Crocs in the Water!

We're Flying Now

Monkeying Around

Horsin' Around

Day 7: The Beach!!

Sorry for no post yesterday but the nicest resort we´ve been at on the trip surprisingly charges you for the internet! We just wanted to check in with everybody and say hi! We traveled to the coast yesterday (weather is a bit hotter here) and went on a crocodile tour (don´t worry - ten got on the boat and ten got off!!). We have some great pictures that I will post tomorrow when we return to San Jose and the free wi-fi. Today was a pretty slow day but it might have been one of their favorites - they did nothing but swim!! This resort has access to two beaches and two big pools - every kid´s dream!! We leave early in the morning but make several stops along the way as we shop, shop, shop!! Talk to you later!

Day 5: So Much to Do!

Wow! Today was such a busy day. We started our day with a walk in the Cloud Forest. We had quite a hike, but there were lots of interesting things to see in the way of flora and fauna (though it was more of the insect variety than anything else).

Our next stop was definitely one of the things that most people on the trip have been looking forward to the most - the ziplines! We zipped through the rain forest on over 12 different lines and some (sorry Hugh, not me!) even enjoyed a thrilling tarzan swing (we hope to post some video of that later!).

We had the opportunity to visit a school (yes, it's Saturday but the elementary children put a program together just for us and came to school anyway). It was great getting to interact with them and their eyes just lit up at all the wonderful gifts our kids brought for them.

I think a really cool thing was getting to plant a tree in the rain forest. We got to be a part of giving back to the planet!

Day 4: Horseback Riding

Our day consisted of a LONG drive (we left a little before 8 a.m. and didn't reach our hotel until 1:30 p.m.!!) and horseback riding. Check out the photos from today's fun!

Volcano Early This Morning!!

Day 3: Continued...

So...one of the guys at the front desk finally gave us the right password to the wireless connection, so here we are again! I thought I would update you about the activities of the day and add some more pictures! We started our day at 7 am - are you surprised to know your child is up and about that early in the morning? I guess when they know it's a long day and this is the only chance for breakfast, they come running! Oh, and so we thought that to keep the kids (and us adults as well) interested, we would devise a daily picture scavenger hunt. That has been a big hit! We have teams of 2 (there are 10 of us, so it's perfect!!) with five items (just broad themes such as "Danger") and a bonus. Every night, the group has a meeting before bed to go over details for the next day and then we go over our funny pictures. Stephanie and I bought some "interesting" local fare for the nightly prizes - just to make sure that the kids (and us since we won tonight!!) try different things!

We woke up early this morning and were amazed to see how clearly we could see the volcano from our porches and balconies. We then set off on a kayak adventure at Lake Arenal. Let me tell you, that was a comedy of errors at times. I have no pictures to post of this since we took these with waterproof, disposable cameras. After 2 hours of paddling, swimming and splashing (with occasional instances of bumper boats going on), we headed to La Fortuna. The view from the top is spectacular, but it is definitely worth the vigorous hike to experience the pool at the base of the waterfall. We came back to the hotel for lunch and then headed into town for a little shopping. We were definitely stocking up on coffee!! The day ended perfectly at the hot springs. There are over 20 different pools ranging in degree. Of course with teenagers, a dare had to go out with the hottest pool - and Alex won $5 out of the deal!!

Tomorrow, we head to Monteverde and will enjoy some horseback riding. The next day, we will do the ziplines!! Hope to post something then but like I said earlier, we've never been to that hotel, so we don't know what to expect with the Internet availability.

Day 3: Already!!

Good morning, parents!! Unfortunately, the internet cafe closed before we wrapped up our dinner and game activities, so we are here before breakfast trying to catch you up. Here are some pictures from our first two days!! Yesterday, we hiked up to the top of a lookout where we could see inside one of the world's largest volcanic craters. There's a lake inside that constantly emits steam, making it difficult to see clearly. We probably stood there for 20-30 minutes, but it was so worth it when it cleared up and we could see this breathtaking view! We changed up our itinerary a little yesterday so today we will be taking off to kayak at Lake Arenal, then hike down to the La Fortuna waterfall and end our day at the hot springs (our guide told us we would be needing the hot, relaxing water after our busy day). Everyone is having a great time! I will try to post more this evening, but I want to make sure you know that with two computers at the hotel (and 47 people in our group alone), the availability of the internet isn't always something to rely on. I hope to post as much as possible throughout our journey, but I just wanted to make sure you were prepared if you don't see something every day. The hotel we change to tomorrow is new, so I am unsure as to what their computer situation is. Well, we miss you all and hope you are enjoying your week as much as we are!

