Science: Costa Rica Eco-Adventure

Southern Costa Rica

11 Days, 10 Nights
Starting at $1879, plus airfare*
(pricing is based on 15 paying participants)

We arrive in San Jose and are met by our local Tour Director. We drive to the hotel and have a short orientation meeting. (D)

We leave for the Caribbean slope, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the largest national parks protecting one of the most important Rainforest areas in the country. After lunch we travel through banana plantations in Siquirres and arrive at the Cano Blanco dock, where we meet our boatman and cruise the canals to Tortuguero.
In the evening, we attend a lecture on the Caribbean Conservation Corporation's history, its pioneer efforts in the conservation of turtles, and the implication and application of their research work. (B, L, D)

The day is spent exploring the Jungle Canals at Tortuguero National Park. Students will participate in one of the following activities: a) Cleaning of the beach and collecting recyclable plastic containers. b) Maintenance and repair of the trails and walkways c) Water patrolling d) Assisting with recording data, conducting morning nest surveys, tracking surveys and helping with nest inventories.

This evening we venture into Tortuguero National Park and join the rangers on one of the nighttime beach patrolling routines to keep poachers away from the Turtles that come to nest on these back sandy shores from May to September. (B, L, D)

In the morning we explore more canals by boat on our way to Cano Blanco. We continue to our lodge in Sarapiqui, beside the Tirimbina Biological Reserve. In the evening we take a natural history walk in the Rainforest, while exploring the jungle and discovering nocturnal species, including various mammals, insects, bats, frogs and owls. (B, L, D)

We begin the day with the Sarapiqui Rafting trip, an adventure filled with fun and excitement. Along the way you will enjoy swimming and refreshing yourself in the many peaceful ponds, in addition to the thrill of defying the rapids.

After lunch we head for La Fortuna, ending our day at Ecotermales Fortuna's swimming pools which are feed by volcanic water springs. Experience the spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano - one of the world's most active volcanoes. (B, L, D)

The morning is spent on a discovery walk to the lava site at the Arenal Volcano National Park.  This is undisputedly one of Costa Rica's foremost tourist attractions. Next, we take a boat trip across Arenal Lake and continue on our drive to Monteverde. Tonight, we discover the wildlife of this new type of forest and familiarize ourselves with its habitats and plant life. (B, L, D)

The morning is spent at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Students learn about tropical ecological studies, based on the World Life Zone System of Ecological Classification. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to walk through tropical jungle at Selvatura Park's Hanging Bridges, a trail system that features seven suspension bridges that criss-cross deep canyons at treetop level and do the canopy ride which takes you from tree top platform to tree top platform via a series of zip line cables. (B, L, D)

After breakfast we will set off on a journey along the coast down to the Central Pacific coast where the vegetation is the tropical dry forest. We visit the conservation at Finca Ecologica La Trinidad, where participants will plant their own tree to support a conservation program. Later we explore the jungle via horse back and see the crocodiles on the Tarcoles’ River, home to one of largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica. (B, L, D)

We visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Its main attractions include: two white-sand beaches (Espadilla & Manuel Antonio), and emerald blue seas against a background of deep green tropical jungle with excellent walking trails that will allow the visitor to get glance at the different types of monkeys, and provide a great opportunity for bird-watching.  Next, we will head for Quepos to experience the local culture and interact with the residents. (B, L, D)

In the morning we return to San Jose through rural coffee-growing communities and small towns.  We stop en route at Sarchí, the country's most famous Artisan, Crafts & Souvenir Town. This picturesque village is considered the cradle of wood crafting and decorating in Costa Rica, particularly known for its production of colorful ox-carts. This is the perfect place to find those souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. (B, L, D)

We leave for the airport for our flights homeward.
 

 

We arrive in San Jose and are met by our local Tour Director. We are transported to the Guayabo Lodge and have a short orientation meeting. (D)

After breakfast we spend the entire day white water rafting to Siquirres.  Along the  way, we pass through beautiful, narrow canyons and see exquisite waterfalls flowing directly into the river from high above. Everyone is guaranteed to receive a cooling shower on our way down the river! The group returns to the Guayabo Lodge for dinner and the night. (B, L, D)

We spend the morning on a tour of the Center for Agronomy Research and Development (CATIE).  This center is one of the world's foremost facilities for research into tropical agriculture. Among the plants the 2,000 acres are hundreds of varieties of cacao and thousands of varieties of coffee.  Later, we travel from Turrialba to San Gerardo de Dota for dinner. (B, L, D)

Today we take a guided nature hike in the cooler mountain temperatures in search of the     quetzal bird. During the hike we also see many plants and animals that prefer the cooler climate.  In the afternoon we take a horseback ride to explore the jungle. (B, L, D)

After breakfast we travel through the mountains to the west coast. Along the way we see the tallest peak in Costa Rica.  The group stops for lunch and then everyone gets a monkey’s eye view of the jungle as they travel on the “zip line” canopy. In the evening the students participate in a discussion led by a local environmentalist.  (B, L, D)

Our morning begins with a hike through the Rainforest to the Playa Arco Beach. Time is     allowed to for swimming and exploration of the nearby cave and waterfall!  Students will     spend the afternoon in a workshop on self-sustaining ecological activities directed by our     guide. (B, L, D)

We start the day with a stop to see the pre-Columbian stone spheres, then continue on to Sierpe. Here we board a boat and travel through the largest mangrove swamp in the Pacific.  We check into our hotel and spend the remainder of the day swimming and exploring the area. Look for monkeys, anteaters, coati mundis, hummingbirds, toucans and other wildlife to join the party! (B, L, D)

Our adventure continues with a trip to Cano island. We spend the day snorkeling on a natural reef, swimming, and enjoying the beach. You are certain to see an amazing variety of sea life and may be lucky enough to catch the dolphins and whales.  (B, L, D)

We boat back to Sierpe through the ocean, river, and canals. Our coach picks us up for and we travel ride through the countryside to Quepos for dinner. (B, L, D)

We visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Its main attractions include: two white-sand beaches (Espadilla & Manuel Antonio), and emerald blue seas against a background of deep green tropical jungle with excellent walking trails that will allow the visitor to get glance at the different types of monkeys, and provide a great opportunity for bird-watching. We spend the night in either Manual Antonio or head to Jan Jose depending on flight times.  (B, L, D)

After a week of very adventurous travel, you will finally say goodbye to Costa Rica. We hope you take home many great memories and return to visit this wonderful country again. (B)