" Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of people and things cannot be acquired by vegetating on a little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime."

-Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), Innocents Abroad

Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School (CRROBS) welcomes Outward Bound International (OBI) to the wildnerness and adventure that awaits them in Costa Rica and Nicaragua!

Outward Bound International guests will paddle the beautiful Sarapiqui and San Juan rivers, will have the opportunity to see indigeneous animals of the rainforest, stay with remote rainforest villagers who continue to live a traditional lifestyle, and will zip line from tree to tree on a rainforest canopy adventure.

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to relax in hot springs and a spa.  Also, experience the local market in San Jose, where participants will have the chance to buy souvenirs. 

Itinerary
Days: 8
Dates: TBA
Expedition Host: G. KELLY O'DEA

Day 1 Arrival in San Jose Arrival flights met at San Jose International Airport and transfer to the CRROBS base located in the mountainous rainforest above Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Overnight either at the CRROBS base or at a nearby hotel.

Day 2 Early morning transfer to the world famous Pacaure river.  This river is a white water mecca known world wide for it's spectacular white water as well as rainforest scenery with waterfalls that drop from the steep canon walls directly to the class III and IV whitewater rapids.  Your expert guides have years of experience safely navigating clients on this river section.  The team of directors of the Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School will join you for this unique adventure. Evening dine on local cuisine and overnight at a riverside bed-and-breakfast.

Day 3 Transfer to beautiful Sarapiqui River located approximately 1 hour from the Pacaure river. Training in Inflatable Kayaks (duckies) and start paddling! Overnight at the Trinidad Riverside Jungle Lodge located at the junction of the River San Juan and the Sarapiqui River.

Day 4 After an early breakfast we will paddle across the river and do immigration processes to enter into Nicaragua. (Note: you will legally be in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua as you paddle the river. The right bank is Costa Rica and the left bank is Nicaragua) The local people use large dug out canoes and fiberglass boats for transportation for both people and supplies.  The group will be joined by a local indigenous guide who has spent his entire life in this remote rainforest region.   For those who desire, make an afternoon hike to the hut of a traditional healer.  He is often sought out by local villagers for his ability to cure illnesses with rainforest plants. Continue paddeling downriver through more and more remote rainforests.

Day 5 Continue the down river paddle thru rainforest areas dotted with small settlements along the river’s banks. Many species of rainforest animals can be spotted including crocodiles, water birds, parrots, toucans, and three species of monkeys amongst other species. Overnight with a village family whose home is built on stilts and covered with a thatch roof.  The setting seems like a national geographic portrait.

Day 6 Continue paddling down river towards the coast.  Optional community service project at a small river-side one room school house.  This provides the unique opportunity for cultural exchange with children who still live very much a traditional lifestyle.

Day 7 Rise early today for an upriver transfer in a traditional dug out canoe with motor and transfer to Receo Verde for an exciting morning spent on zip lines from tree to tree. Afternoon relax at the area’s hot springs.  Overnight accomodations at the CRROBS base or nearby hotel.

Day 8 Cafe Britt is the countries premiere gormet coffee exporter.  Steve Aaronson is the owner as well as CRROBS Board Chair.  Join him for a unique and fascinating tour of the Cafe Britt facilities with focus on the history of coffee and coffee production in Latin America.  Mid-afternoon transfer to San Jose area for a walking tour of Costa Rica's capital and a chance to buy souvenirs.  In the evening, CRROBS will host the final celebration dinner with members of the CRROBS Board of Trustees. Overnight at the CRROBS base or nearby mountain hotel.

Day 9 Transfer to the airport for international flights.

Jim Rowe Ph. D., the Executive Director of Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School, will accompany and guide this group.  Jim has over 15 years of guiding and hosting such expeditions in Costa Rica and other Latin American countries.