Costa Rica is Central America’s eco-tourist highlight – filled with idyllic beaches, majestic volcanoes, verdant rainforest and amazing wildlife. Here, we will immerse ourselves in nature, staying at some of Costa Rica’s most famous eco-lodges – Selva Verde. Our volunteer work will include working with children at local schools and community centers to benefit an entire area being involved with a variety of educational, construction, environmental, economic sustainability projects.
Come experience this great and beautiful country coupled with heart-warming humanitarian work.
Global Ambassadors for Children – Costa Rica Trip October 23-30
Day 1 – Welcome and transfer to the hotel
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. Transfer to the Villa Tournon Hotel in San Jose. Meet new friends and fellow travelers. If you arrive early, take an optional tour rappelling down one of Costa Rica’s tallest waterfalls or bungee off a bridge near San Jose. Or spend your free time getting acquainted with San Jose through shopping. Return to Hotel for GAFC Orientation and Welcome Dinner in the evening. (D)
Day 2 – Vista de Mar Ophanage visit + San Jose BioParque + Transfer to Sarapiqui
After breakfast, travel to one of San Jose’s largest children’s orphanage (Vista de Mar) and spend the morning volunteering at the Vista de Mar orphanage. This holds the most vulnerable children (either taken from their parents by the state or given up by their families). Most of the children have been emotionally, physically mistreated throughout their life. We will deliver donations and participate in arts and crafts projects and recreational/sports activities/modules with the children. Embark on a field trip with Children of the orphanage to San Jose BioParque to learn more of the ecosystems and also share some mentoring time with the children! Afterwards, we will continue on to the Selva Verde eco-Lodge in Sarapiqui. Get ready to experience the rainforest like never before at this first rate eco-lodge. Take optional night time reptile tour through the rainforest. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. (B, L, D)
Day 3 – Volunteer Day
Spend the day volunteering at a local school in Sarapiqui (Bajo de Chilamate). Learn about the Costa Rican educational system. Go on a quick tour of the school, and then spend time doing learning or enrichment activities with the children. We will also work on some school construction/maintenance projects. Complete sustainable project at the school through either assisting in construction of addition to the school or ESL, physical education module with children. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. In the afternoon return to the Sarapiqui Community Learning Center and work in their After-school program and community library helping the children through ESL modules led by the SCLC. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Volunteer Day
Spend the day volunteering at a reforestation project in Sarapiqui Learning Center at a local school (Escuela Vista Lindo). Work alongside children and community members to make a difference in the community at the ecological community biological corridor by planting over 300 trees to connect different parcels of rainforest for preservation and education. This agricultural project teaches the community how to preserve their natural resources and grow their own food. Also these efforts aid to reintroduce habitat of lost species of animals in supporting the eco-tourism industry where over 75% of Costa Ricans in the area rely for jobs. All supplies for the project are donated through the execution of this trip! Return to the eco-lodge for a well deserved group dinner including some of the best desserts/ice cream Costa Rica has to offer. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. (B, L, D)
If time permits take an optional adventure tour in the late afternoon. Try free bird watching tour hike through the rainforest. Try white water rafting through class II to class IV rapids. During the rafting, take an optional swim in the Rio Sarapiqui including for the truly adventurous, a small cliff dive/jump/plunge into the river. Take a wildlife boat safari viewing amazing river wildlife including monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs, crocodiles, bats, and numerous species of birds. Go on a Horseback riding through the forest crossing valleys, streams viewing rainforest wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, birds. Go bird watching, or the adventurous zipline canopy tour over streams, waterfalls and rainforest canopy. Other optional acitivities include mountain biking and rapelling off waterfalls! Or just relax at the eco-lodge pool or take a night time reptile tour.
