
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: Email:mitchellc@independentdayschool.org
















Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San José & Welcome Dinner
Included Meals: Dinner - Overnight: San José
Bienvenidos! Upon arrival in Costa Rica’s capital city, San José, you’ll be greeted by your Global Citizen Program Director who will be with you throughout your adventure. After settling into your hotel, head out for a relaxed walking tour of the city. Take in the local atmosphere, get a feel for the pace of life in Costa Rica, and see highlights like the National Theater and Central Market. This evening, enjoy your welcome dinner with the group—your first taste of Costa Rican cuisine—while getting to know your fellow travelers and hearing about the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Sarchí, Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner - Overnight: Arenal Area
Today, leave the capital behind and journey into Costa Rica’s lush interior. Your first stop is Sarchí, a charming artisan town famous for its vibrantly painted oxcarts and traditional woodwork. Learn about this iconic cultural craft, meet local artists, and even paint your own mini wooden souvenir in classic Costa Rican style.
From there, continue to Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the country’s most stunning and active volcanic regions. Hike along forested trails while learning about the area’s unique geological history and diverse ecosystems. Later in the day, head to La Fortuna Waterfall, where a short hike brings you to a breathtaking cascade surrounded by tropical jungle. Cool off with a swim in the pool at the base of the falls before returning to town for a relaxing group dinner.
Day 3: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge & Culinary Experience
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner - Overnight: Arenal Area
This morning, drive through the fertile northern plains of Costa Rica—passing fields of sugar cane, pineapples, bananas, and teak—on your way to Caño Negro, a pristine wildlife refuge near the Nicaraguan border. Board a boat cruise along the Río Frío, one of the country’s richest ecosystems, and search for exotic wildlife including monkeys, iguanas, caimans, and tropical birds like roseate spoonbills and toucans.
Back in the Arenal area, spend the evening immersed in Costa Rican culinary culture with a hands-on cooking class. Guided by local chefs, learn to prepare a traditional meal from fresh, local ingredients. Practice your Spanish in the kitchen and enjoy your homemade dinner with the group.
Day 4: Cultural Exchange & Travel to Playa Hermosa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner - Overnight: Rincón de la Vieja Area
Start the day with an unforgettable cultural exchange at a local school, where you’ll meet Costa Rican students and connect through games, art activities, and friendly conversation. It’s a chance to practice Spanish in a meaningful setting and build cross-cultural understanding.
In the afternoon, travel west toward the Pacific Coast and make your way to the laid-back beach town of Playa Hermosa, near Liberia. Along the way, take a catamaran boat cruise along the coast—relax on deck, take in the ocean breeze, and keep an eye out for dolphins or sea turtles. After arriving and checking into your hotel, enjoy some beach time to swim, relax, or play soccer on the sand before dinner.
Day 5: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Adventure
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner - Overnight: Rincón de la Vieja Area
Today is all about adventure and natural wonders. Head to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a geothermal playground filled with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and rainforest trails. Hike through this volcanic landscape, learning about its active geology and rich biodiversity along the way.
After your hike, change into your swimsuit and relax in the natural hot springs nestled in the surrounding forest—a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the week. In the evening, enjoy your farewell dinner with the group, celebrating the experiences and friendships made during your time in Costa Rica.
Day 6: Departure from Liberia
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, pack up and say a heartfelt goodbye to Costa Rica. Your group will transfer to Liberia Airport for the flight home—returning with new perspectives, incredible memories, and stories to share.
What’s Included:
Roundtrip Airfare
Accommodations
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (per day-by-day itinerary)
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
