Costa Rica
Day 1: Travel Day
Depart for Costa Rica – arrive in the afternoon and transfer to the University of Georgia San Luis Ecolodge. Evening Orientation program.
Day 2 – 4: The Source – Monteverde and the San Luis Ecolodge
Our beautiful eco-lodge is nestled into a valley below the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Our campus provides classroom space, a lab and hiking trails through the mountains. Over the next three days we will join researchers at the Monteverde Institute to participate in authentic science research and data acquisition in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Each day students will enter the Cloud Forest working side by side with a different scientist. One evening students will take part in a night hike to observe nocturnal species. Students will also get a unique perspective of the cloud forest canopy with a high flying adventure on zip lines. Much of our work in Monteverde will relate to the budding forest sister relationship between the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Estes Institute in Rocky Mountain National Park. Potential areas of study include; Hydrology – Study of Water and Water Quality; Botany – Study of Plants; Ecology – Study of Bio Diversity and Ecosystems; Herpetology and Entomology – Study of Amphibians and Insects; Ornithology – Study of Birds.
Day 5: Transfer to the Sea – Northern Pacific coast
We will enjoy our final day of programming in Monteverde. In the afternoon, transfer to the northern Pacific Coast. Settle into our hotel and enjoy some beach time.
Day 6-8: The Sea – Connect Oceans Marine Science
The next three days we will participate in the Connect Oceans Marine Awareness program. We will explore the mangrove estuary’s on kayaks, snorkeling amongst the coral reefs and a deep sea ocean exploration looking for giant Manta Rays, Sharks and other amazing marine wildlife. Through this program, students will walk away with some unforgettable experiences in the ocean environment and a deeper understanding of Marine conservation issues.
Day 9: Beach Time
Enjoy a free half day of hanging out on the beach with friends before we depart for San Jose. Enjoy a final evening dinner reflecting on our adventures through Costa Rica.
Day 10: Depart for home
This morning we have a little extra time to tour historical San Jose, visit a market or some other options that your group leaders will determine later. Depart for home with a deeper understanding of tropical and marine ecosystems and stories that will be with us for a long time to come.