Sarapiquí Conservation Learning

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, Monday June 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, Tuesday June 16: Tortuguero

Rise early this morning and drive through the spectacular cloud forest in the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Continue on a riverboat journey, which will take you to your lodge in Tortuguero. Enjoy spotting the wildlife as you travel, looking out for the West Indian manatee, caimans, or spider monkeys hanging down over the river! All meals are included while in Tortuguero. (B,L,D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 17: Tortuguero

Featuring the most important green sea turtle nesting ground in the Western Caribbean, today's sightseeing adventure within Tortuguero National Park includes boat tours and hiking. A series of canals, mangroves, swamps and lagoons create perfect opportunities to study the vegetation and the multitude of wildlife. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 18: Sarapiqui

Depart the coast and 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. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 19: Sarapiqui

Continue your volunteer work this morning with a reforestation service project. Learn about local agriculture as you visit an area farm and assist with planting native trees needed for the sustainability of the ecosystem. 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,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 20: San Carlos

This morning, depart for the northern plains of the San Carlos region. Along the way, enjoy a fascinating chocolate tour, where you'll learn about the history and process of chocolate-making, from harvesting cacao pods to crafting rich, flavorful chocolate. You’ll have the chance to sample freshly made chocolate and discover how this delicious treat is intertwined with local culture. Afterward, arrive in the small town of La Fortuna, where you'll have a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano—an impressive, 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. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 21: San Carlos

Begin your morning with a visit to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall and hike to the swimming hole below. Continue to Jauri Tropical Farm, an ecological farm owned by a retired school principal who teaches you about the cultivation of different types of native produce and some of the culinary and medicinal uses they afford. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 22: San Jose

Journey to Sarchí, the hub of Costa Rica's arts and crafts trade, known for its ox-carts and leather rocking chairs. You'll participate in a craft workshop, learning about the history and the methods of creating this brightly colored furniture before painting your own small souvenir to take home. Continue to San José and enjoy your final evening of Tico hospitality. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 23: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)