Get ready for a family incultural experience of a lifetime while enjoying
the natural beauty of your surroundings.
 Fly
to San Jose, Costa Rica. Meet your Outward Bound Instructors. Participants
arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. Instructors will meet you at the quaint
and cozy Villa Antigua hotel nestled in the refreshing hills of San
Ramon de Tres Rios. ($50 night double occupancy in this new family
owned and run three star hotel; alternatively stay free of charge
at the CRROBS base camp 2 miles away in comfortable bunk rooms with
private bath/hot water and nestled in a cool wooded area adjacent
to a small mountain stream) Welcome and orientation meeting. Time
permitting, evening activity in San José. |
 Orientation
and duffle shuffle (packing for the trail). Morning transfer to the
trekking area of Las Rejas. The first day of trekking begins at an
approximate elevation of 5,000 feet. This 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 Costa Rican instructor
will accompany your family 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. Camp
at a local shelter. |
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Wake up to the sound of water crashing down from nearby. The route
continues through lower mountane rainforest. The forest is shrouded
in mist for much of the day and trees are covered with moss and
lichens. This forest feels enchanted as the route becomes more and
more remote. Take time to look closely at all the rich and diverse
plants along the route. Your instructors will explain the medicinal
values of many plants en route. Today your trek ends at your destination,
the mountain village area of Piedras Blancas. Rest down your packs
and be the guests of Orlando’s very welcoming family. (Orlando
has worked for CRROBS since near it’s inception and each of
his 5 children aspire to become CRROBS instructors)
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 This
morning, your host families in the Piedras Blancas region will share
many of their traditions and daily chores with your family. 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,
grinding corn, hand-making tortillas or cooking over an open fire.
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. Overnight at another village homestay.
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The Outward Bound solo is an experience you may have only once
in your life. 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.
Students are frequently asked to write a letter to themselves and/or
to the family to help organize their thoughts and feelings related
to what is a very impacting personal experience.
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 After
coming together after the solo, your family will hike further down
the Piedras Blancas valley where you will again stay with a different
local family. This rustic home is located adjacent to a magnificent
waterfall that cascades into the clear and warm Savegre River. The
father of the family is an indigenous shaman, and will talk with you
about many of the traditions that have been passed on to him by his
ancestors. Learn the basic techniques of technical climbing as you
use ropes and harnesses to climb up a rainforest tree. The trees are
cloaked with strangler figs, which form your hand and foot holds.
The afternoon is spent rappelling off a jungle waterfall. After dinner,
lay down on the spacious balcony and let the nearby river rapids lull
you to sleep. |
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Hike to the area of Brujo, get into rafts, and begin your day on
safe but exciting Class I-IV rapids of the Rio Savegre. The wide
Rio Savegre flows through a combination of rainforest and scenic
rural farmland. Combine this with warm green waves and surfing holes
for an experience you'll never forget! Riverine ecology as well
as principles of hydrology will be experienced up close. Camp overnight
by the river.
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 Continue
rafting the Rio Savegre. Use the skills learned the day before to
maneuver the rapids that will challenge you and your teammates. After
completing the river, transfer to Manuel Antonio and relax at the
Costa Verde Hotel.
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 Wake
up early and head for the Surf! It’s time to strap on your surfboard
leashes and learn how to ride some waves. Our instructors will teach
you everything from basic surfing techniques to more advanced moves
that you might have seen in movies. Learn about wave formation, ocean
ecology, and even lunar phases that affect the tides. In the afternoon,
take time to beach comb and take in the fantastic sunset. Closure
with CRROBS staff.
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 Today
is a day for your family to enjoy picturesque Manuel Antonio National
Park and beaches.The park is one of the most popular attractions of
Costa Rica, and home to many species of wildlife, including the mono
titis – monkeys that are indigenous to the Manuel Antonio area.
The park also contains some of the most pristine beaches in the area.
Enjoy a final dinner and either transfer back to San Jose for your
flight tomorrow or spend one last night in the Costa Verde Hotel.
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Returning flights out of San Jose International Airport. |