June 26: Departure Day, Miami to San José
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
June 26 & 27: San José
Spend your first days exploring the capital city of San José, getting to know your leaders and group, visiting the open air Mercado Central, and participating in an in-depth orientation discussing life in Costa Rica and your project village.
June 28 – July 5: Biolley
Travel by bus to our small host village tucked into the southern Talamanca mountains, four hours south of San José. Work together with the community to complete a series of construction, education, and agricultural projects. Evenings are spent immersing ourselves in the local culture through activities such as hiking to the nearby beach, playing fútbol with Costa Rican friends, or joining local women in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional cuisine.
July 6 & 7: Southwest Coast
After finishing up our service projects, head to a sustainable wildlife refuge, situated just a short walk from a pristine, undeveloped beach. Learn about the history of the refuge and its conservation initiatives. Take sunset walks along the beach, and observe sloths and capuchin monkeys in the rainforest canopy.
July 8 – 11: Biolley
Return to our host village, Biolley, to finish up our community service projects. Come together with the local community for a despedida party, and say farewell to our Costa Rican friends.
July 12 – 14: Osa Peninsula
After finishing up our service projects, head to the port town of Sierpe and board a boat to a remote jungle research station located on the border of Corcovado National Park, the last lowland primary rainforest on earth. Explore the 130-acre beachfront property, keep a lookout for passing whales, and learn about camera trap research techniques used to track and monitor jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and the hundreds of bird species that call this spectacular peninsula home. Participate in a beach cleanup, go for a night hike to the nearby tidal pools, and reflect on your experiences with your group as you enjoy a sunset walk on the beach.
July 15 & 16: San José
Return to Costa Rica’s capital city of San José to end the program. Spend a day whitewater rafting on the rapids on the Pacuare River and then head back to San José for a final dinner with your group. Reflect on your experience in Costa Rica and say your final farewells.
July 17: Return Day, San José to Miami
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.