2027 Parker Costa Rica Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: |
February 12, 2027 -
February 19, 2027
Dates are tentative until flight are secured
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| 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: | $800 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free monthly installment plan. Follow whichever option works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $2,990
Pay in Full
$2,990.00
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:
$498.00
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Costa Rica Conservation Expedition: Sarapiqui
From white sand beaches to misty cloud forests, from towering volcanoes to beautiful rivers that cut through tropical canyons, and to hospitable, friendly communities, Costa Rica has it all. Having abolished its military over 50 years ago, this tiny democratic republic has long been known for its pacifism, commitment to environmental protection, and its status as a destination for those seeking safe yet exciting adventure travel set against breathtaking scenery. However, despite an extensive tourism industry, in many parts of Costa Rica there remains a need for help and service. Our programs offer unique access to Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets and friendliest communities. We are confident you will love the land of Pura Vida as much as we do.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Collaborate with wildlife scientists on conservation efforts
Zip-line above the forest canopy
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
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 12 | 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 and have an orientation meeting where the group will discuss the upcoming trip in detail. Dinner will be at the hotel. | Rosa de las Américas |
| February 13 | Alajuela - La Virgen de Sarapiquí | Today we will make our way to La Virgen de Sarapiquí and start with an 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 this we will have cooking classes where we will learn how to make tortillas but also learn about bananas and we will make patacones. After dinner we will have a night workshop learning about the bat research conducted at this reserve. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the natural history of bats, their classification, diversity, adaptations, reproduction, and threats. They will also be able to take a close look at the snare net and bats captured for this research. | Sarapiqui Hotel |
| February 14 | La Virgen de Sarapiquí | Today we will continue our adventure by exploring the rainforest and discovering more of our surroundings. After lunch, we’ll join the local kids for a friendly soccer game, a great opportunity to connect, share laughs, and enjoy the afternoon together. | Sarapiqui Hotel |
| February 15 | La Virgen de Sarapiqui- Puerto Viejo | After breakfast, the group will settle in La Selva Biological Station, owned by the world-renowned Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). The group will get familiar with the facilities and meet the scientists and research tutors. After lunch, we will set off on a hike through some of the multiple trails in the middle of the primary rainforest where students will learn about the natural history, ecosystems, and biodiversity of the reserve. After dinner, we will have some reflection time to discuss some of our goals for the upcoming days. | OTS Cabins |
| February 16 | Puerto Viejo | Today we will begin with an introduction to the several research projects conducted by the OTS in La Selva station. After we receive the lecture and general instructions, the group will be divided into different tasks we will be completing for the rest of the day to participate in one of the several on-going projects La Selva. Projects vary but these may include subjects such as water quality, plant adaptation and mammal monitoring, especially peccaries which love to hang out around the station! After lunch, we will take a short break from our conservation work to explore downtown Sarapiqui. After dinner, the group will set off on a night hike through the trails in the middle of the primary rainforest to find frogs and other nocturnal creatures. | OTS Cabins |
| February 17 | Puerto Viejo - 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, then we will head to La Fortuna, a small city right next to the Volcán Arenal, an impressive volcano that stands out in the middle of the flatlands. In the evening we will relax at the Baldi hot springs and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner. | Hotel Fortuna |
| February 18 | La Fortuna - Alajuela | Today students will go hiking to see La Fortuna waterfall. Students can relax, swim, while admiring the amazing waterfall. After lunch we will get the opportunity to see the forest from a different perspective as we zip-line through the jungle canopy. After our ziplining tour we will make the drive back to San Jose for a farewell dinner and our final reflection before our international departure the following morning. | Rosa de las Américas |
| February 19 | Alajuela - USA | After breakfast and a relaxing morning by the pool, we will head to the airport for an early-afternoon departure back to the USA. | Your own bed! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge
Offering an on-site restaurant and Palenque-style design, Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge is located in near the community of Sarapiqui. It offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a tour desk.
Montechiari Hotel
Arenal Montechiari Hotel located 400 meters from the central park, very close to the beautiful town La Fortuna. The Hotel is sorrounded of lush gardens and a spectacular view of the Volcano.
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.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
Everything was outstanding. The communication, organization, and experience was phenomenal. The program positively impacted my daughters confidence, independence, and maturity.
Suzanne
Parent of Kelsey, traveler on Costa Rica Surf and Service Program
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.
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.