The Hill Academy - Costa Rica: Culture, Community and Conservation 2026

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Once you clear immigration, please meet your local tour guide at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Your guide will assist with loading your luggage into the vehicle and transfer you to your hotel.

Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as we make our way to the hotel.  Upon arrival and following check-in, the group will gather for introductions and a trip orientation.

Dinner will be on your own this evening.

Overnight San Jose.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out.

Load your bags on your private coach and head out this morning for a tour of the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose.  The group will see the impressive National Theater, the Gold Museum, the lively Central Market, and the country's National Art Gallery (entrance fees not included).

The group will then transfer to the spectacular and lush Arenal region.  Our first stop will be Mistico Hanging Bridges, where you will embark on a guided tour through the stunning tropical forest of Mistico Park. As you explore its invigorating trails, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in nature and encounter local wildlife. Cross the iconic hanging bridges and enjoy a breathtaking view of a majestic 18-meter-high (60 ft) waterfall. The trail is comfortable, with a non-slip surface and no steps, making it a unique and safe adventure.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a true natural wonder - a Hot Springs!  The group will enjoy a tour and dinner before continuing their journey to the hotel.

Overnight Eco Arenal Hotel (or similar).
 

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, head out in your private coach for a truly unique experience when you volunteer at Costa Rica Dog Rescue.  Costa Rica Dog Rescue supports the community and has many street dogs that require a lot of work to care for them every day.   Currently Costa Rica Dog Rescue have approximately 90 dogs that need your support as they need to be walked, fed  and played with daily.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to La Fortuna Waterfall. Located within a biological reserve of transition premontane tropical wet forest, part of the Arenal Volcano National Park, this magnificent 70-meter waterfall is truly a sight to behold. To reach the base, you’ll follow a well-maintained path of approximately 530 steps, with plenty of rest stops along the way to hydrate and take in the surrounding beauty. The path winds through a forest filled with native trees, offering a peaceful and secure journey.

Once you arrive at the waterfall, you’ll be greeted by a spacious viewing platform, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos and creating lasting memories. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Fortuna River (swimming is optional).

This evening enjoy a delicious group dinner at Finca Arenal Vida Campesina, where you can savour the flavours of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a warm and welcoming setting.

Overnight Eco Arenal Hotel (or similar).

Breakfast at the hotel. 

In the morning, enjoy a Canopy Tour (Zip Line) across the spectacular Costa Rica rainforest.

If you like adventure, visit one of the attractions that makes Costa Rica famous as a worldwide tourist destination, the Canopy tour. The Canopy Tour of Arenal Ecoglide Park consists of two cables, one sliding and the other independent cable for greater security of our users. It consists of 11 cables, 13 platforms, and a suspension bridge, the tour is divided into two sections. 

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, guided tour at Arenal Volcano Ecological Park.  Arenal Volcano Ecological Park is a stunning natural reserve located near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. This park offers visitors the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforests, wetlands, and volcanic landscapes. Guests can hike various trails that provide breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding flora and fauna. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and numerous bird species. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural environment.

In the evening, enjoy a Night Walk Frog Tour.    Live the experience of the only natural frog sanctuary in La Fortuna at night, when the colorful frogs and other wild animals of the rainforest are more active and more easily observed. The night walk continues beyond the frogs ponds along flat paths immersed in the noisy rainforest of the night. The guide will tell you where the animals are located hiding from you. Live, enjoy and learn about this unique natural sanctuary of frogs in the area of the Arenal Volcano.

Dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight Eco Arenal Hotel (or similar).

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out.

This morning you will learn about local sustainable production on a coffee and chocolate tour. The coffee tour takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of coffee in Costa Rica, exploring its significance in the country’s economy, both past and present. As you walk through the coffee farm and factory, you’ll witness firsthand how beans are transformed into the rich, dark coffee that Costa Ricans adore.

Next, indulge your senses on the famous Chocolate Tour, where you'll have the opportunity to smell and taste different types of chocolate. Your guide will share the cultural history of this beloved treat, and you'll learn about the process of turning cocoa seeds into pure, delicious chocolate.

The journey continues with a visit to an organic fruit stop, where you’ll learn more about  sustainable farming practices and get to see some of the fine fresh local produce and experience the beauty of local agriculture.

Finally, enjoy a delicious dinner and evening Jaco City Walking and Shopping Tour.

Overnight Wide Mouth Frog Hotel (or similar).

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Half-Day Volunteer Experience

The day will begin with an engaging and informative guided tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary Centre. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and learn about the diverse wildlife that calls the sanctuary home, including sloths, spider monkeys, kinkajous, and many other fascinating species. After the tour, enjoy some refreshments and participate in a short activity with one of the sanctuary’s animal caretakers or biologists.

Following this, you'll sit down to a delicious, freshly prepared lunch. This is a great opportunity to interact with staff, interns, and long-term volunteers and hear about their experiences.

In the afternoon, you'll take part in a volunteer project alongside staff and other volunteers. This project will focus on creating enrichment activities for the animals, which helps stimulate their natural behaviors. While you won’t be handling the animals directly, it’s a fantastic chance to get an up-close view of their habitat and contribute to their well-being.

In the afternoon, enjoy a memorable sunset Catamaran Cruise with snorkelling (optional). 

Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight Wide Mouth Frog Hotel (or similar).

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out. 

This morning, prepare for an exciting hike along the scenic trails of Manuel Antonio National Park.

You will begin with a private transfer from Jacó to Manuel Antonio, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a stunning blend of lush tropical forest and pristine beaches, home to a rich variety of wildlife, including endangered species of both flora and fauna. As you hike through the park, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking ocean views and the chance to spot some of the area’s unique wildlife along the way.

The journey will continue onward back to San Jose.   Upon arrival and following check-in, there will be some free time and shopping for some artisan hand-crafted souvenirs at Calle de los Artesanos, Moravia.

To end the day on a high note, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

Overnight Country Inn and Suites by Radisson San Jose (or similar). 

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out.

Load your bags onto your private coach for the transfer to San Jose International Airport for your return flight to Canada.