This program is open to anyone over 18 years old looking to spend their spring break on an adventure in Costa Rica. On this not-for-credit travel program, participants will enjoy a variety of fun activities and experience the authentic Pura Vida vibes of Costa Rica.
Dates: March 6-12, 2027
Program Cost Double/Triple Occupancy: $1,785
Program Cost Single Room Upgrade: $2,385
Depart Home for San Jose, Costa Rica
Arrival in San José, Costa Rica
Airport transfer with a private coach
On-ground Briefing & Orientation Walking Tour - The group will become oriented with their neighborhood, the public transportation systems, nearby pharmacies, markets, ATMs, etc. Additionally, an in-depth safety briefing will be provided for what to do incase of an emergency.
Welcome Dinner - The group will be taken for an authentic dinner with a wide variety of menu options to cater all diets.
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Transfer to San Ramón with a private coach
Reserva Azahar & Community Visit - Guided walk through fragile cloud forest trails to observe local biodiversity, participate in a community tree-planting reforestation activity, and tour the native butterfly garden.
Group Lunch - Included
Local School Visit - Educational and cultural exchange with primary school students from the local community.
Transfer to La Fortuna with a private coach (approx. 2.5 hrs)
Hotel check-in and time to relax
Group Dinner - Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Transfer to Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) with a private coach (approx. 1.5 hrs)
UTN Intercultural Exchange - Bilingual interaction and language exchange activities alongside local English Major students to learn about regional customs and educational systems.
Group Lunch - Included (near campus)
Cultural Lecture at UTN (TBD) - The details will be provided later, but the topic will be culture-related.
Transfer to La Fortuna with a private coach (approx. 1.5 hrs)
Arenal Thermal Hot Springs - Hydrotherapy and relaxation session in natural thermo-mineral pools heated directly by geothermal volcanic activity.
Group Dinner - Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Arenal Volcano Hike (El Silencio Trails) - Guided geological walk over the historical 1968 lava flows to analyze rainforest regeneration, ecosystem succession, and volcano morphology.
Transfer to Cahuita (approx. 5 hrs) with planned stops along the way
Fruit Stop Tasting & Lunch - Travel lunch en-route, paired with a specialized stop to learn about and sample local exotic tropical fruits grown on the Caribbean slope.
Check-in at the hotel and free time to relax
Group Dinner - Included (traditional Afro-Caribbean cuisine)
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Cahuita National Park Coastal Hike - Wilderness trail walk stretching alongside white sand beaches to spot native wildlife including sloths, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds.
Group Lunch - Included
Bribri Indigenous Community (Catato Family) - Immersion program exploring Talamanca ethnobotanical history, natural medicine gardens, native fiber weaving, and an organic cacao roasting and chocolate-making workshop.
Bribri Jungle Waterfall - Short rain forest hike leading to a natural jungle pool for a refreshing swim.
Group Dinner - Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Free morning in Cahuita to explore the area or relax by the beach
Transfer to San José with a private coach (approx. 5 hrs) with planned stops along the way
Group Lunch - Included
Check-in at the hotel and free time to relax
Farewell Dinner - Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Airport transfer with a private coach
Depart San José, Costa Rica, to home