Girl Scouts: Costa Rica

World-renowned Costa Rican coffee has grown to be an emblem of local culture. Join a local tour to learn how the country's elevation, eco-system, and volcanic history have all contributed to its unique taste.

Arenal is famous for its volcano, an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall, imposing, perfectly symmetrical shape makes it instantly recognizable.

Arenal Volcano National Park, located in the northern region of the country, is home to one of the world’s most active and impressive volcanoes. Besides the volcano, this national park has various hiking trails that wind through the tropical highland forest as well as the lowland wet forest. Also within the park is a magnificent man-made lake, Lake Arenal (the largest lake in Costa Rica), which provides over 40% of the country’s energy production.

Hike down through the lush rainforest alongside the La Fortuna Waterfalls, which cascade down a stunning 240 feet. Finish the day with a swim in the still pool at the bottom of the falls.

In 1987, a nine-year-old Swedish student asked what he could do to save the rainforests, and Children’s Eternal Cloud Forest was born. Contribute your green thumb efforts to their conservation work.

Glide along the still waters reflecting the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding rolling hills. Lake Arenal, the country's largest, is also among its most scenic, and the area has become popular area to kayak, windsurf, sail, fish, and hike.

Let the volcanoes take you away. At Arenal’s hot springs, bubbling lava fields heat the waters to make nature’s own jacuzzi.

Because of its humidity and latitude, the entire city of Monteverde can disappear in a second under a massive cloud cover. Founded by Quakers in 1951, the city boasts the best in Costa Rican creatures. Observe a proud display of howler monkeys, revered quetzals, and native frogs in the dense cover of the cloud forest.

Step into the Monteverde Cloud Forest and be transported to the lush world of the Costa Rican rainforest. The towering trees, abundant shrubs and vibrant flowers create a luscious oasis for a huge array of animals, including jaguars, toucans, and monkeys.

Get your spider monkey fix as you climb into the clouds. The Santa Elena Reserve reaches high into the atmosphere, bringing the cloudy mists into its lush forests and letting you see all the way to the Arenal Volcano.

Cook Costa Rican style! Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.

Travel to Manuel Antonio

LEAP Activity | Cocina Tica

Cook Costa Rican style! Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.

Combining white sandy beaches with lush tropical forest, Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to see a variety of Costa Rican wildlife, from white-faced monkeys and sleepy-faced sloths to green turtles and orange-and-black-shelled land crabs. Explore the cays and inlets of this national park during a guided excursion.

Snorkeling

A local artisan introduces you to the origins of traditional Costa Rican craft making, such as Ox Cart painting. Try your own hand at painting and take home your art as a souvenir.

Costumed Costa Rican folklore dancers teach you the El Torito, as well as other traditional dances, then relax and watch the pros perform.

LEAP Activity | Ox Cart Crafts

A local artisan introduces you to the origins of traditional Costa Rican craftmaking, such as Ox Cart painting. Try your own hand at painting and take home your art as a souvenir.

LEAP Activity | Dance the El Torito

Costumed Costa Rican folklore dancers teach you the El Torito, as well as other traditional dances. After your lesson, relax and watch the pros perform.

Depart for home or face the mighty rivers of Costa Rica on a white-water rafting expedition!