Day 8: Coming Home!
We have made it to the airport and our flight is on time — JetBlue 1794. As of now, we land back at JFK at 9:10pm and then will need to go through customs before reuniting with any drivers at baggage claim. All of your children have just gotten back their phones and will be in touch throughout the journey đ
Thank you for choosing to send your whole world with us (the Roth Family) this week — We can’t wait for you to hear all of the stories and will be sending out all of the photos and videos by the end of the week. Pura Vida!!
Day 7: Zipline, Organic Farm & Hot Springs⌠Oh My!
Our day began at 8am with breakfast and the buses rolled out shortly after. We headed to Sky Trek Zipline, an annual crowd favorite to get the adrenaline pumping. There was definitely a mix of excitement and nervousness as we approached the gondola to bring everyone up to the first zipline. The park consisted of 7 lines â the longest being over 45 seconds and the highest reaching over 700 feet. One by one, Ridgefield students took off screaming, yelling and cheering each other on!
After such an adventurous activity, we had worked up an appetite and headed to arguably the best meal of the trip⌠Don Juanâs organic farm! Everything students ate for lunch was produced sustainably from the farm, including yucca, papaya root, squash, chicken and tilapia. The second half of our farm visit was a tour of the property and our guides, Gustavo and Natasha, took us around to various activities. We learned about how cacao is used to make chocolate, tasted several âsuperfoodsâ, and got a first hand look at how sugarcane is processed and used in a variety of ways. Students had a chance to put on their chef hats and make their own chocolate creations after walking through the three step process of cacao processing: fermentation, drying, and roasting. After roasting, the cacao beans were ground into a glossy paste â many of our students showed their muscles while using the traditional grinder! Then, it was up to each of us to create our own chocolate using a variety of ingredients like brown sugar, condensed milk, peanuts, coconut, cinnamon, coffee, and more. By the end, every student walked away with their own chocolate and had a greater appreciation for the classic sweet treat that we all know and love.
After the organic farm, we visited downtown Arenal where everyone had a chance to browse the town square and pick up some souvenirs. Donât worry, families â your kids are definitely not coming home empty-handed!
Our final full day ended with a closing reflection session, plus swimming and dinner at Los Lagos hot springs. Some students could be seen flying down the water slide while others were lounging with their virgin pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris, pool hopping from one hot spring to another. We soaked up the final hours poolside, with the Arenal Volcano looming in the background.Â
With a 6:30am wake-up call tomorrow, it was an early bedtime for all of our Tico Travelers! We are looking forward to seeing all of you (@families!) tomorrow!
P.S. – Our flight (JetBlue 1794) is still on time and we will be in touch throughout the journey tomorrow to keep all parents updated!
Day 6: Adios Homestay, Hola Arenal!
With grateful hearts, we left our homestay families in Sitio de Mata. It was not an adios, but an hasta luego!
Although the drive to Arenal was estimated at 3â4 hours, we made great time and arrived in just under three, with a beloved stop along the way: the Fruit Stand! This has become a Ridgefield tradition each year, where students get to sample Costa Ricaâs freshest sweet and savory fruits â mango, pineapple, watermelon, passionfruit, starfruit, peach palm (pejibaye), green mango with chile, guanabana, and more. Itâs truly natureâs candy!
Along the way to La Fortuna, we also stopped for lunch and a nature walk at Tirimbina Biological Reserve. Somehow the stars aligned and we had the perfect space to not only enjoy a hearty lunch but also watch the final half of the Spain vs. Portugal’s match was playing on the restaurantâs TV⌠so some of our students were extra happy đ Tirimbina Biological Reserve is home to many examples of Costa Ricaâs incredible wildlife. Despite only exploring for 30 minutes, we encountered poison dart frogs, iguanas, a sloth, a metamorphosizing cicada, and had the chance to get some adrenaline pumping with a walk across a hanging suspension bridge.
Once we were back on the road, driving past miles and miles of pineapple farms, we reached our destination: Los Lagos Hot Spings & Hotel. Once checked into their rooms, many students spent their free time unwinding in the hotelâs hot springs, pools, and mud baths before dinner â the perfect way to end a travel day in Costa Rica!
Day 5: Homestay Heroes
Oops the fiesta may have gone a bit too lateâŚ.but, WOW what a PARTY! The Ridgefield kids brought the HYPE tonight and the Sitio de Mata crew surely delivered!
