Gettysburg College Travel Program - Costa Rica: An Active Adventure

Upon arrival, after clearing customs and immigration at the airport, meet your driver and transfer to Hotel Balmoral, situated in the heart of the city near the Gold Museum and the National Theater, along the city's famous pedestrian boulevard. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and program orientation at the hotel. In order to arrive in time for orientation, participants must book flights that arrive in San José no later than 4:30 pm. Hotel check-in starts at 2 pm.

This morning, gather for breakfast, and then depart San José, heading north to the Sarapiquí region. Upon arrival at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve, check in, and enjoy lunch on the banks of the Río Sarapiquí. Selva Verde is located in the lush lowlands of north-central Costa Rica on a private tract of primary and secondary tropical rainforest. This afternoon, have fun on an exhilarating zip line canopy tour through the forests, crossing the river several times, all from a bird's-eye view. After dinner, explore the world of the rainforest during a short night hike in search of nocturnal amphibians, mammals, owls, and insects.

This morning after breakfast, set out on a hike in the primary rainforest reserve to observe this unique ecosystem up-close. A variety of wildlife can be seen along the reserve's forest trails, including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and other fascinating fauna. After the hike, walk through Selva Verde's botanical garden, and learn about the beautiful abundance of flowers and plants. Following lunch, embark on an exciting whitewater rafting adventure! The river has a gentle current with several minor Class I, II, and III rapids. A professional river guide escorts all rafting trips, and all of the necessary safety equipment (helmet, life jackets, etc.) is provided, along with a lesson on rafting safety instructions and procedures. For those not interested in rafting, a serene boat trip along the river can be arranged as an alternative. This evening, have dinner at the lodge, and visit the nearby Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a presentation on the intriguing lives of bats. During the visit, learn about some of the 113 species of bats that can be found in Costa Rica, with an opportunity to see live specimens humanely caught by local researchers collecting data.

After breakfast, check out and depart for Arenal, stopping at La Fortuna on the way for a horseback ride, hike, and swim at La Fortuna Waterfall. Upon arrival at the lodge, check in, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore some of the 870 acre property or relax in the hot tub or pool. Arenal Observatory Lodge is the only La Fortuna accommodation located inside the Arenal Volcano National Park. Weather permitting, the hotel affords excellent views of the volcano from every room. Dinner at the lodge.

This morning after breakfast, head to Arenal Hanging Bridges, a reserve that abounds with wonderful trails, suspension bridges, and outstanding natural areas. Lunch is on your own in La Fortuna at a local restaurant. Next, travel from Arenal to Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. En route, stop at the Tárcoles River for a crocodile river safari. Cruise along the waterway in search of the large American crocodiles that call this river home. Arrive at the hotel with time to enjoy the pool or the beach.

This morning, embark on a sea outrigger canoe from Playa Agujas. Paddle along the coast and indulge in some fruit and fun at the ocean. Have lunch on your own at the hotel, and then embark on an exhilarating adventure through the forest canopy in Herradura. The experts at Vista Los Sueños Canopy will explain safety procedures and instructions before you zip through the trees along zip lines with spectacular views of the surrounding area, as well as wildlife that may be present.

Spend the day at leisure on the Pacific Coast, and then depart for San José. Have lunch en route. This evening, gather at a special restaurant in the city for your celebratory farewell dinner.

This morning, you will be transferred to the San José International Airport for your flight out. Check-out is at 11:30 am. Welcome home!