Gearing up for departure

Happy Holidays to all. In just a week, 14 students and 2 professors will travel through Costa Rica, visiting both well-known eco-tourism locations and destinations off the beaten path. As they travel,Leer más
Alajuela town

Today we explored this cute town near the airport. There is so much local color here. We started in central market, danced in the park, and visited a church.
My group rocks

This group is up for an adventure. They will be so fun to travel with.
Mask workshop

Students enjoyed a great workshop with senior Montoya. You see them with traditional, handmade masks used for celebrations. Students made masks, as well.
Trapiche lesson

Students learned about sugar cane and made their own juice with a small trapiche.
Typical lunch

This is the traditional lunch plate with choice of protein. Sam is sitting under the plantains.
Nacientes Pal Michal

Staying for two days in a community tourism project...an area known for coffee. Took a short trek with our local guide.
Pizza with local family

Dinner was homemade pizza with a local family who serve as local hosts. It is part of the community tourism model we are exploring. It also brings in additional income, important now since they listLeer más
Blue flag rated river

Thus community is based along a river that is so clean that you can drink right out if it. But that is because the community has taken great measures to protect it.
Trapiche lesson

At Doña Rosa farm learning about sugar cane. This is a huge trapiche and students are serving in place of the oxen. The juice is so sweet and we mix it with sour oranges.
Tortilla lesson

Forgot to post about making cheese tortillas on our first day. Delicious.
Cooking competition

Students learned to make guacamole and pico de gallo. Then, we judged for both taste and presentation. Delicious.
Dance lessons from local students

Local students joined us for dinner and taught 4 dances...salsa, merengue, bachata, and cumbia.
Coffee production

Students are learning about coffee planting and harvesting. Then, they roasted, ground, and packaged the coffee.
Million dollars views

Exploring the mountains by horseback. Stunning views.
Trekking in Santa Elena Reserve

Our guide led us on a lively hike through the preserve. As expected, temperatures are lower and there is some misty rain. We learned a lot about the plant life and how the rainforest differs from theLeer más
Zipline canopy tour

Students completed the extremo canopy zip line tour...one of the largest in Central America. Nine brave souls did the Tarzan swing...yikes.
Wind energy

Costa Rica uses renewable energy in the firms of wind, solar, hydro, etc. they are just about at 100% renewable electricity. Use of gas/petroleum is still an issue when we look at all energy needs.Leer más
Crossing Lake Arenal

Taking a short cut this morning to get to Arenal. The water is super choppy, which is not uncommon here. We are pointed towards the volcano but the view is foggy. We will see it better from townLeer más
Coati sighting

Found a lone Coati on the side of the road. He is, unfortunately, getting fed by tourists and is looking for food.
Toucan sighting

Found a group of yellow necked toucans right next to the road. Took great pics with my camera so this is a pic of a pic.
Mistico park

Great ten at a hanging bridges park. Saw spider monkeys, bats, two snakes (one was a viper), and a coati.
Arenal volcano

Great views of the volcano this morning.
Smores again

Taught the local children how to make this common American treat. They loved it.
Planting

We planted pineapples, strawberries, and sour sop with the local kids.
ViajeroHope y’all have an amazing time and can’t wait for pics and updates!!!
ViajeroSo glad you all made it safely! Happy New Year 🎉
ViajeroHappy New Years! Have a great time!