Costa Rica Summer

Continue your exploration of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and travel north to La Fortuna-Arenal, a charming town that lies at the base of the country’s most notable georgraphic feature: the mighty Arenal Volcano.  Although now in a dormant phase, Arenal offers unparalled opportunities for eco-hikes and viewing the flora and fauna that inhabit the region such as monkeys, sloths and over 500 species of birds.  A highlight will be your time spent volunteering at dog rescue sanctuary where you can bottle feed puppies and help build a new animal enclosure!

Tenorio Volcano National Park is a world above the rest of the country and consists of four volcano peaks and two craters. It’s a place of cloud forests and the famous Celeste River, a hyper-pigmented turquoise river that winds through the Park leading to hot springs, waterfalls, lagoons and panoramic vistas. In addition to the cloud forest, half of the park is rain forest, which leads to an abundance of bio-diversity.   You’ll discover all this and more on hikes along the lovely Celeste River.

End your trip on one of the most beautiful beaches along the entire Pacific coast!  While in Playa Blanca, you’ll stay at a genuine forest resort with beachfront access. Playa Blanca’s white sand beach is consistently rated one of the most authentic and least “touristy” beach areas in Costa Rica, while still offering all the amenities you could want. You’ll enjoy beach “Olympics”, visit to a butterfly sanctuary, a beach volleyball tournament, and forest hikes in a vast private nature sanctuary.

Come and experience Costa Rica’s natural magnificence this summer on this journey that will truly show you the real Costa Rica!

• HSP3U1 – Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology
• CGR4M1 – The Environment & Resource Management
• CGW4U1 – Canadian & World Issues
• ENG3U1- English
• ENG4U1- English

Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Upon arrival to San Jose meet your Costa Rican Naturalist guide who will escort you to the waiting private coach. Transfer to Montana de Fuego Volcano Eco Resort and Spa in La Fortuna, located in the exclusive private natural reserve boasting one hundred acres of pure tropical forest. While on route enjoy a stop at the La Paz Waterfall or Poas Volcano (depending on weather conditions), an introductory orientation scenic tour, and typical lunch (Travel time approx. 4.5 hours). Overnight at MONTAÑA DE FUEGO ECO RESORT &SPA – ARENAL

Thursday, July 9, 2020
CLASSES & EXPLORE THE PROPERTY & TRAILS / VISIT LA FORTUNA TOWN
Morning classes. Wake up to the sights and sounds of the jungle! Hike the many trails accompanied always by your dedicated naturalist guide. After lunch enjoy a guided walking tour of La Fortuna Town named ‘The Fortunate One’ for its flat, fertile farming land and stark contrast to the rough mountainous terrain throughout the rest of the region. This small town, located at the base of the volcano, offers a quaint introduction to the regions local culture, with the Arenal Volcano as an impressive backdrop. Overnight at MONTAÑA DE FUEGO ECO RESORT &SPA – ARENAL

Friday, July 10, 2020
TALK WITH ADIFORT / VISIT LA FORTUNA WATERFALL & THE DOG RESCUE CENTER
Morning Classes. Today students will have a chance to meet with the Integral Development Association of La Fortuna (ADIFORT); a non-profit organization. Students will have the opportunity to hike and swim during a visit to The Fortuna River Waterfall. In the afternoon, visit to the heartwarming Dog Rescue Centre, where participants will join Scott Alan and his passionate team in caring for Approximately 70 beautiful little friends! Walk the dogs, and bottle feed puppies, should a new litter have arrived! Enjoy lunch today at the Local Gecko Restaurant, followed by a visit to the local Farmers Market in La Fortuna Town for a window into the local agricultural economy, and a tropical fruit tasting!
Overnight at MONTAÑA DE FUEGO ECO RESORT &SPA – ARENAL

Saturday, July 11, 2020
RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE/ ARENAL VOLCANO HIKE AND VOLCANIC ROCK WORKSHOP
Wake up to the rainforest with an early morning 200meter sunrise hike amid ancient healing plants; learn of nature’s secret powers, and bask in the surrounding beauty of more than 4.9 miles of trails. In the afternoon, hike through the rainforest at the base of the active Arenal Volcano; situated within the much larger Arenal conservation area which protects approximately 16 biological reserves found between the Tilaran & Guanacaste mountain ranges. During the hike, students will delight in the park’s varied and extensive wildlife. Concluding this active and educational day; students will have the opportunity of free time this evening to rejuvenate and recharge at the pool. Overnight at MONTAÑA DE FUEGO ECO RESORT AND SPA – ARENAL

