2023 Folsom Costa Rica Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: | June 1, 2023 - June 15, 2023 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $725 |
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Program Tuition: $2,990
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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
Stay on a farm deep in the rainforest
Learn to surf with some of Costa Rica's best instructors
Raft down one of Costa Rica's best rivers
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 | Activity | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1 | USA - 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 hotel for the evening and have an orientation meeting to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. | Hotel La Rosa de America |
| June 2 | San Jose & Pura Suerte | After breakfast we'll head for Pura Suerte, an ecological farm in the heart of the rainforest about four hours south of the capital city. Upon arrival we'll tour the farm for an introduction to the bountiful flora and fauna in the area, visit a nearby coffee plantation and enjoy a delicious dinner made from ingredients sourced directly from the forest. | Jungalows |
| June 3 | Pura Suerte | After breakfast hike down to Nauyaca waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the entire Jungalows country. Spend the morning swimming and relaxing by the riverside. Lunch at the waterfall and then return to farm for a relaxing afternoon before dinner. | Jungalows |
| June 4 | Pura Suerte & La Cueva | Today we'll trek to the upper parts of Catarata Diamante, the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica. The group will hike to the rivers that feed the waterfall and then enjoy a day full of swimming holes and absolutely beautiful views. We'll spend this night in a cave behind the falls. | La Cueva |
| June | La Cueva & RTP | This morning, we will hike down from the waterfall and travel to the Osa Penninsula, the most biointense part of Costa Rica. Here we will settle in and meet the researchers with whom we'll be spending the next few days. The next few days will consist of us working with researches on a variety of research projects. | Reserva Playa Tortuga |
| June 6 | RTP | Today we'll continue to conduct surveys, learn and participate in the different research projects conducted by the resident researchers at the reserve. Afternoon activities may vary. | Reserva Playa Tortuga |
| June 7 | RTP | Today we'll continue to conduct surveys, learn and participate in the different research projects conducted by the resident researchers at the reserve. Afternoon activities may vary. | Reserva Playa Tortuga |
| June 8 | RTP | Today we'll continue to conduct surveys, learn and participate in the different research projects conducted by the resident researchers at the reserve. In the afternoon we will have time to reflect on what we've learned regarding conservation efforts in Costa Rica, explore town or enjoy group activities in the reserve. | Reserva Playa Tortuga |
| June 9 | RTP & Manuel Antonio | After breakfast we'll head to Manuel Antonio, but first we will make a stop in Uvita, a beautiful beach on the central Pacific coast, where students will take surf lessons on this stretch of coastline that has a reputation for being great for beginners. After our surf lessons, we will continue to make our way to Manuel Antonio where we will have time to relax by the pool after settling in at our hotel. | Hotel Villa Mymosa |
| June 10 | Manuel Antonio & San Jose | Today we'll explore Manuel Antonio national park which bursts with wildlife. Inside we'll find idyllic beaches and winding trails that lead through dense jungle. Students can relax, swim and do some souvenir shopping. After lunch we'll make the drive back to San Jose where we'll have time to rest and prepare for the next part of the trip. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| June 11 | San Jose & Fortuna | After a hearty breakfast, we'll head to La Fortuna for a day full of nature, and fun. La Fortuna is home to the famous Volcan Arenal, and as soon as we arrive, we'll be doing zip line tour in the area. At night we'll be relaxing into thermal hot springs at the base of the volcano (Los Lagos Hot Springs). | Hotel La Fortuna |
| June 12 | La Fortuna | Today we'll enjoy the refreshing waters of La Fortuna waterfall and enjoy bathing in the swimming holes fed by the river. Tonight we'll visit the famous hot springs one more time! (Baldi Hot Springs) | Hotel La Fortuna |
| June 13 | La Fortuna & Pacuare | In the morning we'll be picked up for our two-day white water rafting trip along Pacuare river. We'll spend the next handful of hours navigating the rapids of one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. We'll stop at the river lodge located along the banks of the river where we'll eat lunch, have group activities, relax in the afternoon, exploring the nearby trails or just relaxing in a hammock with a good book. | River Lodge |
| June 14 | Rio Pacuare & San José | After breakfast we'll enjoy a full day on the river. In the afternoon we will head back to San José for our final dinner together ahead of our international departure following morning. | Casa Cielo Grande |
| June 15 | USA - Costa Rica | Fly home | Home |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pacuare River Lodge
Along a hillside overlooking the Pacuare River, this one-of-a-kind lodge sits amid exotic primary rainforest, indigenous reserves and isolated valleys, and is only accessible by raft, 4X4, or horseback. A collection of rustic yet cozy cabins, each allowing to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding pristine jungles and experience the wilderness. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability. Most river lodges have no electricity, wifi and cellphone reception is very limited as it is the case for Pacuare River Lodge. The rafting companies communicate by radio in case of needing any land departure from the lodge or any emergency.
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
This was a great opportunity for [my daughter]. Thank you for being so professional and for teaching her things we never could. It was awesome to work beside Smithsonian scientists and learn. Travel is such an education that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Kim
Parent of Emily, traveler on 2017 program to 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: Premiere Travel insurance, baggage fees, airline minor 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.