Costa Rica is a wild and beautiful country with the highest standard of literacy and public health in Central America. This tiny, politically stable nation has made a national commitment to the protection of its ecological resources. Costa Rica’s rich natural diversity, unspoiled beaches, lush rain forests, and tropical wildlife make it an ideal place for a Deer Hill expedition.

You begin your expedition with a day hike into El Copal where you’ll stay at a biological reserve. From there you hike down to the put-in of the Rio Pejivalle, and descend through a tropical cloud forest. Ferns, mosses and bromeliads slowly give way to the dense jungle of tall trees and vines. Toucans, parrots, and monkeys are some of the common wildlife you will see on this expedition.

You conclude the river portion of your adventure with an exciting 2-day whitewater rafting trip on the Rio Pacuare. This river, renowned for its stunning beauty, plunges its way through canyons draped in waterfalls and primeval rainforest. These rapids are beyond anything most participants have ever experienced! While rafting this jungle river, you stop to visit the Cabecar Indians, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica, and one that retains many of its traditional customs.

Next, you move a short distance to Tres Equis. The open and friendly people of this small village welcome you into their homes and families. You work on important community service projects throughout the village while daily immersing in the richness of the Spanish language. Through work and play, your friendships with the Ticos grow, as does your appreciation of Costa Rica.

With fond memories of your host families etched deeply in your heart, you begin your coastal exploration by spending three days learning to surf at Punta Uva, near Manzanillo. The white sand and coastal waves provides the perfect setting for surfing! As a final highlight, you travel to Punta Mona Organic Farm. Here, at the far southeastern edge of the country, you hike into a thriving community based on sustainable permaculture. Helping out in the gardens, you pick fresh fruits and vegetables for your meals, and learn how to make chocolate. There is time to swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Caribbean and explore the schools of colorful tropical fish that inhabit the reef. After three days in this paradise, you head back to San Jose and home.

Note: All participants arrive and depart from the Costa Rican capitol of San Jose. One of your Deer Hill leaders will meet you at the George Bush International Airport in Houston, Texas to accompany you on a designated flight. A valid passport is necessary to enter Costa Rica. Flight costs are not included in tuition total.

	Day 1 Arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica; call home, sleep at hostel Day 2 Day in San Jose to pack, organize and play games; travel to El Copal Days 3-5 El Copal, hiking and exploring the rainforest Days 5-6 Rafting the Rio Pejivalle. Fun Class 2 and 3 whitewater with amazing wildlife viewing opportunities Days 7-9 Continue rafting expedition on the world famous Pacuare River, past Huasu falls. Morning hike to Cabecar indigenous cultural reserve. Days 10-14 Homestays and community service projects in the town of Tres Equis. Tour of cilantro farm, salsa and meringue dancing lessons. Days 14-17 Surf school, camping on the beach at Punta Uva, near Manzanillo Days 18-20 Hike along beach to Punta Mona permaculture farm; gardening, hiking, swimming, and sea kayaking Day 20 Return to San Jose for program conclusion and banquet Day 21 Breakfast, farewells, departure from San Jose