2023 Elite Academic Academy Costa Rica Conservation Expedition

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2023 Elite Academic Academy Costa Rica Conservation Expedition! We have created two webpages dedicated to this exciting opportunity: this first page, the pre-enrollment, is meant to share exciting details, highlights and pertinent info that potential travelers will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the post-enrollment, is meant to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and we hope you are excited for all COUNTRY has to offer!!
Travel Dates: March 10, 2023 - March 18, 2023
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $2,490 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Estimated Airfare: $400

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:

$199.00

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

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

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!

Brew coffee and make empanadas with a local farmer's family

Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends

Trek to a beautiful waterfall deep in the jungle

Learn to surf with some of Costa Rica's best instructors

Practice your Spanish language skills with locals

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 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. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
1USA - San Jose, Costa RicaToday the group will travel from the USA to San Jose, Costa Rica! Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our hotel for the evening for dinner and an orientation meeting where we'll discuss the upcoming trip in detail.Casa Cielo Grande
2San Jose - Pura SuerteOur journey begins in earnest when we leave the city for Pura Suerte, a beautiful farm tucked deep in the southern rain forest of the country. Upon arrival we will settle into our bamboo bungalows and then tour the farm for a hands-on experience involving tropical fruits, local coffee beans and a whole host of animals! We will learn about the stunning biodiversity of the area as well as how rural farmers are taking advantage of sustainable practices. This evening we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at Pura Suerte's large restaurant and then retire to our cabins for some group activities.Pura Suerte Jungalows
3Pura Suerte - Diamante WaterfallAfter breakfast we will hike to the Diamante waterfall, one of the highest in the entire country. 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
4Diamante Waterfall - OsaToday we will drive south down the coast to a Biological Reserve Field Station. Here we will settle in the dorms, meet the reserve staff with whom we'll be spending the next couple days and learning about their work. We’ll receive an orientation where we will learn about the reserves projects with mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians and birds. After lunch we'll take a hike through the surrounding tropical rainforest in the morning to get our bearings on the local ecosystems in the Osa. We'll take a break receiving a lecture on local and national wildlife conservation efforts. The next few days will consist of us working with the rangers in tasks necessary for the maintenance of the reserveField Station
5Field StationAfter breakfast we'll get organized into the different group and continue our work at the reserve. We will also take a hike through the surrounding tropical rainforest in the morning to get our bearings on the local ecosystems in the Osa. Activities at the reserva will vary but may include surveying on monkeys and other mammals, setting up trap cameras, night walks and beach patrolling.Field Station
6Field StationWe'll walk along the beach in the morning and conduct a clean-up of marine debris to ensure a clean nesting habitat for sea turtles. In the afternoon, we'll have some free time, as well as a structured reflection to discuss our experiences with Costa Rica’s conservations efforts. Today we will have our last dinner with our friends at the reserva and will get ready for tomorrow's morining departure. Field Station
7Field Station - UvitaAfter breakfast we bid farewell to the station and head to the small surfing town of Uvita. Here students will take surf lessons from professional instructors along a wide, expansive and empty stretch of coastline that has a reputation for breaks that are great for beginners. After surfing and enjoy the beach for the afternoon before enjoying a delicious dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean.Hotel el Tecal
8Uvita - San JoseToday we'll end the trip with a splash during a whitewater rafting trip along the Savegre River! Navigate class I, II and III rapids as you descend from the mountains towards the ocean. After lunch we'll make the drive back to the big city for a cozy farewell dinner ahead of our international departure the following morning.Casa Cielo Grande
9San Jose - USAFly home, hasta luego!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.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to 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.

Reserva Playa Tortuga

Reserva Playa Tortuga is a non-profit biological research and education center committed to developing and implementing community-based real world projects and conservation management solutions. The Reserva can accommodate groups in rooms that are spacious with quality mattresses and fans.  Each room has Wi-Fi access, storage, drawers and screens in the windows to keep the bugs away. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Cabinas El Tecal

Cabinas El Tecal is a locally owned and operated three star hotel close to playa Uvita in the Marino Ballena National Park. Off the beaten path, the hotel comes with modern amenities, a private pool, and great service. It’s the perfect place to relax away from the crowds. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

La Cueva

Located in a natural cave behind the impressive Diamonte waterfall, La Cueva is not your typical hotel. Students sleep in bunk beds and there is no electricity, providing an opportunity to unplug and truly appreciate the natural beauty of these rustic accommodations behind a waterfall. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Safety and Support


 EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
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.

 

Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.

Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more.  There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!

Learn more here.

WTT coffee
Resource center

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.

Learn More

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