Conservation, Garden Expeditions, Voluntourism and Service Learning
Costa Rica - Conservation, Community Service, and Adventure
July 14, 2013 - July 22, 2013
Costa Rica doesn’t mean "rich coast" for nothing. This country is at the forefront of conservation. Absorb a wealth of knowledge while participating in real-time conservation and reforestation efforts. Participants will experience what it means for a whole country to support a common effort. During the six days at Selva Verde Lodge in the Sarapiquí Valley, activities such as experiments, diurnal and nocturnal rainforest walks through primary forest, zip lining through the tree canopies, playing soccer with the locals, and dance lessons with local musicians will set participants on a path to a greater environmental and cultural awareness.
-- Fred Hubbard
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Explore the immense biodiversity of Selva Verde’s 500 acre rainforest reserve.
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Discover the conservation efforts and research underway at InBio Parque.
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Participate in meaningful community service and reforestation projects.
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Interact with local Costa Ricans at the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center.
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Adventure down the Rio Sarapiquí on a whitewater rafting trip.
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Use state of the art technology while participating in hands-on research in the rainforest.
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Zip line through the jungle canopy.
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July 14 - San Jose
Upon arrival in San José, transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide for a brief overview of the program and a welcome dinner at hotel. Overnight Hotel Bougainvillea - garden rooms (D)
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July 15 - Sarapiqui
Morning visit to InBio Parque. InBio is an excellent introduction to Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity and national park system and features important conservation and sustainability projects. Continue to Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve, a pioneer of ecotourism in Central America. This afternoon meet with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center for an overview of the upcoming community service project on July 18 and 19. Evening guided hike. Overnight Selva Verde/River (BLD)
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July 16 - Sarapiqui
Take a 4-hour guided hike in Selva Verde’s 500 acre rainforest reserve. Afternoon introduction and teaching of use of SPARK, followed by soil tests comparing secondary forest with virgin forest. Overnight Selva Verde/River (BLD)
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July 17 - Sarapiqui
Morning water tests with SPARK at the Rio Sarapiquí and various creeks within Selva Verde’s Reserve. Early afternoon at leisure. This afternoon, gather in Selva Verde’s conference room to gather findings from tests, draw conslusions, and collectively write up the results. Overnight Selva Verde/River (BLD)
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July 18 - Sarapiqui
This morning begin the community service project with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center. This afternoon experience the thrill of whitewater river rafting. Overnight Selva Verde/River (BLD)
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July 19 - Sarapiqui
Full day to work on community service project with a picnic lunch on site. In the late afternoon enjoy a soccer game with local students. Overnight Selva Verde/River (BLD)
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July 20 - Sarapiqui
Discover the jungle from the tree tops this morning during an exciting canopy tour. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, special dance lessons with local band and dance instructors are followed by dinner at 8 p.m. in the downstairs restaurant. Overnight Selva Verde/River (BLD)
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July 21 - San Jose
This morning wrap up the week’s events and plan distribution of the reports to botanical gardens and a possible APGA journal article. The remainder of the morning is at leisure before transfer to San José. Celebrate your trip with a special farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight Hotel Bougainvillea - garden rooms (BLD)
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July 22 - San Jose
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
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Pricing
$2,198
Includes a $200 donation to the garden of your choice.
Based on a group of 10 in double occupancy. For a single room throughout the trip, add $240. Cost does not include international airfare.