Costa Rica

Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’ in Spanish, and many call it the Switzerland of Central America. Here we will discover a virtual treasure trove of geographic landscapes and spend some time dreaming in the Cloud Forest of Monteverde.

High in the mountains of Monteverde, we will explore Costa Rica’s natural history and learn about efforts to preserve the rainforests and ecosystems. On our walks and hikes through the beautiful, lush forest, we will encounter birds, butterflies, lizards, monkeys and many other animals in their natural environment.

Next we will dare the Arenal Volcano, one of the world’s most impressive natural formations. We will witness the majesty of the green hills and experience the incredible hot springs at the base of the volcano, where steam channels create a thermal wonderland.

Finally, we will spend two and a half weeks at the Villas Mapache located in Playas del Coco, a colourful little beach village in the province of Guanacaste on the North West Coast. Here we can explore this landscape set in a deep cove with a long beach of calm waters on the Pacific.

COURSES - JULY PROGRAM

Grade 11 English (ENG3U)
Grade 12 English (ENG4U)
Grade 11 Biology (SBI3U)
Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U)
Grade 11 Interdisciplinary Studies (Leadership Skills) (IDC3OL)
Grade 12 Interdisciplinary Studies (Leadership Skills) (IDC4UL)

COURSES - AUGUST PROGRAM

Grade 11 English (ENG3U)
Grade 12 English (ENG4U)
Grade 11 Biology (SBI3U)
Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U)
Grade 11 Interdisciplinary Studies (Leadership Skills) (IDC3UL)
Grade 12 Interdisciplinary Studies (Leadership Skills) (IDC4UL)

DATES (Subject to change)

June 30-July 24
July 30 to August 23, 2012

ITINERARY

Approximately 4 days in Monteverde, 1 day at the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna and 2.5 weeks in Playas del Coco

What we do in Monteverde:
Experience:
- The Cloud Forest Reserve
- The local wildlife on a night hike
- Conservation efforts at the Monteverde Institute

What we do in Arenal:
Visit:
- The Arenal Volcano
- The waterfalls and hot springs

What we do in Playas del Coco:
Discover:
- The lively beach town
- The long coastline and cove
- The warm hospitality of the Tico people

FLIGHT INFORMATION

JULY PROGRAM-GROUP 1

Saturday June 30	United Airlines flight 5184	Depart Toronto 6:00 am	Arrive Houston 8:34 am
Saturday June 30	United Airlines flight 1522	Depart Houston 11:31 am	Arrive Liberia 2:00 pm

Tuesday July 24	United Airlines flight 1516	Depart Liberia 12:20 pm	Arrive Houston 4:57 pm
Tuesday July 24	United Airlines flight 4383	Depart Houston 6:55 pm	Arrive Toronto 11:11 pm

Please note: Flight times are subject to change by the airline.

JULY PROGRAM-GROUP 2

Saturday June 30	Delta Airlines flight 4059	Depart Toronto 6:17 am	Arrive Atlanta 8:40 am
Saturday June 30	Delta Airlines flight 353	Depart Atlanta 10:03 am	Arrive Liberia 12:00 pm

Tuesday July 24	Delta Airlines flight 356	Depart Liberia 12:58 pm	Arrive Atlanta 7:01 pm
Tuesday July 24	Delta Airlines flight 5135	Depart Atlanta 9:45 pm	Arrive Toronto 11:56 pm

Please note: Flight times are subject to change by the airline.

AUGUST PROGRAM

Monday July 30	American Airlines flight 1409	Depart Toronto 6:47 am	Arrive Miami 9:50 am
Monday July 30	American Airlines flight 2127	Depart Miami 10:40 am	Arrive Liberia 11:25 am

Thursday August 23	American Airlines flight 2130	Depart Liberia 12:30 pm	Arrive Miami 5:20 pm
Thursday August 23	American Airlines flight 646	Depart Miami 8:20 pm	Arrive Toronto 11:25 pm