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There’s plenty of adventure to be had during your downtime and weekends in and around Montezuma. For those in the three or four week programs, your third Friday will be free, giving you time to explore and find some adventure. Here’s a list of excursions we can arrange for you upon request:
Included For All Students:
Montezuma Waterfall Hike
Since La Escuela Del Sol is located right at the base of the Montezuma River which leads to the spectacular Montezuma Falls, we can’t pass up the opportunity to show off a little bit. We’ll take every student on an easy hike to our favorite local watering hole for a rest and a quick dip. There you can swim or just sit and admire the magnificent 75 foot falls (the largest in the area). For the more daring, we’ll continue through some difficult terrain to the second and third falls where we’ll take the rope swing out for a twirl and maybe even do some cliff diving. It’s a great time, guaranteed.
Giant Turtle Egg Laying Tour (July - October; New and Full Moons)
Armando, our local wildlife expert who was born and raised in Montezuma will take you for a nighttime stroll along the beach. Along the way, he'll teach you everything you ever wanted to know about nearby plants and animals. If you're lucky, you'll hear a howler monkey which Armando can pick out merely by the sound of its voice. He'll then tell you about the plight of the endangered leatherback turtle and how to observe one as unobtrusively as possible. By the end of the tour, more likely than not, you'll get to see one in action. But no flash photography, or you might spook one away.
Included For 2, 3 or 4 Week Students, Your Choice Of:
Zip-Line Canopy Tour (Weekends Unless Schedule Permits Otherwise)**
Your zip-lining tour will send you soaring, high above the rainforest floor for one of the biggest adrenaline rushes Costa Rica has to offer. If you keep your eyes open, chances are you’ll see monkeys, exotic birds and unmatched views of the Pacific Ocean. Professional, experienced instructors will guide you safely through the exhilarating course, containing 9 cables, 3 waterfalls and 2 and a half hours of high-flying fun.
Or
Horseback Riding to Private Waterfalls (Weekends Only)**
Your horse awaits 5km north of Montezuma where you’ll begin your tour. Guides will take you along the old Bijagua road, through the quaint pueblo of Florida and into the jungle towards the Panica Falls. There you will dismount and take some time to chill out in a natural Jacuzzi, swim in the refreshing river, swing on an incredible rope swing and check out the falls in total privacy (aside from the curious monkeys, of course). The whole trip lasts 3-4 hours and includes water and a snack. No experience is necessary.
Optional Excursions We Can Arrange For You:
Kayak and Snorkeling Tour - $30*
Snorkel off the shores of Isla Cabuya, one of the most historic islands of Costa Rica. After a thirty minute kayaking trip to this island, you'll visit a cemetery for local residents followed by a dip in the pristine, protected waters surrounding the island which allow for great snorkeling. You'll have time to explore and relax while your guides prepare a snack of fresh fruit, giving you enough energy to paddle back to the mainland.
Hike through Cabo Blanco National Park – $8*
In 1963, the nearby Cabo Blanco became the first National Park in Costa Rica. Today it boasts 1250 hectares of lush rainforest, dramatic coastline and countless species of animals and plants. Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Parrots and a slew of other exotic animals frolick through the forest and fly over head. Hike through the mountains, picnic by the river or stroll along the stunning beach and you’ll see things your friends would never believe if you didn’t have the proof on your camera.
Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour - $40*
This uninhabited island off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula provides exquisite beauty and endless fun. You’ll work on your suntan and enjoy the views from the deck of a speedboat on the way through the islands. Once you reach Tortuga, you’ll disembark, grab your snorkel gear and head for the volcanic reef to hang in the crystal clear waters with some tropical fish. Afterwards, you can wade in the ocean or explore the island while your guides cook you up some fresh fish and local cuisine. But save some gas in the tank ‘cause the ride back often turns into a dance party.
SCUBA Diving at Isla Tortuga - $100 for 1 Tank Dive/$140 for 2 Tank Dive*
A speedboat will take you straight from Montezuma Beach to a prime dive spot near Isla Tortuga. Visibility ranges from 30 to 80 feet!! where you may spot angel fish, sea horses, octopus, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, dolphin, whale sharks and countless tropical fish. Trip includes lunch and drinks, full diving gear and professional, English speaking, dive master instructors.
Off Shore and Deep Sea Fishing – Prices Below
Costa Rica is also the top fishing destination in all of Central America. Take a “3 hour tour” into the Pacific Ocean, cast your rod and start reeling in blue marlin, giant yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, red snapper, dorado and wahoo among others. Whatever you catch, bring on home, and for just a few colones, our in-house chefs will grill it up for a mouth watering, happy ending to a fantastic day.
ATV Rental - $50* Half Day/$70* Full Day
Take a ride on the wild side with a Honda 4 wheeler to discover some of the more secluded pristine beaches, waterfalls and pueblos in the area. One of the better forms of transportation on the mostly bump-laden (a.k.a. adventurous) dirt roads, you can take your quad all the way to Cabo Blanco or Mal Pais and Santa Teresa for some wildlife or an afternoon surf.
*All prices are current as of May 8th, 2008 but are subject to change by discretion of activity provider and seasonality. Once you apply for an excursion we will contact you with the best price possible and available dates and lock it in for you upon your approval.
**Zipline and Horseback Riding excursions are guaranteed over weekends but only offered during the week if your schedule permits. Discounts or refunds will not be provided to those who choose to skip excursions.
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