Sunday, July 12, 2020
Study day or optional excursion: MONTEVERDE DAY TOUR (OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Students will have the option of travelling to the world-famous Monteverde Region for a day tour of the protected and stunningly lush Cloud Forest! A Private coach will transfer students via a circumventing tour of Arenal Lake, offering incredible panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and the Tilarán volcanic range. While in the Monteverde region, students will have the choice of participating in either the Canopy Tour or the Hanging bridges at Selvatura Park. The adventurous will repel down into the premontane cloud forest using 7 various zip lines! The cloud forest Hanging Bridges will give participants the chance to walk in the top canopy of the forest and enjoy a unique perspective of the lush rainforest and diverse wildlife found within Overnight at MONTAÑA DE FUEGO HOTEL – ARENAL

Monday, July 13 & Tuesday, July 14, 2020 – CLASSES
Students will have the opportunity to study, rest, relax and recharge. An optional excision to Baldi hot springs will be offered one of these evenings. Overnight at MONTAÑA DE FUEGO HOTEL – ARENAL

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 TENORIO NATIONAL PARK & RIO CELESTE TOUR
Today transfer to Celeste Mountain Lodge – a responsible tourism establishment at the foot of the Tenorio National Park with access to the Rio Celeste, and located in an authentic rural area offering great natural beauty and dense forests. Students will have opportunity to explore the Tenorio National Park located in the Guanacaste Volcano Mountain Range, and home to lowland mountain rainforest. This valley between the two volcanoes is a perfect example of the diversity of microclimates, ecological zones, and multiple unique habitats for which Costa Rica is renowned. The day tour today introduces travelers to one of the country’s most incredible sights – the enchanting, blue-hued Río Celeste. Revel in surrounding beauty of the trails while searching for monkeys, sloths, tropical birds and more – can you spot the nationally adored Quetzal?! Night hike this evening! Overnight at CELESTE MOUNTAIN LODGE – RIO CELESTE

Thursday, July 16, 2020
TRANSFER TO CANYON DE LA VIEJA
ADVENTURE LODGE – RINCON DE LA VIEJA
After checking transfer to the Canyon de la Vieja Adventure Lodge located on the banks of the crystal blue Rio Colorado; a sprawling lodge offering full-service spa, thermal pools, mud baths, swimming hole, horseback riding, tubing, rajing and canopy tours. On the way, stop at Las Pailas; a circular trail known as the Sendero Las Pailas. This 3km trail, takes students east of Las Pailas ranger station, and past the boiling mud pools known as the Las Pailas, witnessing sulfurous fumaroles and a ‘volcancito’. Once arrived at the adventure lodge, Students will delight in the beautiful well-manicured surrounding gardens! Overnight at CANYON LODGE – RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Friday, July 17, 2020
EXPLORE CANYON LODGE GROUNDS AND SURROUNDING TRAILS
Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore the area and walk the grounds, accompanied always by your informative guide who will explain the area and help spot wildlife. The lodge is enclosed in exuberant tropical forest providing an exclusive refuge where guests can relax amid the tranquility and sounds of nature while enjoying the best of authentic culture and local Guanacaste hospitality. Overnight at CANYON LODGE – RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Saturday, July 18, 2020
CANYON LODGE HORSEBACK RIDING & tiTUBING
Today students will choose between 2 activities offered by the lodge: treasure a beautifully unique experience horseback riding across the Guanacaste prairies, in the company of a true Sabanero Cowboy! Admire the beauty of the volcano and the majestic views of its surroundings, while learning of the region’s rich, and distinctly different, cultural history of cowboys and ranching. Alternatively, students can enjoy an exhilarating, and refreshing, Tubing Adventure on the Costa Rican Rio Colorado! Bask in the thrill of traversing opposing wild rapids and calming still water! Meals today will be enjoyed in the local town for a taste of the authentic regional cuisine. Overnight at CANYON LODGE – RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Sunday, July 19, 2020
A DAY OF WORKSHOPS AND BEACHES: SUSTAINABILITY/ COOKING/ DANCING
Students will enjoy a variety of workshops offered throughout the day. Learn of the sustainability habits of the lodge, and enjoy a soap making workshop onsite. Prepare a traditional recipe with the group to enjoy together for lunch! Afterwards, get moving with a traditional dance class; a local will teach the most popular steps of salsa and merengue! Transportation will be available throughout the day to explore the many surrounding beach areas during intermittent free time. This evening students will relish a regionally typical BBQ dinner at the local favorite Rancho Restaurant. Overnight at CANYON LODGE – RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Monday, July 20, 2020
TRANSFER TO MANUEL ANTONIO (travel time approx. 5 hours)
Check out of the Canyon Lodge to be transferred to Manuel Antonio National Park, on route, stop at the Tarcoles River to witness the local crocodiles wading in their natural habitat. While stopped, quench your thirst with a tropical fruit snack at a local roadside fruit stand! La Foresta Nature Resort is a beautiful Tropical Retreat located in the central pacific coast of Costa Rica, with miles of private trails, and sitting amid over one hundred acres of protected rainforest. The resort is in the same biological corridor as the Manuel Antonio National Park, with proximity to the La Ballena Marine park, one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats. Overnight at LA FORESTA NATURE RESORT – MANUEL ANTONIO

