Costa Rica - Sample 8 Day Itinerary
Provide your students with the adventure of a lifetime. Costa Rica is one of the world’s greatest playgrounds for scientists and adventurer’s alike. With greater biodiversity than any other country in the world and a staggering assortment of distinct geo-regions, Costa Rica provides innumerable opportunities for experiencing science first hand. You and your students can explore the wonders rainforest ecology, discover marine habitats, study the geologic happenings of an active volcano, improve your Spanish language skills, and experience a vibrant and unforgettable culture. Plus you can explore these amazing facets of science while white water rafting on the Pacuare River, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, snorkeling and sea kayaking in the Pacific, and watching the evening light show of Mt. Arenal!
Adventures in Costa Rica can easily be adapted to meet the interests and needs of your group and can range in length from 6 –10 days, or more.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica your guide will meet you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel for orientation and dinner. Depending on arrival time, there may be time for some brief sightseeing in San Jose.
Day 2
In the morning, visit the Poas Volcano, part of the range of active volcanoes in the Cordillera Volcanica Central. Then travel through the Central Valley on the way to our ecolodge San Luis in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. After dinner, we will have an orientation to the local flora, fauna, history, geology, and local community.
Days 3, 4, 5
These three days will be spent at Monteverde, one of the most interesting destinations in all of Costa Rica because of its natural beauty, lush rainforest and plentiful wildlife. More than a hundred species of mammals, 120 reptiles and amphibians and 2,500 different plants inhabit this renowned wilderness!
While there, we will participate in interesting and rewarding educational activities. These include hiking through forested habitats and learning about birds, plants, forest types, and conservation issues. Educational activities will also focus on insect, amphibian, and reptile taxonomies. Early morning cow milking is an option! Outdoor adventures included are a hike to a spectacular waterfall (swimming possible), a canopy zipline, and a canopy bridge walk. Horseback riding is an option.
Day 6
In the morning, transfer to the Fortuna area by taking a jeep-boat-jeep ride! Take a hike along the slopes of Mt. Arenal to see this active volcano from an up close, yet safe, distance. You’ll be amazed at how active it is! In the afternoon, travel to the Pacific coast.
Day 7
Take a catamaran cruise to Tortuga Island. Included is snorkeling and time to enjoy the beautiful beach. Watch for the sea birds and jumping fish, and you may even get to see dolphins and sea turtles along the way. Once you get to the island, you can snorkel and see lots of coral, a large variety of tropical fish, along with stunning flora and fauna. Return to the San Jose area late in the evening.
Day 8
After seven life-changing days, depart for home!
