Itinerary

The Pura Vida Experience is a seven to ten day adventure that may vary according to preferences of the program participant and seasonal availability.  The following is a standard itinerary for a 9 day trip that adapts well to school vacations.  Please note that the schedule can be tailored to the specifications of the students and their families.  

The Pura Vida Experience Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in San José, Costa Rica and check in to hotel.  That evening we will enjoy a traditional meal of Tico cuisine before returning to the hotel to rest and prepare for our adventure.

Day 2

Depart in the morning to La Fortuna at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, which is one of the world's most active volcanos.  After arrival and check in to our hotel, there will be free time for lunch before our evening excursion to the arenal volcano.  At dusk and as the sun light diminishes we may be treated with spectacular views of the lava flows.  Afterward we will continue to the area's natural hot springs.  These thermal baths are naturally occurring springs heated by the underground tectonic activity.  We will enjoy a soothing dip and dinner before heading back to our hotel in La Fortuna.

Day 3

Today program participants have the option of selecting their own adventure for the day.  The La Fortuna area provides countless options for every taste.  We will help you choose from white water rafting, zipline canopy tours, horseback visits to local waterfalls, riverboat nature tours and a lot more.  For a detailed discription of some of the available activities visit the PVE Activities page .  Remember, you also have the option of spending the day relaxing at the hotel and strolling through town. 


Day 4

After breakfast we will travel the cloudforest region of Monteverde by crossing Lake Arenal in a boat.  After check in and free time for lunch, we will meet for a guided twilight visit to the a private nature preserve known as the Children's Eternal Forest. With flashlights and a local guide we will take a refreshing walk through the moutain air to try to observe the local wildlife, 70% of which is nocturnal.



Day 5

After breakfast we will visit the Monteverde Cloudforest Preserve.  This impossibly green area is one of Costa Rica's most spectacular national parks.  Our local guide will take us through the fascinating area and to the continental divide with amazing views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific ocean.  After lunch we will travel to the Manuel Antonio region on the Central Pacific coast where we will check into our hotel.

Day 6

Once we have finished the morning meal we will visit the Fundación Roberta Félix where a small but dedicated staff works to provide care for disabled children.  Because of a lack or resources and programs, these children cannot attend public school.  The FRF provides them with education, health care, socialization, and most importantly, love and affection.  We will spend the morning volunteering at the center or taking the kids to the beach.  Later we will have free time for lunch and to relax.  That evening we will learn how to make traditional Costa Rican cuisine in a cooking class.  Dinner is the delicious food we learn to prepare.

Day 7

No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a dip in the surf.  We will spend the morning learning the basics of surfing with certified instructors.  Those that prefer a more relaxing morning are welcome to enjoy the lie on the beach or wander through town.  That evening will be our last in Manuel Antonio.  

Day 8

After a relaxing morning we return to San José where will spend our last night in Costa Rica.

Day 9

Return flight to the United States.