Miami Country Day Costa Rica 2011

Day 1 - Jan 30th ----------------------- Arrive and Drive to Turrialba (Turrialba Hotel)

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Today we will meet you at the San Jose airport and then make our way to the Turrialba area. We'll be driving through the capital city of San Jose where you will get a history lesson on the Central Valley of Costa Rica and how San Jose was developed into Costa Rica's capital. As we drive out of the Central Valley we will pass the base of Costa Rica's tallest volcano, the Irazu Volcano. Then we'll head around to the Turrialba Volcano which is active as you will see from it's phreatic steam-like eruptions. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2 - Jan 31st ------------------------ Raft Pacuare River and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Arenal Hotel)

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

Today we will raft what National Geographic has rated as one of the top five scenic rivers on the planet. This is an amazing three hour rafting trip through a Costa Rican virgin rainforest. This is a great way to begin the week getting on the inside of the rainforest, feeling some adventure, and getting plenty wet! After the rafting we'll make drive to Arenal Volcano which happens to be one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. This is something I can assure you that the kids have not seen in Miami nor will ever see. The hotel we are staying at has amazing views of the Arenal Volcano and we will be able to see the top smoking from your rooms and hopefully if it is clear at night some lava. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 - Feb 1st -------------------------- Hanging Bridges, Zipline Adventure, Community Service Project (Arenal Hotel)

Arenal Volcano

Let the education begin as we walk through the rainforest and experience it from a canopy level. This is one of the most educational walks in all the country and our naturalist guide will open your eyes to the many wonders of the rainforest. After the hanging bridges we will spend some more time in the canopy but at a different speed and with a little more adrenaline involved. There are a number of ziplines in the country and this is by far the best there is. Not only will you have views of the active volcano Arenal and the boulders rolling down the side of it but you will be zipping 700ft above the rainforest floor!!! After the zipline we will be giving back for a few hours of community service. The project we will be doing is building recycle bins for a Costa Rican school located in a rural area. This is a great way to show a message that many Costa Rican's need and make a nice donation to a school that could use it.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 - Feb 2nd ---------------------- Waterfall Swim, National Park, and Organic Farm (Arenal Hotel)

If you are up to seeing one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of the tropics then you do not want to miss this day. We will be hiking from the hotel to La Fortuna Falls. It is a bit of a hike but well worth it when we get down to the bottom. The hiking continues as we make our way to the Arenal Volcano National Park. This hike is about as flat as Miami so it is quite different than the hike down to the bottom of the waterfall which is not flat ground. We will get an up close look and learn everything we need to know about volcanoes of Costa Rica. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 - Feb 3rd ----------------------- Boat Ride to Monteverde and Night Walk (Monteverde Hotel)

"Hola, Miami Country Day!"

After we wake up and eat breakfast we will go to the Lake Arenal where we will board a boat and head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. With the many reasons Costa Rica has become famous there might not be none other as important to lovers of nature and educators than the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This is such a unique place that you will experience weather and scenery that has been home to a large number of species of plants and animals so it must be worth checking out if they all found something nice about it. When we arrive we will check into the hotel and then in the evening take part in a night hike. This is a great experience to be able to see all the activity that goes on in the cloud-forest while we are sleeping. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 - Feb 4th ----------------------------- Drive to Airport and Fly Home!

Today we'll head back to the airport (SJO) and make the short flight home to Miami.

St. George Costa Rica Adventure

Day 1 --- Arrive and Drive to Sitio de Mata & Tour of San Jose (Homestay) 


CLICK HERE TO MEET HOMESTAYS FAMILIES

Homestay Room

Today you will arrive on the early morning flight and we will meet you at the airport. From the airport we will drive through the capital city of San Jose giving the kids a chance to see the city and talk about some of the history of Costa Rica and the basic information of the area. When we leave San Jose we will have a 1 1/2 hour drive to our homestays located in Sitio de Mata. When we arrive at the homestays the kids will feel at home.  All of the homestays will be waiting for us and we will split up into the different homes. The best part about this village is that all houses are within short walking distance of each other.
(Dinner)

Day 2 --- Community Service School Visit & Soccer Game (Homestay)

If you do a drive at school this would be an excellent day to bring some school supplies.

