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Ecology & Conservation - Costa Rica
Sample Group Itinerary |
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Day 1
Arrival to Costa Rica, Cultural Orientation |
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You will arrive at the International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica, where a van and guide will be waiting to drive you to the Ecolodge and Conservation center in Monteverde. Your group will be given a short speech regarding in-country orientation and cultural awareness including meals, attire, climate, lodging, and program for the trip. After a delicious Costa Rican dinner, there will be time to explore the research center. |
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Day 2
Volunteer Assignments, Waterfall Excursion, Nature Hike and Discussion |
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Before breakfast, you can participate in bird-watching or farm activities. Our research center guide will assign volunteers to different duties based upon their preferences. Volunteer options while at the research center include reforestation projects, trail maintenance, work in the children’s rainforest, work at the butterfly garden, and environmental conservation work with the local community.
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Day 3
Factory Tour, Volunteer Work, Dance Lessons |
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In the morning, you will visit a local cheese factory to better understand the area economy. After lunch and a short siesta, you will participate in volunteer work on the reserve or in the community until lunch; exact duties will be assigned by research center guide. You will return to the Ecolodge for dinner and in the evening will participate in dance lessons. |
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Day 4
Volunteer Work, Tour of Fair-Trade Organic Coffee Farm |
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Before breakfast, you can participate in bird-watching or farm activities. You will perform morning volunteer work on the reserve or in the community until lunch; exact duties will be assigned by research guide. After lunch and a short siesta, you will go on a tour of a local organic fair-trade coffee farm to meet local farmers. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to relax.
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Day 5
Volunteer Work, Insect Workshop, Nature Hikes |
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Before breakfast, you can participate in bird-watching or farm activities. You will perform morning volunteer work on the reserve or in the community until lunch; exact duties will be assigned by research guide. After lunch, you will participate in an insect workshop and botanical garden hike. In the evening, you can participate in a night hike with a guide to see the nocturnal animals. |
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Day 6
Overnight Trip to San Gerardo Biological Station and Children’s Eternal Rainforest |
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You will wake up earlier than usual to eat breakfast. Your group will then depart to the San Gerardo biological station, located inside the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. This spectacular hike is not very strenuous and upon arrival, provides stunning views of the Arenal Volcano on clear days. You can relax and enjoy your surroundings, including exploring the area on a variety of nearby trails. You will spend the night at the field station, which offers bunk beds and private bathrooms and a deck with extraordinary views of the volcano. |
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Day 7
Return to Ecolodge, Plant Workshop, Cooking Lessons |
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You will awake at the San Gerardo Field Station and will return to the Ecolodge in the morning. After lunch, you will participate in a plant workshop and cooking lessons. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to relax. |
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Day 8
Volunteer Work, Zip-Line Rainforest Canopy Tour, Dance Lessons |
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Before breakfast, you can participate in bird-watching or farm activities. You will perform morning volunteer work on the reserve or in the community until lunch; exact duties will be assigned by research guide. After lunch and a short siesta, you will travel by van to participate in a zip-line canopy tour through the cloud forest to view the plants and animals from a bird’s eye view. Make sure to stop midway to say “hola” to the howler monkeys! After dinner, you will learn the magical dance of salsa through private lessons with a local instructor. |
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Day 9
Volunteer Work, Medicinal Plant Study & Hike, Farewell Dinner |
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Before breakfast, you can participate in bird-watching or farm activities. You will perform morning volunteer work on the reserve or in the community until lunch; exact duties will be assigned by research guide. After lunch, your group will participate in a medicinal plant study and interactive hike. Here, you will learn about local plants with medicinal properties and the legends surrounding them. In the evening, a farewell dinner gives you the opportunity to celebrate with your new Costa Rican friends. |
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Day 10
Departure from Costa Rica |
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You will check out of the Ecolodge after breakfast and drive to Liberia International Airport to take your flight back home. |
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