TRIP ITINERARY TO COSTA RICA
Natural History and Community Service Trip
Day 1
Transatlantic flight to Costa Rica. Upon arrival, after clearing
immigration and customs, you will be met and transferred to the airport
hotel.
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Day 3
In the morning, you will work on a community service project,
coordinated by the SCLC. These activities allow participants to work
hand-in-hand with local students on need-based projects. Take an afternoon
guided hike. As you walk through Selva Verde's trails, you may see a
variety of bird life including parrots, jacamars, hummingbirds, motmots,
and other exotic lowland tropical birds. Your evenings will be free to
relax, study or practice speaking Spanish. Overnight in Selva Verde. B/L/D
Day 4
In the morning, you will have a choice of ecology workshops. Afternoon
community service project. Overnight in Selva Verde. B/L/D
Day 5
In the morning, you will work on community service. In the afternoon,
enjoy a Rio Sarapiqui boat ride, where you will observe aquatic animals,
birds and reptiles in their natural habitat, as well as rural Costa Ricans
going about their daily lives. Overnight in Selva Verde. B/L/D
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Day 6
In the morning, visit the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva
Research Station. OTS is a consortium of more than fifty universities and
research institutions from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, whose
purpose is to provide leadership in education, research and the wise use
of natural resources in the tropics. In the afternoon, you will have an
art class with a local artisan. Overnight in Selva Verde.
B/L/D
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Day 7
In the morning, visit a local banana plantation. Lean about the business
of growing bananas and help with the harvest. Afternoon community service
project. Evening farewell gathering. Overnight in Selva Verde.
B/L/D
Day 8
Transfer to Arenal via Tabacon Hot Springs. AT the hot springs, you may
stroll through well-landscaped gardens and enjoy a relaxing soak in the
spring's restorative waters. IN the afternoon, explore the rugged beauty
of Arenal Volcano, on a guided hike. Continuously active since 1968,
Arenal is young as volcanoes go, only about 4,000 years old, and
relatively small at 5,358 feet high. The volcano can be an awe-inspiring
sight, especially at night. The eruptions, thrown up to 1,000 feet, can be
fairly noisy and are easily heard over one mile away. Overnight
accommodations at Arenal. B/L.D
Day 9
Transfer to Monteverde area, where the Northeast Trade Winds meet the
Continental Divide, in the Cordillera de Tilaran. Your afternoon will be
at leisure. (Horseback riding and canopy tour available at additional
cost.) Overnight in Monteverde. B/L/D
Day 10
Take a morning guided hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a visit
to the Hummingbird Gallery. You are likely to see a profusion of
epiphytes, bromeliads, ferns, and orchids draping off moss-covered trees
and a vine tangled canopy. Above the sounds of dripping water, you may
hear the sounds of howler monkeys and resplendent Quetzal. Look for birds,
mammals, and reptiles all around you. In the afternoon, visit to the
Monteverde Conservation League. Overnight in Monteverde. B/L/D
Day 11
Return to San Jose via the craft town of Sarchi. Overnight at the airport
hotel.B/L/D
Day 12
Transfer to the airport for your return flight B
TRIP INCLUDES:
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Round trip transatlantic airfare.
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All meals as stated in itinerary.
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Accommodations as stated in itinerary.
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Transfers.
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All in-country transportation.
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All tours and activities as stated above.
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Community service projects.
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Donation to the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (cost of
program-considered a donation because this is a non-profit
organization).
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Experience bilingual naturalist guide.
NOT INCLUDED:
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