Costa Rica - Osa Peninsula - Ecology Project International

EPI Campus
Osa Peninsula
Students complete more than 20 hours of
research during sea turtle investigation, as
well as 30+ hours of coursework and handson instruction in sea turtle biology, rainforest
and mangrove ecology, and conservation.
COSTA RICA
Osa Peninsula Ecology Program
Highlights
• Study and protect green & olive ridley sea turtles
• Kayak through
mangrove forests
• Get up close with elusive rainforest
species
About the Osa:
“In a remote and lush corner of southern Costa Rica lies a realm of giant
trees, potbellied spider monkeys, harpy eagles, prowling jaguars and herds of white-lipped
peccary. This is the Osa Peninsula and there is no place in the world like it.”
-Trond Larsen, “Osa: Where the Rainforest meets the Sea”
Your Field Work: This is an awe-inspiring opportunity to engage with the most
important conservation unit in Central America. The Osa Peninsula is world-renowned for
its lush and diverse ecosystem. As soon as you arrive, you’ll dive into long-term research
projects - monitoring green and olive ridley sea turtles on the shore, then traveling inland to
conduct a camera trap census to collect crucial data on large felines. After completing your
field work, you’ll have an opportunity to soak in the local culture and practice your Spanish.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: The survival of Osa’s abundant species and its
ecosystems depends on people like you, who will work to understand, protect, and restore
the peninsula’s habitat. Beyond your own incredible experiences packed into these 9 days,
you’ll also be helping EPI and our partners to replant deforested areas and protect this
amazing place for generations to come.
www.ecologyproject.org • academic & cultural exchange field programs • 4 06.721.8 78 4
Day 1: Arrive
in San Jose
• Meet your instructor team in San Jose
• Preview the unique and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica’s last frontier
Days 2-3: To
the Rainforest - Osa Conservation
• Travel by plane and then private bus to the remote and pristine Osa Peninsula
• Learn about sea turtle biology, ecology, and conservation issues
Days 4-6: Sea
Turtle Research
Costa Rica Osa Peninsula Ecology Program
Itinerary at a Glance
• Collect data on olive ridley, hawksbill, and green sea turtles through hands-on, marine-based
monitoring protocols
• Bird-watch, hike through the rainforest, and explore another facet of the Peninsula
• Explore the amazing wildlife of mangrove ecosystems
• Set and monitor camera traps to document the behavior of primates, jaguars, and other rainforest wildlife
Day 7: Intercultural
Day
• Spend a day immersed in the Tico culture practicing Spanish and tasting the local cuisine
Day 8: Adventure
in the Rainforest
• Spot wildlife from a bird’s eye view during a tram and canopy tour
• Experience the wildly changing landscape on a chartered bus ride back to San Jose
Day 9:
Depart from San Jose International Airport
printed on recycled
paper
Itineraries may vary based on course dates, group size, etc. • Contact: [email protected]