âWhat woke you up this morning?â is always our favorite question to ask students after the first night in the homestay. The answers ranged from âmy homestay momâ to âit sounded like the chickens were right behind my headâ to âcows mooingâ and âsugarcane trucks rumbling byâ. Students enjoyed breakfast in their homes before meeting at the community center to start a morning full of activities: interviews with village elders, dancing classes, a walking tour of the town (the “Camino de Sitio de Mata”), and a citizen science project organized by R.A.F.A. (Rivers and Forest Alliance). The Rivers and Forests Alliance is a Costa Rican nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and regenerating Costa Ricaâs Pacuare River Basin, its forests, and biodiversity together with our communities for a sustainable future. The organization was created in memory of a beloved river rafting guide, Rafa, who passed away in March 2021 after a 14-month battle with cancer. In his final months, he outlined his conservation dreams of environmental stewardship and protecting his beloved Pacuare River Basin. His vision became RAFA â the Rivers and Forests Alliance. He planted the seed, and his family and friends have united to honor his lifelong work and carry forward his dream. You can check out more of what RAFA does on their website (https://riversandforestsalliance.org/) and/or contribute to the cause here https://www.amigosofcostarica.org/affiliates/rafa. Students created mud balls containing microorganisms that would eventually be launched into the Pacuare River (the same river we rafted down yesterday!). The riverâs water dissolves the mud, releasing the microorganisms that restore a healthy balance in the ecosystem, thereby increasing the riverâs self-purification ability. We certainly got our hands dirty!
For lunch today, students traveled to three different houses in the community and tested out their cooking skills in a variety of dishes, including handmade corn tortillas, patacones (fried green plaintains) and prestiĂąos (a fried dough dessert). Following lunch, we visited the local elementary school and distributed the backpacks that our Ridgefield students brought. Although school is not in session for two weeks due to the mid-year vacations, the school principal welcomed us on the recess yard and gave us a quick tour around some of the classrooms. As the afternoon rain began, students headed back to the soccer field to play alongside the locals. It is an annual tradition and we were a fierce competition this year — shoutout to Ike for the first Ridgefield goal! Following the soccer game, students went back to their homestay for some rest and a shower before meeting at the Hacienda for the fiesta!
We ventured to the Hacienda just after dark to kickoff our final night here at the homestay. The whole community came together for a fiesta with multiple dance performances from the local children and our homestay moms. You could feel the love and joy in the room! For the grand finale, a professional soccer freestyler (#6 in the world!) performed and even had some Ridgefield volunteers doing tricks — be sure to ask Emma, Isa, and Tyler to show off their skills back in CT! (You can check out Dayronâs instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dayronman_freestyler/) Following lots of cheering, clapping and dancing, everyone ate dinner and enjoyed another hour on the dance floor before heading back to their homestays to get a good nightâs sleep. Tomorrow, we head to La Fortuna where students will experience breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano! Here’s hoping we have a clear day so we can see the top of the volcano in all of its glory!
Day 2-4 Recap! Back on the Grid!
Greetings families! We are officially back on the grid after 48 hours in the rainforest… and BOY, did it rain! After leaving San Jose on Wednesday, everyone was excited to get on the river. However, due to the “tropical wave” — a weather system traveling over Costa Rica — the river guides called the Day 1 rafting “off” for safety reasons and we headed to the Pacuare Outdoor Center (POC) via bus instead of raft. Despite the change of plans, morale was high and students truly lived the “pura vida” lifestyle, where anything can happen and all we can do is go with the flow.
We made it to POC just in time for a heavy downpour and a delicious sandwich lunch. It ended up clearing up in the afternoon, allowing some eager students to test their limits on the Tarzan Swing while other students played cards in the lodge or enjoyed the views from their cabin. Once the sun set at 6:30pm, students were met with the true darkness of the rainforest and the constant presence of bugs. Though many felt nervous and uneasy, they faced these challenges with courage and supported one another through the night. We were so proud to see them step outside their comfort zones, overcome their fears, and grow stronger together!
