Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica! | San José

Your Costa Rican adventure begins as you depart Columbus, Ohio, for San José, Costa Rica’s lively capital! Upon arrival, meet your local Program Director, who will welcome you and accompany your group throughout the journey. As you travel through the city, begin discovering the sights, sounds, and daily rhythms of life in Costa Rica. Depending on your arrival time, visit Obras del Espíritu Santo for an introduction to its Catholic mission and the community it serves. Attend Mass at a local Catholic church, sharing in a familiar faith tradition in a new cultural setting. Then settle into your hotel and rest up for a week of service, discovery, and adventure.

Day 2: Faith in Action | San José

Put faith into action as you spend the day serving alongside the team at Obras del Espíritu Santo. Learn about the organization’s work and contribute to projects selected by its staff to meet current community needs. Your group may help sort donated items, prepare supplies, or support daily operations—practical tasks that contribute to a larger mission of care. Through teamwork and conversations with the people leading this work, gain a deeper understanding of how service connects communities. Take time to reflect on the day and consider how compassion and a willingness to help can shape your actions both abroad and at home.

Day 3: Whitewater Rafting & Volcanic Hot Springs | San Carlos

Leave the capital behind and travel toward the green landscapes of San Carlos, where tropical forests, farmland, and volcanic scenery set the stage for your next adventure. After a safety briefing and paddling instruction, join experienced rafting guides for an exciting journey down the river. Work together to navigate the rapids, enjoy quieter stretches surrounded by tropical vegetation, and experience the importance of communication and teamwork. Later, trade your paddle for a relaxing soak in natural volcanic hot springs. Feel the warmth of the water as you unwind and discover another way Costa Rica’s volcanic landscape shapes everyday experiences.

Day 4: Volcano Trails & Waterfall Wonders | San Carlos

Explore Arenal Volcano National Park, where the landscape offers a close-up look at the relationship between volcanic activity and the natural world. On a guided walk, learn how past eruptions have shaped the terrain and how plants and wildlife adapt to this changing environment. Watch for birds among the trees and, weather permitting, enjoy views of Arenal’s dramatic volcanic peak. Continue to La Fortuna Waterfall, a powerful cascade framed by lush tropical forest. Descend the stepped trail toward the waterfall, taking in the sounds of rushing water and the surrounding greenery. It’s a memorable day of outdoor exploration that brings lessons in geology and ecology to life.

Day 5: Cultural Connections & Costa Rican Traditions | Monteverde

Travel into the mountains toward Monteverde, where cooler air, misty forests, and rolling green hills offer a different perspective on Costa Rica. If the school calendar and local availability permit, visit a Catholic school for an exchange with Costa Rican students. Through dancing, soccer, and conversation, discover shared interests while learning about school life and traditions in another country. Later, enjoy a guided horseback ride through Monteverde’s scenic countryside, following trails that offer a slower-paced way to appreciate the landscape. This evening, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class. Learn about local ingredients, help prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes, and enjoy the satisfaction of sharing a meal you’ve helped create.

Day 6: Above the Treetops & On to the Pacific | Manuel Antonio

Start your morning with an exhilarating zipline adventure through Monteverde’s cloud forest canopy! Following equipment fitting and a safety briefing, experienced guides will help you navigate the course as you glide among the treetops. From this elevated perspective, appreciate the layers of the forest while challenging yourself and cheering on your fellow travelers. Afterward, depart the mountains and journey toward Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Watch the scenery change as cooler highland landscapes give way to warmer coastal surroundings. Settle into your accommodations and, if arrival time permits, head to the beach for your first look at the Pacific.

Day 7: Rainforest Wildlife & Pacific Adventures | Manuel Antonio

Attend Mass at a local Catholic church, sharing in worship and taking time to reflect on your experiences in Costa Rica. Then set out on a guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio, where tropical forest meets the Pacific coast. With your guide’s help, search the branches for monkeys, scan the canopy for sloths, and listen for the calls of tropical birds. Discover how Costa Rica protects these habitats and why biodiversity matters. After your walk, enjoy time at the beach before boarding a catamaran for a coastal cruise. Take in views of forested headlands and the open ocean, keeping watch for marine life as you share a memorable afternoon on the water.

Day 8: Local Discoveries & Lasting Memories | San José

Begin the journey back to San José, taking in Costa Rica’s changing landscapes along the way. Stop to browse for souvenirs and find a small reminder of your travels to bring home. If time permits upon arrival, explore the capital’s historic center, where public squares, older buildings, and busy streets offer a glimpse into the city’s history and daily life. This final evening provides time to reconnect as a group and reflect on the journey—from serving alongside a local organization to trying new foods and stepping outside your comfort zone. Consider what you’ve learned about Costa Rica, one another, and yourself, and how those lessons might continue at home.

Day 9: Hasta Luego, Costa Rica!

Say farewell to Costa Rica as you transfer to the airport for your flight home. Leave with shared stories, stronger friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the country’s culture, communities, and natural beauty. From hands-on service to rainforest adventures, this journey offers experiences to remember and lessons to carry forward. ¡Pura Vida!