On his final voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus came upon what he considered a place of pure paradise. Costa Rica is quite a different Central American location. She is the only Central American country to not be ravaged by war in the 20th century. Costa Rica’s stable economy has created the environment in which eco-tourism has boomed. You could say this country has a staggering beauty.
A missions trip or pilgrimage to Costa Rica allows the team to experience the best of service and adventure all wrapped into one. You can work on refurbishing a school in a small community in the morning, and be climbing a mountain trail or spelunking into a maze of caves by the afternoon. Try teaching English to a group of students, and then cruise 300 feet over a rain forest on a canopy tour. So many adventures are waiting. Consider Costa Rica for the voyage of a lifetime.
Overview
- Visit to the Basilica Virgin de Los Angeles to honor Costa Rica’s patron saint.
- Take an afternoon to hike through breathtaking rainforests.
- Zip line over the jungle like a hawk while on a morning canopy tour.
- Explore a volcano or swim at the bottom of a jungle waterfall.
- Carry bags of food to families in need in the small interior villages.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – Bienvenidos
Welcome to Costa Rica, one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Central America. After you team touches down in San Jose, we will set out for Guanacaste, the cultural heart of Costa Rica. Our drive will take us through lush natural beauty: cloudy mountain passes, dense jungles and alligator-infested waters. Our evening will end with a hearty Costa Rican meal and anticipation for the adventures ahead. - Day 2 – The Jungle
Today is our first full day on the ground and today we will consider what it means to explore our faith as we explore both the culture and fantastic vistas of Costa Rica. Our morning will feature an interview with a local guide in Costa Rica. Heʼll help us settle into our accommodations and then take us on an iguana hunt. Our afternoon might take us into the tropical forest at Barra Costa National Park, with potential hikes through monkey-guarded trails or journeys into dark mountain caves. - Day 3 – Deeper
What did Jesus mean when he was talking about the “least of these?” We will examine this question as we visit a remote village on the Nicoya Peninsula. After a morning of serving in a humble town, we will set your team free to explore the surrounding area. In the afternoon, your group will be challenged with purchasing ingredients from the local market and then cooking a meal: an intense cultural experience that will be enlightening and (hopefully!) delicious. - Day 4 – Through the Trees
The morning will begin with cross-cultural connections: our team will have the opportunity to exchange language with students at a local school. Our cultures will meet face-to-face in a powerful way. Later, we will all take “mini leaps of faith,” zip lining hundreds of feet through a dense tropical forest and experiencing the joy of adventure in Godʼs creation. - Day 5 – Under Pressure
Our day will begin extra-early as we make for the Arenal volcanic region. Though much of our day will be on the road, we will soak in the natural beauty of Costa Rica and taste more local food. We will also explore the hot springs in Arenal. While relaxing, we can ask ourselves: how do we deal with seemingly volcanic pressure in our own lives? - Day 6 – Refreshed
On our second day in Arenal we will be confronted by the awesomeness of Godʼs creation as we explore a powerful waterfall in the forest at the foot of the volcano. Prepare for a day full of swimming, sliding and hiking! Today is meant to be a day of relaxation and exploration: your team will have plenty of time in the afternoon to try local foods and buy souvenirs in La Fortuna for family and friends back home. Our day will end with a time of reflection at a fantastic local restaurant. - Day 7 – Departure
At your convenience, you will pack up and say goodbye to a fantastic week of exploration, service and encounter. What will you take home with you? The voyage is now in fact just beginning and we pray that you carry fresh perspective and energy with you as you travel.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Costa Rica
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
