2024 Gladstone Costa Rica Cultural Journey
| Travel Dates: | March 22, 2024 - April 1, 2024 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
|
| WTT Contact: |
|
| Program Tuition: |
$2,690 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
|
| Estimated Airfare: | $850 |
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: $2,690
Pay in Full
$2,690.00
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:
$730.00
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!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Zip-line though the rainforest
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Hotel Alajuela |
| 2 | Alajuela - Pura Suerte | After breakfast we willl 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 willl 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 |
| 3 | Pura Suerte | In the morning we will hike down to Nauyaca waterfall, a spectacular three-story waterfall not far from the farm. We will spend the day here, getting to know one another, swimming and taking in the natural beauty of the jungle. 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. | Jungalows |
| 4 | Pura Suerte- Diamante Water fall | After breakfast we will hike down to Diamante waterfall, one of the highest in the entire country. We will spend the morning swimming, hiking for several hours, and enjoying lunch at the waterfall. We will be provided with food and water during the adventure and will experience the jungle in a very unique way. Tonight we’ll camp at the cave! | Diamante |
| 5 | Diamante-Uvita | After breakfast, we'll head south to Playa Hermosa and after enjoying the beach we will do check in into our hotel, drop our bags, and get ready to enjoy the pool and have a couple hours rest before dinner later this night. | Hotel Uvita |
| 6 | Uvita | After a hearty breakfast, 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 monkeys. In the evening, we will have professional surf lessons at the Parque Nacional Ballena, a beautiful beach set on protected coastline along the Pacific Ocean and renowned for it's gradual and consistent break, great for beginning and intermediate surfers. We will discover the rock whale tail like formation that gives the name to the Marino Ballena National Park. | Hotel Uvita |
| 7 | Uvita | After breakfast we'll take the bus and drive to the Sierpe Mangroove Forest, one of the biggest in the whole Pacific Coast of the continent. We will explore the ecosystem on a kayak or a SUP. In the afternoon we'll head back to Uvita for pizza dinner. | Hotel Uvita |
| 8 | Uvita- Manuel Antonio | Today we will leave Uvita to spend the morning exploring Manuel Antonio National park's shady trails and tranquil beaches. We will have lunch in Manuel Antonio and have some time for souvenir shopping. | Hotel Manuel Antonio |
| 9 | Manuel Antonio - San Jose | Today 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. | Hotel Alajuela |
| 10 | USA | Fly home | 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.