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LEAF International empowers local culture keepers to preserve their sacred
traditions, customs, land and language in these Costa Rican communities:
Bribri First Nation
Amubri, near Caribbean coast
Ngäbe-Buglé First Nation
La Casona
Cabecar First Nation
Ujarras & Chirripo
Be in communion with the community while supporting the preservation efforts of leaders from First Nations throughout the region. You’ll spend more time among indigenous communities than you will on the beach, though we’ve built those stops in as well. You will build meaningful relationships with members among the Ngäbe-Buglé First Nation and witness the powerful expressions of culture these communities have to offer. Join LEAF and see the beauty of the International programs in action, while raising global awareness & bringing attention to the importance of cultural preservation.
$1000 (Land Only)
Oct 1 (while spaces remain)
Upon Registration
Oct 1
Flight to San Jose. Pick you up at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Dinner at the Sikwa Restaurant – traditional indigenous food. Introduction to the tour; explanation of routes; trip in general. Stay in a downtown hotel. Meet Luis Porras, Founder of JIRONDAI PROJECT
San Jose to San Vito. Breakfast at the Hotel. From San José to San Vito we will pass through several places: San Isidro del General, Buenos Aires, and other communities. We will have discussions at each site. Upon arrival in San Vito we will stay at the Rino Hotel. Meet Culture keeper Alexis Rodriguez. Dinner at the La Negra Restaurant.
San Vito to La Casona. Breakfast at the Hotel. Visit the LEAF International La Casona program in the community at Ngäbe-Buglé, which is about 45 minutes from the Rino Hotel. Visit the school were the Ngäbe-Buglé language is taught. Meet the Cacique & eldest member of the Ngäbe-Buglé, who will give us an introduction to the language. Community Service project. Lunch in the Indigenous reserve and dinner at the La Negra Restaurant.
San Vito to La Mellizas. Breakfast at the Hotel. Visit the facilities of Las Mellizas – the public school where the Indigenous Cultural festival will take place – & LEAF operates. Community Service Project (help build the stalls for the Festival – proceeds go directly to indigenous communities). Lunch El Mercado Restaurant. Dinner at La Negra Restaurant
San Vito to La Casona. Breakfast at the Hotel. Culture Keeper Luis Quetzal – El Chamán – will give us an introduction & tour on Natural medicine.
Breakfast at the Hotel. Spend the day at the Festival of Indigenous Cultures. Move to Las Mellizas for the Festival. Shop at the Cultural Exhibitions (Dance, clothing, product manufacturing)
San Vito to Quepos. Breakfast at the Hotel. Pass through the Bahía Ballena National Marine Park. Afternoon guided tour of Manuel Antonio Park. Beach time. Stay in Manuel Antonio, Hotel Villa Prast
Day Off. Depending on flight schedules on day 9.
Flight Home. Depending on your return flight time, a shuttle to the airport will be arranged for you directly from your stay. If you have extended your return flight date, now will begin your independent exploration of Costa Rica.
NOTE: Activities in the itinerary are subject to change based on the realities of each community. Please stay flexible & keep an open mind 🙂
*Receipt of deposit and registration prior to the registration deadline will confirm space and contracted price. After this date, contracted pricing may change due to increase in costs associated with airfare, lodging, or other associated costs. Please contact Discovery Expeditions for updated pricing if contract has expired. Contracted prices are based on a limit of 15 travelers. Click below to register and save your spot. For more details of the vision for the trip, the itinerary, and what is included in the trip price, read below.
Minimum and Maximum Number of Participants: A minimum of 8 travelers is required to operate this trip, and the trip will be capped at a maximum of 15 travelers. Should the trip be canceled for lack of sign-ups, deposit and all monies paid will be refunded.
