From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, towering active volcanoes, beautiful rivers that cut through tropical canyons and hospitable, friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all. Having abolished its military over 50 years ago, this tiny democratic republic has long been known for its pacifism, commitment to environmental protection and as a destination for those seeking safe yet exciting adventure travel set against breathtaking scenery.

However, despite its natural beauty and extensive tourism industry, Costa Rica still has impoverished communities and there is need for help and service. Our programs offer unique access to Costa Rica’s best kept secrets and friendliest communities. We are confident you will love the land of Pura Vida as much as we do!

Immersion Program, 30 Days

The Immersion Programs are designed to give students the maximum exposure and opportunity in Costa Rica. A 30-day program provides students ample time to see a great deal of the country in seven adventurous destinations, engage in meaningful community service projects, truly connect with the people and language of Costa Rica, and internalize what they are learning.

Discovery Program, 15 Days

The Discovery Programs aim to incorporate community service, language exposure and adventure travel while minimizing time away from summer employment, family, scholastic programs and athletics. This shorter two week option provides an amazing Costa Rican adventure that closely mirrors our Immersion Program, but abbreviates the time in the village and excludes Monteverde and Arenal.

Spanish Intensive Program, 21 Days

(open to students with at least two years of Spanish experience) Our Spanish intensive program is designed for students who are seriously dedicated and motivated to learn Spanish. In addition to the home stays and language immersion present in our other Costa Rica programs, our Language Intensive Program participants will have formal Spanish classes and pledge to only speak Spanish within the group during the three week program. There is also a community service component included during the nearly ten days spent in the host village.

San Jose

Students will briefly experience one of the most cosmopolitan Central American cities as we explore colonial courtyards, busy avenues and quaint neighborhoods. We will take Latin dance lessons and gather for orientation meetings to prepare for our upcoming adventure.

Pura Suerte

Nestled high in the tropical mountains overlooking the Pacific Coast, Pura Suerte is an ecological retreat outfitted with impressive bamboo bungalows and a fabulous restaurant that specializes in organic cuisine. Students will learn about sustainable agriculture and rain forest ecology through a variety of adventurous activities. Groups can explore the surrounding jungle, hike along breathtaking passes to secluded waterfalls, learn to cook dishes made from organic ingredients and relax in hammocks while rain pelts the jungle canopy.

Manuel Antonio

Participants will spend a long weekend in Manuel Antonio, a beautiful white sand beach and national park on the Pacific coast. Famous for its wildlife, Manuel Antonio is home to sloth, monkeys, and a stunning variety of birds and much more. Those who are interested in surfing can take professional lessons and apply their practice to waves renowned for their ease and consistency. At night we will gather around bonfires on the shore and eat fresh seafood caught that day.

Host Village & Homestay

The heart and soul of our Costa Rica programs is the time in the host village. For the duration of our time in the community, students will live with homestay families where they will significantly improve their Spanish and experience firsthand an intimate snapshot of Costa Rican family life. We understand the thought of living with another family can be intimidating, but we are convinced through personal experience that homestays are extremely rewarding. Walking Tree has carefully selected host families to ensure they make the students’ experience comfortable and enriching.

Days in the village are spent working on a variety of community service projects that are decided upon in conjunction with the community to ensure their usefulness. Some projects will necessitate construction while others will be less labor intensive. The days will begin early and end in the afternoon, broken up by a midday break. They promise to be long and rewarding. Students will eat breakfast and dinner with their families, while lunching with the group and continuing with the service projects.

When not working on the community service projects, our students will have free time to spend with their families, practice Spanish, play soccer, make friends with local youth, and attend community gatherings. At the end of our time in the village, we will have a fiesta de despedida, or going away party, to say goodbye to the community that has been our home.

Arenal

We will spend a short time in the small town of La Fortuna in the shade of one of Costa Rica’s most impressive landmarks, the Arenal Volcano. The group can hike down to La Catarata de la Fortuna, an impressive waterfall, or explore the base of the volcano by foot. At night we will bathe in luxurious natural hot springs and if it’s a clear night, watch as lava erupts from Arenal’s cone.

Monteverde

Costa Rica is famous for its cloud forests and this is one of its best. Students will take a canopy tour where they are safely harnessed into a series of zip lines and soar over old growth canopy, and enjoy the excitement of a “Tarzan Swing.” We will also have the option to tour a coffee plantation, take a guided nature walk through the forest to learn more about the unique flora and fauna, and walk along suspension bridges in the cloud forest canopy.

Pacuare River

According to the Discovery Channel, the Pacuare River is one of the five most beautiful rivers in the world, but we find it hard to imagine that there is anything better. Students will safely navigate class II and III rapids that weave through a breathtaking tropical canyon. Participants on our Discovery Programs will participate in a one-day rafting adventure. The Immersion Programs spend two days rafting with an overnight stay at an ecologically sensitive retreat along the banks of the Pacuare River. National Geographic has recently hailed the Pacuare Lodge’s first-class fare and lavish accommodations as one of the world’s finest retreats.