Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Liberia and Introduction to Rincón de la Vieja

Arrive in Liberia, where you’ll meet your Program Director and transfer to your hotel near Rincón de la Vieja. After settling in, head to the natural hot springs warmed by the geothermal activity of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. During your visit, practice Spanish as you engage with your local director, teachers and classmates. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome dinner, practicing conversational Spanish and setting the stage for the days ahead.

Day 2: Exploring Rincón de la Vieja – Waterfalls, Horseback Riding, and Adventure

Start the morning with a scenic horseback ride through the lush landscapes surrounding Rincón de la Vieja. At Oropendola Waterfall, take a swim in the bright blue pools, and engage in a Spanish-guided discussion on the waterfall’s natural history and biodiversity. After lunch, experience the thrill of zip-lining through the forest canopy and learn about Costa Rica’s flora and fauna as you take in the incredible views from above.

Day 3: Journey to San Carlos – Wildlife and Cultural Exchange

In the morning, journey to San Carlos, passing through Costa Rica’s rich agricultural landscape. Along the way, stop at a local school, where you’ll connect with Costa Rican students through games, art projects, and discussions in Spanish. This immersive exchange provides an opportunity to practice conversational Spanish in a friendly setting. In the afternoon, explore Arenal Volcano National Park and discus the volcanic ecosystem and its impact on local biodiversity. End the day with a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall!

Day 4: Exploring Caño Negro – Wildlife and Culinary Immersion

Begin the day traveling through plantations of sugar cane, teak, pineapple, and oranges, discussing agricultural practices with your local director in Spanish. Arrive at the Rio Frio for a boat cruise through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds and local wildlife. Look for unique species like roseate spoonbills, whistling ducks, and caimans! In the evening, join an interactive cooking class to prepare a traditional Costa Rican dinner. Guided in Spanish, you’ll learn about local ingredients and culinary traditions, enhancing your language skills in a hands-on environment.

Day 5: Artisan Traditions in Sarchí and Departure from San José

On your final morning, visit the artisan town of Sarchí, famous for its vibrant, hand-painted oxcarts. Meet local artisans and hear about the history of these crafts, practicing conversational Spanish as you paint small wooden items in traditional styles. After exploring the marketplace and interacting with artisans in Spanish, continue to San José. Tonight, join a fun dinner with local music and dance for your farewell dinner! Later, board your overnight flight to JFK.

Day 6: Arrival

Arrive back into JFK with enhanced language skills, memories of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, and a deeper understanding of its culture and traditions.