Tuesday, July 21, 2020
MANGROOVE KAYAK AT DAMAS tiISLAND (OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Class Session. Afternoon optional excursion: Experience the Damas Island Estuary and Mangrove ecosystem from the intimacy of a kayak adventure. Indulge in a few therapeutic hours of paddling with the currents as your highly trained, naturalist guide reveals the protected inland waterways of the Damas Estuary and mangrove habitat. Admire the unforgettable richness of the diverse flora and fauna present in this unique ecosystem. Paddle under the shade of several tall species of mangroves; watch sloths and monkeys travel through the tree canopy, while hunting for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of reptiles quietly resting in the mangroves. Listen to the songs of the various local and migrate birds as they fly curiously overhead. Overnight at LA FORESTA NATURE RESORT – MANUEL ANTONIO

Wednesday, July 22, 2020
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
The Manuel Antonio National Park is one Costa Rica’s main tourist attractions, rarely can one see this diverse amount of wildlife from such close distances! Located on the central pacific coast, this park offers rugged rainforest, pristine white sand beaches, coral reefs and a vast biodiversity of wildlife and tropical plant life. Enjoy lunch beachside at the park! From the Resort, transportation will be available during the afternoon to visit various surrounding beach areas. Overnight at LA FORESTA NATURE RESORT – MANUEL ANTONIO

Thursday, July 23, 2020
CLASSES & SUNSET CAMARAN TOUR (OPTIONAL EXCURSION)
Following classes at the hotel, there will be an afternoon Catamaran Optional excursion offered to students: Cherish the sights of humpback whales, dolphins, stingrays and other beautiful marine wildlife. On board the catamaran, participants enjoy a wide selection of fresh fruits and natural juices while relaxing with incomparable views of the shoreline and Pacific Ocean during this luxurious paradise cruise. Lunch and dinner will be prepared onboard while participants revel in this unique and memorable journey! Overnight at LA FORESTA NATURE RESORT – MANUEL ANTONIO

Friday, July 24, 2020
FINAL DAY & FAREWELL DINNER
Final exams. This evening say farewell with a special dinner at a local restaurant boasting stunning sunset views. Overnight at LA FORESTA NATURE RESORT – MANUEL ANTONIO

Saturday, July 25, 2020
CHECK OUT, TRANSFER TO JUAN SANTAMARIA AIRPORT IN SAN JOSE

• Round trip airfare (direct on Air Canada)
• Accommodation as per itinerary’
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Pre-Departure briefing and material
• Volunteer Hours (issued as a certificate upon completion of the program)
• Licensed guide at at National Parks for Eco hikes All transfers via private coach
• Ontario high school credit

Excursions:

1. La Paz Waterfall upon arrival
2. La Fortuna Waterfall Excursion
3. Volunteer Project at the Dog Rescue Centre
4. Meeting with ADIFORT (non-profit organization)
5. Farmers market visit with a Tropical fruit tasting
6. Guided birdwatching sunrise tour in Arenal
7. Arenal Volcano NaDonal Park Hike
8. Tenorio NaDonal Park Guided Excursion
9. Rio Celeste Guided Excursion
10. Excursion to Las Pailas
11. Horseback riding or tubing at Canyon Adventure Lodge
12. Workshops at Canyon Adventure Lodge
13. Stop at Tarcoles Bridge to see giant crocodiles
14. Guided tour of Manuel Antonio NaDonal Park & Beach
15. Excursion to Beasanz Beach

Non-Refundable Deposit: $1,000.00 + ($250.00 optional insurance) due upon registration
Second Payment: $2,073.00 due January 23, 2020
Final Payment: $2,073.00 due April 16, 2020

Payment Schedules are indicated in the body of the email(s) provided with your invoice(s). If at any other time you need a reminder of your payment schedule do not hesitate to ask.

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be submitted in writing to Georgia Hardy Tours Inc. Charges for cancellation will be as follows:

• Deposit plus insurance: non-refundable
• Second Payment date + 1 day: 50% of the tour price is non-refundable
• Final Payment date + 1 day: 100% of the tour price is non-refundable