Day Three: Woken up by the sunrise and kept awake by the constant symphony of cicadas, our students were eating breakfast by 7:30am and ready for activities by 9am. Half of the Ridgefield group set off for ziplining and the Tarzan Swing while the other half ventured out on a nature walk to a local waterfall where they were able to take a dip in a small pool and practice their cannonballs. Despite the on and off downpours throughout the day, students embraced all of the rain. Some of them said that it was the first time they had ever played out in the rain without any umbrella or rain jacket — a true Pura Vida moment đ
After lunch back at POC, the groups switched activities and everyone was able to experience all POC had to offer. Heavy rain continued throughout the day — truly putting the rain in rainforest. In between the excitement of the day, some students took a quiet moment to paint postcards for the people who made this journey possible for them. At night, students took time to journal and reflect on the dayâs experiences before heading to bed early to rest up for tomorrowâs adventures.
Day Four: On our final morning along the Pacuare, the “tropical wave” weather system passed and we got word from the head river guide that we were finally going to be able to raft today. The first half of the river was filled with Class I, II and III rapids. Studentâs spirits were high, our river guides brought the energy, and everyone was hyped up for big waves and an exhilarating ride. Along the way, we stopped for a waterfall swim in a small stream and students were able to take a break from the rafting and just float…. and, Gracie was the winner of our annual belly flop competition đ (Honorable mentions to Arpad, Vincent, and Liam for being the cannonball champions!)
Rafting ended back at the entrance to the Pacuare Outdoor Center where we hiked up to the lodge, changed into dry clothes and had lunch. By 2pm, we were on the road to Sitio de Mata, where we would spend the next two nights in homestays. We arrived by early evening and were warmly welcomed by our host moms and their families outside the townâs community center. After learning about the community’s long history of sugarcane farming and processing, students were formally introduced to everyone in the homestay community, including their “moms” and family who they would be staying with during this experience. They headed to their new homes to unpack, see where theyâd be sleeping, and get to know their families. For the rest of the night, students stayed with their homestay family where they enjoyed dinner, some games and the true Costa Rican experience. Before sending them off to their homes for the night, we reminded them to embrace the discomfort of being in a new place, be in the moment, and Pura Vida!
P.S â Below are a handful of the 1000+ photos that we have taken thus far⌠All of the photos/videos will be shared with travelers and their families shortly after the trip ends!
Buenos Dias! Day 2
Rise & Shine!! After a pizza dinner last night, students (hopefully!) slept well! With an early morning wake-up, we were on the road by 8am to make the 2 hour drive to the riverbeds of the Pacuare. Today, students will raft in class I, II, and III rapids while being surrounded by pure wilderness.
It is important to note here that there is no electricity nor strong service at the Pacuare Outdoor Center (POC)⌠although the local guides always seem to find a way to get cell service in case of any emergencies đ However, the blog will be on pause until Saturday evening when we arrive back in Turrialba and regain stronger internet service in order to post updates.
In between rafting in and out of POC, students will enjoy a hike to a local waterfall, ziplining and the infamous Tarzan Swing while being completely immersed in nature. POC is extremely unique in that way â it was built for its visitors to reconnect with Earthâs beauty and all it has to offer. Pictures and recap to come on Saturday evening!
Adios! Check back in on Saturday, July 4! Pura Vida!
Buenos Noches! Day 1
After a long travel day, the Ridgefield group is finally getting ready for bed! Upon arrival, we were greeted by our two amazing local guides â Marvin and Jordan â and our two lovely bus drivers â Nacho and Nico. Stomachs were rumbling after a long, delayed flight so our first stop was lunch! Students enjoyed their first taste of traditional Costa Rican comida â sour guava juice, plantains, rice, beans, chicken and beef casado, and more. With full bellies and tired eyes, we got back on the bus and drove to our hotel for the night, the Studio Hotel. Students had some down time to get showered and changed before meeting as a group in the hotel conference room to discuss some trip norms and the plan for the next few days. After a pizza dinner at the hotel, travelers headed back to their room to get prepared to head to the Pacuare EcoLodge tomorrow!
Pura Vida! Here we go!
The journey to Costa Rica is underway as the Roth family travels alongside our amazing Ridgefield students to San JosĂŠ, where weâll meet up with the incredible CRR crew and kick off what promises to be an unforgettable week of exploration, service, learning, and adventure. đ¨đˇ
From breathtaking landscapes and meaningful community experiences to unforgettable memories and new friendships, this one-week journey is sure to be the experience of a lifetime.