Visiting Local School

Today is a day to get to know the village a bit and what better way than to visit a local school. This is agreat chance for the kids to practice their Spanish and get a feel for the educational system here in Costa Rica and how the kids from this culture live their everyday lives. After we spend some time at school the kids will head back to their homestays for lunch where they will eat, rest, and then get ready for the local  soccer game we have planned. The kids love this and the whole village shows up for the fun.
(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 --- Cooking Class, Dance Class, & Recycle Crafts (Homestay) 

Hanging at the Homestay

Call this a learning day. The kids will get a feel for the local culture when they learn how to cook some of the dishes from Costa Rica. After we cook for a bit we will then loosen up and hit the dance floor where the kids will learn to Salsa and Merengue which will get them ready for the final night here in the village. After the dance class we will go over the importance of recycling and see some amazing crafts as the kids learn to make something out of everything. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ---  Community Service & Farewell Dinner  (Homestay)

Today we will be giving back to the community that has given so much to us. The project will consist of some different activities from planting trees in the area, trash along rivers, and/or woking on trails for the nearby Indian tribe ect.
 After the community service it is back to your homestay to spend some final moments with your family as we get ready for the farewell party at Sitio de Mata.
(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Pacuare River

Day 5 --- Raft Pacuare River & Drive to Arenal Volcano (Arenal Hotel) 

Listed as one of the top 5 scenic rivers in the world by National Geographic the Pacuare River is a place of complete virgin rainforest from start to finish. We will make the 3 hour run and then be on our way to one of the 10 most active volcanos in the world and that is the Arenal Volcano. Not a bad day!
(Breakfast)

Day 6 --- La Fortuna Falls or Nature Reserve & Afternoon to relax in pool (Arenal Hotel) 

We will start the day by visiting La Fortuna Falls which is one of the most beautiful falls in all of the tropics. After visiting the falls we plan on taking a very educational nature hike through the rainforest. In the evening the kids will have a chance to relax at the pool and enjoy the views of the volcano.
(Breakfast)

Arenal Volcano

Day 7 --- Zipline & then drive to Airport Hotel (Airport Hotel) 

When it comes to having fun the kids will all agree that this is one of the best adventures of their life. The Zipline is a must do and you will have the chance to do it with a view of the active volcano Arenal where you can actually watch the boulders roll down the side of the volcano.
(Breakfast)

Day 8 --- Fly Home!

Today we will drive to the airport very early.
(Breakfast)

11-Day Costa Rica Adventure

Day 1 --------- Arrive and drive to Grano de Oro (Grano de Oro)

Today we will meet you at the airport and take you to the Grano de Oro Hotel. This happens to be one of the finest hotels in the San Jose area. All of our clients absolutely fall in love with this place. The food is excellent and it is just a small city hotel that is a must stay. (Meals: None)

Day 2 --------- Visit Poas Volcano and La  Paz Waterfall Gardens (Grano de Oro)

Cheryl, I will see you at La Paz

Today we will take you to the Poas Volcano which is a very easy hike for your parents age. The hike is around 6 blocks on paved flat road. The drive to the volcano will be through the coffee plantations of the Central Valley. After Poas we'll take you to La Paz Waterfall Garden which is a great way to start the trip. It will give you a taste of what to expect the rest of the trip which is beautiful lush forest and some wildlife. Lunch will be at a place where if I remember correctly we took your sister's group. It is Freddy Fressa's and it is the best place around to eat, in my opinion. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 3 -------- Drive to Turrialba & Relax in Hotel (Casa Turire)

