Costa Rica: Sarapiquí Ecological Research and Ecoservice

Land at Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in San José and meet your Rustic Pathways leaders who will help you board the bus. Head to the hotel in the capital and undergo an orientation. Get a glimpse at why Costa Rica is famous for its commitment to the environment, from its rainforests and volcanic peaks to its two coasts.

Overnight: Hotel in San Jose

Arrive at the research site and meet with experts at OTS, La Organización para Estudios Tropicales, which you’ll partner with for your next few days in Sarapiquí. Learn about their scientific collections, ecological conservation work and research in this biodiverse region.

Take a break for lunch and then join a discussion on plant adaptations. Learn about transect lines that pass from the elevation of the nearby volcano to the basin. This land was bought by private citizens and donated to the conservation area to create a continuous rainforest – something that’s happening across the country as Costa Ricans, who call themselves Ticos, protect the future of their ecological resources.

See many incredible plant adaptations that have evolved within this space based on altitude or location within La Selva. Gain knowledge on how to classify and identify the flora in this environment.

During this time, you’ll have hands-on training on basic research methods that are used in the field. Costa Rica is a base for many research operations on reconnecting what were once contiguous forests and understanding the effects of tourism on the economy and environment. As much as possible, we’ll connect you with opportunities to see and understand these concepts in practice and discuss the environmental benefits. In the evening, you’ll start to discover nocturnal insects, setting up light traps and searching for the insects they attract.

Research Hours: 5

Overnight: La Selva Biological Station

Today is for service and birding! In the morning, start your census with the group, learning about the Audubon Christmas Census and how it has contributed to understanding avian populations and movements around the world. Learn about bird counts and the species you will identify by sight and voice, then get out in groups and start counting! This will take you through the afternoon, then you’ll have dinner and get back into the field for another night excursion, building on what you have learned about nocturnal animals to identify additional species and learn about the extreme diversity of this rainforest.

Overnight: La Selva Biological Station

Spend the next two days working on a community service project. Split your time between morning and afternoon service sessions. Choose from a variety of ongoing service initiatives designed and monitored by Rustic Pathways staff in cooperation with local community leaders. Projects will focus on community infrastructure development, educational facility improvement, and environmental initiatives and will vary by the day and current needs.

Our team will provide more details about your projects closer to the date of travel; typically you will contribute to a few community-initiated projects over the course of a few days work to see varied sides of community service. Join your group for a post-service debriefing in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community. In the afternoon, we’ll have time to enjoy the beautiful accommodations and the rainforest, go for a swim in the river or participate in a chocolate tour.

Overnight: Hotel in Sarapiqui

Rise early for a delicious breakfast and head to the rainforest to participate in a ziplining activity with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake. After lunch, we’ll visit Finca Don Juan to learn about Costa Rican agriculture and customs.

Overnight: Base house in Fortuna

After breakfast, we’ll have time to squeeze in a fun coffee tour before heading back to San Jose. Then we’ll make a stop at a souvenir shop for some last minute shopping.

At the program’s end, students reflect on their experiences, and talk about how to apply this new knowledge in their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.

Overnight: Hotel in San Jose

You’ll have just enough time today to pack away your belongings before departing for the airport. We hope the people you’ve met, perspectives you’ve gained and lessons you’ve learned will serve you well as you head home to use your new Spanish skills in your own community. After some final group photographs and high-fives with the Tico team, you’ll head through immigration and board your flight home. We trust you’ve had an incredible time in Costa Rica and hope to see you again soon. Pura Vida!

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.