MAC Study Abroad organizing Costa Rica trip

Visiting a coffee plantation, viewing volcanoes, spending the day kayaking or perhaps whitewater rafting. Any one of those activities could turn out to be the highlight of a vacation — but what if you could experience every single one of them on just one trip?

Mineral Area College’s Modern Foreign Language Chairperson Sarah Stahl is helping organize a trip to Costa Rica from June 3-12 that includes all that and more. The opportunity is open to students and community members alike, who are encouraged to sign up by Nov. 15.

Stahl, a foreign language instructor who teaches Spanish at MAC, is coordinating with Education First Tours to offer a 10-day trip to Costa Rica that includes airfare, transportation, tours, hotels, meals and a multi-lingual tour director. The investment is less than $4,000 — and payment plans are available, plus students age 20 and younger receive discounts.

Stahl said she became interested in offering the trip because of its diversity of offerings.

“I chose Costa Rica because of its beautiful rain forests, beaches and volcanoes,” she said. “Also, I was intrigued with its fascinating people and culture.”

The 10-day itinerary starts with a coffee plantation tour, a visit to Poás Volcano and Arenal Volcano, which provides thermal energy for the nearby hot springs. Then, the Arenal region will be explored, with kayaking in a lake, hiking to a waterfall or relaxing in a hot spring on offer. Monteverde, the green mountain region near the Continental Divide, will be visited next, and travelers can either visit a local farm or take time to relax.

The greenery of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, featuring rare orchids and elusive quetzal birds, will be visited, and travelers can experience a canopy tour. The Rainforest Adventures Park visit offers an aerial tram, a nature trail and a butterfly sanctuary. There’s also a crocodile boat cruise, an excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, and whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River to round out the final days.

For more information, contact Sarah Stahl at 573-518-2128, or check out the Education First tour at https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2070521zh.

Sarah Stahl, a foreign language instructor at MAC, is coordinating with Education First Tours on the planning of a 10-day trip to Costa Rica that includes airfare, transportation, tours, hotels, meals and a multi-lingual tour director. The investment is less than $4,000, payment plans are available and students age 20 and younger receive discounts.” width=”800″ /> Sarah Stahl, a foreign language instructor at MAC, is coordinating with Education First Tours on the planning of a 10-day trip to Costa Rica that includes airfare, transportation, tours, hotels, meals and a multi-lingual tour director. The investment is less than $4,000, payment plans are available and students age 20 and younger receive discounts.