costa rica - Oak Grove School

COSTA RICA
EDUCATIONAL CONNECTIONS
Oak Grove School July 12 – 22, 2016 Offered to ages 13 – 18 years old.
Hike along the base of a
volcano, examine the ecology
of a rainforest, and search for
monkeys at the beach — this
11-day program with Oak Grove
School features the essential
highlights of Costa Rica. Begin
in the lush lowland rainforest of
Selva Verde, continue to Arenal
Volcano to discover geological
history, and witness unique
biodiversity on the Pacific Coast.
Plus, experience a thrilling
whitewater rafting adventure, go
zip lining through the treetops,
and enjoy opportunities for
cultural exchange.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS •
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Learn about the ecology of tropical rainforests at Selva Verde’s private rainforest reserve. Explore Costa Rica’s renowned biodiversity and varied ecosystems. Discover the natural and cultural history of chocolate d uring a visit to a cacao plantation. Work on a community-­‐based conservation project with the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC). Observe unique wildlife in Carrera National Park. WHAT’S INCLUDED?
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Bilingual naturalist guide Driver Accommodations Activities Private transportation Meals Beverages with meals Carbon offset Photo by Deb Savarese
ITINERARY
BLD – BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
JULY 12 - SARAPIQUÍ
Upon arrival in San José, meet your guide and travel to Selva Verde Lodge &
Rainforest Reserve. After settling in, receive an orientation to Selva Verde’s
facilities and private reserve. This evening take a night hike around the
grounds of the lodge to observe nocturnal wildlife like red-eyed tree frogs
and possibly bats. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (LD)
JULY 1 3 - SARAPIQUÍ
Wake early for a morning birding walk and introduction to observing bird
behaviors. After the walk, eat a delicious breakfast at the lodge and then take
a hike into the primary forest to explore and learn about general rainforest
ecology, structure, and function. In the afternoon visit the Sarapiquí
Conservation Learning Center (SCLC). Learn how they are working to
link communities and conservation, and participate in a community-based
conservation project. The community needs at the time of your travel will
determine the details of the project. In the past, groups have worked on tree
plantation maintenance, forest trail maintenance, reforestation, landscaping
at local schools, and helping with other environmental community projects.
This evening attend a presentation on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor
(MBC). The MBC is an international initiative that links critical habitats
from southern Mexico to Panama in an effort to conserve biodiversity and
promote sustainable development throughout this ecologically fragile region.
Selva Verde’s reserve has been identified as a critical piece of this corridor.
Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)
JULY 14 - SARAPIQUÍ
This morning take an optional pre-breakfast bird walk, and then have
breakfast at the lodge. Begin the day with an exciting canopy zip line tour.
he tour consists of 12 zip lines crisscrossing tropical rainforest, ornamental
gardens, and the magnificent Río Sarapiquí. This afternoon enjoy a visit
to Best Chocolate and the Reserva Curare. The fun starts in the two-acre
cacao plantation, where you will learn all about the cacao plant, lowers and
pollination. Continue to the Cacao Rancho in the middle of the reserve
to learn where chocolate comes from, starting with the fruit to the final
product. After watching the processes you will get to sample freshly made
chocolate. In the evening enjoy a fun salsa dance lesson with the SCLC.
Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)
JULY 15 - SARAPIQUÍ
This morning after breakfast set out on an exciting whitewater rafting trip
on the Río Sarapiquí. A professional river guide escorts all trips and you will
be provided all of the necessary safety equipment (helmet, life jackets, etc.).
Following a thorough safety orientation and basic rafting lesson, experience
the Class II and III rapids of the Río Sarapiquí. This afternoon visit a
pineapple plantation to learn about the growing and harvesting process, as
well as the importance of agriculture to the local economy. This evening take
a nocturnal hike around the grounds of the lodge. Overnight at Selva Verde
Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)
JULY 16 - ARENAL
Depart for the Arenal area this morning, stopping in La Fortuna for
lunch along the way. Upon arrival at your lodge, your guide will go over
the history of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding region. Thanks to the
volcano’s geothermal activity there are many natural hot springs in the area,
including on the property of your lodge. The remainder of the day will be
free to enjoy the on-site hot springs. Overnight at Arenal Paraíso. (BLD)
JULY 17 - ARENAL
After breakfast in view of the volcano, explore Arenal National Park. The
hike takes you along the base of the volcano, through the forest, and over
lava lows to the destroyed area now in the process of regeneration. Your
guide will explain the history of the volcano and the changes it has gone
through over the years. Have lunch and time to walk in the town of La
Fortuna before returning to the hotel. the remainder of the day will be free
to enjoy the hot springs and volcano views at the hotel. Overnight at Arenal
Paraíso. (BLD)
JULY 18 - PACIFIC COAST After breakfast depart for the
Central Pacific coast and Punta Leona Hotel, with a typical
“tico” lunch en route. Upon arrival receive an orientation to the
property and then visit the beach. Punta Leona Hotel is a private
reserve that is considered to be one of the most important in
Costa Rica’s Pacific Zone due to its geographic location and
conservation plan. Founded in the late 1970s, the reserve now
consists of 300 hectares (750 acres) of primary and secondary
forest. The reserve is of great biological interest because it is one
of the few remaining forests in the transitional life zone between
the dry forest of the northwest and the rainforest of the
southwest. Overnight at Punta Leona. (BLD)
JULY 19 - PACIFIC COAST This morning visit the beach to
explore tide pools and enjoy some beach recreation. Later in the
afternoon explore the Tárcoles River by boat to view crocodiles
and learn about the regional importance of this mangrove
ecosystem. The river also supports more than 50 species of
migratory, native and coastal birds, including a variety of herons
and egrets, Crested Caracaras, Roseate Spoonbills, Scarlet
Macaws, and more. Overnight at Punta Leona. (BLD)
JULY 20 - PACIFIC COAST After breakfast visit Carrera
National Park. Carrera is located in an important ecological
transition zone where Amazonian and Mesoamerican
ecosystems converge and where the climates of the Pacific dry
north meet the humid south coast. The park is home to several
ecosystems such as marshlands, lagoons, and gallery forests. A
fantastic array of wildlife is on display here, such as monkeys,
crocodiles, armadillos, peccaries, waterfowls, opossums, sloths,
boas, agouti, kinkajou, tetra, margay cats, jaguars, white-tailed
deer and ocelots, as well as a wide assortment of birds and other
reptiles and amphibians. This afternoon have some free time to
enjoy the beach at Punta Leona. Overnight at Punta Leona. (BLD)
JULY 21 - SAN JOSÉ Today depart for San José. Upon arrival,
take a driving city tour and have time to shop for Costa Rican
crafts and souvenirs. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at
the hotel. Overnight at Country Inn & Suites. (BLD)
JULY 22 - DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your
flight home.
LAND and AIR PRICING
PRICING $2,6500 (based on 12 participants)
Cost includes accommodations, meals, in-country
transportation, and activities as indicated in the itinerary, fulltime guide, carbon offset, and bottled water on the bus.
Does not include insurance, gratuities, departure tax, items of a
personal nature.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL:
This program includes optional carbon offsetting with ClimateSafe. Learn more at h olbrooktravel.com/climatesafe