Step into your boots, strap on your backpack, and open your eyes to prepare for the beautiful journey to Piedras Blancas, one that few outsiders ever see on their average trip to Costa Rica. The trek to Piedras has many scenic routes with views of high mountain ranges, sweeping flatland’s and machete-carved trails that lead to the loving homestays of the Lopez, Zamora, and Granado families; families that we have partnered with for many years. Before settling into the cozy beds and feasting on homemade tortillas, students will endure an uphill challenge through Naranjo Abajo. There they travel through thick cloud forest along winding paths carved by locals horses, livestock, and weekly treks to get to supplies in surrounding pueblos. Cloud forest are typically seen throughout Costa Rica at elevations exceeding 2000 meters where a drop in temperature and a thick moist cloud cover creates the ideal climate for some of Costa Rica’s well-known plant and animal diversity; some of which can only be found here!
The next leg of the trek is to Danta, where students set up their tarp-camp next to a freshwater creek and have the chance to eat a mid-trail lunch at the foot of a truly awe-inspiring waterfall that falls through the jungle canopy and feeds the numerous small creeks below. Wildlife spotting is common on this leg of the trek, where if they are lucky, students might spot the critically endangered tapir’s resting along shallow waters. Other animal spottings might include different species of monkeys swinging from branch to branch including spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys or even a troupe of howler monkeys sounding their famous calls.
One final stretch through Cruce Tonito awaits students before they will be unloading their backpacks at their first homestay . Muddy, narrow trails and moss covered rocks illustrate the rugged terrain and guarantee a strong finish to their first few days of hiking.
The trek to Piedras Blancas and the following homestay’s is one that covers nearly 25 miles of rugged, backcountry terrain and gives students the opportunity to truly discover the geography and biodiversity of this beautiful country. While they have many more lessons to learn under the thatched roofs of our welcoming host families, the journey alone is one that will challenge students to face physical and emotional challenges with new stamina, perspective, and perseverance!