2023 LFSF Costa Rica Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | May 13, 2023 - May 21, 2023 |
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| WTT Contact: |
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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 hos 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!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Improve your Spanish and immerse yourself in a homestay community
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Raft down one of Costa Rica's best rivers
Immersive Spanish classes
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.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | USA - Alajuela | Today the group will travel from the USA to San Jose, Costa Rica! Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch, then visit a local market. We will have some time to relax at the hotel until then, then for desert will have a private chocolate making workshop. | Rosa de las Americas |
| May 14 | Alajuela - Manuel Antonio | This morning, we will head to Manuel Antonio, the crown jewel of the Costa Rican National Park System. Upon arrival we will have an amazing zipline canopy tour to see this spectacular ecosystem from above. In the evening, we will have some time to swim at the beach and wander between artisanal stalls. Tonight, we will have an orientation meeting to prepare for our homestay. | Vill Mymosa |
| May 15 | Manuel Antonio - Host Community | To start our day, we will take a guided nature walk through the national park to see the plethora of wildlife and enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach. In the afternoon, we will head to the community to begin our homestay. We will have a welcome meeting upon arrival, then students will have their first night with their families. | Homestay |
| May 16 | Host Community | Our days in our host community will start with spanish classes. Lunch will be in our homestays. In the afternoons, activities are flexible and will vary. In the afternoon today, we will visit a cheese factory, where students will learn about cheese production, milk the cows and goats and sample some excellent queso. | Homestay |
| May 17 | Host Community | Today we will continue with our Spanish classes. In the afternoon, will hike down to Nauyaca waterfall, one of the most beautiful in a country full of beautiful waterfalls! We will spend a few leisurely hours swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a large swimming hole and the river below. | Homestay |
| May 18 | Host Community | This morning, we will continue with Spanish classes at the colorful central market in San Isirdo. Students can use their Spanish while trying tropical fruits and other local products from the nearby farms. In the afternoon, we will have a latin dance class! | Homestay |
| May 19 | Host Community | Today will be our last day of Spanish class, then we will explore a nearby nature reserve. | Homestay |
| May 20 | Homestay - Alajuela | We'll end the trip with a splash during a whitewater rafting trip along the Savegre River! Navigate class I, II and III rapids as you descend from the mountains towards the ocean. After lunch we'll make the drive back to the big city for a cozy farewell dinner ahead of our international departure the following morning. | Rosa de las Americas |
| May 21 | Home | Fly home, hasta luego!! | 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.
Homestay
This will be the best part of your trip! Staying with a host family immerses you in the language and culture of the destination, and can lead to deep and lasting relationships with your hosts. Initially intimidating but ultimately unforgettable, there’s no better way to begin to truly understand the place you’re visiting.
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.
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. Free Wi-Fi will keep everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender.
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 very concerned about my daughter who has a peanut allergy travelling to a foreign country for the first time without us. Walking Tree was very sensitive to my concerns and reassured me that this is something they could handle and they did! I would send her again in a heartbeat. Thank you Walking Tree.
Kerry
Parent of Emilie, traveler on 2018 Service Program to Costa Rica
Your Adventure Includes
Program Tuition Excludes: Premiere travel insurance, baggage fees, airline minor fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
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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.