Costa Rica and Panama
Program Dates: Session 1: June 24 - July 7, 2025 | Session 2” June 30 - July 13, 2025
Book with a $150 deposit by May 15th to lock-in our Guaranteed Lowest Price:
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.
The Sloth
These adorable, slow moving creatures sleep 8-10 hours a day and most often will be spotted hanging out in the trees of tropical forests in Central and South America. But did you know they are really great swimmers? They are faster in the water than on land and can stay under water for 40 minutes!
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.
Did You Know?
Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to over 100 different mammals, and over 400 different bird species.
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.
“I think travel is one of the most important elements of a 21st century education. The self-confidence, maturity and cultural intelligence that I see our students develop is astonishing! As a Spanish teacher and a former exchange student myself, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of developing a world vision through global travel.”
— Sue A. Teacher-Leader
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.
Connecting Two Oceans
Did you know the Panama Canal is basically a short cut connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans? Without this short cut, ships would have to sail an additional 8,000 miles around Cape Horn, the tip of South America. On average, about 14,000 ships sail through the canal every year.
Day 10 - Panama
This morning you will visit the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering that opened in 1914. Learn about the fascinating history and construction of the canal as you watch ships navigate through the locks from the center's observation decks. Later, visit the historic district remnants of which date back to 1519 when the Spanish built their first city on the Pacific Coast. You will have time to visit the Casco Viejo at your own pace and perhaps buy a classic Panama hat.
Day 11 - Chitre
Travel to Chitré, the largest city on the Azuero Peninsula. Visit a local farm to learn about the agriculture in the region. You will participate in farm activities such as milking cows and feeding some of the animals. In between activities you will prepare lunch and eat with the locals.
Did You Know?
That Panama is the only country in the world where you can see the sun rise in the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean. The best place to catch this phenomenon is from the highest point in Panama, Volcán Barú.
Day 12 - Chitre
This morning, meet with local artisans and see how they blend the region’s indigenous heritage with its Spanish influences to bring local culture and traditions to life. You will learn about the making of traditional Panamanian crafts such as devil masks, traditional drums, pottery, bread, and Pollera dresses. Afterwards, learn about pre-Columbian art in a painting workshop. In the evening enjoy a folklore dance show.
Day 13 - Panama City
Morning drive back to Panama City. In the afternoon enjoy a short hike in one of the parks that surround city which is home to many animals, including birds, monkeys, iguanas, and deer. Farewell dinner.
Day 14 - Return Home
Transfer to the airport for return flight to USA.
Join this Program!
Students will join other teens from across the United States, accompanied by experienced, passionate and globally-minded U.S. certified educators. These inspiring leaders guide, nurture and mentor students on their journey to Global Citizenship.
What’s Included:
Roundtrip Airfare
Accommodations
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast and Dinner Daily, Select Lunches
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
