2021 Fuglestad Panama and Costa Rica Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: |
March 13, 2021 -
March 22, 2021
Dates are tentative
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,399 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $800 |
| Deadline(s): | Deadline is forthcoming |
Tuition Calculator
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Program Tuition: $2,399
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Costa Rica Cultural Journey
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. Having abolished its military over 50 years ago, this tiny democratic republic has long been 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!
Cultural Journeys
Cultural Journeys provide deep insight into the history, culture, and natural heritage of our host countries through authentic immersive experiences. Students will explore ancient ruins, sample new foods, and develop valuable leadership skills.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Learn about the history of chocolate while you make your own!
Visit the Panama Canal and watch giant ships transit through the world-famous locks
Raft down one of Costa Rica's best rivers
Hike to a summit in the tropical rainforest
Learn about tropical wildlife firsthand
Explore Indigenous artisan and fish markets
The Itinerary
We work hard to create safe, engaging, and immersive itineraries 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.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| 2 | Alajuela - Pacuare | After an early wake up call, we will drive to a nearby rafting company and get oars in the water as soon as possible. We will spend the bulk of the day rafting on the Pacuare River, eat dinner and stay at the Pacuare Lodge, making sure to rest up for another day of river exploration! | Pacuare Lodge |
| 3 | Pacuare - Cahuita | Wake up call, and our first relaxed Costa Rican breakfast experience will be followed by more rafting down the Pacuare River. After tiring ourselves out, we will have lunch at the lodge and hit the road again, this time towards the beach: Cahuita. After watching the sun set behind the Caribbean coastline, we will have dinner and get ready for a full day. | Cahuita Lodge |
| 4 | Cahuita | Today we will get our fingers sticky exploring each stage of the chocolate production process at a local farm, then have ample opportunity to wash them off in the Caribbean sea during free time at the beach throughout the afternoon. | Cahuita Lodge |
| 5 | Cahuita - Bocas del Toro | After breakfast, we will begin the brief drive to the border with Panama, and shortly after crossing we will board a boat and ride to the Bocas del Toro islands. Once there, we will go on a dolphin-viewing tour, eat dinner, and stay on the island. | Bocas Lodge |
| 6 | Bocas del Toro | Today we will give back to our environment for a portion of the day, taking part in a beach clean-up, but then follow the hard work with play: a snorkeling tour and a free afternoon on the picturesque island chain. | Bocas Lodge |
| 7 | Bocas del Toro - Boquete | After eating breakfast and saying goodbye to the islands, we will get to know the diversity of the Panamanian landscape by traveling over a mainland route to Boquete, a mountainous town in the Chiriquí province. On the way, we will stop to interact with the Ngobe tribe in an indigenous school. Upon arriving in Boquete, we will further enjoy the scenery by going on hikes before dinner. | Boquete Lodge |
| 8 | Boquete - Panama | Today's itnerary involves a long drive to Panama City, broken up by several stops with tasty local food. Upon arrival in the city, we will tour Panama Viejo, visit the causeway, and begin to explore the city. | PTY Hotel |
| 9 | Panama City | On our second day we will visit the main attraction: the canal. Afterwards, we will continue exploring the rich sights and sounds of the Panamian metropolis, culminating in a farewell dinner to commemorate our time well-spent in this beautiful slice of Central America. | PTY Hotel |
| 10 | Panama - 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 for travelers, we follow strict guidelines when choosing our accommodations. Walking Tree partners with locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels which are centrally located, clean, safe and wifi-enabled.
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 cozy cabins, the Pacuare River Lodge provides and opportunity to explore this beautiful river in comfort and style. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability. There will be no Wi-Fi access during this part of the trip.
Hotel Casa Cielo Grande
Casa Cielo Grande 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.
Hotel Punta Franca
Hotel Punta Franca is a 3-star beachside hotel overlooking the ocean. Each room can comfortably sleep 1-4 students with ensuite bathrooms.
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 son had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica, helped to build a preschool classroom, and has created memories that will last a lifetime!
Jodi
Parent of traveler on Costa Rica Service Adventure
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. You will be invoiced for the flight once we are able to secure the group’s airline contract.
Program Tuition Excludes: Premiere Travel insurance, baggage fees, airline minor fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
Need to Raise Money? We have you covered.
Our travelers are provided with funding opportunities that are easy to implement and fun to take part in. Our flagship fundraiser involves selling fair trade, organic, carbon-neutral coffee from a women’s collective in Peru. There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so get started now by clicking the link below!
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.