We will make the drive out of the Central Valley today and stay in another one of our clients' favorite hotels, Casa Turire. You will have excellent views of the smoking and active Turrialba Volcano. This volcano is not spewing lava but it has a much more visible and constant smoke cloud than the Arenal Volcano. You will love the Casa Turire Hotel which is situated on a lake as it rests in a valley with moutains and volcanoes giving it a 360 degree view. We will arrive before lunch so you can just relax in the hotel during the afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4 -------- Raft Pejibaye (Casa Turire)

Raft Pejibaye River

Today we will take off and raft the Pejibaye River. This is a small but beautiful river. The best part about this river is that it ends at the hotel. The lake the hotel sits on is the end of the river making it very convenient. We will raft the class II & III river in the morning which will allow for everyone to stay in the boat but everyone will get plenty wet and feel the adventure. In the afternoon we will be back in the hotel to relax and enjoy the hotel grounds. If you are up for an optional tour we work with a village in the mountains where we can take you and you can enjoy a local meal from some of the nicest families around. It is called our Sitio de Mata Project and you are welcome to take part in it for the evening. (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5 -------- Drive to Arenal & Relax in Hotel with view of Volcano Arenal  (Nayara Resort)

Volcano Arenal

Today will be a morning of traveling and then arriving to what many consider the nicest hotel in the Arenal area, Nayara Resort. The Springs Resort in Arenal is nice but in my personal opinion has that high rise feeling too it. Too much going on there and it just does not feel very Costa Rican. Also the hotel that your sister stayed at was years ago and they have not kept the grounds up the way they should be unfortunately.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 6 -------- Zipline & HotSprings (Nayara Resort)

We will take you to the zipline and hotsprings today. The zipline we take you to is the best in the country without a doubt. Not only do you see the boulders rolling down the side of the volcano as you zip 700ft high but you also see the lake and get to ride on a gondola through the rainforest. After the zipline you will have some time to rest at the resort and then you we'll take you to the hotsprings. This is your chance to relax and enjoy the thermal waters and an excellent meal. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 7 -------- Drive to Villa Blanca Cloud-Forest (Villa Blanca)

When it comes to relaxing nobody knows it better than the Villa Blanca. One of my personal favorite places to stay. This is actually the ex-Camp David of Costa Rica. Former President Rodriguez made this his weekend home to come and think and then it was bought by a foreigner who turned it into a small hotel. It is located on the Continental Divide in the center of a cloud-forest and is truly the most relaxing place you could ever imagine. The food and service is top notch and the weather is cool and perfect.  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8 -------- Nature Hike & Relax in Cloud-Forest (Villa Blanca)

Today is a short nature hike on flat ground in the morning and then just relax on the many benches in the forest or viewing areas from the Continental Divide. There are many hiking trails in the area and a chance to enjoy the grounds during the day. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 9 -------- Drive to Manuel Antonio (Espadilla Hotel)

Manuel Antonio

Drive to Manuel Antonio area. The morning will be a travel day and we will leave the cloud-forest after breakfast. We'll reach Manuel Antonio before lunch and you will have the chance to enjoy the beaches in the area. This is considered one of the nicest beaches in the country. The Espadilla Hotel is located in a perfect spot that allows you to walk to the beach or into the National Park. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10 ------ Visit National Park and Relax at Beach (Espadilla Hotel)

Start the day by enjoying the park. This is a nature hike on flat ground and a chance to see a bunch of wildlife. After the National Park you will have the chance to relax at the beach and enjoy the many different places to eat or just wiggle your toes in the sand. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 11 ------ Fly Home!

Homestay & Arenal Volcano Adventure

Day 1 ------------- Arrive and Drive to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)

Sitio de Mata Homestays

We will meet you at the airport and then make the two hour drive out to the village. When we arrive to the village it should only take a few seconds for you to feel welcome. We will be in the mountains with a view of the smoking Turrialba Volcano but the people of Sitio de Mata is what brings this village to life. (Meals: Dinner)

CLICK HERE TO MEET THE HOMESTAYS FAMILIES!!!

