Alyra’s team is developing an amazing expedition for a Montreal high school  that will combine learning about Fair Trade coffee and its production, cultural immersion, and excursions in nature.  The most important objective is to accomplish the IDP (international development project) in order to  improve the quality of life of the members from a community in Costa Rica.

PART 1 – Days 1-4:  Agritourism in San Carlos

• Arrival in San Jose and departure for the Community (2h30 transport)
• Environmental project in the reserve of  Juanilama
• Exploring the Reserve and the “La Leona” waterfall
• Artisanal workshop: Collection of natural materials from a dry forest

4 nights in homestays or in a lodge near to the community (homestays will depend of the amount of participants in the trip)
Transport in private vehicle

PART 2 – Days 5-15 : Community project

• Departure to Puntarenas  (5h transport)
• Community Project (construction work): Communities will be chosen according to their actual needs.
• Finca Lorenzo: Visit to a coffee plantation
• Finca Marcos: Visit to a milk production farm
• Finca Clara: Visit to the “Barro Blanco” waterfall
• Beneficio de Café: Visit to a coffee production centre "Bueyerito"
• Workshops :Organic agriculture
 and Cheesemaking

11 nights staying with families in the community  (1 student per family)
Private transportation

PART 3 – Days 16-19 : Tirimbina Rainforest

•  Departure from Cedral to Tirimbina Reserve (6h transport)
• Chocolat tour:  the tour will be led by a trained guide across the suspension bridge and a sector of the Tirimbina forest to a former cacao-growing plot. During the hike, the natural and cultural history of the cacao tree will be explained. On arrival at the plot, the artisanal process by which cacao fruit is transformed into chocolate will be demonstrated (harvest, fermentation, drying, etc.), while the story of pre- and post-colonial chocolate is told. At the site, one may taste different kinds of chocolate, which are prepared on the spot in the traditional way.
• Guided natural history walk: walk with a qualified naturalist guide along the Reserve's trails, you will have the opportunity to search for, find and interpret the secrets of the rainforest. In addition you may learn more about the areas history and the objectives of the Reserve.
• Night walk: Discover the wonders of the forest when most species are active. A naturalist guide will tell you about the natural history of the various nocturnal species of the tropical rainforest. The guide will focus on nocturnal species such as: insects, frogs and nocturnal mammals amongst others, giving you a different perspective of the rainforest.

3 nights in the reserve
Day 19: depart and arrival in Montreal
Private and public transportation

• 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.

  Insurance
  Find information of our availaible travel insurance: All inclusive travel policy and Youth travel policy.

• These prices include

  • International flights from Montreal and back;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation;
  • Lodging (in the community): in host families, 1 per family for students;
  • Lodging (outside the community): multiple occupancy for students;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water at all times;
  • Organization of the community projects and coordination with the local community leader and members;
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and potable water during meals;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides (when mentioned);
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers, restaurants, etc.;
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage;
  • Pre-trip prep: 2 meetings with the students/parents to prepare everyone for the trip;

• These prices do not include

  • 0.1% for the OPC (Consumer Protection Office);
  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports);
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;