
Costa Rica - Rincon de la Vieja & San Carlos
The Independent Day School with Teacher-Leaders, Angela Ruiz and Charlie Mitchell
Program Dates: June 16-21, 2026
Teacher-Leader, Angela Ruiz: Email: ruiza@independentdayschool.org
Teacher-Leader, Charlie Mitchell: Email:mitchellc@independentdayschool.org
















Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Tuesday, June 16 - Arrival & Transfer to Arenal
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the Arenal region—home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. Settle into your hotel, get to know your fellow travelers, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure ahead.
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Wednesday, June 17 – Arenal Adventures
• Hike along the base of Arenal Volcano, exploring lava trails and soaking in panoramic views of the jungle and volcano.
• Take a scenic boat ride through Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, toucans, and crocodiles!
• In the evening, enjoy a hands-on Costa Rican cooking class.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Thursday, June 18 – Cultural Connections & Natural Wonders
• Visit a local Costa Rican school for a meaningful cultural exchange. Play games, practice your Spanish, and connect with students your own age.
• Hike down to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall and cool off with a swim beneath its 200-foot cascade.
• End the day relaxing at a nearby natural hot spring, surrounded by lush tropical forest.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Friday, June 19 – Rincón de la Vieja Adventure Day
• Saddle up for a horseback ride through the forest to the beautiful Oropendola Waterfall.
• Get your adrenaline pumping with an epic zip-line canopy tour over the treetops.
• Cool down in the river with tubing through natural rapids and jungle scenery.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Saturday, June 20 – Pacific Coast & Catamaran Cruise
• Travel west to the sunny beaches of Guanacaste and check in to the Villas Sol Hotel.
• Spend the afternoon on a catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast—relax on deck, swim in hidden coves, and enjoy a delicious lunch on board.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Sunday, June 21 – Departure Day
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Say goodbye to Costa Rica, and all the memories made—until your next adventure!
Included Meals: Breakfast
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
