Costa Rick’s-a

Trip Region: Central America
Country(ies): Costa Rica
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2150
Airfare Estimate: $550
Structure:   •   Lodging:   •   Nightlife: 6   •   Activity: 7

Get ready to live your best Pura Vida with the Costa Rick’s-a crew! We’ll zipline through the rainforest, chill in hot springs, raft down rivers, and laugh at each other while attempting to surf. We’ll night-hike in Monteverde, explore the canyons of La Fortuna, sail beside the dolphins in Manuel Antonio, and soak up the sun on the beaches of Punta Leona. We are a “choose your own adventure” team — whether you’re looking to rappel down a waterfall, or chill with a tropical drink beside a waterfall, you’ll find your place here. You’ll leave Costa Rica fueled with enough tropical sun and rejuvenation to last through the Michigan winter, and an MTrek family to last a lifetime.

Day 1 — Sunday, Aug 18

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! We’ll all arrive in San Jose today and stay the night before kicking off our trip in earnest tomorrow. We’ll all get settled in, relax, and have a welcome get-to-know you dinner and drinks with your new best friends.

Day 2 — Monday, Aug 19

Our adventure begins! We’ll depart San Jose for the Costa Rican wilderness in La Fortuna, in the Northern Plains of the country. Our hotel will overlook the majestic Arenal Volcano and the beautiful Arenal Lake. And there’s no better way to enjoy the views than zip lining through the canopies of the surrounding rainforest.

Day 3 — Tuesday, Aug 20

Today, we’ll explore the canyons of La Fortuna! We’ll take a Jungle Limo up to the famed Lost Canyon, where you can choose your own adventure of how to explore the canyon’s beautiful waterfalls and hot springs. Those who are up for it can channel their inner Indiana Jones by rappelling down waterfalls and experiencing a guided canyon free fall. Those who prefer to keep both feet on the ground can explore the canyon’s many springs and. We’ll have earned a spectacular dinner at the local Warrior Buffet, full of home-cooked Costa Rican delights.

Day 4 — Wednesday, Aug 21

Today we’ll stay in the rainforest, but we’ll move from La Fortuna to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Monteverde is known for its rich biodiversity, extraordinary rainforest canopies, coffee plantations and waterfalls. We’ll explore all Monteverde has to offer and then go on an unforgettable night-hike from the rainforest up to the cloud forest, where you can experience the nocturnal life of one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet

Day 5 — Thursday, Aug 22

Say goodbye to the rainforest and hello to the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica! We’ll travel to Punta Leona on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and spend the rest of the day chilling on the white sand beaches.

Day 6 — Friday, Aug 23

We’ll explore Punta Leona, including taking advantage of the area’s beautiful hiking trails and the nearby nature conservatory. Today’s schedule is still TBD, but it might include exploring the area via floating safari or an aerial tram. Either way, we’ll close the evening with some drinks on the beach -- a memory you’ll look back on with fondness when it’s negative 30 in January (we wish we were kidding).

Day 7 — Saturday, Aug 24

We’ll head down the Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio, which is known for its beautiful beaches and the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. We’ll end the day with an unforgettable sunset cruise, where we might see dolphins, turtles, and other magical marine life, and we’ll definitely live our best boat life.

Day 8 — Sunday, Aug 25

Get back in touch with your adventurous spirit and get ready to raft down Rio Blanco. The rapids are exciting but completely safe for beginners, so don’t worry if you’ve never rafted before. Along the way, we’ll stop for a traditional Costa Rican “casado” lunch along the river bank. We’ll end our last night at the beach soaking up as much ocean breeze as we can before heading back inland tomorrow.

Day 9 — Monday, Aug 26

We’ll end our trip with a bang back in San Jose. You might shed a few tears at our farewell dinner, but we’ll end on a high note with an epic Team Costa Rick’s-a neon night, where we’re sure to shut down some San Jose bars.

Day 10 — Tuesday, Aug 27

Today is the sad day the big block M beckons us back to Ann Arbor from our Costa Rican paradise (or maybe just stay! This is a judgment-free zone). But, now that you’re fueled up with sunshine, memories, and the best MTrek family you could ask for, you’ll be ready to start a whole new adventure at Ross!