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| Arenal Volcano |
Today we will have flights arriving at different times and we will be making airport transfers so everyone can get to the hotel and get some rest for the week of fun and learning we have planned for you. For those attending this year's Teacher Trip you will want to arrive to Costa Rica's San Jose Airport (SJO) on July 14th. From the moment you arrive leave the rest up to us. We will be having a group dinner where everyone will get the chance to meet and get to know the other members of the group. The hotel you will be staying in is the beautiful La Condesa which is located in the mountains of the Central Valley on the slopes of the Barva Volcano one of Costa Rica's many Stratovolcanoes. This hotel backs up to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks which is the Braulio Carrilio National Park and the whole area is one of the most peaceful spots of all of Costa Rica.
(Meals: Dinner)
Day 2, July 15th --------- Drive to Sitio de Mata Village (Homestay in Sitio de Mata)
CLICK HERE: MEET YOUR HOMESTAY FAMILY
We are going to begin the week with a full cutlrue expereince. Today we will make the drive to one of the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica stopping by the capital city and giving you a little introduction to the history of Costa Rica. In our opinion of all the species we plan on showing you this week of Costa Rica's different plants and animals, the nicest one is the Costa Rican people. Our final destination is called Sitio de Mata and although this does not fit all our student groups' itineraries it is a project that we like to consider to be our effort at allowing tourism to have a positive economic benefit on a local community. This community gives so much back to it's visitors through the hospitality and shows that they will put on for you during your short stay. We will pair teachers up two or three to a homestay and you will only have less than 24 hours so don't worry about the language barrier they have some basic English and all will do fine. From the village you will have amazing views of the active volcano of Turrialba.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 3, July 16th ----- Raft Pacuare River or Visit Botanical Gardens & Drive to Arenal (Casa Luna Lodge)
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| Pacuare River |
Today we will take you on what National Geographic has listed as one of the top five senic rivers on the planet. The Pacuare River is an amazing rafting experience. You will have a private trip with our excellent river guides through Costa Rica's untouched rainforest. Take a look at the videos as you can see this river is filled with canyons and waterfalls from start to finsh. This is a three hour run on class III & IV rapids. We will take our time in the morning having a healthy breakfast and saying bye to our homestays which hopefully you will see again.
If you are not up for the rafting we have another optional tour that we can take you on which is the CATIE Botanical Gardens. This is a great option for biology/botany/zoology teachers and those not looking for the adventure of the rapids. We can also spend some time looking for the poisonous dart frogs as the Turrialba area happens to be one of the more popular area for these frogs. There is so much to learn be it on the river or in the botanical gardens, this will be an educational experience for all.
After the tours we will all meet up for lunch and the make the drive to one of the planets 10 most active volcanoes. This is a real treat and you will be staying in the beautiful Casa Luna Lodge which has amazing views of the Arenal Volcano and a chance to see many of it's eruptions during your stay.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Day 4, July 17th ---------- Hanging Bridges & Danaus Nature Reserve (Casa Luna Lodge)
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| Red-Eyed Tree Frog |
Today we show off our stuff. Our idea is to hopefully teach as much as we can about the rainforest of Costa Rica as we hike through the canopy on some of the hanging bridges in the area of the Arenal Volcano. This is an amazing tour and if you don't mind me saying our guides make it one of the most educational experiences you can imagine. We could spend days on the bridges but we will plan on squeezing in another spot where the learning continues. At the Danaus Nature Reserve we will educate you on the importance of environmental conservation. Along with this we will plan on taking another nature hike and have the chance to see many different animals from the area. This is a privately and locally owned reserve that has been reforsted and a perfect set up for those that want to learn this important idea of reforestation. After a full day of learning we will head back to the hotel where you can relax by the pool with your view of the volcano. We will have a group dinner at the hotel and hear from you guys as you give us your comments on how you think the trip is going. After dinner you are welcome back to the pool to relax or just sit on your balcony and watch the fireworks from the Arenal Volcano.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)Day 5, July 18th -------- Zipline & Organic Farm (Casa Luna Lodge)
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| Student Ecology Projects |
Today we will do a little more adventure after a full day of learning. Today's adventure/physics lesson is the zipline. We will be zipping across the rainforest at an elevation of 700ft with the most upclose view of the boulders rolling down the side of the Arenal Volcano as possible. Do not worry if you are not up for the zipping we have an amazing nature hike to go with the gandola ride. The kids will love this and we will send you home with a short Youtube video to show all your students and family (they will think your Tarzan!). After the zipping around, we're going to eat & learn at to the Organic Farm. There are a number of organic farms but when it comes to hands-on fun and learning, you cant beat Don Juan. This farmer is the real thing and he does an amazing job along with our guides in keeping the kids interested and learning about growing organically. In the evening we will be having your farewell dinner and hopefully hearing about the group of students you will be bringing the following year.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)Day 6, July 19th ----------------- Drive to San Jose Airport & Fly Home!!!
We will have a few different transfers during the day to get everyone to the airport on time for their flight.
(Meals: Breakfast)
Price: $FREE$
Includes: All private transportation with bilingual guide and driver, all meals listed, all lodging listed, all tours and adventures
Does Not Include: Departure Tax from Costa Rica $26's & International Airfare
Costa Rican Resource
http://www.crrtravel.com/ info@crrtravel.com
CR: +506 2266 1559 US: 352 694 3462
