2019 ASL Girls’ Costa Rica Service Adventure
| Travel Dates: | March 29, 2019 - April 6, 2019 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Deadline(s): | Total tuition due by December 1, 2018 |
Costa Rica
From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, from towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that cut through tropical canyons, and to hospitable, friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all. Since abolishing its military over 70 years ago, today this tiny democratic republic is known for its pacifism, commitment to environmental protection, and its status as a destination for those seeking safe yet exciting adventure travel set against breathtaking scenery. However, despite an extensive tourism industry, in many parts of Costa Rica there remains a need for help and service. Our programs offer unique access to Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets and friendliest communities. We are confident you will love the land of Pura Vida as much as we do!
Service Adventures
Service Adventures can combine rural homestays, adventure travel, and meaningful service projects which are guided by our community partners. Living in these small communities provides the opportunity to engage the language and culture from a uniquely advantageous position.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Brew coffee and make empanadas with a local farmer's family
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Immerse yourself in the local language and culture by staying with a host family
Work side by side with scientists at the Organization for Tropical Studies in one of most biodiverse ecosystems in the world
Learn about the history of chocolate while you make your own!
Zip-line though the rainforest
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes
Stay on a farm deep in the rainforest
Learn to surf with some of Costa Rica's best instructors
Raft down one of Costa Rica's best rivers
Release baby sea turtles into the wild (seasonal)
Explore a cloud forest, guided by a local naturalist
Assist with research and conservation efforts at the Reserva Playa Tortuga
Contribute towards an environmental service project
Discover the gorgeous beaches and world-class national parks on the Pacific coast
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers, but given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but if inclement weather pushes us off course or an unexpected opportunity arises which travelers are excited about, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Date | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 29th | London- San Jose, Costa Rica | Today the group will travel from London to San Jose Costa Rica. After arrival, the group will settle into their hotel for the evening and have an orientation meeting where the group will discuss the upcoming trip in detail. | Hotel Casa Maki |
| March 30th | San Jose - Pura Suerte | After breakfast we will head to Pura Suerte, an ecological farm in the heart of the rain forest, about 4 hours south of the capital city. Upon arrival we will tour the farm for an introduction to the bountiful flora and fauna in the area, visit a nearby coffee plantation and enjoy a delicious dinner made from ingredients sourced directly from the forest. Throughout the program, we'll have the opportunity to interact with community members in Spanish, participate in cultural exchanges, and explore Costa Rican culture. | Jungalows |
| March 31st | Pura Suerte - Host Community | After breakfast we will hike down to Nauyaca waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the entire country. We will spend the morning swimming and relaxing by the riverside and enjoy lunch at the waterfall. After luch, we'll head to the host community to meet our host families. Upon arrival, students will tour the community and learn about our service project. Students will have dinner with their host families this evening. | Jungalows |
| April 1st | Host Community | Our days in the village will consist mainly of working on our community service project. Lunch will be either be on-site or at home with families. In the afternoons and evenings, activities are flexible and will vary, but may include time with host families, excursions around the communiy, or activities like soccer games or clinics with kids in the local community. | Host Family |
| April 2nd | Host Community | We'll continue service work today | Host Family |
| April 3rd | Host Community | Today we will finish our service project and celebrate with our new friends and family with a fiesta de despedida! | Host Family |
| April 4th | Host Community - El Tekal | After breakfast and goodbyes, we willl head to the south Pacific Coast of Costa Rica to El Tecal Hotel. From there, we'll walk down to Ballena Marine National Park, one of only two nationally protected marine zones in the whole country. Upon arrival we'll meet our friends at Uvita 360 to learn how to surf. After, we'll come back to Tecal and relax for the rest of the day | Hotel El Tecal |
| April 5th | Bahia Ballena - SJO-London | After breakfast, we'll head back to SJO for our international departure this afternoon | Flight |
| April 6th | London | Arrive home | Your own bed |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.
Villas Aracari
Villas Aracari is a beautiful property ideally located just twenty minutes from the airport. Close to the city center yet perched high in the mountains, the views of the Central Valley are breathtaking and the new pool is a delightful respite after a hot day. Spotless rooms and friendly staff will make you feel at home the moment you drop your bags.
Finca Pura Suerte
A grouping of bamboo cabins and impressive communal spaces, this farm is nestled deep in low-land rain forest with views of the Pacific coastline. The accommodations are comfortable, the food fantastic, and the surreal setting provides an ideal introduction to the country’s impressive flora and fauna.
Cabinas El Tecal
Cabinas El Tecal is a locally owned and operated three star hotel close to playa Uvita in the Marino Ballena National Park. Off the beaten path, the hotel comes with modern amenities, a private pool, and great service. It’s the perfect place to relax away from the crowds. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
We wanted our 16 year old son’s first experience traveling without the family to be a positive one. We wanted a true quality program and are so glad his school chose Walking Tree. Everything went absolutely smoothly on the trip. Our son has told us again and again how wonderful, informed, friendly, and absolutely critical to the success of the trip the Walking Tree staff was.
Tina
Parent of Leo Narbonne, traveler on Peru Service Adventure
Your Adventure Includes
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on the itinerary.
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more. There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!
Learn more here.
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.