Sacred Heart's Costa Rican Adventure and Service

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 17: San Jose

Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, meet your tour manager, and enjoy your first taste of la pura vida. (D)

Day 2, Sunday February 18: San Jose

This morning you will first go to Mass at a local church. Then your first leadership workshop will be at the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF), operating since 1997 with a focus on using education as a way to fight poverty. Learn about the female founder and director's work, how her efforts and leadership have impacted one of the San José's highest risk communities and how collaborators in that community have been empowered to reach out to other communities and transfer their skills and knowledge. (B,L,D)

Day 3, Monday February 19: Aguas Zarcas

Depart San Jose and journey inland to the northern plains region in the province of Alajuela. Arrive at the La Marina Wildlife Rescue Center to begin your service project. Learn about the center's rescue and rehabilitation efforts and become familiar with many of the country's diverse animal populations as you assist with projects such as improving habitat space, feeding the animals or collecting data. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Tuesday February 20: Aguas Zarcas

Today continue work on the wildlife rescue center service project. Depending on where the need is greatest, you may be assisting with projects such as improving habitat space, preparing food for the animals or collecting data. In the afternoon enjoy an entertaining and educational Organic Pineapple Tour (B,L,D)

Day 5, Wednesday February 21: San Carlos

Today drive to the beautiful province of Alajuela with a stop at Jauri Tropical Farm, an ecological farm owned by a retired school principal. Enjoy lunch with characteristic Tico hospitality you will be welcomed at this self-sustaining organic farm in the Costa Rican rainforest started by retired school principal Don Juan. Keep an eye out for tropical plants, birds and other animals as you learn about the planting and harvesting of native produce using environmentally friendly methods, its various medicinal and cooking uses, and how to process sugar cane (including a sample of the fresh pressed juice, agua dulce). You will also enjoy a dance lesson with some local experts out in the fresh air. This evening view the Arenal Volcano and swim in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs at its base. Spend the night in San Carlos, also known as Ciudad Quesada, the agriculture capital of the north. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Thursday February 22: San Carlos

Today you will do a service project with a local school. You will spend the day helping the students with their English classes, but also doing activities, enjoying a group lunch and the doing an exchange while learning folkloric dance with the students. Say goodbye to your new friends and have dinner and relax back at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Friday February 23: San Jose

This morning zip through the trees on your Canopy Tour while you look out at the Arenal Volcano. Then journey back to Costa Rica's capital. Arrive in San José in time for a Costa Rican dinner and folklore show. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Saturday February 24: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)