Costa Rica | Nature Quest 2023

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport you will be met by a representative for the transfer to the hotel. Arrivals should be planned for no later than 4:30 pm. (Hotel room check-in is available beginning at 2 pm.) Pick up your welcome packet upon check-in. Receive an orientation to your program, where you'll be introduced to your leaders and receive a briefing on the day ahead. Afterward there will be a welcome dinner.

Early this morning travel by bus to La Pavona dock, with breakfast en route. Then, board a private boat for the water transfer to Pachira Lodge. 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 you may 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 a Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) research biologist at the John H. Phipps Biological Field Station for a presentation about sea turtles. Spend the afternoon exploring the tiny town of Tortuguero. Have dinner at the lodge, then this evening take an optional night tour to search for nesting sea turtles on the beach.

This morning, have breakfast at the lodge and then experience the flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park while boating through the waterways of Tortuguero. The extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons in Tortuguero are home to seven species of river turtles, spectacled caimans, southern river otters, many crustaceans, and more than 50 species of freshwater fish. You may also see 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. This afternoon, set out on an interpretive hike along the lodge's trails to explore the mysterious jungle of Tortuguero. You will also meet with a longtime friend of the Tom & Marjorie Carr family to learn about the history of Tortuguero Village, their connection with the Holbrook family 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. Dinner at the lodge. This evening, take a night walk around the lodge grounds to see nocturnal creatures like snakes, frogs, sloths, and tamanduas (a type of anteater).

This morning transfer to Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve, first by boat and then by bus. Located in the lush lowlands of north-central Costa Rica, Selva Verde comprises an ecolodge and a private tract of primary and secondary tropical rainforest. Protecting 500 acres of rainforest, Selva Verde offers many trails and lookout points. After lunch, take a guided hike in the primary forest reserve to the 700-year-old almond tree. Following dinner is this evening's featured presentation on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

Optional early morning birding around the lodge. After breakfast, depart for the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological 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 rainforests. 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 then meet with Alex Ramirez to learn about Great Green Macaws and visit a local farm where they will return to nest in October. Return to lodge mid-afternoon for a short workshop in the conference area with coffee break and snacks. This evening celebrate with a cocktail party and farewell dinner at La Terraza restaurant. After dinner, you may choose to continue your exploration with a guided walk in search of nocturnal creatures.

After breakfast this morning, depart from Selva Verde Lodge to San José for your flight home. Hotel room check-out is by 12 noon. *All flights must depart from San José after 1 pm; there will be one transfer from Selva Verde to San José.