PART I – Days 1-6 : Project with a positive impact in the community of Nacientes del Palmichal

• Project with a positive impact in the community of Nacientes de Palmichal.
• Groups will alternate between volunteer work and cultural workshops, allowing for an authentic immersion in the daily life of the host community.
Workshops :
• Dairy production workshop: At Paraje de Bendición, a sustainable livestock farm, owned by the Cascante Ureña family, we will have the opportunity to learn about the production of biogas and bio fertilizer from livestock waste, learn about and participate in the process of making artisanal cheese and milk production.
• Beneficio de Café: learn how to roast and grind one of the best coffees in the world, awarded the Cup of Excellence for many years and brew it in the traditional Costa Rican style. Learn the steps of coffee production: receiving the raw fruit, pulping, drying, roasting, and packaging. We will learn about the effort to reduce the amount of water in the process, the adequate management of waste to produce organic fertilizers (vermicompost) and the management of water for its decontamination.
• Dance workshop.
• Cooking lesson: make peasant style tortillas with Doña Mery and a typical Costa Rican dish.
Cultural exchange with the young association by playing sports.
• Learn about the community's conservation efforts in water protection, its history and community achievements.
• Swim in the natural pools of their reserve “Refugio El Salvaje”
1 night in a hostel in San Jose Transport in private vehicle from San Jose to the community (2h) 5 nights in the hostel of the community: multiple occupancy for students and double occupancy for the chaperones Transport in private vehicle

PART II - Days 7-9 : Caldera beach and a Sloth Rescue centre

• Enjoy a day with sporting activities on the beautiful beach of La Caldera
• Optional activities at a supplementary fee: snorkelling or surfing
• Tour a rescue centre in Guacima and learn about their mission. It is an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated veterinarians. The animal enclosures include, but are not limited to, an aviary, sloth gardens, and monkey cages, all located in natural settings which allows the animals a place to recuperate from wounds in a setting as close to their natural habitat as possible..

 
1 night in a hostel of Caldera Beach
1 night in a hostel in San Jose
Transport in private vehicle
Day 9: Departure to Montreal

• Preps

  Travel documents

  A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the date of your return flight back home.

  Luggage

  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health

  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety

  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Payment Terms

  November 6, 2023 : 400$ including FICAV non-refundable
  December 18, 2023: 1500$
  February 12, 2024: To be determined based on the number of traveler

  PAYMENT  METHODS

  1. INTERAC  EMAIL TRANSFERS  –
  Proceed to do the interact email transfer after signing up online. Please write in the wire message the name of the student.
  Email to send the transfer: finance@alyraexpeditions.com
  Question: which destination?
  Answer: costarica
  

  2. CREDIT  CARD  – Please note that an additional 3% fee will be charged to the trip price for credit card payments. If you choose this option, we will send you a link by e-mail to pay online.
  

  Cancellation / Modifications By The Traveler

  In case of cancellation, the Traveller, even in cases of events outside of their control. The minimum cancellation fees are as follows:

  • a) 121 days or more prior to departure: 1st deposit
  • b) 91 to 120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip package
  • c) 46 to 90 days prior to departure:75% of trip package
  • d) 45 days or fewer prior to departure: 100% of package

• These prices include

  • •The international direct flights from Montreal;
  • Costa Rica Airport departure tax;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation (private bus);
  • Lodging in the hostel of the community: multiple occupancy for students and double occupancy for the chaperones;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water during the trip;
  • Organization of the community projects and coordination with the local community leader and members;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides as stated;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants;
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • 0.35% for the OPC’s FICAV (Consumer Protection Office) tax ($3.5 per $1000);
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage.

• These prices do not include

  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports);
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;
  • Transportation from the school to the airport and back;
  • Laundry and any other personal expenses.