Day 5 Volunteer within SCLC and Transfer to Arenal Volcano National Park
In the morning spend some time volunteering with the Sarapiqui Community Learning Center doing construction/maintenance projects. In the afternoon Transfer to hotel Arenal Volcano Lodge Hotel and enjoy an amazing view of Arenal Volcano. Embark on Arenal Volcano National Park to take the free tour. At night view the orange/red lava flow from the volcano top. When there take optional tours of La Fortuna waterfalls (the most magnificent waterfall in all of Costa Rica). Travel there by foot or by horseback, swim in the blue lagoon of the waterfall and enjoy the experience. (B)
Day 6 – Volunteer at Sonafluca or Free Day
After full buffet breakfast, enjoy a full free day to explore the area or to take any of the amazing optional tours. Wake up extra early for the free bird watching tour hike through the rainforest. Or take other tours including white water rafting through class II to class IV rapids. Take a wildlife boat safari viewing amazing river wildlife including monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs, crocodiles, bats, and countless other species of birds. Go on a Horseback riding through the forest crossing valleys, streams viewing rainforest wildlife including howler and spider monkeys, sloths, birds. Go bird watching, or the adventurous zipline canopy tour over streams, waterfalls and rainforest canopy (this zipline canopy tour is one of the highest at an average of over 250 ft. Other optional activities include mountain biking and rapelling off waterfalls! Or just relax at the Arenal Hot Springs. All activities are optional and are not included in the price of the AFC package.Try white water rafting through class II to class IV rapids. During the rafting, take an optional swim including for the truly adventurous, a small cliff dive/jump/plunge into the river. Take a wildlife boat safari viewing amazing river wildlife including spider and howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs, crocodiles, bats, and numerous species of birds. Go on a Horseback riding through the forest crossing valleys, streams viewing rainforest wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, birds. Go bird watching, or the adventurous zipline canopy tour over streams, waterfalls and rainforest canopy. Other optional acitivities include mountain biking and rapelling off waterfalls! Or just relax at the eco-lodge pool or take a night time reptile tour. (B)
Day 7 – Transfer back to San Jose
In the morning take part in GAFC group projects to discuss experiences and service projects of Costa Rica. If time permits, take an optional ½ day tour or use the time to shop in town for souvenirs. In the afternoon meet at the hotel to transfer back to the San Gilder Hotel in San Jose in the afternoon. Spend the afternoon shopping returning to Villa Tournon Hotel for your AFC Farewell dinner in the evening. (B, D) Breakfast and Dinner provided.
Day 8 – Return Home
GAFC program ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to new friends made and reminisce about the trip. Transfer to the airport for your return flight or stay and explore more of this amazing country! (B)
Selva Verde Lodge – a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, birders, and general travelers. This eco-lodge is committed to conservation and preservation. Spacious wooden verandahs with hammocks, elevated views, hot water, hair dryers, safety boxes, ceiling fans, and phones included. Come experience the rainforest like never before! Visit their website at:
http://www.holbrooktravel.com/selvaverdelodge/
Located in the northern region of Costa Rica and only two and a half hours from San José, the Arenal Volcano Lodge Hotel (equivalent to most 4-star hotels) is brand new and the best option to enjoy the most impressive view of the Arenal Volcano in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. The daily eruption activity of this 1,633 meter high volcano produces rocks, hot gases and lava on its slopes, where the beauty of the rain forest with its diversity of exotic plants, animals and birds blends with the magnificence of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The Arenal Volcano Lodge Hotel is definitely the ideal choice for total relaxation in the midst of nature. The lodge has two swimming pools with swim-up bars and hot tubs.
Highlights:
Visit to the La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano – one of the world’s largest!
Reforestation project in local community of Sarapiqui
School Day in Sarapiqui
Orphanage Visit in San Jose
Intensity:
Culture Shock – Costa Rica is relatively easy to adapt to and the people are very friendly and inviting. Spanish is the official language so try to learn a little before arriving!
Physical Demands – There will be traveling on bumpy roads at times. Expect heat and maybe a little humidity – be sure to drink lots of bottled water throughout the trip. Hiking at the volcano is optional.
Food and Drink – Enjoy local fare at the hotel and in town including yuca, plantains, and corn tortillas. Only drink bottled water.
Accommodations – Amazing eco-tourist hotels and lodges. All the basic necessities provided. Air conditioning and/or ceiling fans included.
Volunteer work – Light work in the community at local orphanages, schools, and a reforestation project.
Inclusions:
7 nights accommodations
All ground transfers
Most meals
Field Trip with Kids to BioParque
Services of an GAFC Trip Leader
Coordination of all volunteer work
Donations to volunteer sites
Other Information: Most major airlines service San Jose, Costa Rica – USAirways, NWA is a favorite!