Day 2 ------------ Community Service Project & Soccer Game with Locals in Sitio de Mata Village (Homestays)

After a good night's rest we will start off the week by showing the village that we are worth the visit. We plan on taking part in a community service project which will involve doing some work needed in the area. This could involve a number of different things. We have a recycle program organized and many groups help with that. If you are interested in painting or making small repairs to schools or many other needed things in the area we can arrange that. When those types of projects come into play it is funding that depends on how much we can do. If a school group can fundraise back in the states or get donations of a couple hundred dollars for paint and/or things of such then we can plan projects that involve using the funds. After the community service project we will spend time with the families and keep working on our Spanish. Each evenings we will organize the group in one of the main homes that has an open area. Here we usually do a salsa class to get us ready for the last night. All of the homes are within walking distance of each other. We will also plan a soccer game with the kids from the village and we usually lose but it is good fun. Take a Look CLICK HERE.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------------  Day Trip to the Beach Cahuita National Park (Homestays)

Today we will make the day trip to the beach. This will be an early morning and we will have all day to just relax. It is a long drive but nice and worth it. We will plan on doing an early dinner at the beach after a long day of playing in the sand and snorkeling if anyone is up for renting some gear. We will then drive back to the homestay where we can enjoy the night with our homestay families.

Breakfast at Aranza's House

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------------ Craft Class, Cooking Class, visit local school, & farewell party (Homestays)

This is a great day. We will get another full day in the community with our families. Today we will learn everything we will need to know if anyone from the group ever decides to retire in a mountain village in Costa Rica. These things are making tortillas, making some crafts, and we will even squeeze in some more dance classes because that is about as necessary as eating here in Costa Rica. Today we will also visit a school and just socialize with some of the younger kids.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ------------ Enter Pacuare River (Pacuare River Camp Site)

Today we get to do one of the more fun adventures in all of Costa Rica. This is the overnight Pacuare River trip. You will get to see the beautiful Pacaure River at night and early in the morning which is just amazing to be near the river during these hours hearing nature take a nap and then get back up with the light of day. We will have all of your meals prepared for you as it is camping but not roughing it. All will have their shower, towels, and sleeping gear. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 6 ------------- River Rafting and Drive to Arenal Volcano (Arenal Hotel)

River Rafting Adventure

Arenal Volcano

Today we will make our way out of the River Rafting Adventure. This is the best way to get surrounded by the rainforest. This will be a half day adventure and everyone will get soaked. The day two of rafting is where the big rapids happen and it is fun for all to go through the famous Pacuare canyon. We will be on the river for around 2 1/2 hours today and everyone will have to row. The surrounding area is beautiful giving everyone a chance to see more mountains and plenty of jungle from start to finish. We have two rivers we raft in the area. One is class II & III and the other is the famous Pacuare River which is class IV. The Pacuare River, National Geographic has listed as one of the top five on the planet for scenery. After the rafting we will make our way to the Arenal Volcano. This is one of the 10 most active volcanoes on the planet. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Canyoneering

Day 7 ------------ Zipline y Canyoneering Adventure (Arenal Hotel)

We are going to celebrate the end to this trip with some amazing adventures. We will visit the zipline at Arenal which happens to be on the best zipline in the country. This will give you views of the boulders rolling down the side of the volcano. We will be zipping through the rainforest and make our way up on a gandola ride where we will make it very educational giving the kids an idea about the rainforest. After the zipline we will make our way to the canyoneering adventure. This is quite the way to end the trip. The canyon you will be going down will is beautiful and you will be rappeling 5 different waterfalls in the canyon. Take a look at this video to get a better idea of the adventure of Canyoneering CLICK HERE.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 ------------- Drive to Airport and Fly Home!

8-Day Costa Rica Adventure Saint George School

Day 1 ------------- Arrive and Drive to Sitio de Mata (Homestays)

Sitio de Mata Homestays

We will meet you at the airport and then make the two hour drive out to the village. When we arrive to the village it should only take a few seconds for you to feel welcome. We will be in the mountains with a view of the smoking Turrialba Volcano but the people of Sitio de Mata is what brings this village to life. (Meals: Dinner)

CLICK HERE TO MEET THE HOMESTAYS FAMILIES!!!





