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Explore Tropical Ecosystems with your students in Costa Rica. Arrive in San Jose. Experience a world of flora and fauna like no other. See the Arenal Volcano, and at night, marvel at the fiery bursts of lava. Visit with a local school, tour a coffee plantation, then learn to cook local food! Next, the San Jose Cultural Center, and that evening, dance the El Torito!
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- Arrive in San José: Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Central America, a country with no armed forces. Arrive in San José, the capital city.
- LEAP Ox Cart Crafts:
- Journey to Arenal Volcano:
- Hot Springs: Visit the volcanic hot springs for a relaxing soak!
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.
- Travel from Arenal to Monteverde: The low-flying clouds and high humidity create an air of adventure as you travel to the "green mountain" of Monteverde - a world of flora and fauna like no other.
- Add on: Horseback Riding: Along the way, saddle up for a scenic horseback ride through the mountains and farming communities surrounding Lake Arenal.
- Nature Walk: This evening, enjoy the butterfly garden, which houses 40 of the 490 local species of butterflies, and enjoy an evening guided walk along a nature trail to see the nocturnal wildlife.
- Cloud Forest: Enjoy a fascinating visit to the Monteverde "cloud forest." At an altitude of 4,000 to 5,800 feet, this "cloudy" forest straddles the low continental divide and is known for abundant fauna and flora.
- Travel to the Guanacaste Coast:
- LEAP Costa Rican School Visit:
- LEAP Cocina Tica:
Visit a Costa Rican school to meet local students, practice Spanish and see the differences between schools there and schools at home.
Cook Costa Rican style! Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.
- Sandy Beaches: Enjoy tropical breezes and swaying palm trees as you relax on sandy beaches.
- Explore the National Park: Visit Santa Rosa National Park, the oldest and most developed park in the country. It is the largest remaining stretch of tropical dry forest in Central America and the nesting site for an endangered species of sea turtle. Learn about the biological educational program of the park.
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- Coffee Plantation: Visit a coffee plantation on the outskirts of San José.
- Sightseeing: Afternoon sightseeing brings you into the heart of San José to visit the cultural center, the National Theater, and the Gold Museum, known for its pre-Columbian treasures.
- LEAP 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.
- Add on: San José Rafting: Days 9 & 10: Add an extra day to your itinerary to experience a white water rafting expedition through the Costa Rican landscape.
