2022 Foxborough Costa Rica Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: | June 22, 2022 - July 1, 2022 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,490 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Confirmed Airfare: | $697 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan. Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $2,490
Pay in Full
$2,490.00
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:
$99.50
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!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle
Visit one of Costa Rica's most beautiful volcanoes
Practice your Spanish language skills with locals
Raft down one of Costa Rica's best rivers
Complete meaningful community service with local conservation organizations.
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Descritiopn | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 22 | USA - San José, Costa Rica | 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 comfortable hotel and have a short orientation meeting where we'll discuss the upcoming trip in more detail. | La Rosa de América |
| June 23 | San José - La Virgen de Sarapiquí | After breakfast the group will head for Sarapiquí, an area characterized by its lush tropical rainforest and swift rivers. The bus ride is about three hours north of the capital city, up to Tirimbina Biological Station. Upon arrival, we will learn about the history of one of mankind’s favorite foods: chocolate!! Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history and was valued highly by both the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. In the evening we will have time to explore the reserves' trails and hanging bridges. After dinner it's time to turn nocturnal as we search for bats and learn about their classification, diversity, the threats they face, and guano! | Tirimbina Cabins |
| June 24 | La Virgen de Sarapiquí - Horquetas de Sarapiquí | After breakfast, we will depart Trimbina to the nearby La Selva Biological Station, operated by the world-renowned Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). The group will get familiar with the facilities and meet the scientists and research tutors. We will then set off on a hike through some of the multiple trails that weave through the jungle along which students will learn about the natural history, ecosystems, and biodiversity of the reserve and the wider region. Evening activities will vary. | OTS Cabins |
| June 25 | Horquetas de Sarapiquí | Today begins with an introduction to the several research projects conducted but the OTS in La Selva station. After we've been given the breakdown, the group will split up into smaller units and begin working across the different initiatives. Efforts vary but may include topics of water quality, plant adaptation, mammal monitoring and more. After lunch, will take a short break to... learn to dance salsa, of course! Meregue and bachata. After dinner in the station, the group will set off on a night hike in search of frogs and other nocturnal creatures. | OTS Cabins |
| June 26 | Horquetas de Sarapiquí | Today our efforts will be dedicated to the riparian forest restoration project of the OTS. The group will learn about the different strategies scientists use to restore the vegetal area that protects and supports rivers and streams, as well as the biotic components that support these ecosystems. After lunch, we will go out for Ethnobotany tour, where students will engage all five of their senses in getting to know different plants and learn about the scientific importance of the tropical rainforest in the medical and cosmetic fields. After the tour we will return to La Selva for our last night there. | OTS Cabins |
| June 27 | Horquetas de Sarapiquí - La Fortuna | After breakfast, the group will then go whitewater rafting down the Sarapiquí River, renowned worldwide for its scenic beauty and thrilling class 3 rapids. In the afternoon, we will head to La Fortuna, a town cozied right next to Volcán Arenal, an impressive volcano that stands out in the middle of sprawling flatlands. In the evening we will have time to reflect on our time at Tirimbinaa dn | Hotel San Bosco Inn |
| June 28 | La Fortuna | Today we will begin our day with a hike down to La Fortuna waterfall, where students can relax, swim, and explore. The hike down is a breeze but going up is another matter:) After lunch, we will spend the rest of the evening relaxing in thermal hot springs which also boast a few fast waterslides. | Hotel San Bosco Inn |
| June 29 | La Fortuna | Today we will visit Volcan Arenal National Park were we will get to hike with a local guide and take in the best views of the volcano. Once we are back in town, students will have some free time to explore and do some souvenir shopping. | Hotel San Bosco Inn |
| June 30 | La Fortuna - San Jose | Before leaving La Fortuna we will take in the forest from a different perspective via zip-line and canopy tour! After lunch, we will make the drive back to San Jose for a farewell dinner and celebration. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| July 1 | San Jose - USA | After breakfast, we will head to the airport for a morning departure back to the USA. | 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 hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe. We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.
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.
OTS La Selva Research Station
La Selva’s juxtaposition of protected ecosystems and well-developed facilities is unique in the world’s wet tropics. This is one of several field stations run created by the Organization of Tropical Studies, a non-profit consortium of over 50 universities and research institutions based in the United States, Latin America, and South Africa. The cabins offer bunk and single beds, shared bathrooms, bug protection on windows and fans. Students will be grouped according to gender. They offer a dining hall, wireless internet, library, all-access trail, and on-station security.
San Bosco Inn
Located right in downtown La Fortuna, San Bosco Inn offers a great location, a pool, restaurant and cozy bedrooms. This is the ideal location from which students can the nearby waterfalls, caves, thermal hot springs, and of course the amazing Arenal Volcano. All rooms are equipped with A/C with free Wi-Fi to keep everyone feeling comfortable and connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Villas Aracari
Villas Aracari 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
With a previous outfitter [I worked with], the experience was more “touring” and no hands-on contributions and work. Walking Tree surrounds the travelers with amazing professionals who are dedicated to their sciences, travels, and countries. Travelers’ experiences are first-hand, authentic and memorable!
Shelley
Alumni Group Organizer on programs to Costa Rica and Panama
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.