Trip Description

This language immersion adventure spans two beautiful and culturally rich Central American countries from the highlands of Costa Rica to the spectacular volcanic islands of Nicaragua. Learn Spanish as you explore magnificent river valleys, a grand colonial city, lush tropical rainforests and a verdant island in the middle of Central America’s largest freshwater lake. Attend Spanish school in Costa Rica, studying with local teachers in small groups of two to four students. Live with gracious Costa Rican families who welcome you into their community and daily routines. Raft a thrilling river and zip line through the jungle canopy surrounded by howler monkeys. Work with a Nicaraguan orphanage on service projects that will change the way you view the world. This academic trek highlights the diversity of these two countries and opens your eyes to the colorful cultures of each.

• Itinerary & Country Map

• Day 1–11
  After flying into San Jose, get to know your fellow adventurers on a thrilling whitewater expedition. Together you take on the rapids of the world-famous Rio Pacuare, considered to be the most scenic in a country renowned for its natural beauty. Hike to an indigenous village in La Amistad International Park, the largest single protected area in Costa Rica and a World Heritage Site. Then head to another stunning river valley in the highlands to start our language immersion. The town of Orosi is a small, tranquil and friendly oasis, the perfect place for our home stays. Our families give us a warm welcome as we settle in and begin our Spanish classes. Formal instruction usually takes place in the mornings, while afternoons are spent working with village members on service projects at the school or on excursions to majestic waterfalls and cool swimming holes. With the goal of being conversational in Spanish, we work with our profesores inside the classroom and out, testing our skills in real-life, everyday situations. Become a true Costa Rican cocinero as you learn to cook empanadas and other local favorites during a cooking class. Play soccer with locals on the field adjacent to the Iglesia San José de Orosi, the oldest church in use in Costa Rica. Reluctant to leave this highland utopia, we say goodbye to our adopted community with a festive celebration honoring the families who have taken us in as their own.

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  Day 12–15
  A short flight takes us to Granada, Nicaragua, one of the most picturesque cities in all of Central America. Situated beside Lake Cocibolca with Volcán Mombacho as the backdrop, Granada’s colonial history is evident in its magnificent architecture. The city was founded in 1524, and you sense its rich heritage as you stroll around the Parque Colón with its busy merchants, sidewalk fritangas and horse-drawn carriages. You quickly realize there are few English speakers in Nicaragua. Time to put your evolving Spanish skills to the test! Granada provides an authentic Central American experience that is clearly distinct from Costa Rica, giving us a new perspective on Spanish and the Latin culture. The city also offers the perfect base from which to take a multitude of excursions… Fly through the treetops on the slope of Volcán Mombacho on a zip line canopy tour. Haggle for souvenirs in the colorful mercado. Hike to the active crater of Volcán Masaya and visit the famous museum, Antiguo Convento de San Francisco.

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  Day 16–22
  Formed by two volcanoes, the lush island of Ometepe is located in Lake Cocibolca, the largest freshwater lake in Central America. Our community service takes place at an orphanage where over 200 young people live, attend school and learn skills that will prepare them for life as an adult. From the minute you arrive, you are embraced by friendly, enthusiastic children who are eager to make new friends and help you practice your Spanish. Every moment spent with them is not only fun, but also time well spent, as you can make a real difference in their lives even in a few short days. When not working and playing at the orphanage, we might take in a spirited baseball game, a favorite pastime of the locals, play Frisbee at the beach or hike in Volcán Maderas’ mist-laden forest beneath white-faced capuchin monkeys and parakeets. We wrap up our amazing three weeks in Central America at the spectacular Laguna de Apoyo, one of Nicaragua’s numerous crater lakes. We leave with incredible memories, new friends and a thirst for more adventure in this beautiful and enchanting part of the world.

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