Age Related Activities
Children Under 12
Enjoy a guided journey through a day in the life of rural Costa Rica. Take part of activities like milking a cow, making “tortillas” and gathering of vegetables from a local own garden, cultural activities as the milling of sugar cane, typical dances and collecting water from our handmade well. Plant a tree that is in danger of extinction and enjoy a typical, organic lunch made with products harvested from the property.
Teen Itineraries
Raft the class III – IV rapids of the Toro River or Sarapiqui which offer some of Costa Rica’s best white water with big waves, technical rapids and continuous whitewater. Your journey begins with a 1-hour scenic drive through the Eastern portion of central Costa Rica through the beautiful pineapple, papaya and yucca fields with Volcano Arenal set in the backdrop. Then you will take the plunge and head down river.
Adult Itineraries
Discover the secrets behind the production of one of the world’s finest delicacies: chocolate, starting from its origins and the uses it has had since its early beginnings. This two hour, hands-on program will allow you to learn many interesting facts about cocoa and chocolate, Learn about harvesting, drying, grinding and of the traditional drink of our ancestors and enjoying some high quality organic chocolate.
Key Itinerary Content
Travelers will complete a trip planning questionnaire that will allow Global CommUnity, working with their travel advisor, to fully customize their trip according to their family interests.
7-Day Itinerary
- Stay near the Arenal Volcano. In Arenal you will have the opportunity to live the Costa Rican culture at “Arenal Vida White water rafting and Costa Rican Lunch
- Visit Proyecto Asis for a tour that allows you to experience a unique opportunity to not only be near the wild animals, but also help in their rehabilitation
- Discover the culture and traditions of a tribe. These indigenous people are very open to visitors and enjoy sharing their cultural roots and traditions. You will learn about and experience authentic Costa Rican heritage. Try a fresh glass of “chicha”, a lesson on indigenous history, a language class and a tour through a medicinal plant garden to learn about the close interaction between the members of the tribe and their surrounding ecosystem. Before enjoying lunch, you will have the opportunity to participate in an arrow making lesson. A theatrical representation that highlight local ancient customs, such as weddings or duels will be the conclusion of the visit.
3-Day Extension - Gunacaste
Canopy Zip-Lining, Horseback Riding, River & Mangrove Kayaking or Surfing Lessons. Or simply visit the village a it's innovative cultural program that pairs established Costa Rican artists with local counterparts, transforming the village into a living museum featuring colorful murals, installations, and sculptures. You will enjoy an authentic cultural experience by visiting the art studios, purchasing signature pieces, or creating art with local artists. The stay includes one complimentary eco-adventures, cultural activities, and learning sessions to make your stay fun, meaningful, and unforgettable.
CommUnity Impact Opportunities
Obras Del Espiritu Santo
Obras Del Espiritu Santo is a non-profit organization founded by the priest Sergio Valverde who started feeding homeless people fifteen years ago and since then it has grown into the well-known organization it is today. The organization has 38 different ministries focused on diverse social aspects such as health, education, and teenagers and children at risk. This institution provides counseling and motivational programs to homeless people and to individuals who are currently in prison. During your visit, you will share a special time with the children and also you will visit the small zoo that priest Sergio has created in the community. You will have an opportunity to share with the children your culture and language while being accompanied by a bilingual guide.
Proyecto Asis
“Wild Animal Rescue Center, Volunteer Programs and Spanish School” for a tour that allows you to experience a unique opportunity to not only be near the wild animals, but also help in their rehabilitation. During the tour, you will walk around the property accompanied by a tour guide, to visit each of the enclosures. In that way, you will learn important information of every specie: habitat where they live, source of food, social behavior, as well as information about if the animal is listed as endangered (national and international) and why. When this activity ends, there is a break for the participants, including coffee, natural juice and tropical fruits. After that, you start with the volunteering that consists of preparing food for the animals and feeding them.
Preparing for Costa Rica
- Children under 12 receive a new friend, Carlos, who comes with a storybook telling what his life is like in Costa Rica
- The whole family will receive recipes, books and movies preparing them for their trip
- Travel to Costa Rica is suitable for all ages.
- The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine making it an ideal time for exploring rainforests and lounging on beaches. That said, the dry season is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit. Luckily the U.S. dollar goes a long way in Costa Rica no matter the season. You'll have to book your room and tour reservations three months in advance to secure a spot. If you don't mind getting a little wet, visit between May and November when prices are at their lowest. During June and July, rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Rica's forests burst with green foliage.
- While planning your trip, keep in mind that the weather varies by region. In the thick forests of the Caribbean Sea coast and Northern Plains, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80s year-round. Conversely, in the North Pacific, prepare for lower humidity levels, but temperatures that often soar into the 90s during Costa Rica's dry months.
- Costa Rica being a tropical country, it presents weather conditions which vary from one area to another, so it is important to consider that various attractions (flora and fauna) as mentioned in the program are subject to climatic conditions of each site
- A valid passport is required with six months before expiration for entry into Costa Rica.
