DAY 1 ARRIVAL TRANSFER IN ORIENTATION AT SAN JOSE .
Following your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, outside of San José, you will be met by our Costa Rica Field Course Staff and transferred to your hotel. After dinner, there will be an orientation session to our Costa Rica Pacific Coast and volcanoes. Overnight San José. D

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DAY 2 SAN JOSE - ARENAL VOLCANO HIKING - BALDI HOT SPRINGS.
Early this morning, we will depart for Arenal Volcano. One of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere, Arenal has been in a constant state of activity since it last erupted in 1968. Located on the southern shores of the Lake Arenal, it is a spectacular site, with its perfect conical shape rising from the surrounding hills. We will spend the morning hiking on the hardened lava flows that make up Arenal’s lower slopes. We will observe the remains of the volcano’s more active past. and we will have the chance to learn about the nature that surrounds it and are part of the Arenal National Park.  Following lunch, we will visit Baldi Hot Springs, located at the base of Arenal. Steaming waters form waterfalls and natural therapeutic pools that we can soak and relax in. The hot springs found here are surrounded by brilliant vegetation, while Arenal serves as a stunning backdrop. After the sun sets, we will with some luck, observe the activity of Arenal. On a clear night, one can see bursts of fire and red-hot molten lava shooting hundreds of feet into the sky, whereas during the day only smoke and the volcano's roar are apparent. Explosions typically can be seen from the hot spring. Overnight Lake Arenal. B L D

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DAY 3 ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES - LA FORTUNA WATERFALL - ARENAL VOLCANO.
After an early breakfast, our group will visit  the near by Hanging bridges,  those bridges built in the middle of the Tropical rainforest that surrounds the Arenal Volcano will let us look at the forest and the volcano from a different perspective. We will also be able to appreciate all the stunning scenery La Fortuna has to offer. Just after taking our lunch, a short ride will get us to La Fortuna Waterfall, this waterfall is an easy hike and a great refreshing swim. This beautiful waterfall set in the rainforest near the edge of Arenal Volcano National Park, is managed by a local community development group (Asociación de Desarollo de Fortuna). After a hike down the canyon you will be rewarded with a natural pool under the falls, perfect for a dip on a hot day. To end this fully day we will appreciate the Arenal volcano, often spewing ash and smoke, the volcano provides a striking backdrop for photographs and video. Dinner and overnight La Fortuna. B L D

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DAY 4 ARENAL VOLCANO AND LAKE - MONTEVERDE CHEESE FACTORY CASEM.
Following breakfast this morning, we will travel to Monteverde, we would be travelling around the largest lake in Costa Rica, a hydroelectric dam at one end produces approximately 75% of the electricity used in Costa Rica. It is also well known for its’ windsurfing and freshwater fishing. Our group will get to the village of Monteverde. This is a peaceful community, considered an example of conservation, Arround this little village we can find several reserves (the Children´s Eternal Rain Forest and the Santa Elena Reserve among others). Following lunch, our group will visit the well-known Monteverde Cheese Factory, which is run by local Quakers, one of the largest dairy producers in Costa Rica. About 2200 pounds of cheese is produced daily and well known for its’ quality in Costa Rica and throughout Central America. Following the cheese factory tour our group will visit a local women’s arts and crafts cooperative called CASEM. A wide range of hand-made work is featured here, whose themes focus on the natural beauty of the area. Dinner and overnight at Monteverde. B L D

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DAY 5 BUTTERFLY FARM AND MONTEVERDE CLOUDFOREST RESERVE. (Aerial Tram)
Early this morning, after having our breakfast, our group will travel a short distance to a local butterfly farm. Here, we will have a guided tour through and we will have the chance to see hundreds of spectacular butterflies found in Costa Rica, learn about their complex life cycle and the importance of butterflies in the wild. After having lunch, we will visit the cloud forest reserve. At present, Monteverde is comprised of 27,000 acres and run by the Monteverde Conservation League. The Reserve is cool, due to its’ elevation and lush vegetation. Incredible biodiversity here includes 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, 500 butterfly species and 2500 different types of plants. Three species of monkeys, tree sloths, coatimundis, kinkajous, the spectacular resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bell birds, red-eyed tree frogs and blue morpho butterflies are just a few of the animal highlights.  We would be able to do the Aerial Tram which is a trip in aerial carriages which move through secondary forest and thematic gardens. The trip can be done at any time regardless of the weather. The tram's design permits observation at all levels of the forest and because it is comfortable and relaxing it is perfect for anyone, especially for those who de not want to or have difficulty walking on traditional trails. Dinner and overnight at Monteverde. B L D

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DAY 6 MONTEVERDE - TAMARINDO - FREE AFTERNOON.
After breakfast, we will say goodbye to the cool, to travel to Tamarindo, one of the Northern beaches in Costa Rica, this beautiful beach is located on the Pacific Coast, and it has much to offer besides its crystal clear ocean, exquisite nature and stunning sunsets. Tamarindo is the perfect tropical paradise in Costa Rica Tamarindo Beach is part of a bay formed by a cape, Cabo Velas (velas is Spanish for sails, or sailfish). Playa Grande lies to the north of Tamarindo Beach inside the bay. The two beaches are separated by a natural salt water estuary, Estero Tamarindo. After lunch, we will be able to enjoy ourselves in the Tamarindo Bay that has become a mecca for surfers and blue water sport fishermen. Their sport fishing fleet of talented and conservation oriented captains are the pioneers of the Pacific coast. Visitors also have access to SCUBA diving, snorkeling trips, beach cruises, water skiing, jet skiing, catamarans, ocean and river kayaking, wind surfing, sailing cruises and horseback riding. Bicycles, beach gear, surfboards, boogie boards and equipment of all types are available for rental from specialty stores. Dinner and overnight at Tamarindo. B L D

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DAY 7 TAMARINDO - FREE DAY.
After breakfast we will have the whole day for some spare time to enjoy all the activities that Tamarindo offers or just to relax drinking a cocktail by the sandy beaches of Tamarindo. Dinner and overnight at Tamarindo. B L D

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DAY 8 TAMARINDO - PAPAGAYO SUNSET TOUR.
Today, we will be moving from Tamarindo to another awesome spot on the Pacific Coast, the Peninsula Papagayo, which is located on the northeast Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, just where marvelous deep blue waters and amazing nature can be seen. This is the perfect place in the country to enjoy of a beautiful and relaxing scenery.  Late in the afternoon we will have the chance to enjoy a perfect sunset by the sea. Dinner and overnight Papagayo. B L D

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DAY 9 PAPAGAYO - FREE DAY.
After having our breakfast, we will have the entire day to enjoy all the activities that Papagayo has to offer, or just to relax watching the beautiful sunsets. Dinner and overnight Papagayo. B L D

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DAY 10 PAPAGAYO - SARCHI MARKET - SAN JOSE - FAREWELL DINNER.
Early this morning we will depart to San José, on our way our group will visit Sarchí Market, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see and purchase traditional handicrafts. Local artisans will talk about the building and painting of famed Costa Rican ox-carts. Participants will also get a chance to observe as carts are painted. In the late afternoon, we will return to San José for our Farewell Dinner and overnight. B L D

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DAY 11 TRANSFER OUT AND DEPARTURE.
After an early breakfast and farewells to our Costa Rica Field Course Staff, you will be transferred to Juan Santamaría International Airport, outside San José for your return flight home. B

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