Day 2: On Tour!!

Greetings Parents and fellow followers!!
I just wanted to write a quick note before dinner to say hi! I will jump back online a little later and post some pictures, but we have an incredibly important scavenger hunt to judge! We are to our second hotel and have had a great day! I will definitely add more to this post before we go to sleep, but I know it is already getting late in the States, so I wanted to be sure and check in!

We Are Here...Finally

Well...we did not have to go to Panama or Miami but we did have some excitement along the way. We were in the air for a little under an hour when there was a medical emergency. A passenger toward the front of the plane had a seizure, and so we had to make an emergency landing in Houston. That was an hour and a half delay which accounts for me just now emailing you that we are here. We are all here safe and sound, and since it is 10:40 pm we are grabbing a boxed dinner and then sleeping. We have had some great fun already. We will post more tomorrow, but we will not be to our next hotel until mid to late afternoon so do not expect anything until tomorrow evening. We are hoping they will let us attach our cameras to the free computers and upload some great shots then as well. Have a great night.

We're Outta Here!!

Are you ready adventurers?? How about you, parents??!! We embark on our epic journey tomorrow!! I can't believe it's finally time. Don't forget - we are meeting at Wester at noon. Once everyone has checked in and shown their passports, we will caravan to the airport. We must check in as a group by 1:15 p.m. for our 4:15 p.m. flight. We are scheduled to fly American Airlines flight #2167 out of terminal D, gate 20. At this time, we will return on Thursday, July 2nd at 3:20 p.m. at terminal D, gate 28 (please be advised that gates often change). Parents - please double-check out arrival by calling American Airlines at 1-800-433-9300 or checking online. Our return flight is #2166.

Let's Do the Wave!!

The Wave Around the World is looking for people to videotape themselves and their students doing the wave in destinations across the globe. Whether you're spending your summer in your home town, taking across-country road trip or traveling with your students on an EF tour, we need your wave. 

The Wave Around the World was created by Katie Sullivan, an online marketing manager with EF Educational Tours. An avid traveler, Katie wanted to create something that everyone across the globe could participate in. Her love for travel and sports inspired her to start the wave. Katie asked EF to help her promote her global event, so EF is getting the word out to all of its teachers and student travelers this summer. 

Encourage all of your students to take part in this global event. It's easy to participate and it's fun! Grab your digital camera, position yourself in front of your favorite landmark, and do the wave. 

For more information and to upload your video, visit wavearoundtheworld.com.

Changes & Combinations!

Since we requested a different hotel on the last leg of our journey than the one we had last time, EF Tours went ahead and booked us in the same hotel when we fly into San Jose and when we return there. It is different than the initial hotel we were going to stay in when we arrive. I will be sure to print new itineraries that reflect this change before we leave. Please see separate post for detailed, hour-by-hour itinerary.

Also, instead of having 3 separate posts with details for the day-to-day activities, I have combined all three in the post that follows. Now, there's just one to look at! Check out: Detailed Itinerary. It includes pictures, flight, hotel, as well as hour-by-hour information provided by EF Tours just today!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - San Jose

Flight to Costa Rica
American Airlines Flight 2167 leaving DFW at 4:15 p.m. and arriving in San Jose at 7:15 p.m.
Most groups arrive in the afternoon or at night. Upon arrival at the airport, possible wait time of 2hrs for consolidated groups/split itineraries. Arrival in San Jose: Touch down in San Jose, the country's bustling capital and cultural center. Founded in 1737 as "Villa Nueva de la Boca del Monte del Valle de Abra," the city's name was later changed to honor its patron saint, Saint Joseph.
Hotel transfer: After clearing customs and immigration, meet your bilingual guide, Alvaro Alvarado, who will remain with you throughout your stay. A private motorcoach then takes you to your hotel.
Transfer to hotel (30min). Check-in usually not possible before 2pm. In this case, group can store bags and exchange money.
7pm/8pm: Dinner at hotel; after dinner, free time.

