Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your Girl Scout adventure begins today! Upon arrival, you will be taken to the hotel (transfer is included). With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San José is an enjoyable city with intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive with time to spare, a good place to start exploring is the main plaza. Artisan booths are common here, and you never know when there will be an art fair. Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting this evening where we’ll meet our Local Leader and learn all about the trip ahead. Afterward, perhaps head out with your fellow Girl Scout travelers for your first dinner together.

*Please note, Club Adventures and Girl Scouts cannot guarantee that any departure will be exclusively female.

Today we’ll travel by private vehicle to Santa Rosa de Pocosol, where we’ll spend the night in a homestay. Just down the road is the Juanilama agricultural community, where we’ll get to know the locals, help with farm chores, or take a cooking lesson. Several villagers have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes, and you will stay in one of them this evening*. (b)

*Please note that tonight’s homestay will have shared facilities. To make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort to break the ice with your hosts. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready for some serious hand language signals. The reward for your efforts? An authentic slice of life in the Costa Rican countryside.

Today, we continue toward La Fortuna—a small town situated just a few minutes away from Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Besides its panoramic views, the town offers a range of other features like La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forests, rare plants, animal watching, and water-based activities on the lake. The volcano’s location also means that the area has several thermal springs where lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs have been sculpted into pools and waterfalls, making them the ideal place to relax. Spend the rest of the day as you please in this exciting town, perhaps getting active on a stand-up paddleboard or looking for monkeys and caimans (reptiles) during a boat tour of Caño Negro. (b)

Today, we’ll take the scenic route to Monteverde. We’ll travel by minibus to Lake Arenal, then cross the water by boat. On the other side of the lake, we will continue to our destination. Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers—they cleared the forest to create verdant pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to this precious habitat. Consequently, they established a small, privately-owned wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown to become the internationally renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. We’ll explore the area with a tour of the suspension bridges that hang in the trees. (b)

Choose how you'd like to spend the day in this beautiful area. Watch butterflies at play in the specially- created garden, hire a local guide to show you around, visit a community cooperative, or zip-line through the lush canopy! Whatever you do, be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal— one of the most elusive birds in the world. (b)

Today, we’ll travel through the mountains by private vehicle to Quepos. Located close to the beautiful Pacific beaches and exotic wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a laidback town with a vibrant nightlife. Perhaps get into the spirit with a sunset sail around the glorious coast, looking out for the dolphins and whales that sometimes swim close by. Once the sun goes down, you could grab a spot at a waterfront restaurant and sink your teeth into some fresh seafood with your fellow travelers. (b)

Spend your time enjoying all that Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer. Perhaps head out for a hike along one of the many trails, keeping an eye on the great views and abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths, and hundreds of birds are among the species you maybe be able to spot. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white-sand beaches—perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing, and fishing. Tonight, enjoy a closing ceremony on the beach to cap off a wonderful adventure. (b)

Today, we’ll travel back to San José. Arrive in time to pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the city's colorful markets. Head out for a farewell dinner to reminisce over old and new Girl Scout memories. Then, enjoy a night on the town, getting a taste of the huge variety of nightlife in the city. (b, d)

After breakfast, our incredible journey through Costa Rica ends. There will be a group transfer to the San José airport. (b)