Educator’s Journey

June 21 – June 29, 2012

OR

July 28 – August 5, 2012

This trip is created specifically for Educators for two reasons: first, to reward them for working hard in their field; and second, to give them an opportunity to affordably experience Costa Rica to plan for future educational journeys.

Our Educator’s Journey offers teachers a wonderful opportunity to connect with Costa Rica and sample some of the amazing educational, adventure, and service options we offer for student groups. For teachers considering future travel with student groups, there is no better way to start planning a trip than to experience it firsthand!

Teachers on our Educator's Journey come away with a wealth of trip planning knowledge and ideas, as well as valuable connections with like-minded teachers.

*$400 land cost plus airfare 

Sample Itinerary from our Educators Journey 2011
July 30th – August 7th, 2011

Day 1: Saturday, July 30

After our first Costa Rican breakfast we drive through the cloudforest in the National Park of Braulio Carillo, to arrive at the Veragua Rainforest Center. Today we experience live exhibits of snakes, butterflies and tropical birds. We walk the nature trails with naturalist guides and visit research centers, where hands-on activities are ongoing in this fascinating setting. After dinner, we experience the sounds of the forest and see some of the nocturnal forest during a night hike!

Overnight: Veragua Rainforest

Day 2: Sunday, July 31

After an early breakfast, we get on the road and head to the Caribbean coast. On the way, we pass by a banana plantation to learn about this controversial and delicious fruit. Upon arrival, we visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, whose mission is not to be a zoo, but rather a rescue and education center with the end goal of releasing the animals back into the wild. From there, we head to the Kekoldi Indigenous reserve to learn about their Green Iguana project. A delicious native lunch is served in typical style with many ingredients harvested from their understory gardens. After lunch we have the opportunity to visit some special points of interest, where we see local people implementing positive solutions to some of the environmental, agricultural, and social issues we have learned about thus far. We visit local schools and communities to get a first hand view of the projects in which CRA has participated, through our extensive community service programs.

Overnight: Puerto Viejo, Caribbean

Day 3: Monday, August 1

We get an early start. A local guide will take us through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where the path travels from the beach into the jungle. Our guide will show us the wonders of his ‘backyard’ while explaining the medicinal and edible uses of many of the trees, fruits, and plants along the way. After the hike, we have lunch at the famous Maxi’s restaurant on the beach. Then, enjoy the afternoon at Punta Uva, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, where the rainforest practically pours into the sea.

Overnight: Puerto Viejo, Caribbean

Day 4: Tuesday, August 2

Early this morning we head to the banks of the Pacuare River for an unforgettable day of white water rafting on class III and IV rapids. This scenic river runs through lush jungle and majestic gorges; beautiful waterfalls cascade into the river alongside the rafts. We stop on the riverside for an excellent lunch and appreciate the fact that this is still a thriving ecosystem, thanks to strong local advocates who, after a decade of action, stopped a dam project here in 2004. After a thrilling day of rafting, we make our way to the slopes of Arenal, Costa Rica’s most active volcano.

Overnight: La Fortuna

Day 5: Wednesday, August 3

This morning, we learn from former school teacher, Don Juan, as we take his farm tour and learn about organic farming, sustainability and bio-digesters. We also may have the chance to work with the Tilapia fish pond, make sugarcane juice, or milk cows. Lunch is served with Don Juan’s family. After lunch, we fly through the forest canopy on a zip-line tour. In the evening we bathe in the delightful natural hot springs with a view of the lava-streaked volcano.

Overnight: La Fortuna

Day 6: Thursday, August 4

This morning we make the long drive to the cloud forest. We drive past Cartago, Costa Rica’s original capital, and then begin to climb up into one of the country’s most magical paramo forests. Upon arrival to the highlands we visit an Organic and conventional coffee farm and learn all about this amazing bean. We then head to our eco-lodge, which is an off-the-grid family farm. We relax and soak up the views.

Overnight: Seelye Family Farm, Santa Maria de Dota

Day 7: Friday, August 5

This morning we take a breathtaking hike through the surrounding forests and have a chance to climb the magical Castle Tree, a redwood relative that is believed to be a thousand years old. On our hike, we learn about the highland forest and see many unique species of plants, trees, and birds that are endemic to this area. In the afternoon, relax with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and bask in the highland view. Enjoy this time to reflect on what you have seen, done, and learned so far. Keep your eyes open for quetzals flying over the valley below.

Overnight: Seelye Family Farm, Santa Maria de Dota

Day 8: Saturday, August 6

In the late morning, we return to the capital city of San José to visit the Costa Rican Adventures office, the hub of control, and meet the masterminds behind all of our educational adventures. We meet with CRA’s team to share stories about the Educators Journey. We also view slideshows and share ideas about the endless possibilities for educational travel in Costa Rica. In the evening, we head to an art gallery/restaurant in the heart of the city for a farewell dinner. The restaurant is known not only for its amazing food, but also for its art made from recycled materials.

Overnight: San José

Day 9: Sunday, August 7

Fly home with inspiration to take back to the classroom, the tools necessary to create a student trip and memories to last a lifetime!

Overnight: Your Bed 

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