Costa Rica Science Exploration

Day 1

Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica, 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, if time permits, maybe even shop at a traditional Costa Rican market in downtown San Jose. Following dinner you will return to the hotel for devotions and a chance 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 turning, twisting 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!

Day 3

Following breakfast, your group will travel to 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. 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 get to see the red pyroclastic bombs shooting out of this very active volcano. Devotions will wrap up the day.

Day 4

The group will begin the day delving deep into the underground of Costa Rica where you will learn about cave ecology, everything from bats to stalactites. Following lunch, you will float down the Peñas Blancas River, where you may see crocodiles, sloths, monkeys and many other rainforest-dwelling creatures. You will view firsthand the intricate symbiotic relationships God has designed to allow hundreds of plants and animals to share the same small space. This remarkable experience will remain with you as you return to the hotel for dinner and shared 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. In the afternoon, the group will travel back to San Jose via Sarchi to do a little shopping among the local artisan crafts, then the day will close with dinner and devotions at the hotel.

Day 6

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.

Day 7

Your group will experience the blue water, white sand, green mountains and excellent food as you set out on the Calypso Catamaran to Tortuga Island. While on the boat you will pass more than seven islands in the Gulf of Nicoya before arriving at the enchantingly beautiful, palm studded Tortuga Island. On the island you can walk the white sand beach, swim in the turquoise waters, play volleyball or simply investigate the marine life. (Other optional activities are also available on the island but they are not included in the price of the trip). Your final evening in Costa Rica will conclude with shared devotions at the hotel.

Day 8

Your group will head home after an exciting and educational trip to Costa Rica!