Costa Rica | Conservation and Ecology in the Osa Peninsula

Upon arrival to San José, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in starts at 3 pm.

Have breakfast and program orientation early this morning and then check out of your hotel and travel to the Tárcoles River on the Pacific coast. During a boat ride on the river, view the giant American crocodiles that reside here and learn about the regional importance of this mangrove ecosystem. Have lunch on-site, and then continue to Dominical. Arrive at the lodge, check in then have some time to enjoy the pool or explore the hotel grounds. Have dinner then take a night walk with your guide to look for nocturnal wildlife.

This morning, take a guided walk in search of the two species of monkeys found in the area, the white-faced capuchin and the spider monkey, ending up at the beach. Receive a talk on rainforest conservation before having lunch then start your journey to El Chontal Ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula. This rustic, family-owned lodge sits on the Golfo Dulce, which is home to important populations of bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, and humpback whales, as well as other marine life, like sea turtles and sharks. El Chontal is the base camp for the Center for Cetacean Research of Costa Rica, and since 2012 has collected data and hosted research programs to support conservation of the region. After checking in and getting settled, receive an orientation to the lodge, the dolphins, and the conservation project you'll be working on. Dinner is at the hotel tonight.

This morning before breakfast, set out on an optional bird walk, where you may see the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird and Yellow-billed Cotinga, plus a variety of parrots, parakeets, tanagers, and shore birds. This morning, take part in research and dolphin monitoring at Golfo Dulce. Help collect data, including taking photos of dolphins for identification, recording animal behavior, and monitoring climate stations. This afternoon, take a chocolate tour at the nearby Finca Kobo to learn about the cultural history of this important crop and the process for making chocolate from the cacao plant.

Today take part in a sea kayaking excursion and learn about the local mangrove ecosystem. In the afternoon, process and analyze the data you've collected and wrap up your projects. Later visit the nearby beach of Playa Blanca. After dinner, take a night walk around the grounds of the lodge.

Today check out of the hotel and head inland to Las Vueltas Lodge in the cloud forests of the Cordillera de Talamanca (Talamanca Mountains), stopping en route at Uvita waterfall for time to swim and walk on the trails. Upon arrival at Las Vueltas Lodge in the afternoon, check in and receive an introduction to the lodge and its founders. The Seelye family established their self-sustainable farm in the 1970s, and meals are sourced and prepared almost exclusively using ingredients grown on the property organically and naturally. The lodge is situated at 10,000 feet above sea level and conserves and protects 1,000 acres; due to its high mountain location on the north face and along the Continental Divide, there are many unique microclimates to explore, including tropical highlands, páramo forest, cloud forest, and rainforest. Have dinner at the lodge.

This morning, take an optional bird walk, including the chance to see the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. After breakfast, set out on a guided hike in the cloud forest, where you’ll be able to analyze and discuss various elements of cloud forest ecology, including the adaptations and interactions of resident flora and fauna, threats to this ecosystem, and the important role it plays. Also discuss the Continental Divide and how it relates. Talk about the páramo forest, and learn more about what a microclimate is and why they are important. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on learning and farm work. Learn how the Seelye family achieved self-sufficiency by using natural resources to sustain thier everyday life such as the naturally fallen trees in their construction, worm composting to get rid of waste, and a bio-digester that turns cow pies into methane gas which is used to cook cheese. Take a walk to identify medicinal plants. Before dinner, take part in a baking class.

Have breakfast, then make your way back to San José, where you'll take a walking tour of the downtown area, including a scavenger hunt at the Central Market. After lunch downtown, check in at your hotel. Tonight, have a farewell dinner and reflect on your experiences.

Breakfast and lunch at the hotel. Transfer to the San José International Airport for your flight home. Check out is at 12n.