WONDERS OF THE RAINFOREST
 A Journey of Exploration in Costa Rica

Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)

Themes
Ecology, conservation, adventure, service.

Overview
Costa Rica has a long and valiant history of protecting its natural heritage. We have much to learn in this regard and it is with young people that we need to begin. This journey begins in the lush lowland tropical rainforest of the Sarapiqui river valley, moves to the misty cloud forests of Santa Elena and Monteverde and ends on the Pacific coast, where ocean meets coastal rainforest.

Students will be immersed in nature throughout and will experience both the serenity and challenge of this special corner of the world. Along the way they will have a chance to meet people who are trying to make a difference on the planet and will have opportunities to contribute to the well-being of the places they visit.

Trip Details
11 days
Departure Dates:
2004 - December 27
2005 - March 11, June 30 (approx.)
Cost: $2395CAD, except for several travel lunches, gratuities, insurance and departure taxes
Medium fitness required

Custom trips for groups possible at other times

Eligibility
Open to high school students 16 years or older.

Supervision
Our staff are highly trained, experienced leaders and guides.

Benefits to participants
This journey offers a balance of nature, adventure and service. Students will leave feelling more connected to the natural world and with a greater understanding of the pressures that humans are exerting on the planet. They will have more confidence in their own abilities as well as the personal satisfaction of having travelled responsibly. Their lives will have been enriched and both the local communities and the environment will have benefited.

Itinerary

Days one to four
The journey begins in the tropical rainforests of the Sarapiqui. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, we’ll board our coach and travel through breathtaking scenery to a beautifully designed rainforest lodge that is very involved in conservation issues and community development. Accommodation will be in comfortable cabins and fabulous food will be served buffet style in the lodge dining room.

Activities

  • Students will have an opportunity to go rafting on the Sarapiqui River to explore the Carribbean Lowlands and witness the biological diversity of the great forests. The river has a gentle current with some class one and two rapids. Professional river guides lead all trips.
  • The centre has 500 acres of preserved primary rainforest and trained naturalists will hike the trails with us and teach us about tropical ecosystems.
  • The learning centre at the lodge is actively involved with the surrounding communities. They provide environmental education for children and language training for both children and adults. Students will spend some time volunteering at the centre, teaching English and learning a little Spanish.

Days four to seven
The group travels to the legendary Monteverde area to explore the cloud forests of several biological reserves. The local community operates the lodge. The accommodations are dormitory-style and meals are served in the lodge dining hall.

Activities

  • We’ll hike in the Santa Elena cloud forest reserve, a community operated preserve that has the greatest biological diversity in the area. The rare Spider Monkey makes its home here.
  • We’ll visit a butterfly farm that is considered one of the best in the country and we’ll walk in the canopy on the famous “Skywalk” canopy tour not far from our lodge.
  • The local community operates a dairy co-operatively as well as the lodge where we are staying. They are involved in environmental work and our students will have a chance to do volunteer work on some of their projects.

Days seven to ten
Our final destination is the Nicoya Peninsula near Montezuma on the Pacific coast. We’ll stay at a beach lodge renowned for its unique architectural design, relaxed setting and wholesome organic food.

Activities

  • We’ll hike in a coastal rainforest at the Cabo Blanco Wildlife Reserve, the first protected area in Costa Rica and the wilderness jewel of the Nicoya Peninsula. Here we’ll see Howler, Spider and Capuchin Monkeys, agoutis and many other species.
  • We’ll learn about surf and ocean ecology and enjoy the beach and the lodge pool. The setting is peaceful and will provide an opportunity to reflect and share thoughts and feellings about our experiences in Costa Rica.

Days ten and eleven
We’ll wind our way up the coast and inland to the bustlling city of Alejuela. We’ll explore the downtown area with its typical central park, church and markets and then share a celebratory meal at a restaurant overlooking the city and the surrounding area.

Day eleven
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight home.

Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)