural beauty. Hike to an indigenous village in La Amistad International Park, the largest single protected area in Costa Rica and a World Heritage Site. Then head to another stunning river valley in the highlands to start our language immersion. The town of Orosi is a small, tranquil and friendly oasis, the perfect place for our home stays. Our families give us a warm welcome as we settle in and begin our Spanish classes. Formal instruction usually takes place in the mornings, while afternoons are spent working with village members on service projects at the school or on excursions to soothing hot springs and cool swimming holes. With the goal of being conversational in Spanish, we work with our profesores inside the classroom and out, testing our skills in real-life, everyday situations. Become a true Costa Rican cocinero as you learn to cook empanadas and other local favorites during a cooking class. Play soccer with locals on the field adjacent to the Iglesia San José de Orosi, the oldest church in use in Costa Rica. Reluctant to leave this highland utopia, we say goodbye to our adopted community with a festive celebration honoring the families who have taken us in as their own.

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Day 12-15

Go gaga for Nicaragua.

A short flight takes us to Granada, Nicaragua, one of the most picturesque cities in all of Central America. Situated beside Lake Cocibolca with Volcán Mombacho as the backdrop, Granada’s colonial history is evident in its magnificent architecture. The city was founded in 1524, and you sense its rich heritage as you stroll around the Parque Colón with its busy merchants, sidewalk fritangas and horse-drawn carriages. You quickly realize there are few English speakers in Nicaragua. Time to put your evolving Spanish skills to the test! Granada provides an authentic Central American experience that is clearly distinct from Costa Rica, giving us a new perspective on Spanish and the Latin culture. The city also offers the perfect base from which to take a multitude of excursions… Fly through the treetops on the slope of Volcán Mombacho on a zip line canopy tour. Haggle for souvenirs in the colorful mercado. Hike to the active crater of Volcán Masaya and visit the famous museum, Antiguo Convento de San Francisco.

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Day 16-22

An authentic Central American experience.

The final leg of the adventure presents an opportunity to give back to Los Munonces, a local Nicaraguan rainforest village located between Granada and the coast. Take the lead and dive right in. A local schoolhouse needs painting restoring. Community leaders need your help finding ways to improve the working conditions at the school. The surrounding nature reserve, where we stay, could use some reforestation and conservation work. Be assertive and fully embrace your ability to effect change. The more you put into Nicaragua, the more you take away.