Pick-up at Juan Santa María International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica and transfer to our base in San Ramon de Tres Rios located 45 minutes Southeast of San Jose. In the evening there will be an orientation and the “duffle shuffle” where Girl Scouts repack their gear and clothing into the backpacks for course.

Early morning transfer to the trekking area. The first day of trekking goes through areas of tropical alpine tundra at an approximate elevation of 8,000 feet. The area is home to the quetzal bird, which has historical significance for indigenous groups, as well as a myriad of other flora and fauna. A local assistant instructor accompanies each group for the entire rainforest portion of any CRROBS course. His or her role is to share unique knowledge of the species found in the rainforest and to converse in Spanish with the students. Overnight at the remote shelter of Las Rejas.

The hiking continues, dropping in elevation through transitional and cloud forests. The forest is shrouded in mist for much of the day, and trees are covered with moss and lichens. The forest feels enchanted as the route becomes more and more remote. This area is home to many species including parrots, parakeets, toucans, birds of prey, ocelots, three species of monkeys, sloths and even tapirs. While mammals are much less frequently sighted, groups can see many bird species as well as evidence of mammals in the form of tracks, scat, and vocalizations. For example, most groups are able to hear the mantled howler monkey’s call, which can carry over a distance of one kilometer. This area is quite rugged and mountainous, so the pace is unhurried as you take in the abundant natural beauty of the area. Overnight at another remote shelter, La Flecha.

Your trek continues generally downhill towards the tiny village of Piedras Blancas. This village is named after the many white boulders found in the area. Many of the village homes are built using the boulders as walls or dividers. Tonight, you will be the guests of Orlando and his family, from Piedras Blancas.

In the morning, hike to your next homestay with the Lopez family. During the day, your host families throughout the Piedras Blancas region will share many of their traditions and daily chores with you. Activities could include planting or harvesting traditional foods such as bananas, rice, beans, sugar cane, cocoa beans, avocados, oranges, squash, or corn. Food preparation could include hand-milking cows or goats, thrashing rice, grinding corn, hand making tortillas and cooking over an open fire. Contribute to service projects by helping out at the local school or participating in cultural activities with the children.

Spend this day at a homestay in Brujo. Cultural immersion and local cultural and adventure activities.

Today, grab a paddle and begin your day rafting on the safe but exciting Savegre river! Take a side hike to layered waterfalls and discover which one makes the best shower! Stay overnight at the CRROBS base in Manuel Antonio. Note: depending on water conditions, instructors may choose to raft a different river.

Welcome to the beach at Manuel Antonio! Spend the morning in Manuel Antonio National Park. Partake in a surfing and/or boogie boarding or snorkeling lesson in the afternoon, and enjoy free time to beach-comb. Wave formation as well as coastal ecosystems are discussed.