2024 Sandy Spring Costa Rica Program
| Travel Dates: |
June 16, 2024 -
June 23, 2024
Dates are tentative until flights are secured
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,590 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $800 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan. Follow whichever works best for your family.
Program Tuition: $2,590
Pay in Full
$2,590.00
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:
$209.00
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 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!
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Stay on a farm deep in the rainforest
Learn to surf with some of Costa Rica's best instructors
Practice your Spanish language skills with locals
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | 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. | Hotel Alajuela |
| June 17 | Alajuela - Bella Vida | After breakfast we will depart for Bella Vida, a farm and retreat located in the heart of the rain forest, about four hours drive south of the capital city. Upon arrival we will settle into our cabins and then talk a walk around the property 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. | Bella Vida |
| June 18 | Bella Vida | 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. | Bella Vida |
| June 19 | Bella Vida - 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 Uvita |
| June 20 | Uvita - Manuel Antonio | After a hearty breakfast, we will head to Manuel Antonio but first we will make a stop to soar throught the forest canopy while we zipline. Once settled at the hotel, we will have time to relax by the pool and explore town. | Villa Lirio |
| June 21 | Manuel Antonio | After a hearty breakfast, we will head to Manuel Antonio National Park, 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. | Villa Lirio |
| June 22 | Manuel Antonio - San Jose | 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 Casa Cielo |
| June 23 | 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 program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.
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.
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.
Bella Vida Hotel
Bella Vida Hotel is situated in the tiny village of La Florida, with mountainside jungle overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and infinity pool . The accommodations are comfortable, the food fantastic, and the surreal setting provides an ideal introduction to the country’s impressive flora and fauna.
Villas Lirio Hotel
Villa Lirios is a located in Manuel Antonio. These spacious rooms are fully equipped. Some rooms a has a private terrace or balcony or both. You have the option of peace and quiet at your room 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
Communication was excellent! We had absolutely all the info we needed from the moment we signed up. LOVED the blog with photos. The prep and follow up activities on culture shock, re-entry, etc. were fantastic!!! Thank you!!!
Erika
Parent of John, traveler on Peru 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. 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.
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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.