July 1: Departure Day, Miami to San José
Group Meeting:
At 3:00 PM, meet your leader and fellow students at the American Airlines check-in counter (outside of security) at Miami International Airport (MIA). This is the official start of your Putney program!
Group Flight:
The group will fly on American Airlines flight #1031 departing Miami (MIA) at 6:08 PM, arriving in San José, Costa Rica (SJO), at 7:03 PM local time (3 hours en route).
July 1 & 2: San José
Spend your first day exploring the capital city of San José, getting to know your leaders and group, visiting the open air Mercado Central, and participating in an in-depth orientation discussing life in Costa Rica and your project village.
July 3–9: Biolley
Travel by bus to our small host village tucked into the southern Talamanca mountains, five hours south of San José. Work together with the local community to complete a series of construction, education, and agricultural projects.
July 10 & 11: Southwest Coast
Stay at a sustainable national wildlife refuge situated just a short walk from a pristine, undeveloped beach. Learn about the history of the refuge and the refuge’s conservation initiatives. Take sunset walks along the beach, observe sloths and capuchin monkeys, and zipline through the rainforest canopy.
July 12–18: Biolley
Continue work on community service projects in our host village, Biolley.
July 19 & 20: Manuel Antonio National Park
Head to Manuel Antonio National Park. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or take a hike to explore the park’s natural surroundings and wildlife.
July 21–26: Biolley
Return to our host village, Biolley, to finish up our community service projects. Come together with the local community for a despedida party, and say farewell to our Tico friends.
July 27 & 28: Playa Uvita
After finishing up our service projects, stay at a rainforest lodge situated on the edge of the Marino Ballena National Park and overlooking the Pacific Coast. Start the day to the sounds of howler monkeys in the rainforest canopy. Take a surf lesson, ride on horseback through the surrounding forest, and cool off in natural waterfalls.
July 29 & 30: San José
Return to San José to conclude the program. Spend a day riding the rapids on the Pacuare River and then head back to San José for a final dinner with your group. Reflect on your experience in Costa Rica and say your final farewells.
July 31: Return Day, San José to Miami
Group Flight:
The group will fly on American Airlines flight #1204 from San José, Costa Rica (SJO), returning to the International Arrivals Area of Miami International Airport (MIA) at 12:10 PM (3 hours en route).