Rainforest, Beach & Cultural Immersion in La Fortuna
| Costa Rica
Take life down a notch and settle into the "pura vida" lifestyle of rural Costa Rica!
"Pura Vida", means "pure life" or "life is good" and Costa Ricans use it for everything. With a mantra like this it's no wonder Costa Rica ranks as the happiest country on the planet. Discover a uniquely tropical area, La Fortuna, and focus on the healthy Costa Rican lifestyle and what that means here. Learn what it is that keeps people mentally positive and physically healthy in this Central American country. Visit the Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast, one of only five Blue Zones on the planet, where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. This program is directed by the fabulous Maria Molina, who ran the Spanish immersion programs from 2007 to 2018 in Atenas. Maria and her husband live in La Fortuna and run a cattle ranch and dairy farm. They are very involved in ecotourism, health and wellness projects, and teaching Spanish. The couple manage the Bogarin Trail, which grew out of land set aside on the ranch over 20 years ago and now teems with endemic flora and fauna.
Dates & Prices
jun 21 - jul 05 (15 days) $3,895
Jul 12 - jul 26 (15 days) $3,895
Jul 12 - jul 26 (15 days) $3,895
Program at a Glance
Ages: 14 - 18
Minimum Group Size: 5 participants
Maximum Group Size: 15 participants
Focus: Movement, health, cultural immersion, Spanish
Level of Spanish: A basic
level of Spanish is recommended
Level of Physical Activity: Moderate
Accommodation: Homestays / Hotels
Airport Code: SJO (San Jose International Airport)
Program Locations: La Fortuna, Nicoya
What's Included
Room & Board | Onsite Directors | Excursions | Cultural Activities |Airport Transfers | International Medical Insurance
Highlights
Live like the locals in La Fortuna, a paradise on Earth. Participate in horseback riding, white water rafting, and hiking through the pristine rainforest.
Wellness-focused activities such as sports, yoga, healthy cooking, and other forms of exercise.
Excursion to the Pacific beach and the coastal region of Guanacaste.
Hike the Bogarin Trail with local guides to view wildlife such as sloths, howler monkeys, and toucans.
details
Airport pickup (SJO) by a program director. Overnight at a hotel in Atenas.
Travel to La Fortuna and meet your homestay. You will enjoy homemade meals to fully experience the Costa Rican diet and cooking traditions which is essential to learning about the country's healthy lifestyle.
Mountain biking followed by a healthy cooking class. Enjoy morning yoga and a meditative hike through the rainforest.
Practical Spanish classes included 3 afternoons for 1 1/2 hours the first week. Learn Spanish that will enhance your experience. Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels offered.
Relax in the soothing and healing water of the many natural hot springs created by the geothermal activity of the Arenal Volcano.
The farmers market is an important aspect of life in Costa Rica. Visit the La Fortuna Farmer's Market and buy ingredients for the day's cooking class. Head out with locals that afternoon for some traditional bingo.
Splash into tropical discovery for a day of white water rafting. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch with the tour company.
Picnic day with your homestay by a local river and swim in the pristine waters surrounded by the rainforest.
Morning hike to get the blood flowing before the Chocolate Tour & Workshop that reveals the secrets of this ancient sacred food.
Journey to Guanacaste, on the Pacific coast, and visit a working farm to learn what the locals do to stay healthy. While on this excursion enjoy time in the ocean or just relax on the beach. Surf lessons available.
Farewell evening in Atenas with new friends before heading home.
Tips & Advice
This program is based in a rural area of Costa Rica. Be prepared for experiences off the beaten path.
Pack light and bring a small backpack for the daily activities.
Bring clothes that can get dirty! Pack for movement and activity. Lightweight clothing is the way to go.
Comfortable hiking shoes are a must!
Bring prescribed medications for the length of the program.
