Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Flight to Costa Rica
Board your flight to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Upon arrival meet your local Travel Director and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk with your Travel Director learning about San José’s colonial past and Spanish influences. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers at your welcome dinner.

Day 2 - San Carlos

In the morning depart San José and drive to the  town of La Fortuna, a  town close the Arenal Volcano. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park to get a closer look at the active volcano. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall, a breathtaking waterfall that drops almost 250 feet. Later, relax in natural hot spring waters warmed by geothermal heat from the volcano..

Day 3 - San Carlos

Head north this morning, passing through sugar cane, teak, pineapple, and orange plantations. Then, cruise by boat on the Rio Frio to the world famous Caño Negro wildlife refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Look for black turtles, whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, anhingas, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch for caimans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, green iguanas, and water-walking lizards.

Day 4 - Monteverde

This morning go horseback riding through the beautiful countryside. In the afternoon meet with students from a local school and spend the afternoon getting to know your peers, learn what life is like for teens in Costa Rica, and spend time playing soccer together.

Day 5 - Monteverde

This morning explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest which is home to more than 400 species of birds and 100 species of animals including the jaguar, ocelot, tapir, three-wattled bellbird, bare-necked umbrellabird, sloths and the very elusive quetzal. In the afternoon see the forest from a different perspective as you go zip lining at the world famous Monteverde Canopy. You will enjoy views from a series of platforms while enjoying thrilling zip-line rides. Later this afternoon, take an interactive cooking class to learn to make a traditional Costa Rican dinner.

Day 6 - Manuel Antonio

This morning, visit an orphanage, where you’ll spend valuable time playing and teaching English to the children. We recommend bringing some school supplies to donate to the children. Later today, drive to Manuel Antonio situated on the Pacific Coastline. Spend the rest of the day soaking in the local culture and relaxing on the beach.

Day 7 - Manuel Antonio

Enjoy the day in the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park. The small beaches, lush forests and hiking trails are yours to explore for the day. While exploring spot the Capuchin monkeys that play in the trees along the beach.

Day 8 - San José

In the morning depart Manuel Antonio for San José. En route stop at the Crocodile Bridge in Tarcoles to see the crocodiles, some ten feet long, hiding among the water hyacinths and other aquatic plants.

Day 9 - Panama City
Fly from San José to Panama City located between the Pacific Ocean and the rain forest. Transfer to your hotel and then enjoy a walking tour of the Cinta Costera, the city's beautiful waterfront boulevard.

Day 10: Panama

Start the day with a visit to the legendary Panama Canal, an engineering wonder that has connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans since 1914. At the visitor center, watch massive cargo ships navigate the locks and learn about the canal’s rich history and impact on global trade. In the afternoon, step back in time as you explore Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic district. Wander through its charming streets lined with colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and hidden courtyards. Take time to explore at your own pace—visit local artisan shops, sip on a traditional coffee, and maybe even pick up an iconic Panama hat as a souvenir.

Day 11: Panama

Set out on a scenic boat excursion on Gatun Lake, the vast artificial lake that forms part of the Panama Canal. As you glide through its waters, keep an eye out for wildlife—monkeys swinging in the trees, exotic birds, and even crocodiles sunning along the shore. Enjoy a lakeside lunch, surrounded by lush tropical scenery. In the evening, dive into Panama’s culinary traditions with a hands-on cooking lesson. Learn how to prepare classic dishes using fresh, local ingredients, and then enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created together.

Day 12: Panama

Today, embark on a cultural journey to visit the Emberá tribe, one of Panama’s indigenous communities. Travel by boat deep into the rainforest, where the Emberá people will welcome you into their village. Learn about their ancient customs, traditional crafts, and way of life. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, often featuring locally caught fish and plantains. Before leaving, take part in a traditional dance or get an intricate jagua tattoo—a natural, temporary body art.

Day 13: Panama

Begin your day at Panamá Viejo, the original site of Panama City, founded in 1519. Walk among the ruins of the old city, once the target of pirate attacks, and imagine life during the Spanish colonial era. Next, indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to a chocolate factory. Discover the journey of cacao from bean to bar, sample handcrafted chocolates, and gain insight into Panama’s rich chocolate-making traditions. Wrap up the day with a final group dinner, celebrating the experiences, friendships, and memories made throughout the journey

Day 14 - Return Home

Transfer to the airport for return flight to USA.