Costa Rica | Turtle Watch, Coastal Conservation and Tropical Forest Ecology

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, you will be met by a representative for transfer to the hotel. In order to arrive in time for orientation, participants must book flights that arrive in San José no later than 4:30 pm. Hotel check-in starts at 3 pm. This evening, enjoy dinner followed by a program orientation.

Early this morning, travel by bus to La Pavona dock, with breakfast en route, and then board a private boat to travel Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero. Located on the northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero consists of a series of natural interconnecting canals and provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife by boat. Along the inland waterways, it's possible to see spider monkeys, crocodiles, three-toed sloths, wading birds, manatees, and caimans. From late June through late October, Tortuguero is the most important nesting site in the western Caribbean for the endangered green sea turtle. Other turtles that nest on these beaches include the hawksbill, leatherback, and the occasional loggerhead. Upon arrival at the lodge, relax with a cocktail and lunch. This afternoon, visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy museum to learn about sea turtle conservation. Meet with an STC research biologist at the John H. Phipps Biological Field Station for an orientation and slide presentation in preparation for your first evening of turtle monitoring. Spend the afternoon exploring the tiny town of Tortuguero. Have dinner at the lodge this evening before embarking on your first turtle monitoring adventure. Go on an evening turtle walk along the beach in search of nesting females.

This morning, have breakfast at the lodge and then experience the flora and fauna of the Tortuguero National Park while boating through the waterways of Tortuguero. The extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons in Tortuguero is home to seven species of river turtles, spectacled caimans, southern river otters, many crustaceans, and more than 50 species of freshwater fish. It may also be possible to observe spider, howler, and white-faced capuchin monkeys, several different species of birds, three-toed sloths, and crocodiles. If lucky, you might spot an endangered West Indian manatee. Return to the lodge for lunch, and then set out on an interpretive hike along the lodge's trails to explore Tortuguero's dense jungle. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy dinner at the lodge before heading out on another evening turtle walk.

Venture out on another boat ride through the waterways of Tortuguero after breakfast this morning. Return to the lodge for lunch, and then embark on another productive boat ride or interpretive hike along the lodge's trails to continue exploring the fascinating landscapes and wildlife of Tortuguero. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before going on another evening turtle walk after dinner.

Begin the day by traveling to Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve in Sarapiquí, taking a boat, a bus, and enjoying lunch en route. Located in the lush Caribbean lowlands of north central Costa Rica, Selva Verde Lodge is nestled on a private tract of primary and secondary tropical rainforest, where visitors can observe tropical birds and wildlife among the dense vegetation. Selva Verde protects 500 acres of rainforest, offering many trails and lookout points where it is possible to spot species like the Keel-billed Toucan, Great Green Macaw, White-winged Becard, Sunbittern, Red throated Ant-Tanager, and White-collared Manakin. After check-in and a brief orientation to the lodge, take a guided hike in the primary forest reserve to see its 700-year-old mountain almond tree.

After breakfast, depart for the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Research Station, one of the world's leading institutions in tropical education and research. La Selva was originally established in 1954 by Dr. Leslie Holdridge as a farm dedicated to experimentation on mixed plantations for the improvement of natural resources management. It was purchased in 1968 by the Organization for Tropical Studies and declared a private biological reserve and station. Since then, it has become one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rainforest. Over 240 scientific papers are published yearly from research conducted at the site. Be on the lookout for the coati, collared peccary, mantled howler monkey, agouti, three-toed sloth, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Crested Guan, Great Tinamou, Pied Puffbird, and Spectacled Owl. Return to Selva Verde for lunch. This afternoon, there is an option to go on an exciting whitewater rafting adventure. The Sarapiquí River has a gentle current with several minor class I, II, and III rapids. A professional river guide escorts all rafting trips and all of the necessary safety equipment (helmet, life jackets, etc.) is provided, along with a lesson on rafting safety instructions and procedures. For those not interested in rafting, a boat trip along the river can be arranged as an alternative. After dinner at the lodge, you may choose to continue your exploration with an evening night walk with your guide.

Start today's adventure with a visit to Don Alvaro's Macaw Farm, where visitors can enjoy an up-close experience with the macaws that live there. The farm is home to previously caged or abused macaws that can now fly free through the surrounding rainforest. Continue to the town of La Fortuna for lunch before arriving in Arenal. This evening, relax in Eco Termales' thermo-mineral water pools, which are heated by Arenal Volcano.

Explore the rainforest at Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, a reserve that abounds with wonderful trails, suspension bridges, and outstanding natural areas. The site consists of 15 bridges ranging from 16 to 330 feet long, offering a unique view of the forest canopy from below and above. Six of the 15 bridges are suspended in the upper canopy of this mature forest trail system. The elevation is approximately 1,900 feet. The trail system straddles different types of ecosystems, forming a transitional vegetation strip with high biodiversity where both highland and lowland species reside. In the afternoon, spend time exploring Arenal Observatory Lodge or enjoy one of their optional tours, such as zip lining. After dinner, attend a talk by Costa Rican biologist Willy Pineda about bats, and enjoy the chance to view them up close.

Enjoy your last morning in Arenal with an early hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. Hike along the base of the active but currently resting Arenal Volcano and observe the forest, lava flows, and damaged areas now in the process of regeneration. Return to the hotel for check-out. Depart for San José and have lunch en route. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner at Hotel Bougainvillea.

Travel to the airport for your flight(s) back to the U.S. Hotel check-out is at noon.