Costa Rica

February 2, 2016

The sound of hammers, the mixing of cement by hand, dipping brushes into buckets of paint, carrying sheets of plywood, and digging with shovels – all so meaningful when you are helping to build a home for family in need of suitable shelter. You and your peers will build this home from foundation to a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony and moving the family in to their new home. This unique cultural experience is augmented with a guided hike through the jungle, cultural exchange with Costa Rican high school students and a visit to a family subsistence farm.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica

  • Morning:  Depart for San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Afternoon:  Travel to Costa Rica
  • Evening:  Introduction to your in-country coordinator and brief orientation

Day 2: Orientation & Begin Homebuilding

  • Morning:  Travel to Rio Frio and the homebuilding site
  • Afternoon:  Meet the family and learn about the homebuilding process and site safety
  • Evening:  Evening discussion, debrief, and downtime

Day 3: Homebuilding

  • Morning:  Early departure to the home building site
  • Afternoon:  Continue the homebuilding work
  • Evening:  Evening discussion, debrief, and downtime

Day 4: Homebuilding & Home Dedication

  • Morning:  Early departure to the home building site
  • Afternoon:  Dedicate the home, and then zip-lining through the rainforest canopy
  • Evening:  Evening discussion, debrief, and downtime

Day 5: Cultural Exchange & Sustainable Farm

  • Morning:  Meet the students of the Leaf Cutter Project and learn about the work they are doing to improve their community
  • Afternoon:  Lunch and Tour at Aura’s Farm – one family’s approach to sustainable living
  • Evening:  Evening discussion, debrief, and downtime

Day 6: Depart for the Pacific Side & Beach

  • Morning:  Early departure to the beach
  • Afternoon:  Continue the homebuilding work
  • Evening:  Evening discussion, debrief, and downtime

Day 7: Day at the Beach

  • Morning:  Relax on the beach
  • Afternoon:  Explore the area around Playa Bejuco
  • Evening:  Evening discussion, debrief, and downtime

Day 8: Return to Alajuela & Final Celebration

  • Morning:  Return to Alajuela near San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Afternoon:   Late afternoon arrival into Alajuela
  • Evening:  Final debrief and celebration

Day 9: Departure

  • Morning:  Early departure from San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Afternoon:  Travel home
  • Evening:  Late arrival