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

Questions?