2019 North Tahoe Costa Rica Program
| Travel Dates: | June 22, 2019 - July 4, 2019 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,649 USD
- or -
$2,549 USD with discount if paid in full
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $735 |
| Deadline(s): | All families must be paid in full by March 18th, 2018 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free monthly installment plan. Follow whichever option works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $2,649
Pay in Full
Pay in full at the time of enrollment and receive a $100 discount off your program tuition! Payment with the discount would be:
$2,549.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$35.23
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
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!
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
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
Hike through the tropical rainforest and learn about local ecosystems
Fully immerse yourself in a homestay family and community
Discover the gorgeous beaches and world-class national parks on the Pacific coast
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teachers that we must flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 22nd | USA - Alajuela | Today the group will travel from the USA to Costa Rica, and flights usually arrive in the evening. 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. | Rosa de América |
| June 23rd | Alajuela - 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 |
| June 24th | Pura Suerte - Diamante | After breakfast, we will head west to the Diamante Waterfall area very close to La Florida. We will hike, swim, explore and enjoy dinner right next to the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica. We will learn about the ecosystems and experience the jungle in a very unique way. | La Cueva |
| June 25th | Diamante - Pura Suerte | After hiking back from the Diamante Waterfall the group will have lunch and will be introduced to the community and the service project in La Florida. | Jungalows |
| June 26th | Pura Suerte | Today the group will have the unique opportunity to interact with the local community of La Florida de Baru. Students will be working together with community members to complete a service project that the community will chose. In the afternoon a Scavenger Hunt will give students the opportunity to immerse in the culture. | Jungalows |
| June 27th | Pura Suerte | Today the group will be working together with community members to complete the service project. In the afternoon a soccer match or other activities will give students the opportunity to immerse in the culture. | Jungalows |
| June 28th | Pura Suerte | After work in the morning and lunch 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 before returning to the farm and receiving a cooking class. We will have a farewell dinner. | Jungalows |
| June 29th | Pura Suerte - Manuel Antonio | After breakfast we willl head north to Manuel Antonio on the central Pacific coast. We will settle into our hotel and then head to the beach where students can take surf lessons on a stretch of coastline that has a reputation for being great for beginners. We will also explore Manuel Antonio National Park, famour for its idylic beaches and bursting wildlife. | Villas Mymosa |
| June 30th | Manuel Antonio - La Fortuna | Today we will travel to La Fortuna, a rural city in Alajuela that is home to one of the world's most active volcanoes. The afternoon will be spent relaxing at the natural hot springs heated by the erupting lava of the Arenal Volcano. After an extravagant dinner, we'll stay the night in La Fortuna. | Hotel La Fortuna |
| July 1st | La Fortuna | The day will go between ziplining, souvenir shopping in downtown La Fortuna and a night hike that will allow us to see frogs and some other night creatures. | Hotel La Fortuna |
| July 2nd | La Fortuna - Pacuare | The final few days of the trip are action-packed and adventurous! We will head to the Pacuare River for a half-day of whitewater river rafting and an afternoon of relaxation at the Pacuare River Lodge on the banks of the river. | River Lodge |
| July 3rd | Pacuare - Alajuela | We will have a day full of class 3 river rafting under the canopy of the rainforest then return to Alajuela in the afternoon for a final dinner together. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| July 4th | Alajuela - USA | After breakfast, we will head to the airport for a morning departure back to the USA. | Your own bed! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Rosa de las Américas
A charming ranch-style hotel on the outskirts of San José, Rosa de las Americas is a great spot to unwind after a long day’s travels. This hotel is complete with a lush gardens, a big pool, updated rooms, and friendly staff.
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.
La Cueva
Located in a natural cave behind the impressive Diamonte waterfall, La Cueva is not your typical hotel. Students sleep in bunk beds and there is no electricity, providing an opportunity to unplug and truly appreciate the natural beauty of these rustic accommodations behind a waterfall. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Villas Mymosa
Hotel Villas Mymosa is a modern 10 room condo hotel located in the peaceful setting of beautiful Manuel Antonio. These spacious rooms are fully equipped to provide you with all the amenities of your own home. Each Villas Mymosa villa has a private terrace or balcony or both. You have the option of peace and quiet at your villa or interacting with other guests around our beautiful large centrally located pool.
Pacuare River Lodge
Along a hillside overlooking the Pacuare River, this one-of-a-kind lodge sits amid exotic primary rainforest, indigenous reserves and isolated valleys, and is only accessible by raft, 4X4, or horseback. A collection of rustic yet cozy cabins, each allowing to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding pristine jungles and experience the wilderness. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability. Most river lodges have no electricity, wifi and cellphone reception is very limited as it is the case for Pacuare River Lodge. The rafting companies communicate by radio in case of needing any land departure from the lodge or any emergency.
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.
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
My daughter’s experience in Morocco was extraordinary!! I really enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing the stories about her adventures, but what brought me the most joy was the relationships she formed with the chaperones from her school and with Stafford and Said (Walking Tree’s Moroccan Country Directors and Program Leaders). She spoke of their characters and spirits which let me know these wonderful people went over and beyond the basics of the program. I am forever grateful for the love and care all four of you gave to her.
Beddar
Parent of Jadah, traveler on Morocco Cultural Journey
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.
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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.