Day #7: Manuel Antonio National Park

After breakfast at the beach, we traveled down the coast to the Manuel Antonio National Park.  As we slowly hiked through the forest; we saw deer, capuchin monkeys, sloths, holler monkeys, raccoons, and more.  At the end of our hike, we were able to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean water and warm sandy beach.  This afternoon we relaxed poolside at the hotel and watched scarlet macaws in the trees above us.

Day #6: Monteverde to Terraza del Pacifico

Today was largely a travel day as we left Monteverde this morning and headed south to Puntarenas to stay at the Terraza del Pacifico.  The journey took about 4 hours "more or less". Along the way we saw toucans, picked cashews, stopped for fresh baked breads, and gorgeous coastal views.  Our hotel is located on the beach of the Pacific Ocean and the group is amazed at the black sands and high surf.  This evening we went into town for some shopping and to watch the sunset.  

Day #5: A Day of Firsts

Today we got the opportunity to go horseback riding in the mountains. After an hour ride down the steep hills, we were able to soak for a bit in a hot spring.  The ride was beautiful with many amazing views. Following the ride, we delivered supplies to a local elementary school.  The students chatted and then played games outside with the school children.

This afternoon, after lunch, we traveled to the Santa Elena Biological preserve where we hiked through the cloud forest. Before dinner, we had dance lessons in salsa, bachata, and merengue.  This evening we went downtown to a local fair where we rode bumper cars, danced to local music, and watched "bull fighting".  

Day 4 - Traveling to Monteverde

After a 3 1/2 hour bus ride from the Arenal region to Monteverde, we had the privilege of planting a tree to help the bell bird's biological corridor.  Then we spent the afternoon in the canopy swinging from a Tarzan swing and ziplining across spans of up to 800 meters!! It was a truly incredible experience that was captured on video by some of the students.  Then we walked through downtown Santa Elena, enjoying ice cream and shopping for souvenirs.

Day 3 - Arenal Region

Enjoyed the day with the picturesque Arenal volcano as the backdrop while visiting the hanging bridges, kayaking in Lake Arenal and swimming at the Hot Springs.  We stopped for refreshing coconut water after kayaking too! We're having a fantastic time and the weather is perfect!

Day #3: Kayaking on Lake Arenal

Day #3: Hanging Bridges/Hiking in the Rainforest