One week away from Costa Rica!

In the interest of daily updates while on tour, I decided I should probably get the blog going again. As convenient as Google Classroom is for posting everything lately, it is not the most convenient for keeping parents in touch and allowing non-guardians to see what is going on abroad. So here we go.... April 13-21 we will be traveling to Costa Rica. Amanda Wilson (previous chaperone and 5-star science teacher) and I will be taking 17 students all over Costa Rica.

So, who is joining us?
From our 7th grade team:
   Miabella Guadagnoli, Haven Leinweber, and Sarah Doocy
From our 8th grade team:
   Cadan Bell, Mason Davis, Charlie Foster, Amanda Duchow, Zoe Gallup, Quinn Mamula, Katie Mckernan, Lynn Moulton, Noah Preaus, Mia Wupperman, and Marley Yates
And from the high school:
   Sean O'Brien, Kaden Holdaas, and Kaelin Love

I would like to send out a special thank you and shout out to our returning travelers for trip number two: Amanda Duchow, Lynn Moulton, Mia Wupperman, and Marley Yates!!! Know that you were such a beneficial addition to our Europe trip and we are so excited to have you coming with us again.

We will be going on what is known as the "Coast to Coast" trip designed by ACIS educational tour company. Below, you will see our itinerary. Look at how amazing it is!

Day 1

Saturday, April 13, 2019, San Jose
Depart from the USA. Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and get out to explore this vibrant and bustling city full of Spanish colonial architecture and the friendliest people you may ever meet.


Day 2

Sunday, April 14, 2019, Tortuguero
Begin today with an early drive through the spectacular cloud forest in Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the few places in Costa Rica where a road winds through the rain forest. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths and quetzals as you go. Continue on a riverboat journey, which will take you to your lodge in Tortuguero. Enjoy spotting the wildlife as you travel, looking out for the West Indian manatee, caimans or spider monkeys hanging down over the river! All meals are included while in Tortuguero. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Monday, April 15, 2019, Tortuguero
Wake up in Tortuguero National Park, home to the most important green sea turtle nesting ground in the Western Caribbean. Today's sightseeing adventure within the park includes boat tours and hiking. The park is comprised of a series of canals, mangroves, swamps and lagoons that create perfect opportunities to study not only the vegetation but also the multitude of wildlife. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Tuesday, April 16, 2019, San Carlos
Leave Tortuguero and drive inland to the northern plains region of San Carlos. Arrive in the small town of La Fortuna, a sunny and charming little town a mere 4 miles from the Arenal Volcano. The volcano is a perfect cone more than 5,000 feet high. (B,D)

Day 5

Wednesday, April 17, 2019, San Carlos
Today discover the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall and hike to the swimming hole below. The water here is clear and cold, so in the evening, visit the nearby hot springs where you can take a dip in the hot pools. As you relax in the therapeutic, geothermal waters, look up at their source, the Arenal volcano, above! (B,D)

Day 6

Thursday, April 18, 2019, Guanacaste Coast
Journey to Guanacaste on the northwest side of Costa Rica, an area containing one of the last tropical dry forests on the planet. You’ll travel by Arenal Lake. The lake is important for both producing 12% of the country’s energy and as a popular destination for windsurfing, kayaking and fishing. In the late afternoon, arrive at your seaside hotel and its pristine white beaches. (B,D)

Day 7

Friday, April 19, 2019, Guanacaste Coast
Enjoy a free day at the beach. Development projects are limited along the coastline to preserve the ecosystem, making this a wonderful place to enjoy Costa Rica's sun and surf. (B,D)

Day 8

Saturday, April 20, 2019, San Jose
Journey back to San José today, stopping en route in Sarchí, the hub of Costa Rica's arts and crafts trade. Be sure to see the famous Sarchí ox-carts and leather rocking chairs. Arrive in San José in time for a Costa Rican folklore show and dinner to celebrate your last night in this wonderful country. (B,D)

Day 9

Sunday, April 21, 2019, Departure
Depart for the USA. Optional Extensions and Extra Nights: Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of Costa Rica with an extra night in San José, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager. (B)


That's all for now! Look for some posts leading up to the trip!

Thanks,

Ally and Amanda