Costa Rica Clasica

Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) helps us start our trip with a language school that gives us the building blocks for an amazing summer. With a maximum class number of five, we meet four hours each afternoon to learn Spanish through conversation, cooking, games, and dance. Feeling comfortable speaking the language enriches our cultural immersion. During this portion of the trip each student stays with his or her own "tico" host family. Mornings are spent exploring the area through outdoor adventure activities.

Our next experience is a service project with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation. By volunteering in low-income areas, we experience the life of local families. A new "tico" host family adds more diversity and a different perspective to our trip as we assist in planting trees in the rainforest and the preservation of sea turtles on the Pacific coast.

We finish up our trip by spending several days traveling with one thing in mind... adventure! There is barely time to rest between jungle zip-lining, snorkeling, mountain biking, tubing, and sailing. Watch red-hot lava flow down one of the most active volcanoes in the world and raft through Class IV rapids alongside monkeys and toucans. Join AAVE in Costa Rica for the summer of your life!

» Day 1:
You will be met upon arrival at the San Jose airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off to our bed & breakfast near Heredia. During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins.

» Day 2:
We head into the misty mountains of Monteverde where we meet our "tico," or host, families. The families have been hand-picked based on their accommodations, including indoor plumbing and a private room for each student, as well as a history of gracious, successful hosting. Hosting students is a main source of income for many Costa Rican families, and all host families are warm and welcoming. Most students bring a few pictures from home and a small gift from their hometown for their host family. For six days we share breakfast and lunch with our "tico" families, making the most of this opportunity to immerse ourselves in true Costa Rican culture.

» Days 3-7:
Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI) in the cloud forest of Monteverde is home to our classes for four hours each afternoon. Each student is given a Spanish test to determine their placement level. Teachers are professional, fun, and open to teaching based on the strengths and interests of the students. Learning the language is done through games, cooking, and dance. There are homework assignments and participation in all classes is mandatory. Making a firm commitment to speaking the Spanish language ensures a true, cultural experience of a lifetime. Before class each day our group participates in local adventures, including a Sky Trek Canopy Tour, hiking in the Santa Elena Reserve, assisting with tree planting and more!

» Days 8-9:
There is no better way to explore the incredibly diverse ecosystems of this beautiful country than mountain biking and hiking in Rincon de la Veija National Park. We cruise though a tropical paradise, conquering the heat as howler monkeys screech in the forest canopy towering high above us. Bike to a mud bath/spa in the middle of the jungle and horseback ride to a river tubing adventure. All abilities accommodated.

» Days 10-13:
Vamos a la playa! Time to catch some waves on a pristine beach. We take surf lessons on the beaches of Flamingo, and take time to soak up some of the warm equatorial sun and cool off swimming in the crystal clear ocean. We get our sea legs ready for a day of sailing! We cruise around some of the islands and make time to snorkel and check out the spectacular marine life. We have a chance to give back to this gorgeous coastal habitat by protecting nesting sea turtles as they come to shore at night to lay their eggs.

» Days 14-15:
We take in yet another awe inspiring wonder of nature, the active Arenal Volcano. If we are lucky we may see an eruption! One afternoon and one evening is spent exploring the area. We water slide and swim in a local pool with views of red hot lava, we hike to the beautiful Fortuna waterfall, and, if there is time, soak in natural hot springs.

» Days 16-18:
We travel to meet our second "tico" families in Santa Ana and begin our service project with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, a non-profit organization which promotes social awareness and assists low-income families in Costa Rica. We work hand in hand with the locals to build a childrenÕs playground and assist in mentoring the kids. This is a great opportunity to use our Spanish skills to converse and interact by working, eating, and living with Costa Ricans.

» Days 19-20:
We crash, plunge and float our way down the famous Pacuare River as the jungle canopy shades us from above. Class III & IV rapids offer wild and exciting plunges and drops suitable for beginners and experts. Afternoons and evenings are spent at the Rios Tropicales Lodge lounging in hammocks or exploring the surrounding jungle. Resting at night in our bungalows we wake rested and ready for another day of heart racing whitewater!

» Day 21:
All adventures must come to an end. We head to the airport, say our goodbyes, and starting wondering where AAVE will take us next year....

CRC is a physically, mentally and culturally demanding trip. You stay in simple homes with families, local hostels and native hotels; there is no camping or backpacking.