This document outlines a 9-day college study tour of Costa Rica that includes the following activities:
- Visiting the INBioparque natural park in San Jose to learn about biodiversity and see wildlife like frogs, bees, and butterflies.
- Hiking at the Poas Volcano and visiting the Arenal Volcano region with its hot springs.
- Exploring the wetlands of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat and seeing animals like cougars and monkeys.
- Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall surrounded by green cliffs.
- Learning about sustainable development at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest and planting a tree.
- Visiting Manuel Antonio National
This document outlines a 9-day college study tour of Costa Rica that includes the following activities:
- Visiting the INBioparque natural park in San Jose to learn about biodiversity and see wildlife like frogs, bees, and butterflies.
- Hiking at the Poas Volcano and visiting the Arenal Volcano region with its hot springs.
- Exploring the wetlands of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat and seeing animals like cougars and monkeys.
- Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall surrounded by green cliffs.
- Learning about sustainable development at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest and planting a tree.
- Visiting Manuel Antonio National
This document outlines a 9-day college study tour of Costa Rica that includes the following activities:
- Visiting the INBioparque natural park in San Jose to learn about biodiversity and see wildlife like frogs, bees, and butterflies.
- Hiking at the Poas Volcano and visiting the Arenal Volcano region with its hot springs.
- Exploring the wetlands of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat and seeing animals like cougars and monkeys.
- Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall surrounded by green cliffs.
- Learning about sustainable development at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest and planting a tree.
- Visiting Manuel Antonio National
This document outlines a 9-day college study tour of Costa Rica that includes the following activities:
- Visiting the INBioparque natural park in San Jose to learn about biodiversity and see wildlife like frogs, bees, and butterflies.
- Hiking at the Poas Volcano and visiting the Arenal Volcano region with its hot springs.
- Exploring the wetlands of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat and seeing animals like cougars and monkeys.
- Hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall surrounded by green cliffs.
- Learning about sustainable development at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest and planting a tree.
- Visiting Manuel Antonio National
Arrive in San Jos: Touch down in San Jos, the Costa Rican capital. Day 2: San Jos | Arenal INBioparque: Discover a world of biological diversity on your visit to this natural park and research station, created by the National Institute of Biodiversity. Get an up-close look into the lives of tarantulas, frogs and bees in the permanent exhibits. Then, stretch your legs and wander the parks three different ecosystem trails. Venture to the pond to check out the freshwater flora and fauna. Thousands of colorful paper-thin wings flutter around you in the butterfly gardensee if you can spot Costa Ricas native species. Stop by the Ecological Tourism Office before you leave INBioparque for further information on conservation practices and protected wildlife regions. Pos Volcano: Visit the Pos Volcano, one of the largest active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Travel to Arenal: As you continue to the Arenal region, watch for the tremendous cone that emerges from the green hills of Alajuelathis is the mile-high Arenal Volcano. Hot springs: Enjoy the nearby thermal hot springs. Relax as you dip your toes in these naturally heated pools. Day 3: Los Chiles | Arenal Travel to Los Chiles: Make your way to Los Chiles, a bustling community only a few miles from the Nicaraguan border and overflowing in Costa Ricas trademark biological splendor. Boat tour of Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge: Hop on board a fully equipped boat and explore the wetlands of Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge with an expert guide. As you navigate Lake Cao Negro, you may have a chance to meet a long list of rare and endangered animals that have made the refuge their homeincluding waterfowl, cougars, jaguars, ocelots and several species of monkey. Return to Arenal: After a full day, head south back to Arenal for the night. Day 4: Arenal | Monteverde Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall: This morning, lace up your walking shoes and hike through dense forest vegetation to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall. Surrounded by tall, green cliffs, this 200-foot cascade churns the aqua pool below.
ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE
IN COSTA RICA efcst.com/cora
Day 6: Central Pacific Coast
Travel to the Central Pacific Coast: Head to Costa Ricas Central Pacific Coast, where the beautiful scenery and exotic wildlife attract visitors from around the world. The area is especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Rainforest Adventures Park: Enjoy the beautiful butterfly garden and go for a nature hike, then take in sweeping views on an aerial tram ride. Day 7: Central Pacific Coast Manuel Antonio National Park: Get ready for an adventure as you journey to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica. Founded in 1972, the park offers visitors plenty to see and do. Kick off your shoes and stand on white sand beaches, where you can sometimes spot dolphins and migrating whales just off the coast. Dwelling within the coral reefs is an abundant and diverse array of marine life. Take some time to check out the lush jungle greenery, which includes lagoons and mangrove swamps. Crocodile River Tour: Get an up-close view of crocodiles large and small from the safety of your boat, and look out for beautiful exotic birds along the way. Day 8: Sarch | San Jos Sarch: Browse colorful local markets today in Sarch. The city is a major crafts center, and famous for its brightly painted ox carts, or carretas, typically covered in elaborate designs. Coffee plantation: Visit the estate of a Costa Rican coffee plantation. Sip on samples and learn how these beverages are produced before continuing to San Jos for the night. Day 9: Depart for home Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight home. 2-DAY TOUR EXTENSION Day 9: San Jos Whitewater rafting: Use teamwork to navigate your course through the free-flowing waters of the Sarapiqu River rapids, all while admiring the lush Costa Rican scenery passing by. Day 10: Depart for home Transfer to the airport, where youll check in for your return flight home.
Travel to Monteverde: Make your way to Monteverde. Situated near the
Continental Divide, the Monteverde (Green Mountain) region contains a spectacular range of flora and fauna in six distinct ecological zones. Day 5: Monteverde Santa Elena Cloud Forest: Explore the greenery of the community-run Santa Elena Cloud Forest on your canopy tour. Youll view rare orchids and the elusive quetzal birds that thrive in the perpetual soft mist. At this altitude, youll literally walk through clouds! Leave a positive mark on the Earth when you plant a tree with your group in the EF reserve. Then, attend a lecture at the Santa Elena Institute and learn about their mission to promote environmentally-conscious development practices and help protect area wildlife.
For the most recent itinerary and a full list of everything included in your program, visit efcst.com/cora