Costa Rica
The Ultimate Adventure
From Cloud Forests to Coastlines
The Experience
JOURNEY TO COSTA RICA AND EXPERIENCE A BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT! EXPLORE CLOUD FORESTS, COASTAL BEACH TOWNS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN ON THIS EPIC ADVENTURE IN THE LAND OF PURA VIDA.
Trip Highlights
- Zipline through the cloud forest and traverse hanging bridges through the rainforest
- Chase waterfalls and hike in famous national parks
- Experience authentic Costa Rican Culture through cooking, playing music, dancing and practicing Spanish with locals
- Get your blood pumping on an overnight whitewater rafting excursion on the Pacuare River
- Surf and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea
- Chill out on a white sand beach and play soccer with locals
Costa Rica
The Ultimate Adventure
Program Overview
Journey across Costa Rica from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Sea — and everywhere in between! We call this our Ultimate Adventure for good reason: Swim in waterfalls, hike around volcanoes, zipline through the cloud forest, learn to surf with the pros, snorkel over exotic sealife, white water raft through the rainforest, visit an indigenous tribe and so much more.
Immerse yourself in the “Pura Vida” way of life and uncover why Costa Ricans are some of the happiest people you will ever meet. From heart-pounding adventure to serene relaxation, this paradise caters to your every whim. Dive into world-class conservation efforts, mingle with locals, and soak in the vibrant culture.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time away from home, Costa Rica will welcome you with open arms. Connect with fellow high school students who share the zest for authentic adventures and cultural exchange. As you travel, uncover the secrets of responsible tourism, dive into Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife and embrace the Spanish language along the way!
KEY DESTINATIONS
REGION: CENTRAL AMERICA
COUNTRY: COSTA RICA
CITY: SAN JOSE
CITY: MONTEVERDE
CITY: ARENAL
CITY: CAHUITA
Costa Rica
The Ultimate Adventure
"I COULD WRITE FOREVER ABOUT MY TTN EXPERIENCE AND THE IMPACT IT HAS HAD ON ME."
- ALI T. FAIRFIELD, CT
PROGRAM ITINERARY
THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.
Day 1: Arrival Day
Bienvenidos a San José!
Our TTN Trip Leaders will meet you in the San José airport arrivals terminal wearing their TTN t-shirts.
We will spend this first day settling into our accommodation and building connections with fellow travelers. Before we sleep off our jetlag, we will enjoy a local welcome dinner.
Days 2 - 4: Monteverde & the Cloud Forest
Our adventure begins as we journey north from San Jose to Costa Rica’s biodiverse Monteverde Cloud Forest. Witness the landscape transform, from the coastal flora to dense mosses and lush vegetation, as we make our way into the central rainforest of Costa Rica.
Adrenaline awaits as we soar above the treetops on exhilarating ziplines and climb hanging bridges beside howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. Keep your eyes peeled as you glide over treetops – with some luck, we might even spot a rare quetzal, a brightly colored bird with magnificent tail feathers.
Delve into Costa Rica’s coffee heritage as we tour a plantation, learning the art of coffee bean cultivation and preparation. Meet local teens during a cultural exchange with high school students from the region and learn about day-to-day life growing up in Costa Rica. As night falls, a nocturnal hike in a nearby national park unveils the forest’s captivating wildlife, including red-eyed tree frogs, white-nosed coatimundis, and lots of exotic insects!
Days 5 - 9: Arenal & the Pacuare River
Welcome to Arenal, where adventure meets tranquility in a symphony of nature’s wonders. Start the adventure with a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal revealing the majestic Arenal Volcano, an iconic backdrop to this lush paradise. Delve into sustainable farming at an eco farm, basking in natural pools and connecting with native birds’ harmonious melodies.
Hike to the awe-inspiring Fortuna Waterfall, a rewarding journey that culminates in an amazing view. Amidst this serene setting, we’ll reflect, reset, and rejuvenate, fully immersing ourselves in nature. Prepare for an adrenaline surge as we navigate the Pacuare River’s thrilling rapids. Class 2-3 rapids lead the way, as we bond with our team and spot native wildlife along the riverbanks. After a day on the water, a rustic river lodge offers a bonfire, games and reflections.
As our river odyssey concludes, we journey to Costa Rica’s vibrant Caribbean coast. Pass the time with games, books and good company as we wind our way eastward, ready to explore the next chapter of our tropical expedition.
Days 10 -12 Cahuita
The last leg of our journey is upon us – Costa Rica’s stunning Caribbean coast. Welcome to paradise! With white sands and turquoise waters as our canvas, we’ll revel in the company of newfound friends against a backdrop of endless ocean.
Take a guided hike through Cahuita National Park, where the lush landscape hides treasures like toucans and sloths. Dive into the mesmerizing underwater realm as we snorkel, immersing ourselves in the magic of the ocean. Unleash your inner surfer, catch waves, or simply bask on the beach. Meet the indigenous Bri Bri tribe and discover the secrets of cacao, the heart of chocolate.
Our journey concludes with a delicious note, as we explore the art of traditional local Costa Rican cuisine. A sunset dinner brings us together for a final celebration, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Day 13: San Jose
And just like that, we’re back where it all began. Wrap up our adventure with a full day exploring Costa Rica’s colorful capital city. Embrace San Jose’s many charms, from quaint coffee shops to historical gems and delicious eateries. Make a stop in the iconic Central Park, a hub of life and culture that captures the essence of the city. Embark on a captivating city tour, where we’ll trace the vibrant strokes of the street art that adorns the walls in every corner of the city.
A visit to a modern art museum unveils the fascinating history of Costa Rican art and music, a testament to the nation’s creative spirit. In the evening, a special farewell dinner becomes a celebration of our remarkable journey. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, we’ll bid goodbye to newfound friends and savor the memories of two weeks that have left an indelible mark on our souls. [BS note: maybe just cut “on our souls?]
Day 14: Departure Day
Before we know it, our Pura Vida adventure has come to an end. Head to the airport with incredible memories, new friends, and confidence that will benefit you for life!
TTN Trip Leaders will accompany travelers to the San Jose airport and check them in for their flights home.
As you settle into your seat for the journey home, reflect on the things you saw, the people you met, and places you went. We’ll see you on your next adventure! Welcome to the Network!
Costa Rica
The Ultimate Adventure
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Travel Program
| 2024 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 10-JUN 23, 2024 |
| JUN 28-JUL 11, 2024 |
All-Inclusive Tuition
- Secure accommodations at each destination
- 3 meals each day
- Expert full-time trip leaders
- All transportation from arrival to departure
- All immersive experiences and trip activities
- Medical and evacuation insurance
- 24/7 parent support hotline all summer
- Personalized pre-departure support
- Collection of photo memories
- Authentic group travel experience
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