Costa Rica Adventure
Environmental Science and Culture in Costa Rica. Jungles, rain forests, and tropical rivers. Rare and endangered species, and cultural interaction. Available for academic credit at high school and college levels.
Environmental Science and Culture in Costa Rica. Jungles, rain forests, and tropical rivers. Rare and endangered species, and cultural interaction. Available for academic credit at high school and college levels.
Earth Explore Costa Rica Adventure Quick Facts
8 day program Active and Educational Hotels in San Jose,
Tortuguero, and Monteverde
3 meals a day 2 expert naturalist
guides On-site resource
experts Group size 20-30 Students 3 to a room
Costa Rica Adventure Itinerary
Our route takes us from San Jose, east to Tortuguero National Park for wildlife viewing along wild jungle canals. In the Orosi Valley we raft the Pejivalle River. To the west, we visit the Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forests, and explore pristine areas by trail, motor launch, river raft, zip line, and horseback. We visit a school and interact with native Costa Ricans.
Brief Highlights of Program
Tortuguero National Park - Wildlife Viewing-Endangered Species, biodiversity
Orosi Valley Rafting Zip Line through jungle
canopy Scenic Horseback ride in
Monteverde Monteverde/Santa Elena
Cloud Forests - biosystems, microclimates
Visit to school, village for cultural interaction
Possible viewing of Sea Turtle nesting activities in Tortuguero (weather
permitting) Tortuguero National Park
Brief Highlights page 2
We stay in jungle lodges at Tortuga and Monteverde During our time in Tortuguero, cultural interaction with children,
including a soccer game, is planned Our zip line adventure includes 14 platforms, 1 mile total,
ecological trails, a mix of adventure and learning During our raft trip, we will also swim, float on tubes, and have a
picnic lunch in a jungle setting along the river
The Earth Explore FoundationYour Planet. Discover it. Protect it.
EEF has sponsored Teacher-led educational programs since 1995
Founded by teachers and outdoor educators
Mission is to encourage learning in the outdoor classroom - science and cultures
More than 5 thousand students from 35 states have participated
The EE Foundation is a not for profit, mission-based educational organization
All programs can offer credit at HS and College levels
Adventures to Planet EarthFun and Learning in Inspiring Places
Just the Facts-Earth Explore Parents, students and teacher know
one another Low adult/student ratio Credit opportunities- always hands-
on World’s finest partner organizations An ideal mix of learning and fun
adventure
Preparation Meetings get students ready for the trip
Programs are mission based, emphasizing student-nature connections Not just a Student “Tour”
Study the Earth; its landscapes, processes, people and cultures, through fun hands-on exploration
Create enduring connections with the natural world Encourage curiosity, inquiry based learning
What happens when?
Groups form/students enroll August through December
All Adventures usually full by January 1st Teacher conducts preparation sessions in
late winter through the spring Usually 3-4 two hour get-togethers Student receives the Naturalist newsletter
quarterly, and program Adventure Guide
What happens when?
Travel Packet arrives in May– Detailed day to
day itinerary customized for each group
– Official program cap, field journal, photo credentials, luggage tag, T-shirt
Earth Explore Online
PDFs available Academic Credit
Outline Fundraising Packet Program Flyers and
Brochures
Program Newsletters Student Application Health Form (spring)
Earth Explore AdventuresStudent application process
Applications accepted until local group is full, then waitlist is begun
If student is not known to teacher, interview is required
Students can invite friends or siblings, subject to space available and interview
Application requires deposit of $400
Earth Explore AdventuresStudent application process - continued
Limited number of spaces for each Adventure each season
Space is allotted on a first come, first served basis
Application can be mailed, faxed, or submitted online - most now apply online
Lead teacher will have materials or they can be requested from the National Office, or downloaded online
Costa Rica AdventureWhat’s Included - What’s Not
All program activities/instruction All meals (3 per day) Hotel accommodations (no hostels
or camping) 2 Travel Manager/Naturalist Guides
per group On site resource experts Chaperoning by students’ own
teachers Program accident insurance Travel items including cap, t-shirt,
journal, luggage tags Academic credit tuition - HS Option for college credit
Included
Program airfare - Earth Explore arranges this for the group
Passport - Required Items of a strictly personal
nature (for example souvenirs)
Not Included
Costa Rica - Travel Details
Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond date of arrival U.S. Citizens do not require a separate visa No special shots required for residents of U.S. Earth Explore uses Costa Rica’s finest ground partners, and three star
hotels for all programs
Costa Rica Travel Details - continued
Winter and Spring meetings provide curriculum and travel instruction
Quarterly newsletters provide information on passports, health forms and other details
Flights are arranged once group is fully formed (usually November or December)
Costa Rica - Enrollment/Payment
Families can enroll and submit deposit online Include name of your teacher to be assigned to group automatically Can also mail in application which is available as a PDF document
online - click “get materials” Various payment plans, including monthly, and automatic charge to
credit card Full tuition due April 1st - Extension for fundraising possible
Costa Rica Adventure - In Pictures
San Jose to Tortuguero Hotel Presidente Rafting the Rio Pejivalle By van and boat to Tortuguero
Arrival at Tortuga Lodge for 3 nights
Exploration of Jungle canals and habitats
Wildlife includes Spider, Howler and White Faced Monkeys, Three Toed Sloth, River Otters, 320 bird species, 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrots
Costa Rica - In Pictures
Tortuguero Beach is nesting ground for Atlantic Green Sea Turtle Viewing of nesting sites, possible viewing of egg laying activity
Costa Rica - In Pictures
Costa Rica - In Pictures
We fly back to San Jose, then proceed by ground west, to Monteverde Zip line adventure enroute in tropical forest, above the Gulf of Nicoya
and the Barranca River Check in at Monteverde Lodge
Monteverde is a “green” lodge Operated with sustainable practices,
recycling, solar energy use Grounds protect native species
Exploration by foot and canopy bridge
Expert on site naturalist guides
Monteverde Cloud Forest, 4600 feet elevation is one of the world’s most important biological preserves Immense bio-diversity in small area.
6 different ecological communities, 2000 plant species. Protected animals include jaguar, ocelot, quetzal, and many others
Costa Rica - In Pictures
Evening horseback ride with views of the Gulf of Nicoya and area plantations
Visit to Santa Elena Cloud Forest - Higher and less visited than Monteverde
Amazing diversity of plant and animal life - wild orchids, 100 species of mammals, more than 300 bird species
Costa Rica - In Pictures
Costa Rica AdventureHands-on Leaning and Adventure