Experience Costa Rica with OTS!

Upon arrival at the San Jose International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met at the airport exit and transferred to the lovely Hotel Bougainvillea. This evening, gather together for an orientation and delicious Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Suggested arrival time at SJO Airport is prior to 4 pm. Check in starts at 3 pm.

This morning you will check out and be transferred to CRO (Costa Rica's OTS headquarters at the research campus of the University of Costa Rica) for breakfast and the opportunity to meet with the staff and receive an informative presentation. Following our time with the staff, we'll travel north along the outskirts of Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to La Selva. During the ride, your Costa Rican guide will provide an overview about the environmental history of Costa Rica, as well as the OTS efforts to establish this unique national park that represents the largest span of elevations in a protected conservation area in Costa Rica. Upon arrival, receive a special welcome by the station staff, have lunch, and then check into your rooms. You'll have the afternoon to explore your new surroundings before gathering for dinner, and a discussion of field work challenges. This evening, enjoy the magic of the forest with your guide; calling frogs, spectacular moths, fruit eating bats... the forest comes alive at night!

Meet your guide for an early morning walk to see dozens of the 450 bird species known from La Selva. Following breakfast, the day will be full of independent and/or group research projects, of which you will have the opportunity to participate and experience the life of a research scientist working in the tropics! Lunch will be at the station. This evening special presentations will be given by OTS staff and visiting scientists.

Following breakfast, climb aboard a river boat for a slow cruise on Rio Sarapiqui, focusing on the wildlife found on the shores, in the trees, and flying overhead. (Please note, should you wish a more active adventure, white water river rafting or zip-line canopy tour is offered in place of the boat cruise.) After your boat tour, have lunch at Selva Verde Lodge, with a visit to the non-profit organization on site - Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center - which serves the community socially as well as biologically with such projects as reforestation and Macaw conservation. There is an excellent relationship between OTS and SCLC, as both organizations work together to promote environmental education and are socially and community minded. After your time at Selva Verde, visit the nearby farm and family-run "Costa Rica Best Chocolate Tour". Learn all about cacao, the history of its use, and learn how to create the delicious treat we all know as chocolate. Return to La Selva for free time before dinner. Tonight, record the hummingbirds as they visit the beautiful tropical blooms; uncover life hidden in rolled up leaves and count the nests of stingless bees around the laboratory clearing... your guide and the OTS staff will be available to assist.

Early this morning you will check out and travel to the town of Guapiles. Have breakfast then continue to the coast for the boat trip to Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and assisted with check-in. After a delicious lunch, you'll have time to explore on your own before gathering later this afternoon for a meeting at the Sea Turtle Conservancy Tortuguero Headquarters to learn about their research. After dinner, participate in a nighttime tutle walk.

Wake early for a sunrise boat tour along the canals of Tortuguero, where wildlife is abundant. You will have some free time before lunch, then meet together for a trip into the town of Tortuguero. Learn from a longtime friend of the Tom & Marjorie Carr family about the history of the town and how the turtle research and the formation of Sea Turtle Conservancy (formally known as Caribbean Conservation Corporation) completely changed the understanding of these incredible marine animals, which led to cooperation with conservation practices among the Costa Rican citizens in this area. This evening, if you wish, join your guide for a night hike in the surrounding area. After dinner, participate in a nighttime tutle walk.

Following breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred back to Hotel Bougainvillea via boat and land transfers, stopping en route for lunch in Guapiles. Gather together this evening for a celebratory Farewell Dinner at a special local restaurant.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. Please note that check-in time at the San Jose International Airport is 3 hours prior to departure. Check out is at 12 pm. Welcome home!