Be sure to bookmark this page and follow along throughout the week for daily updates, stories, and photos straight from Costa Rica!
ÂĄPura Vida! We canât wait to share this incredible adventure with you.
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30 more days until our adventure begins!!!!
20 more days until our adventure begins!!!
2 more days!!!!!
Have a great trip! We canât wait to hear about all the amazing adventures!
Have fun – stay safe!
Looking forward to seeing and hearing all the updates! Stay safe and have fun all!
Miss you already, but know youâre well into your adventure by now! Have so much fun you all deserve it! I canât wait to see all the pictures and updates!!
Have an amazing trip everyone! Chance, we can’t wait to see and hear all about your incredible adventures!!!âď¸âĽď¸
I hope everyone has a wonderful trip! Stay safe and have lots of fun! I look forward to seeing photos đ
Have the time of your lives. Have an adventure but respect the environment
Hope you all enjoyed your first night in Costa Rica! Alicia we miss you so much and hope youâre having a great time!
Happy to see the group has arrived safely; thank you for the update! Have a great day tomorrow Arpad, canât wait to hear about all the things you get to do and see!
Thanks for the update! Enjoy adventure with your friends Victoria – have fun!
Thank you so very much to all the adults who planned and are chaperoning this amazing journey! Miss you Layla,grandma loves you and praying for All to have a safe wonderful week
đ
It looks like your Costa Rica adventure is off to a great start! Have fun exploring everyone!
Carson and Harris, hope you are enjoying the trip
Im sure everyone is having so much fun! Miss you Jack but know youâre having an amazing time! Cant wait to hear how the rafting went today!! Love you buddy XO
Don’t forget sunscreen!
Shelshel
Looks like a great adventure so far with plenty more planned. Enjoy the trip Carson and Harris.
Love you.
Grandma Gail
Canât wait to hear how the day went today! Miss you so much Jack! So many stories you will have to tell! Thank you to the Roth Family and all the chaperones and to the Costa Rica community for welcoming our kids đđĽ°
Happy 4tn of July everyone!! đđ We can’t wait to see more of your adventures! Thank you chaperones for bringing our kids and for taking such good care of them on this incredible experience! âĽď¸
Vince!! Hope the trip is awesome. Mia misses you as we are making paella on the North Fork.
Have an awesome adventure and thank you Mrs Roth and family/chaperones.
Hi! We had some really WILD weather here tonight! All is good now đ how are you guys?! Canât wait to read the blog tonight and hear how much fun youâre having! Miss you so much buddy â¤ď¸đđ Happy 4th of July!
So nice to see the recap and the great pics, thank you! Alicia Iâm glad that you and your friends are having fun. We miss you so much, July 4th wasnât the same without you!
Wow! Looks like great fun and adventure and Pura VidaâŚenjoy getting to know your host family.
Carson and Harris, I hope youâre having fun! Love you lots, and I canât wait to hear about your adventures, Mom
Wow! Itâs seems like you and quite a jam packed day. So glad to see everyone smiling and having a good time. Thank you Mr and Mrs Roth and host families for providing our kids with this once in a lifetime experience.đ
Miss you Iza.
Yes, thank you so much Mr and Mrs Roth and everyone else there giving the kids such an amazing experience!
Love you Alicia!
What amazing pictures! Everyone looks like theyâre really living the life down there and being in the moment! Well, I think you guys are sending rainforest vibes up here because itâs pouring today! Jack it feels like months that I havenât seen you but I know youâre having so much fun down there thinking about you every moment and I canât wait to hear all about your adventures!
Love you XO
Looks like a fantastic trip!! What an incredible experience – thanks so much for all the details, Mr and Mrs Roth!
Tyler, Have a blast at the volcano and at the hot springs and safe travels home tomorrow! We miss you and canât wait to hear all about your big adventure! Xoxo
What an unforgettable adventure! đ¨đˇ We canât wait to see you, Hudson!
A huge thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Roth, the amazing chaperones and home stay families, and all of the guides who made this journey so meaningful, fun, and safe. We are incredibly grateful for the time, care, and energy you poured into giving these kids an experience theyâll never forget.
We canât wait to hear all the stories tomorrow. Safe travels home, everyone! â¤ď¸đ´âď¸