01
La Fortuna
Study volcanic landscapes and tropical wildlife with guides, then connect what students see to Costa Rica's biodiversity.
2027
Albany students · A leadership program beyond the classroom
Go farther.Come back changed.
A guided student journey designed to build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning through travel.
10 days / Feb 12–212027 leadership program
SummerMohawk Valley
WinterCosta Rica
Learning beyond the classroom
The world is
our classroom.
Capital Costa Rica invites Albany students to learn directly from local guides, Costa Rican communities, and the natural world. Conservation, culture, and service become lessons students can see, discuss, and remember.
Led by educator Tom Vacanti, the journey gives students room to practice independence within a guided group, build friendships, and discover why the world is worth exploring.
Learn by going.
For families
A bigger world.
A thoughtful way to explore it.
01 / Learn
Experience becomes understanding
Students meet local guides, examine ecosystems up close, and connect cultural and service experiences to questions they can bring home.
02 / Travel together
Guidance throughout the journey
The group travels with a guide available 24/7. Guided excursions and group check-ins give students structure as they try new things. Plans can change when weather or safety conditions require it.
03 / Keep exploring
Curiosity that lasts
From a first conversation with a local guide to a new friendship on the road, the goal is for students to return eager to learn more about people, places, and possibilities.
Costa Rica · Winter 2027
Three places.
A thousand new perspectives.
The planned route moves from La Fortuna to Monteverde to Tamarindo, connecting ecology, culture, and community experiences. The February 12–21 outline is tentative; activities, lodging, and flight arrangements will be confirmed with participating families.
02
Monteverde
Explore cloud forest ecology and conservation through guided observation and questions in a living ecosystem.
03
Tamarindo
Learn about coastal ecology and community life while making space for reflection, friendship, and the joy of discovery.
February 12–21, 2027 · Tentative
Ten days.
A world of discovery.
Inspired by our 2026 journey, this working plan follows La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo. The group departs from JFK on February 12 and returns to Albany on February 21. Flight schedules, transportation, lodging, activity providers, and the order of events are still being arranged.
- Day 01Fri, Feb 12
JFK → Costa Rica
Group travel from JFK to San José, then onward to La Fortuna as flight timing allows. Arrival, dinner, and a trip orientation.
- Day 02Sat, Feb 13
Meet La Fortuna
Explore the town with a local guide, settle in, and spend an evening at the hot springs.
- Day 03Sun, Feb 14
Service & waterfall adventure
Visit a local dog rescue, followed by guided waterfall rappelling and time to explore the surrounding landscape.
- Day 04Mon, Feb 15
River & reflection
A guided whitewater rafting experience, then an open afternoon for rest, optional activities, and a group recap.
- Day 05Tue, Feb 16
Into Monteverde
Travel to the cloud forest region. Explore town, then share Costa Rican dance or cooking experiences and an evening wildlife walk.
- Day 06Wed, Feb 17
Cloud forest canopy
Explore Monteverde's ecology with local guides and take on a zipline adventure. Discuss conservation and what the group has learned.
- Day 07Thu, Feb 18
To the Pacific coast
Travel to Tamarindo, settle in, and get oriented to the coast. Enjoy a shared dinner and sunset reflection.
- Day 08Fri, Feb 19
Coast & community
A guided coastal ecology or community service experience, with time to enjoy the beach, learn about the local environment, and take a sunset cruise.
- Day 09Sat, Feb 20
One last day together
Beach time and optional guided activities, followed by a closing dinner and group reflection.
- Day 10Sun, Feb 21
Home to Albany
Transfer to the departure airport, fly to New York, and return to Albany by group transportation. Final timing depends on confirmed flights.
This is a proposed schedule, not a booking confirmation. Activities may change with weather, safety guidance, availability, and flight schedules.
2027 trip cost
One price.
The full journey.
US$3,200per traveler
The trip price covers the planned journey from flights through guided learning experiences. Lunches are the only stated cost outside the trip price.
Ask about enrollmentIncluded in the price
- Flights
- Ground transportation throughout the trip
- Accommodations
- Breakfasts and dinners
- A guide available 24/7
- All planned excursions: whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling, ziplining, a sunset cruise, nature tours, and a visit to a dog rescue
Not includedLunches
Travelers should budget separately for lunch each day.
The itinerary is tentative; excursion timing and providers may change. Ask Tom for the participation agreement and payment schedule before sending an installment.
Scenes from past journeys
See it in motion.
A look at the guided outdoor experiences that turn curiosity into firsthand learning.
Footage from previous travel; 2027 activities are tentative.
From past journeys
See the trip
through our lens.
Real moments from past journeys: students learning through service, supporting one another, and discovering places that stay with them.
Photos from past trips. The 2027 route and activities may differ.
See Instagram photos ↗Traveler voices
Every journey
has a story.
We are gathering approved reflections from students and families who traveled with us. Their own words will appear here as soon as they are cleared for public sharing.
Share your experienceWhat stays with students
Questions sparked by local guides, new friendships, and growing confidence in unfamiliar places—experiences that can shape how students approach learning long after they return.
Program focus, based on trip planning materialsWhat families can explore
Review the tentative itinerary and past trip photos, then ask Tom about supervision, expectations, enrollment, and any concerns specific to your student.
Take the next step
Help them see
what is possible.
The 2027 trip price is US$3,200 per traveler. Ask about the learning plan, supervision, participation agreement, deposit schedule, and available spaces before enrolling. Payment instructions are provided here for enrolled participants.
Register for the trip ↗Ask Tom about the tripPay an agreed installment
Include the participant's name and trip year in your payment note, and keep your confirmation. Please verify the recipient with Tom before transferring funds.
Venmo
@tomvitovacantiZelle
716-440-1041Send from your bank's Zelle app after verifying the recipient.