2021 West Side Costa Rica Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: | July 23, 2021 - August 3, 2021 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,790 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $575 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan. Follow whichever works best for your family.
Program Tuition: $2,790
Pay in Full
$2,790.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$114.50
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Costa Rica Conservation Expedition: Osa Peninsula
From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that carve through tropical canyons, and hospitable, friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all! Our conservation program along the Pacific coast gives travelers the opportunity to delve deep into the verdant ecosystems that set Costa Rica apart; in addition to white water rafting, relaxing on white sand beaches and swimming at the base of a towering waterfall, students will participate in field work and data collection at a research station staffed with professional scientists who conduct a wide array of research projects. Adventure awaits!
Conservation Expeditions
Conservation Expeditions bring travelers to the heart of the modern-day conservation movement. Whether building nurseries for sea turtle hatchlings in Costa Rica, snorkeling alongside sea lions in the Galapagos or teaching local school children in Thailand about the importance of wild elephants to their ecosystem, these trips make the wonders of our world, and our responsibility to protect them, abundantly apparent.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Zip-line though the rainforest
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Learn to surf with some of Costa Rica's best instructors
Raft down one of Costa Rica's best rivers
Hike through the tropical rainforest and learn about local ecosystems
Assist with research and conservation efforts at the Reserva Playa Tortuga
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers, but given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but if inclement weather pushes us off course or an unexpected opportunity arises which travelers are excited about, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23-Jul | USA - Alajuela | Today the group will travel from the USA to Costa Rica, and flights usually arrive in the evening. After arrival, the group will settle into their hotel for the evening and get some well deserved rest after a long day traveling. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| 24-Jul | Alajuela - Pura Suerte | After breakfast we will drive south for about 4 hours to Pura Suerte, an ecological farm in the heart of the rainforest, where we will settle in our jungalows for the night. During our drive we will make several stops as we drive along the coast. In the evining we will have our Big Orientation meeting when we will discuss all the necessary details for the rest of our trip. | Pura Suerte Jungalows |
| 25-Jul | Pura Suerte | Today we will be introduced to the bountiful flora and fauna in the area by visiting a traditional costa rican farm and their coffee plantation. We will also participate in a cooking lesson where we will get to make our own empanadas and try the locally produced coffee. We will enjoy a delicious dinner made from ingredients sourced directly from the forest and nearby farms. | Pura Suerte Jungalows |
| 26-Jul | Pura Suerte - Diamante Waterfall | After breakfast we will hike to the Diamante waterfall. We will spend the morning swimming, hiking for several hours, and enjoying lunch at the waterfall. We will be provided with food and water during the adventure and will experience the jungle in a very unique way. Tonight we’ll camp at the cave! | Casa de Piedra Cave |
| 27-Jul | Diamante Waterfall - Osa, Puerto Jimenez | After an early breakfast we will pack up, hike to the base of the waterfall drive south down the coast to the Osa Peninsula. Our two hour and a half drive will take us to one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions. After lunch we will finally meet the scientist and staff members of LAST (Latin American Sea Turtles) In-Water Project that will be working with us. During the day the group will take time to learn about the conservation efforts their importance. LAST is working mainly with the Hawksbill sea turtle and the Pacific Green sea turtle, also known as the Black sea turtle. Both species are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The group will also receive the necessary training for the activities we will complete in the next couple days. After a picnic lunch, we will head to the mangrove nursery, where we will also be working during our time in playa Blanca. | Cabinas Manawada |
| 28-Jul | Osa, Puerto Jimenez | Today the group will be divided into smaller groups to participate in different activities. Unlike most turtle conservation projects; the LAST turtle monitoring project focuses in studying the dynamics of turtles in the water instead of only studying female turtles in nesting beaches. In order to do this, the group will assist the scientist and staff in the in-water monitoring of this species. We will also help in the mangrove reforestation efforts of the organization. Mangrove plays a key role in protecting turtle nesting beaches and coasts from erosion, represent important breeding grounds for many species of fish and are home to many species of birds. | Cabinas Manawada |
