QUOTE
Costa Rica Service and Adventure
St. Theresa of Lisieux C.H.S. | Victoria Ah-Chin
EMPOWERING STUDENTS THROUGH TRAVEL SINCE 2006
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Costa Rica, where culture, service, and adventure intertwine. This immersive experience will take students beyond the typical tourist path, offering opportunities to make a real impact through service work, engage with indigenous communities, and explore the country’s stunning natural landscapes. From working at a local orphanage to connecting with the Maleku tribe, ziplining through rainforests, and hiking near an active volcano, students will gain valuable insights into Costa Rican culture while fostering a sense of global responsibility.
Activities & Attractions
- Service work at Hogar Ama Orphanage: Painting facilities and playing games with children.
- Tour of a cacao, coffee, and sugar cane farm in San Ramon.
- Visit the Boruca Indigenous Community: Cultural exchange with elders and tour of traditional farming practices.
- Explore San Isidro’s central square and engage with locals.
- Community connection project in La Fortuna with the Maleku tribe or a local school.
- Relaxation at Los Lagos Waterpark’s thermal pools.
- Arenal Volcano excursion: Hiking and exploring the national park.
- Canopy tour through rainforest treetops.
- Visit La Fortuna Waterfall and hike to the base.
- Cooking class to learn traditional Costa Rican dishes.
- Brief visit and donation drop-off at La Posada De Belen Orphanage.
- Explore Sarchi Artisan Market and observe local craftspeople.
Trip Details
Accommodations
Hotels: Triple accommodation for students Subject to change
- March 6-7 2025: Hotel Irazu
- March 7-10 2025: Hotel San isidro
- March 10-13 2025: Hotel Downtown Boutique La Fortuna
- March 13-14 2025: Hotel Irazu
Meals
- Daily breakfasts and dinners included
- Lunches and snacks to be purchased on own
*On some days where lunch is paid for dinner will not be included
Transportation
- Return Economy airfare from Toronto to San Jose, Costa Rica
- Private Coach Transportation
Additional Personnel
- 1 Evolve Tours Director + Local Staff
Exclusives
- Creative trip programming and leadership activities
- Optional Videography and Photography
- Forever Green by Evolve Tours- Carbon Offset this whole trip (ask for details)
Insurance
- $90.30 – Student Youth All Inclusive Manulife Travel Insurance: Medical, baggage, cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Package Price is based on
- Prices subject to availability and change until contract signed
- Total Package price may vary if number of paying customers changes
- Does not include airline baggage fees if applicable
- Tips for drivers and guides are appreciated
- Happy with what you see? Sign a 2-year contract with Evolve and pay the same rate for two years. Ask us for more information. *Based on same group size
Itinerary
Day 1: March 6, 2025
Depart
Afternoon:
The group gathers at Toronto International Airport for check-in and security. Flight departs for San José, Costa Rica.
Evening:
Arrival at Juan Santa María International Airport (SJO), where the group will meet their local guides, collect luggage, and transfer to the hotel. After checking in, settle into rooms and rest in preparation for the week ahead.
Day 2: March 7, 2025
Introduction to project
Travel to San Isidro. Stop for Lunch en route. Introduction to the service project in San Isidro with Hogar Ama Orphanage
Day 3: March 8, 2025
Service at Hogar Ama Orphanage
Morning:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The group departs for Hogar Ama Orphanage to begin a day of service work, including painting the facilities and playing games with the children.
Afternoon:
After lunch with the children, return to the hotel to freshen up. Transfer to San Ramon for a guided tour of a cacao, coffee, and sugar cane farm, where students will learn about the production of these essential crops.
Evening:
A traditional Costa Rican dinner will be served at the farm, offering a farm-to-table dining experience. After dinner, the group returns to the hotel for rest.
Day 4: March 9, 2025
Boruca Indigenous Community
Morning:
After breakfast, depart for a cultural immersion at the Boruca Indigenous Community. Meet with elders, engage in a discussion about their traditions, and enjoy a tour of the village, including insights into their traditional farming methods.
Afternoon:
Share a traditional lunch with the Boruca community before returning to San Isidro. Upon arrival, explore the central square, interact with locals, and experience the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
Evening:
Dinner will be enjoyed at Mirador la Torre, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Return to the hotel for a restful night.
Afterwards, attend mass at a local church in San Isidro, providing a moment of peace and reflection before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 5: March 10, 2025
Transfer to La Fortuna and Community Connection
Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by check-out and departure for La Fortuna. Upon arrival, the group will check into the hotel and enjoy a local lunch.
Afternoon:
Participate in a community connection project, collaborating with the Maleku tribe or a local school. This hands-on project provides students with the opportunity to contribute to the local community.
Evening:
Unwind in the thermal pools at Los Lagos Waterpark, surrounded by lush natural beauty. Dinner will be served at the waterpark’s restaurant before returning to the hotel for service project orientation and rest.
Day 6: March 11, 2025
Arenal Volcano and Community Service
Morning:
After breakfast, the group continues their community service work, engaging in activities that support the local tribe or school.
Afternoon:
After a relaxing lunch, the group embarks on an exciting Arenal Volcano excursion. Explore the national park, hike through the volcanic landscape, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
Participate in an exhilarating canopy tour, where students will zipline through the treetops, experiencing the rainforest from a unique perspective.
Evening:
The group returns to the hotel for dinner, followed by a relaxing evening with time for personal reflection or group discussions.
Day 7: March 12, 2025
Canopy Tour, Waterfall, and Cooking Class
Morning:
Breakfast and then Continue our community service work, engaging in activities that support the local tribe or school.
Afternoon:
After lunch at a local restaurant, the group will visit La Fortuna Waterfall, hiking to the base for a close-up view of the majestic falls. In the afternoon, students will participate in a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes under the guidance of local chefs.
Evening:
The group will enjoy the meal prepared during the cooking class.
Day 8: March 13, 2025
Service at La Posada De Belen and Artisan Market
Morning:
After breakfast and check-out, the group departs for Alajuela. Upon arrival, students will spend the day at La Posada De Belen Orphanage, dropping off donations and spending time visiting with the children.
Afternoon:
After the orphanage visit, the group will enjoy lunch in Alajuela. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Sarchi Artisan Market, where students can observe local craftsmen at work and purchase traditional souvenirs.
Evening:
The day concludes with dinner in Alajuela, after which the group will check into a hotel near the airport for their final night in Costa Rica.
Day 9: March 14, 2025
Departure Day