Day 2 ------------ Community Service Project in Sitio de Mata Village (Homestays)

After a good night's rest we will start off the week by showing the village that we are worth the visit. We plan on taking part in a community service project which will involve doing some work needed in the area. This could involve a number of different things. We have a recycle program organized and many groups help with that. If you are interested in painting or making small repairs to schools or many other needed things in the area we can arrange that. When those types of projects come into play it is funding that depends on how much we can do. If a school group can fundraise back in the states or get donations of a couple hundred dollars for paint and/or things of such then we can plan projects that involve using the funds. After the community service project we will spend time with the families and keep working on our Spanish. Each evenings we will organize the group in one of the main homes that has an open area. Here we usually do a salsa class to get us ready for the last night. All of the homes are within walking distance of each other. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 3 ------------  Craft Class, Cooking Class, & Ultimate Soccer (Homestays)

Breakfast at Aranza's House

Today we will let the ladies of the homestays show off their skills. They all have incredible talent of making something out of everything. There are many items and crafts that are local to the area and make for great souvenirs. This is also a great lesson for the kids to use what they have and not to be waste full with things in everyday life. They will see the ladies use many things that we might have considered trash and turne them into valuable pieces of decorations.  Along with learning some crafts you will also learn how to cooking some of the local cuisine. We will be doing things like the famous gallo pinto dish, making tortillas by hand, and squeezing sugar-cane.  After the classes and lunch you can take a siesta and then we will be on our way to the village soccer field. We will have a game and everyone is invited. This happens to often be one of the highlights of the trip for most as it is full of laughs and smiles from start to finish. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 4 ------------ Canyoneering Adventure (Homestays)

Today is the day to get out of the village and experience some of the natural beauty that Costa Rica has to offer. We will take on the adventure of Canyoneering which will get a little of the adrenaline going as the kids expierence beautiful waterfalls. The canyoneering is a half day adventure and a sport that has become very popular in the tourism industry. We will make our way down small waterfalls and the kids will have to do a small rappel. We have first timers do this all the time. They will absolutely love it as they get soaked. The evening we will be back in the homestays. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 5 ------------ Visit Local Schools (Homestays)

If you can fit a few school supplies in your bags this would be the day to take them out. We will visit some of the local schools in the village. You will know many of the students from your homestay but now you will be with them in their classrooms. What we like to do here is organize small groups of three visiting kids with three local kids and we give them a list of 10 questions that might have interesting answers.  We also have other games planned during the visits.

Day 6 ------------- River Rafting (Homestays)

River Rafting Adventure

Today we will make our way to the River Rafting Adventure. This is the best way to get surrounded by the rainforest. This will be a half day adventure and everyone will get soaked. We will be on the river for around 2 1/2 hours and everyone will have to row. The surrounding area is beautiful giving everyone a chance to see more mountains and plenty of jungle from start to finish. We have two rivers we raft in the area. One is class II & III and the other is the famous Pacuare River which is class IV. The Pacuare River, National Geographic has listed as one of the top five on the planet for scenery. We take first timers down the river all the time and the age limit is 12. If there will be travelers younger than 12 then we will do the Pejibaye River which is still a great adventure and has some good rapids but just a little bit smaller. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 7 ------------- Nature Hike & Farewell Party (Homestay)

Farewell Party (You'll be an expert Salsa Dancer by now)

Today we will enjoy a morning of relaxing with the homestays. We will plan on having an easy day today so everyone can sort of just make their rounds to the different homes and start saying their good-byes, exchanging emails, and taking pictures. We will have a small nature hike planned in the afternoon where we will visit orchids and look for some sloths. In the evening is when the real fun begins as the village will give us the farewell party. This is quite the bash and I promise an unforgettable experience. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Day 8 -------------- Drive to Airport & Fly Home

Today we will make the drive to the airport and fly home. (Meals: Breakfast)