During the spring of 2019, the ninth and tenth grade TMS students traveled to the jungles and beaches of Costa Rica for their spring experiential education trip. After arriving in San Jose, the group traveled down the pacific coast to the small surf-town of Dominical.

Students spent the week living with local “Tico” families in homestays where they practiced their Spanish skills and learned about Costa Rican culture. In the mornings, students attended AEC language school in small classes based on their ability. Afternoons were occupied with surfing lessons, where all the students progressed to paddle out past the break and catch bigger waves.

After the Dominical portion of the trip, they traveled south along the Pacific coast to the town of Puerto Jimenez, located on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. During the drive down to Corcovado, students basked in views of the surrounding volcanoes, jungles, beaches, and Corcovado National Park, an area where the group spent three days hiking and exploring the jungle.

While staying at La Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park, students saw monkeys, macaws, boa constrictors, toucans, tapirs, and a variety of wildlife, flora, and fauna.

On the final leg of the trip, the group traveled back to San Jose for an adventurous day of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. Rainy season conditions made for an epic day of class four rapids!

This biennial trip has become a staple and one of Telluride Mountain School’s favorite spring experiential trips! ¡Pura Vida!

~Jamie Intemann
Trip Leader