Costa Rica - Rincon de la Vieja & San Carlos

The Independent Day School with Teacher-Leaders, Angela Ruiz and Charlie Mitchell

Program Dates: June 16-22, 2025

Teacher-Leader, Angela Ruiz: Email: ruiza@independentdayschool.org

Teacher-Leader, Charlie Mitchell: Phone During Program: (860) 214 6186 | Email:mitchellc@independentdayschool.org

The Global Citizen Program Office: Phone/Text: 978-255-4601 (available 24/7 during your program) | Email: info@theglobalcitizenprogram

Follow Along on the Adventures: Invite family and friends to join our Facebook Group.

Flight Details:

June 16th:
Jetblue #1681 - Depart JFK at 9:15 AM, Arrive into Liberia at 12:40 PM

June 21st:
Avianca #608 - Depart San Jose at 8:00 PM, Arrive into San Salvador at 9:20 PM

June 21st -22nd:
Avianca #568 - Depart San Salvador at 10:55 PM, Arrive into JFK at 5:35 AM +1 Day

Please note, the following:

  • If you plan to check a bag for your flight, please be ready to pay for your checked bag at check-in to the airline. Check out our packing tips!

  • Mrs. Ruiz will have all e-ticket numbers 14 days prior to departure to help organize a group check-in.

Hotels

Day by Day Itinerary

June 16th: Arrival in Liberia and Introduction to Rincón de la Vieja
Included Meals: Dinner

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.

June 17th: Exploring Rincón de la Vieja – Waterfalls, Horseback Riding, and Adventure
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

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.

June 18th: Journey to San Carlos – Wildlife and Cultural Exchange
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

In the morning, start you journey to San Carlos, passing through Costa Rica’s rich agricultural landscape. In the afternoon, explore Arenal Volcano National Park and discus the volcanic ecosystem and its impact on local biodiversity. End the day with a hike down to La Fortuna Waterfall and go for a swim in the cool water!

June 19th Exploring Caño Negro – Wildlife and Culinary Immersion
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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.

June 20th: Artisan Traditions in Sarchí and Cultural Dinner
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

On your final morning, visit 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. Thsi afternoon, on your way back to San Jose, 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!

June 21st: Discover San Jose
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today, embark on an walking tour with your Program Director of the capital of Costa Rica! Discover San José’s colonial history and Spanish influences, visit San Jose’s Central Market and practice your Spanish skills with local vendors. Later, have dinner before heading to the airport for your red-eye flight home!

June 22nd: Arrival back to JFK at 5:35 AM.

What’s Included:

 
  • Roundtrip Airfare

  • Accommodations

  • Teacher Leaders

  • Full Time Local Program Director

  • Transportation to Included Activities

  • Breakfast and Dinner Daily

  • All Attractions and Activities

  • Guided Sightseeing by Local Expert Guides

  • All Tips and Gratuities

  • 24-Hour Support

  • All Taxes and Fees

  • Global Citizen Certificate

  • Pre-Travel Preparation Meetings and Seminars

Questions?