Leave the daily grind behind, and step into the ‘Pura Vida ’ of Costa Rica! Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School (CRROBS) has partnered with Lewis Palmer to offer an exclusive, excitement-filled journey in the rainforest. You'll be able to hike, raft, climb and rappel through the exciting rivers and luscious rainforests, or enjoy breathtaking beaches and glowing sunsets while learning how to surf.

Get ready for the wild and natural beauty of your surroundings to push your body and spirit to achieve a level of accomplishment and personal development you never thought possible!

This trek will take you through some of Costa Rica's most enchanting jungles, exciting rivers,  and gorgeous beaches! In only 10 days, you will trek through the rainforest, do a tree climb, raft Class III-IV rapids, try your skills and luck on a surfboard. You will also have the unique opportunity to spend time with Costa Rican families in their homes, and participate in their daily activities and traditions– including anything from milking cows, harvesting crops, to making tortillas by hand! You will never experience Costa Rica like this again!

May 31,2007 Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica. Meet your Outward Bound Instructors. Transfer to CRROBS base camp at Tres Rios for brief, late night orientation.

June 1, 2007 Orientation continues. Course themes and objectives discussed. Introduction to “Tico” customs and the Costa Rican environment and culture. Group Initiatives and Rainforest activities. Packing up for the Field. Overnight Tres Rios Base.

June 2, 2007 Transfer and backpack into the lush, tropical rainforest. Learn about the plants and animals of the rainforest area you are trekking through. Camp overnight near a magnificant waterfall. The route enters tropical rainforest. 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. The group may even 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.

June 3, 2007 All day backpack into the heart of the rainforest. Homestay with a campesino family who will welcome you warmly. 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.

June 4, 2007 Wake up early and provide service and share in their farm activities. Swim in the refreshing, cascading river. More teachings, sharings, and group activities. Later that day, prepare for and begin your overnight Solo in the rainforest. The Outward Bound solo is an experience you may have only once in your life. In the early afternoon, experience pure solitude for a period of 12 – 24 hours. Spend time alone in the wilderness to enjoy nature and to take inventory of where your life is and where you want it to be. The solo exercise is designed to allow students to make an introspective evaluation of their personal progress on their course and in life. The solo is not a survival exercise per se; the focus is more meditative, and the environment allows students to be free of distractions.

June 5, 2007 Morning hike to the Fonseca’s. Challenge yourself as you climb high (technical, with ropes) into the canopy of a sacred rainforest tree.

June 6, 2007 Medicinal Teachings from the local shaman. Experience an exciting rappel down a waterfall in the afternoon.

June 7, 2007 Early hike out to the Class III Savegre river where you pick up your paddles and raft out of the rainforest. Transfer to CRROBS base camp in Manuel Antonio, near the Pacific Ocean.

June 8, 2007 Spend relaxing yet energizing time at the spectacular Pacific Ocean beach area of Manuel Antonio / Quepos. You can even try your hand at surfing, boogie boarding or body surfing in the warm Pacific waters. Students will also have the opportunity to check out Manuel Antonio National Park along with the tropical plants and wildlife that live within it.

June 9, 2007 More time at the Beach. . Afternoon Closing Ceremonies at MA Base camp. Late afternoon (~4PM) transfer back to San Jose/Tres Rios that evening.

June 10, 2007 Returning flights.