| 29-Jul | Osa, Puerto Jimenez | Today we will continue helping in the research and conservation work in smaller groups. In the evening we will have free time to spend at the beach, explore town and have group activities. Throughout the program, we'll have the opportunity to interact with community members in Spanish, participate in cultural exchanges, and explore Costa Rican culture. | Cabinas Manawada |
| 30-Jul | Osa, Puerto Jimenez | On our last full day in Playa Blanca, we will help LAST with the ongoing beach cleanups. These cleanups benefit not only the sea turtles, but also the local community. In the afternoon we will participate in a lecture to learn more about sea turtles and the conservation efforts in the region and the globe. Tonight, we will say goodbye to our friends from LAST. | Cabinas Manawada |
| 31-Jul | Osa, Puerto Jimenez - Manuel Antonio | We will pack up and start heading north to Manuel Antonio, home of one of Costa Rica's most stunning national parks but first we will stop in Uvita for our surf lessons on a stretch of coastline that has a reputation for being great for beginners. We will then eat lunch in Dominical, where we will also have the chance to pick up some souvenirs. Before heading to our hotel we’ll get to soar through the jungle canopy while ziplining. In the evening, we will have time to relax at our hotel and enjoy some pool time. | Villas Mymosa |
| 1-Aug | Manuel Antonio | Today we’ll drive nearby Manuel Antonio to do whitewater rafting down the Savegre River surrounded by lush primary rainforest, waterfalls, and canyons. Throughout the descent we will have the chance to swim in the pools between the rapids and see a variety of plants, birds and other animals. In the evening we will relax back at our hotel in Manuel Antonio and will have the chance to have our final debrief of the trip. | Villas Mymosa |
| 2-Aug | Manuel Antonio - Alajuela | We will start making our way back to Alajuela but first we will have time to hike through the national park, enjoy a beautiful beach, and spend time surrounded by monkeys. After leaving the national park we will then continue our drive back to Alajuela for a cozy farewell dinner before we prepare for our international departure the following morning. | La Rosa de America |
| 3-Aug | Alajuela - USA | Fly home! | Your own bed! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.
Finca Pura Suerte
A grouping of bamboo cabins and impressive communal spaces, this farm is nestled deep in low-land rain forest with views of the Pacific coastline. The accommodations are comfortable, the food fantastic, and the surreal setting provides an ideal introduction to the country’s impressive flora and fauna.
Rosa de las Américas
A charming ranch-style hotel on the outskirts of San José, Rosa de las Americas is a great spot to unwind after a long day’s travels. This hotel is complete with a lush gardens, a big pool, updated rooms, and friendly staff.
Villas Mymosa
Hotel Villas Mymosa is a modern 10 room condo hotel located in the peaceful setting of beautiful Manuel Antonio. These spacious rooms are fully equipped to provide you with all the amenities of your own home. Each Villas Mymosa villa has a private terrace or balcony or both. You have the option of peace and quiet at your villa or interacting with other guests around our beautiful large centrally located pool. Free Wi-Fi will keep everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender.
Cabinas Manawada
Cabinas Manawada is a small and rustic stay located in Puerto Jimenez used by the Latin American Sea Turtle (LAST) In-Water Project as accommodation for their volunteers. This hotel covers basic necessities for the volunteers in its rooms and dorms with private or shared bathrooms. It counts with a common area that students can use. Even thought free Wi-Fi access is offered in common areas internet services are not reliable in the region. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Hotel Casa Cielo Grande
Casa Cielo Grande is a beautiful property ideally located just twenty minutes from the airport. Close to the city center yet perched high in the mountains, the views of the Central Valley are breathtaking and the new pool is a delightful respite after a hot day. Spotless rooms and friendly staff will make you feel at home the moment you drop your bags.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
My experience with your organization was exceptional. The communication was prompt, courteous, and thorough. The trip was very well planned and the educational focus made me feel this such trip had a great value. My daughter has grown and matured in a wonderful way because of this trip.
Jim
Parent of Teagan, traveler on 2017 program to Thailand
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
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Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.