Day 1: May 31 th
Welcome to Costa Rica — Pura Vida! The PK Yonge group has finally arrived, bringing with them a suitcase full of excitement for all the adventures that await them during these next days. Students are ready for everything they will learn and the people they will meet along the way. This is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences, cultural connections, and incredible memories.
Day 2: June 1st
Today was a very fun and enriching day. Students had the opportunity to learn how to prepare a traditional Costa Rican dish, the famous arroz con pollo, or as locals like to call it, arroz con siempre. After cooking, everyone got moving to the rhythm of Latin music, learning the traditional swing criollo, which brought lots of energy and laughter to the day. To close the day, students explored the importance of Indigenous communities in Costa Rica and painted traditional masks inspired by the Boruca culture, ending with a meaningful and creative activity.
Day 3: June 2nd
Today we visited one of Costa Rica’s seven beautiful provinces, Heredia. We explored downtown Heredia, where students had the chance to try authentic local food. At the Heredia market, they enjoyed traditional casados and experienced the flavors of Costa Rican cuisine. Afterward, we took a walk through Parque Central, where we admired the town’s beautiful church and learned more about its history. We also visited the famous Fortín, a historic tower built over 100 years ago. It was, without a doubt, a day full of adventure, culture, and new experiences.
Day 4: June 3rd
Today was a day of exploration. After their classes, the students went out to discover San Joaquín. They visited Oxígeno Mall, where they had time to relax and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. It was a nice and calm way to end the day.
Day 5: June 4th
Today was a very exciting day as we visited a wildlife refuge. We saw different animals and learned about their feeding habits. Our favorite part was definitely seeing the sloths, they were adorable! It was a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
Day 6: June 5th
Today, the group explored Costa Rica’s capital, San José. They visited the National Museum, where they learned about the country’s history and culture, and then walked through Paseo de los Estudiantes, where Chinatown is located. Students enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and experienced a unique mix of traditions. It was a great day full of learning and new experiences.
Day 7: June 6th
Today was a day full of adventure as we immersed ourselves in the rapids of the Pacuare River. We paddled through exciting Class IV and V rapids, enjoying every moment along the way. It was truly an unforgettable experience and the perfect way to end an amazing weekend, living it to the fullest.
Day 8: June 7th
Today, we traveled to Monteverde, where new adventures, places, and people await us. On the way, we made a stop in Sarchí, where the group saw the largest oxcart in the world, a colorful symbol of Costa Rican culture. Everyone is excited and looking forward to all the incredible experiences ahead as we continue our journey.
Day 9: June 8th
Today we visited El Trapiche, where we learned many interesting things about traditional Costa Rican processes. We explored the coffee-making process, including the different flavors and roasting methods. We also learned about cacao, observing its different stages and even tasting it. Finally, we discovered how sugar cane is processed, and we participated in making traditional sobado dulce, prepared from fresh sugar cane juice. It was a fun and enriching experience where we connected with local traditions.
Day 10: June 9th
Today we got our hands to work. We visited the Monteverde recycling center, where we did our part to give back to the community. We spent the morning recycling and sorting plastic materials, all while enjoying the rhythm of Latin music playing in the background.
Day 11: June 10th
Today we visited a coffee farm in Monteverde. We continued learning about the coffee-making process, including the different roasting methods and how each one affects the flavor. At the end of the tour, we took part in a tasting session, trying to guess which type of coffee we were sampling. We also saw farm animals like goats and chickens, which made the experience even more authentic. One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the “Tree of Life,” a beautiful tree that has been standing for over 100 years.
Day 12: June 11th
Today we explored the Santa Elena Reserve, located within a beautiful cloud forest. We learned about the differences between primary and secondary forests and had the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species. We even spotted some snakes along the way. At the end of the hike, we were surprised by a pair of quetzals, which was without a doubt the most magical moment of the day.
Day 13: June 12th
Today was graduation day—an incredible way to wrap up two weeks in Costa Rica. We’ve spent this time learning Spanish, and there’s no doubt we’ve improved a lot. As a reward, we went on a canopy tour, admiring the surrounding nature as we walked and zipped above the treetops. It was a beautiful experience, full of adrenaline and unforgettable views.
Day 14: June 12th
Today was officially our last day in Costa Rica. Time went by so quickly, and we found ourselves developing a deep love for this country, making it hard to say goodbye. However, we left with smiles on our faces, cherishing all the memories we created and hoping to return someday.
