Pura Vida en Costa Rica

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday February 15: San Jose

Depart from the USA. Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and begin to discover the country's famous Tico hospitality.

Day 2, Sunday February 16: Sarapiqui Homestay

Travel inland to the lush surroundings of Sarapiquí where you will begin your community development service project. Projects will be determined by where the need is greatest, but may include activities such as painting or grounds upkeep at local schools, sidewalk improvements or building a bus stop. You'll have the opportunity to form friendships and share customs as you volunteer alongside residents and interact with the local school children. Overnight with community in a homestay (B,D)

Day 3, Monday February 17: Sarapiqui Homestay

Finish your project with the community this morning. In the afternoon sharpen your culinary skills with a cooking lesson on how to prepare typical Costa Rican dishes. Learn about the local ingredients, assist with preparation and enjoy the delicious results. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Tuesday February 18: San Carlos

Depart to Arenal Volcano region today and stop by the Instituto ASIS, a wildlife sanctuary with a mission of returning animals back to their natural habit. This morning depart for the northern plains of the San Carlos region. Arrive in the small town of La Fortuna. From here, you'll have a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano, a perfect cone over 5,000 feet high and one of the most active in the world. Explore the nearby rainforest with a bird's-eye perspective on the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem during an adventurous canopy tour. This evening enjoy the Baldi hotsprings . (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday February 19: San Carlos

Today travel north where you will stop at a local school and learn about the educational system of Costa Rica and have a meaning interactive experience with students of all different ages. Then continue on Rio Frio. Enjoy a boat trip on the calm river while you share company with exotic creatures such as osprey, storks, caimans and multiple species of monkeys. Return to San Carlos for the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Thursday February 20: Puntarenas Region

Observe the shift in landscape as you travel from the mountainous inland cloud forest to the beaches and Pacific breezes of the Puntarenas region on the Golfo de Nicoya. This area draws visitors from around the world, and, once you see the curving coastline dotted with bays and islands, you will understand why. Enjoy time to relax on the beach and settle in to your new neighborhood. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday February 21: Puntarenas Region

Enjoy a full day in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning parks in Costa Rica. A series of small beaches with lush forests and well-maintained trails are yours to explore for the day. Explore the park and its wildlife (Capuchin monkeys play in trees just behind the beach) before returning to Puntarenas for the evening. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday February 22: San Jose

Head north along the coast to do a STEM-focused leadership workshop today. Did you know our oceans, not forests, produce over 70% of the oxygen we breathe? This project will elevate your sustainability skills to new heights. Spend half a day off the coast assisting marine biologists in revitalizing the underwater ecosystem through a groundbreaking coral reef restoration initiative. Guided by expert scuba divers, you will gain practical experience in coral reef reproduction, enhancing your leadership skills in marine conservation. Then continue to the San Jose for a farewell dinner.(B,D)

Day 9, Sunday February 23: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)