2023 SCPA Osa Costa Rica Conservation Expedition

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Last adventure in Costa Rica 

Written by Rosie K.
Our trip to Costa Rica is coming to an end, yet we are still enjoying the last days here. We started the day off by packing up our belongings and eating breakfast at the hotel we were staying at. After eating, we walked to the car to drive to the  white water rafting location. The group was a mix of nervousness and excitement but everybody did go and enjoyed rafting. During the adventure we were able to see birds glide down into the water and perch on rocks, along with butterflies fluttering in the air around us. We took a quick break at a waterfall where some of us got into the water to get refreshed after sitting in the sun. We also got fresh pineapple and cookies to snack on before finishing off the rafting along the river. After rafting, we headed to a restaurant for lunch where everyone had fresh fruit juice and a Costa Rica staple of Casado. After eating, we started the long drive to our new hotel, making a quick stop at a souvenir store to purchase a few more things before heading home. We ended the night by writing a letter to our future selves which we will get in 3 years, along with a lovey dinner!

Marino Ballena Day

Written by Kate L.

Today we woke up at the beautiful El Tecal hotel and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Afterwards we took a long walk on the local beach to visit the parque nacional Marino Ballena. There were many vendors just off of the beach which the group paid a visit to. There were all kinds of things to buy from jewelry to stickers to coconut water straight from the source! Next we went back to the hotel to have a delectable lunch and enjoy the beautiful weather. Soon after, we headed back to the beach to hit the waves. We all got surfing lessons from a local surf company. Whether we were able to stand up or not, we all had fun. After surfing, we quickly changed at the hotel and headed back out to watch the sunset along the coast. After a full and fun day we ended the night at the lovely La Parcela restaurant where we celebrated our friend Mariah’s 17th birthday!

Ziplining at the rainforest 

Written by Solana U.

Today we woke up at the Reserva Playa Tortuga hotel to eat breakfast and pack our bags, since it was our last night there. We loaded the bus and began our drive to out next activity, a canopy tour and ziplining. We were ahead of schedule so on the way, we made a quick stop to explore a little coastal area to take pictures and enjoy the sun. After that, we arrived to the wildlife refuge and saw a sloth before starting our tour. We hiked up a trail to get to the ziplining a completed a total of 8 cables. After about a hour and a half of activity, we stopped to eat lunch and most of us had an ice cream of some sort too. After a nice meal we left on the bus to head to our next hotel, Tecal. We barely settled into our rooms before jumping into the pool (which was the perfect temperature,) and after swimming and hangout as a group for a while, we all went back to get ready for dinner, which was pizza. Then we headed back to our hotel for the night.

Final day the reserve

Written by Chase P.
Our final full day at Reserva Playa Tortuga we got up early in the morning and viewed the local Costa Rican birds, including Macaws. Some of us went bat watching, where we saw bats sleeping under large leaves and flying close by. Later in the day, we went to the turtle hatchery and learned about sea turtle predation. Some of us went to a road activity where we did research on how incoming car activity affects ocelots. We went on a night walk after dinner and saw many crocodiles with their eyes glowing in the dark and took data about them. Tomorrow the adventure continues!

An adventure in the reserve

Written by Jayla B.
We woke up bright and early to start our day at la tortuga reserve. We all had breakfast at 7 and it’s so fun to reconnect with everyone and talk at the table. When we’re all finished we break of into groups and do different activities. My group headed to the butterfly garden where we learned about the different species and got the chance to work with them. Some of us planted different types of stems that attract the butterflies while others worked to transfer the catipillers from old leaves onto fresh ones. After this activity we had a little break and then lunch at 12. We had another chance to relax after this and then at 3 we headed to a trail which lead to the beach. It was beautiful outside but surrounding was trash so we all worked together to pick it up and clean the beach. After we had walked what felt like the entire beach we got to play in the water a little and splash our feet. When we got back we were famished and it was time for dinner. The meal was delishous and then for some it was time for bed. But, for others like myself we had night walk. We put on our gear to go look for alligators at night so that we could tag them to see how many where in our area and keep track of the population. This was my favourite part of the experience I felt like an australian explorer in the jungle on one of those nature shows. We ended up catching two one was already tagged but the other was not so we took all of its measurements and I even got to hold it! Overall it was a great day!

Discovering Nature in Costa Rica

Written by Karma F.

Today was our fist full day at the reserva playa tortuga! We had a wonderful morning, going to the Torgua school just 3 km from the reserve. There we split into small groups to help get some projects done including fixing the garden, cleaning an outdoor wall and collecting garbage. We then game back for a small break and a delicious lunch where we planned out next activities. Those activities included helping with the butterfly garden, observing macaws and observing bats. After, we had some down time with a little uno and scrabble! A small group then ended the night with a night walk, where they saw many reptiles and frogs!

Waterfall Day

Written by Zola L. (Rivver)
Today started with an amazing breakfast and then a very long hike up a mountain. Next we drove to Nauyuca Waterfall Nature Park and were treated with delicious blackberry juice. We got a ride about halfway down to the waterfall and then hiked the rest of the way. Once we arrived we ate our lunch and then climbed over rocks to reach the waterfall. We hung out, swam, and took pictures for a few hours and at one headed back up to the Nature Park. We stopped for ice cream and then started driving towards Reserva Tortuga. On the way we stopped at a bakery and got some delicious pastries. Once we arrived we were told about what Reserva Tortuga does and what we’re going to do. After the meeting we had dinner and settled down for the night.

A Costa Rican Farm

Written by Mariah M.
Today was a cultural learning day. We went to La Florida, a Costa Rican small rural town. There, a local family owned a farm that sells cacao and coffee. We were able to see all the trees and vegetation that grows in the farm and made our own cheese empanadas. After the farm, we hiked to Bella Vida Hotel and swam in the pool with a beautiful mountainside view.

Costa Rica Day One

Written by Margaret J.

After a rather venturesome departure, the SCPA posse arrived in the sunny streets of Alajuela. We had an amazing and very flavorful lunch dish deemed Casado that was consumed in record time. Following lunch we had an intense run back to the hotel due to some unexpected precipitation, but many made light of the rain by throwing on a swimsuit and taking a dip in the pool. After a period of relaxation, the group brought the night to a close over dinner. It’s been an evening full of fun and excitement and we are eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s adventure!

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