Reason and Purpose Expedition

Day 1

Your group will arrive in San Jose and meet your Joshua Expeditions guide once you pass through customs and immigration. You will transfer by bus to the hotel then have a bit of time to freshen up and maybe, if time permits, shop at a traditional Costa Rican market in downtown San Jose. Following dinner you will return to the hotel for devotions and a time to share the day’s experiences.

Day 2

This will be a day of unforgettable white water rafting! The Pacuare River provides an adventurous ride filled with stunning beauty along the entire length of its twisting, turning rapids. The river runs from the country's highest mountain range to the coastal lowlands of the Atlantic, and it is a safe, but very exciting experience! At the end of this full day, your group will return to the hotel to share a time of devotions.

Day 3

Following breakfast, the group will travel to La Fortuna and Mt. Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes. You will make a stop along the way in Zarcero for a visit to a church with some very unique landscaping then proceed to the rainforest for a hike down to a spectacular waterfall. It is here that you will study highland rainforests to gain an understanding of the symbiotic relationships that infer a Designer. As you gain a perspective of God’s creation in this unique environment you will begin to understand how everything was created for a purpose. In the evening, you will enjoy the natural hot springs at the foot of the volcano, and if it is a clear night, you will see the red pyroclastic bombs shooting out of this very active site. Your night will conclude with devotions and a time to share your personal experiences from the day.

Day 4

You will awaken early this morning to depart for a Jungle Safari cruise down the Peñas Blancas river! You will scope the shoreline for sloths, howler monkeys, snakes, crocodiles and even poison dart frogs, and later the group will head out for a horseback ride excursion before concluding the day at the hotel with group devotions.

Day 5

This morning you will soar through the jungle canopy on a zip line tour! You will never forget the experience of being harnessed in for this exciting ride, and you may even decide to try out the Tarzan swing. After lunch the group will set out for a hike at the foot of the volcano to learn about the different animals and plants that live there. You will close the day at your hotel, sharing your observations and a time for devotions.

Day 6

Following an early breakfast your group will head out to Punta Leona on the Pacific coast. You will enjoy an afternoon of surf and the beautiful white sand beach, and in the evening you will have opportunities to participate in optional activities like miniature golf. The day will close with group devotions. (Fees for optional activities are not included in the price of your trip.)

Day 7

Your group will take an early morning hike through the rainforest today and study the Pacific dry forest where you may see Scarlet Macaws and Capuchin Monkeys. Your study will examine how each unique creature was created to live in its specific matrix. Afterward, the group will head back to the beach for some snorkeling and optional kayaking. Later, the group will return to San Jose, stopping first in Sarchi to shop among the artisan wares in the local marketplace. Dinner and devotions will round out the day.

Day 8

Today you will have the unique opportunity to serve with a local organization reaching out to a very marginal community in the San Jose area. Physical and spiritual needs are great within the communities of Costa Rica, and you will be challenged to share your faith through both word and deed. You may find yourself participating in light construction work or presenting children's clubs to the local youth. Every task will be an opportunity for evangelistic outreach, and you will be just as blessed as the people you serve. At the conclusion of the day, your group will return to the hotel and take some time to share personal experiences.

Day 9

On this final full day in Costa Rica, your group will get an early start to enjoy a one-day Catamaran cruise to the island of Tortuga. This is your marine biology day. You will study the island's marine habitat and collect specimens along the shoreline to analyze their specific designs, pointing again to a Designer and a purpose. This final evening in Costa Rica will conclude with devotions.

Day 10

Your group will head to the airport this morning for the flight home after an amazing educational tour of Costa Rica.