Hotel Villas Tournon
Address: San Jose
San Jose 0032
Costa Rica
Phone: 506 2245 4616
Web: www.costarica-hotelvillatournon

Day 2 - San Jose & Arenal Region
8am: Guided visit to Imbio Park; Introduction to the Diversity of Flora and Fauna in Costa Rica (2hrs).
Visit INBioparque: Ecosystem exhibits and trails
Learn about biological diversity as you visit this theme park and research station created by the National Institute of Biodiversity. Get up close and personal with tarantulas, frogs, bees and butterflies in the permanent exhibits, or walk through three different ecosystem trails. Explore the plant life in the lagoon before admiring the butterfly garden. Stop by the Ecological Tourism Office on your way out for further information on Costa Rica's protected land areas.
10am: Transfer by bus; TD will lead group for sightseeing through a coffee plantation en route to Poas Volcano National Park. Guided tour (2hrs).
Visit Poás Volcano
Continue along a scenic 22-mile drive overlooking the Central Valley as you make your way to the Poas Volcano. This still-active volcano is part of Costa Rica's most developed national park. Here, you can see one of the largest craters in the world (about a mile wide and 300 meters deep), whose hot sulfurous lake changes color with volcanic activity. From a lookout point see geysers and active fumaroles; in addition, a 20-minute hike uphill rewards you with a view of the jewel-like Botos Lake, which occupies an extinct crater.
12noon: Lunch at local restaurant (up to 1hr).
1pm: Transfer by bus to Arenal Region (3hrs).
Travel to Arenal region
Journey west across the Central Valley to Arenal. This area is one of the world's major coffee producers.

Hotel Lavas Tacotal
Address: Arenal Region
La Fortuna de San Carlos 2156
Costa Rica
Phone: 506 247 912 00
Web: http://www.tacotal.com/Tacotal/site/index.html

4pm: Check-in at hotel in La Fortuna. Visit a Thermo Mineral Hot Springs Centre: group will have chance to swim in pools with hot springs and mineral waters. Bathing suit and flip-flops required (2hrs). Group visits Arenal hot springs (2hrs30min), which has 16 hot and cold pools of different temperatures.
Visit to the hot springs: Experience the relaxation properties of natural hot springs, filled with water heated by nearby volcanoes and channeled into pools. It's an ideal way to soothe muscles after the day's activities.
6:30pm/7pm/8pm: Dinner at hotel; free time after dinner.

Day 3 Arenal Region
9am: Kayaking on Lake Arenal. Guided tour by professional guides; kayaks are for 1 or 2 pax;helmets and life vest are provided (2 hrs).
Kayaking on Lake Arenal: Get ready for an adventure to remember - kayaking along Lake Arenal. Picture-perfect scenery surrounds you, including mountains, windmills and the Arenal Volcano, as you navigate the lake.
12noon: Lunch at hotel. Transfer to visit La Fortuna Waterfall (20min). Walking trail to the waterfall (1hr30min).
Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall: One of Costa Rica's most spectacular waterfalls, La Fortuna is located within the thick jungle of the Arenal Rainforest. You'll pass some impressive scenery (keep your camera ready for wildlife photos) as you walk to the top of the waterfall. You may also have time to make the breathtaking downhill climb to the waterfall's base.
6:30pm/7pm/8pm: Dinner at hotel; free time after dinner.

Day 4 Arenal Region & Monteverde
8am: Transfer to Monteverde Region (3hrs).
Transfer to Monteverde: Continue through the mountainous scenery to the Monteverde (Green Mountain) Reserve. The reserve was settled in 1951 by a group of Alabama Quakers; attracted by the country's pacifist history, they began dairy farming here. In 1972, the area became the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a private nonprofit reserve with six distinct ecological zones containing a wide range of spectacular flora and fauna.

Los Cipreses
Address: Monteverde Region
Santa Elena 8956
Costa Rica
Phone: not listed
Web: http://www.cipreseshotel.com/

Visit a local school
Group will visit a local school on the way to Monteverde Region. Lunch at hotel.
Optional: Horseback riding: those not horseback riding can have free time at the horseback riding site (2hrs30min); the group will be provided with helmets and accompanied by professional guides. Transfer to hotel in Monteverde (up to 1hr).
Horseback: Explore Monteverde on horseback! Your bus will head to La Cruz de Monteverde, where horses and guides will be awaiting your arrival. During your two-and-a-half hour trip, you will stop at a local school, where you'll interact with Costa Rican students and have the opportunity to sample homemade refreshments. Afterwards, the bus will take you back to your hotel in Monteverde.
7/8pm: Dinner at hotel; free time.

