2019 North Tahoe Costa Rica Program

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2019 North Tahoe Costa Rica Service Adventure! We have created two webpages dedicated to this once in a lifetime experience so that travelers are as informed as possible throughout the process. The first page, Pre-Enrollment, is meant to share exciting details, highlights, and pertinent info, that participants will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the Post-Enrollment page is intended to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and get excited for Costa Rica! Pura vida
Travel Dates: June 22, 2019 - July 4, 2019
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $2,649 USD - or - $2,549 USD with discount if paid in full
Airfare not included in program tuition
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 installment plan.  Follow whichever 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:

$38.38

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

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!

Service Adventures

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!

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 run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
June 22ndUSA - AlajuelaToday 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 23rdAlajuela - Pura SuerteAfter 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 24thPura Suerte - DiamanteAfter 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 25thDiamante - Pura SuerteAfter 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 26thPura SuerteToday 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 27thPura SuerteToday 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 28thPura SuerteAfter 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 29thPura Suerte - Manuel AntonioAfter 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 30thManuel Antonio - La FortunaToday 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 1stLa FortunaThe 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 2ndLa Fortuna - PacuareThe 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 3rdPacuare - AlajuelaWe 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 4thAlajuela - USAAfter 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 program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
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
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

With a previous outfitter [I worked with], the experience was more “touring” and no hands-on contributions and work. Walking Tree surrounds the travelers with amazing professionals who are dedicated to their sciences, travels, and countries. Travelers’ experiences are first-hand, authentic and memorable!

Shelley
Alumni Group Organizer on programs to Costa Rica and Panama

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.

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.

WTT coffee
Resource center

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.

Learn More

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