Day 1-3

Fill your days and nights with action.

Travel north to the Sarapiquí region, where deep blue rivers cut through lush rainforest, for two full days of adrenaline-packed adventure. Together we take on the rapids of the upper Sarapiquí River. Learn how to paddle as a group, and pay close attention to our guide as we navigate Class III rapids. An action-filled morning is followed by an exciting afternoon when we fly through the rainforest canopy on one of Costa Rica’s best zip lines! In the evening, get to know your group while relaxing and taking in the beauty of a 2000 acre working ranch. Wake up refreshed and ready for a beautiful horseback ride through the rainforest. Take time to observe the startling variety of wildlife including bright tree frogs blinking at you through red eyes, tropical birds chirping overhead and boisterous monkeys chattering away in the canopy. We ride deep into the forest, and just when it looks like the trail ends, hook into harnesses and rope and rappel off the edge of a river canyon to discover breathtaking views.

Day 4-6

A Spanish class that’s like none other on Earth.

A short bus ride takes us to the quaint mountain town of Orosi. Nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling peaks, Orosi provides a gorgeous backdrop for beginning your formal Spanish studies. Days are split between language classes and conversation practice. Class time focuses on grammar, vocabulary, reading skills and discussions on the nuances of the language. In the afternoons, we hone our conversation skills while visiting nearby cultural sites, attending cooking and dance workshops, and partaking in a variety of activities within the community. More comfortable with the conversational basics, join a local family in their home for dinner – a unique opportunity to see what it’s like to live as a Costa Rican!

Day 7-8

Volcano visits. Coffee plantations. Horseback Riding.

Take a break from Spanish classes to embark on an overnight adventure into the mountains surrounding the Orosi Valley. Visit Volcano Irazu and horseback ride and hike through the countryside. The scenery in the mountains is remarkably different from the rainforest you explored in the first few days. The drier climate, warm days and cool evening temperatures provide a great environment for exploring local coffee plantations, swimming in waterfalls and relaxing around the campfire with your group. We may be on a break from formal classes, but there are still plenty of opportunities to practice your conversational Spanish!

Day 9-11

Discover the Tico way of life.

Ready for more Spanish classes, we return to Orosi. When not studying, immerse yourself in this vibrant community by attending a neighborhood baseball game, playing pickup soccer games with locals or heading to a nearby waterfall for a quick afternoon swim. Wrap up your community service projects by putting the finishing touches on murals, playing language games with local kids and enjoying the countless little moments that make giving back so fulfilling. Bid farewell to your new friends and teachers from Orosi, a charming town that is filled with life and the fragrant aroma of coffee beans. You leave with a newfound confidence in your Spanish skills and a relaxed mood that can only come from discovering the Tico way of life.

Day 12-14

Learn to appreciate the beauty of the wilderness.

Time for one last adventure, this time on the Pacific coast. Travel South of San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park. Well known for gorgeous beaches, hiking trails and monkeys, the area is a prime location for exploring the land and sea, and relaxing by cool blue waters. Sea Kayak the striking coastline to a hidden beach and experience the best snorkeling in the area! Our guides not only help us appreciate the beauty of the wilderness, they also give us a great chance to practice our newfound Spanish skills. We wrap up an unforgettable two weeks with new friends, incredible memories and a keen appreciate for Costa Rica’s wonderful landscapes and culture.