Day 5 Monteverde
Visit the Santa Elena Cloud Forest
7:30am: Transfer to forest (15min); walking trail and tree planting at EF reserve (45min).
Plant a tree in the EF reserve in Monteverde
Half-day at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest: Explore the spectacular Santa Elena Cloud Forest, a paradise rich in diverse plant and animal life and situated near the Continental Divide. Warm northeasterly trade winds, filled with moisture, blow in over the Atlantic. As the winds sweep up to the Continental Divide, they cool and condense to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. The cloud forest averages 12 feet of rain annually. Look for bromeliads and orchids as well as brightly colored quetzals among the lush flora. Until recently, the reserve was one of only two places in the world that was home to the now-extinct golden toad (sapo dorad0). Leave your mark on the Earth when you plant a tree in the EF reserve - future generations will appreciate the oxygen!
8:30am: Transfer to Selvatura (30min) for Canopy tour.
10am: Canopy tour (2hrs). Lunch at hotel.
Canopy Tour: On our canopy tour, you will make like the birds and monkeys who call the cloud forest home. Special traits, suspension footbridges and zip lines unveil one of the planet's most fascinating ecological systems from a unique perspective - the tops of the trees. With local expert guides at your side, you can decide which view you prefer - from below or from above.
7/8pm: Dinner at hotel; free time.

Day 6 Monteverde & Central Pacific Coast
Transfer to Central Pacific Coast (3hrs); visit Carara National Park on the way.
12noon: Box lunch or lunch at hotel. Free afternoon.
Visit to Carara Reserve: Follow the coastline south to the Carara Reserve, a national park that boasts a dazzling population of rare wildlife. Be on the lookout for scarlet macaws, boat-billed herons, motmots and roseate spoonbills among the lush vines and anceint trees that make up the park's dense jungle.
Transfer to the Central Pacific Coast: Transfer to the breathtaking Central Pacific Coast, where sandy beaches, a rocky coastline and lush rainforests act as a magnet for travelers.
7pm/9pm: Dinner at hotel; free time.

Hotel Punta Leona
Central Pacific Coast
Punta Leona
Costa Rica
Phone: 506 2231 3131
Web: http://www.hotelpuntaleona.com/

Day 7 Central Pacific Coast
Enjoy a free day on the Central Pacific Coast
9:30am: Trip to Manuel Antonio National Park (1hr30min).
11am: Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, trail & beach.
12noon: Box lunch or lunch at hotel. Free afternoon.
Excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park: Join an excursion along the shoreline to Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its lush jungle vegetation and white, sandy beaches. This beautiful 716-acre park is home to both the squirrel monkey and the two-toed sloth.
7pm/9pm: Dinner at hotel; free time.

Day 8 Puntarenas Region & San Jose
Travel via Sarchi to San José
Transfer to San José via Sarchi; Free afternoon in San Jose; (5hrs).
Lunch in Sarchi. Free afternoon.
Transfer via Sarchi: Your full-day transfer to San Jose begins via picturesque Sarchi, a town known for the brightly painted designs and colorful wheels that adorn local oxcarts. The complex patterns are passed down from one generation to the next.
7pm/8pm: Dinner at hotel; after dinner, free time.

Hotel Villas Tournon
Address: San Jose
San Jose 0032
Costa Rica
Phone: 506 2245 4616
Web: www.costarica-hotelvillatournon

Day 9 San Jose
Take a whitewater rafting expedition on the Sarapiquí River
Half-day whitewater rafting excursion (2hrs).
Whitewater Rafting Excursion: Experience a thrilling whitewater rafting expedition down the Sarapiqui.
12noon-1:30pm: Lunch in Sarapiquí after the tour. Group returns to the hotel early in the afternoon.
7pm/8pm: Dinner at hotel; after dinner, free time.

Day 10 Home
Return on July 2nd: American Airlines Flight 2166 leaving San Jose at 10:10 a.m. and arriving in DFW at 3:20 p.m.
Transfer to San José airport
San José International Airport is located about 30min from our hotels. Group should anticipate being at the airport 3hrs before flight departure time.
Return Home: Your tour director assists with the transfer to the airport, where you'll check in for your return flight home.