Participants arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. Pick-up at Juan Santa María International Airport in San José, Costa Rica and transfer to the Outward Bound Base camp nestled in the hills of Tres Rios. Welcome and orientation meeting, “Duffle Shuffle” (packing for the trail). Overnight at the Tres Rios base camp.

Early morning transfer to the trekking area. The first day of trekking runs 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. 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 our pace is unhurried as we take in the abundant natural beauty of the area. An indigenous 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 another remote shelter in Rejas.

Today we continue the trek through varied layers of rainforest as we descend in elevation. Our instructors explain much of the flora and fauna with an emphasis on the medicinal values of each. Camp at a number of remote shelters under the stars at La Flecha.

Our 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 we will be the guests of a local village family, Orlando’s.

In the morning, hike from Orlando’s to your next homestay, the Lopez family. Part of the day may be spent doing a service project in the local area such as working in a community garden or planting trees. Whatever the project, your rainforest experience is more complete knowing that you have actively been involved in preserving it and the culture that depends on it. In the afternoon, 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, chocolate 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. Overnight at the village homestay of Ormidas Lopez.

From the Lopez home, hike to your next homestay in Brujo where you will participate in more cultural and outdoor activities.

Wake up early and hike to the area of Brujo where the group will get into rafts for a day of fun-filled rafting on the class II-IV River Savegre. Riverine ecology as well as principles of hydrology are experienced up close and intimately. Late afternoon transfer to Manuel Antonio area.

Time to pack your bags and transfer to the international airport.