Description

It starts and ends with thrills and features plenty of excitement in between. Designed specifically for middle school students, this trek kicks off with a "you will get soaked" whitewater rafting trip. Keep the energy up with a zip line tour through a rainforest canopy and horseback exploration. All the while practicing Spanish. Then exhale, with a few days of formal language instruction in the town of Orosi. Split your days between language classes and real world practice. Take what you learn in the morning and try it out it all afternoon while dancing, cooking or doing a service project with locals. The trip ends at the beautiful Curu Wildlife Refuge, yet the real journey has only begun.

Day 1-3
Travel north to the Sarapiquí region, where deep blue rivers cut through lush rainforest, for two full days of adrenaline-packed adventure. Together we take on the rapids of the upper Sarapiquí River. Learn how to paddle as a group, and pay close attention to our guide as we navigate Class III rapids. An action-filled morning is followed by an exciting afternoon when we fly through the rainforest canopy on one of Costa Rica's best zip lines! In the evening, get to know your group while relaxing and taking in the beauty of a 2000 acre working ranch. Wake up refreshed and ready for a beautiful horseback ride through the rainforest. Take time to observe the startling variety of wildlife including bright tree frogs blinking at you through red eyes, tropical birds chirping overhead and boisterous monkeys chattering away in the canopy. We ride deep into the forest, and just when it looks like the trail ends, hook into harnesses and rope and rappel off the edge of a river canyon to discover breathtaking views.

Day 4-7
A short bus ride takes us to the quaint mountain town of Orosi. Nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling peaks, Orosi provides a gorgeous backdrop for beginning your formal Spanish studies. Days are split between language classes and conversation practice. Class time focuses on grammar, vocabulary, reading skills and discussions on the nuances of the language. In the afternoons, we hone our conversation skills while visiting nearby cultural sites, attending cooking and dance workshops, and partaking in a variety of activities within the community. More comfortable with the conversational basics, join a local family in their home for dinner - a unique opportunity to see what it's like to live as a Costa Rican!

Day 8-9
Take a break from Spanish classes to embark on an overnight adventure into the mountains surrounding the Orosi Valley. Visit Volcano Irazu and horseback ride and hike through the countryside. The scenery in the mountains is remarkably different from the rainforest you explored in the first few days. The drier climate, warm days and cool evening temperatures provide a great environment for exploring local coffee plantations, swimming in waterfalls and relaxing around the campfire with your group. We may be on a break from formal classes, but there are still plenty of opportunities to practice your conversational Spanish!

Day 10-12
Ready for more Spanish classes, we return to Orosi. When not studying, immerse yourself in this vibrant community by attending a neighborhood baseball game, playing pickup soccer games with locals or heading to a nearby waterfall for a quick afternoon swim. Wrap up your community service projects by putting the finishing touches on murals, playing language games with local kids and enjoying the countless little moments that make giving back so fulfilling. Bid farewell to your new friends and teachers from Orosi, a charming town that is filled with life and the fragrant aroma of coffee beans. You leave with a newfound confidence in your Spanish skills and a relaxed mood that can only come from discovering the Tico way of life.

Day 13-15
Time for one last adventure, this time on the Pacific coast. Travel to the Nicoya Peninsula, then hop on a ferry that takes us to the Curu Wildlife Refuge. Once a hot spot for the exploitation of natural resources, the area has since been restored and rehabilitated into a prime location for wildlife watching, exploring the land and sea, and relaxing by cool blue waters. Head to nearby Isla Tortuga to enjoy snorkeling on a stunning reef with shimmering tropical fish and relaxing on white sand beaches. Kayak into lush rainforest to hear scarlet macaws, parrots and spider monkeys before you catch a colorful and exciting glimpse of these magnificent creatures. Our guides not only help us appreciate the beauty of the wilderness, they also give us a great chance to practice our newfound Spanish skills. We wrap up an unforgettable two weeks with new friends, incredible memories and a keen appreciate for Costa Rica's wonderful landscapes and culture.

Highlights

* Study Spanish at a charming school nestled in the mountain town of Orosi
* Whitewater raft down the Sarapiquí River
* Horseback ride, zip line and hike through lush rainforest
* Immersion in Tico culture through dance, cooking and meals with local families
* Work with local children on community service projects
* Visit a coffee plantation

NOTE: This trip is for students in grades 7 & 8.

Travel Types

• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Language Immersion
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Cultural Exploration
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Call for details

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Year Founded

1993