2021 DSA Costa Rica Program
| Travel Dates: |
February 6, 2021 -
February 13, 2021
Dates are tentative
|
| Group Organizer(s): |
|
| WTT Contact: |
|
| Program Tuition: |
$2,190 USD
- or -
$2,090 USD with discount if paid in full
Airfare not included in program tuition
|
| Estimated Airfare: | $650 |
| Deadline(s): | Enrollment deadline forthcoming |
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: $2,190
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:
$2,090.00
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:
$41.22
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Costa Rica Cultural Journey
From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that carve through tropical canyons, and friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all! Our cultural journey aims to expose travelers to best the country has to offer and provide opportunities to speak Spanish and gain insight into one of the most hospitable destinations on earth. Adventure awaits!
Cultural Journeys
Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Zip-line though the rainforest
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes
Learn to surf with some of Costa Rica's best instructors
Explore a cloud forest, guided by a local naturalist
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 6 | 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 to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| February 7 | Alajuela - Pura Suerte | After breakfast we will depart for Pura Suerte, an ecological farm in the heart of the rain forest, about four hours drive south of the capital city. Upon arrival we will tour Pura Suerte's organic 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 and nearby farms. Throughout the program, we'll have the opportunity to interact with community members in Spanish, participate in cultural exchanges, and explore Costa Rican culture. | Pura Suerte Jungalows |
| February 8 | Pura Suerte | After breakfast we'll hike down to Nauyaca waterfall, one of the largest and most beautiful in the entire country. Spend the morning swimming and relaxing by the riverside. After lunch by the river we will return to the farm for a cooking class, we will make tortillas, empanadas and picadillo. After dinner we will enjoy a relaxing evening. | Pura Suerte Jungalows |
| February 9 | Pura Suerte - Uvita | After breakfast we will head west to Uvita 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. In the evening, we’ll have time to relax and swim on the pool. | Hotel El Tecal |
| February 10 | Uvita - Manuel Antonio | After a hearty breakfast, we will head to Manuel Antonio where we will visit one of the most stunning national parks in the country. We will have time to enjoy what many call Costa Rica's most beautiful beach, hike through the national park and spend time surrounded by wildlife, including monkeys. After lunch we will have time to explore the town before heading back to the hotel. | Hotel Manuel Antonio |
| February 11 | Manuel Antonio - La Fortuna | After breakfast we’ll get to soar through the jungle canopy while ziplining before starting our 4 hour drive to La Fortuna, home of Costa Rica's most famous volcano, Volcán Arenal. This evening, we will relax at some luxurious hot springs and enjoy a buffet dinner. | Hotel La Fortuna |
| February 12 | La Fortuna - Alajuela | Today we will hike to La Fortuna's most famous waterfall and have time to relax and swim. After lunch, we will head back to Alajuela for our final farewell dinner and reflect on how this trip has impacted us. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| February 13 | 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.
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.
Hotel La Fortuna
Located right in the heart of La Fortuna in San Carlos, Costa Rica. La Fortuna Hotel offers visitors a very convenient location with all the services within walking distance from our facilities. This hotel boasts amazing views of the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Downtown you won’t forget! Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the building in order to stay connected. Students will be grouped according to gender in their rooms.
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
I was comfortable that the trip my daughter was on was safe, educational, interesting and fun. She made life long friends with her host sister. An exceptional life learning experience.
Carolyn
Parent of Alicia, Traveler on 2018 Program to Chile
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.
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.