Every time we travel we have great memories but traveling also we could create good memories for some other people and give a hand to our Mother Nature while we enjoy and this program gives to you the opportunity to know Costa Rica, enjoying its nature but also contributing in some different aspects. During this trip, we will visit “Obras del Espíritu Santo”, this non-profit is focused on diverse social aspects such as health, education, and teenagers and children at social risk. Next days you will enjoy in the northern plains of the country where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you. In Arenal, you will have the opportunity to live the costarican culture at “Arenal Vida Campesina” milking a cow, making “tortillas” and milling sugar cane. You could collaborate with the environment by sponsoring and planting a tree in danger of extinction. In addition, you will be part of the history, culture and traditions of “The Maleku” Tribe, with a lesson on Maleku history, a language class and learning about the close interaction they have with their surrounding ecosystem, even you will have the opportunity to participate in an arrow-making lesson. Besides, you will visit Proyecto Asis for a tour that allows you to experience a unique opportunity to not only be near the wild animals, but also help in their rehabilitation. In that way, you will learn important information of every specie, after that, you start with the volunteering that consists of preparing food for the animals and feeding them. This program definitively you will enjoy it but you also could say, I am leaving my footprint!
Program Summary:
Day 1: San José
Day 2: San José // Obras del Espíritu Santo
Day 3: Arenal Volcano
Day 4: Arenal Volcano // Arenal Vida Campesina Tour
Day 5: Arenal Volcano // Malekus Reserve Tour
Day 6: Arenal Volcano // Volunteer Program Tour at Proyecto Asis
Day 7: San José
Day 8: Departure SJO
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT– SAN JOSE
Upon arrival at SJO International Airport, a Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you, and he will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your vacation. Then, you will be transferred to your selected hotel in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE
Breakfast & Lunch
This day, you will visit “Obras Del Espiritu Santo” after breakfast. This non-profit organization was founded by the priest Sergio Valverde who started feeding homeless people fifteen years ago, and since that moment, people began to join this project, which is now a very well-known organization. Nowadays, the organization has 38 different ministries focused on diverse social aspects such as health, education, and teenagers and children at social risk. This institution also provides counselling and motivational programs to homeless people and to individuals who are currently in prison, among other groups of interest. Every year, on Christmas time, they organize a party for 30.000 children. Such activity takes place in the National Stadium located in San Jose. This project does not receive any financial help from the government, so all they do is achieved thanked to the contribution of people who want to give an opportunity to children and people at social risk. During your visit, you will share a special time with children, also you will visit the small zoo that priest Sergio has created in the community. You could also teach to children about your culture and language, always being accompanied by a bilingual guide who will do of this visit a great experience for you and for all these people who will never forget you.
Day 3: SAN JOSE – VOLCAN ARENAL
Breakfast
At mid-morning, the journey starts to the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, where the major attraction is the Arenal Volcano. The tour begins with a climb up to the central volcanic mountain range. On the way, it is possible to see diverse agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until the arrival to “La Fortuna” where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. Check in at selected hotel in Arenal, as you will be staying the next four nights at this property. The afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Day 4: VOLCAN ARENAL
Breakfast & Lunch
Today you will enjoy a guided journey through “Arenal Vida Campesina” property where you can appreciate traditional and non-traditional cultivations and take part of activities like milking a cow, making “tortillas” and gathering of vegetables from their own garden, cultural activities as the milling of sugar cane, typical dances and collecting water from our handmade well. In addition, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with the environment by sponsoring and planting a tree in danger of extinction and enjoying a typical, organic lunch made with products harvested from the property and cooked on a woodstove.
Day 5: VOLCAN ARENAL
Breakfast & Lunch
This day, you will be part of the history, culture and traditions of “The Maleku” Tribe. The Malekus indigenous people are very open to visitors and enjoy sharing with tourists a piece of their cultural roots, and main traditions, letting you learn about and experience some of the authentic Costa Rican heritage. Although most Malekus speak Spanish, they hold their native “Maleku Jaica” language near to their hearts, teaching young children this language even at elementary school. You will be also delighted by a fresh glass of “chicha”, a lesson on Maleku history, a language class and a tour through a medicinal plant garden to learn about the close interaction between the members of the tribe and their surrounding ecosystem. Before enjoying lunch, you will have the opportunity to participate in an arrow-making lesson. A theatrical representation that shows some Malekus’ ancient customs, such as weddings or duels will be the conclusion of the visit.
Day 6: VOLCAN ARENAL
Breakfast
Today you will visit Proyecto Asis “Wild Animal Rescue Center, Volunteer Programs and Spanish School” for a tour that allows you to experience a unique opportunity to not only be near the wild animals, but also help in their rehabilitation. During the tour, you will walk around the property accompanied by a tour guide, to visit each of the enclosures. In that way, you will learn important information of every specie: habitat where they live, source of food, social behavior, as well as information about if the animal is listed as endangered (national and international) and why. When this activity ends, there is a coffee break for the participants, including coffee, natural juice and tropical fruits. After that, you start with the volunteering that consists of preparing food for the animals and feeding them.
Day 7: ARENAL VOLCANO– SAN JOSE
Breakfast
After enjoying unforgettable experiences in Arenal area you will be transferred back to San Jose where you will stay the last night in Costa Rica. On the way, it is possible to admire diverse agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle ranches.
Day 8: SAN JOSE – AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL SJO
Breakfast
After enjoying, unique experiences related to social, cultural and natural aspects of Costa Rica, it is scheduled the transfer from your selected hotel in San José, to SJO International Airport to board your flight back home.
END OF SERVICES
Standard Category
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Sleep Inn San José | 3 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Paraíso | 3 Stars | Standard | 4 |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Crowne Plaza Corobicí | 4 Stars | Standard | 5 |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Springs | 4 Stars | Junior Suite | 5 |