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Day 3:
We get an early start as we
prepare for our two-day adventure at Punta Mona Center
for Sustainable Living and Education. We hike the only path to Punta
Mona through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Along the way,
we travel from the beach path into the jungle, where the diversity
of flora and fauna is beautiful and abundant. A local guide from the
neighboring village of Manzanillo will take us through the trail and
show us the wonders of his "backyard" while explaining
the medicinal, culinary and other uses of many of the trees, fruits
and plants along the way. The time at Punta Mona is an exercise in
sustainable living, as much of the food eaten will be harvested from
extensive organic gardens. The structures are built with wood from
nearby fallen trees, and the electricity comes from solar panels.
After getting settled in the bunkhouse, swim, relax, and gather local
fruits and vegetables for the night’s feast. In the evening,
meet with members of the community to learn more about Punta Mona’s
history and other exciting current and future projects.
Overnight: Punta Mona (Monkey Point)
Day 4:
We will have time to tour and possibly work in the organic
gardens, where over 150 different types of tropical fruits and vegetables
are grown! We will also have the opportunity to make chocolate, relax
on a secluded beach, snorkel, and, if weather permits, kayak in the
waves or through the mangroves of the Gandoca Lagoon. After nightfall,
walk the beach in total darkness in search of nesting leatherback
turtles some of which weigh over one thousand pounds! (March-June)
Overnight: Punta Mona (Monkey Point)
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Caribbean Hairbraiding
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Day
5:
After a final morning at Punta Mona, we
return to the small town of Manzanillo by boat. Along the way, we
search for some of the three species of dolphins.
During our last few hours on the Caribbean
coast we work together with members of the local communities on service
projects that we hope will leave a positive impact in the wake of
our visit. Projects may include gardening, building, beautification, or mural
painting for schools and communities. After our last Caribbean style
lunch, we leave the coast for the mountain town of Turrialba. On the
way up we stop at one of the many banana plantations to learn first-hand about
this controversial, yet important industry.
In the evening, enjoy the beautiful viewsfrom your hotel.
Overnight:
Turrialba
Day 6:
Early in the morning, we visit the nearby
serpentarium which allows the rare opportunity to
meet some of the forests' most feared residents
as we learn from the country's foremost expert about the evolving status
of the fer-de-lance population. Then we head to the banks of the Pacuare
River for an unforgettable day of white water rafting
on class III and IV rapids. This most scenic and famous river
slices through pristine rainforest and mountain gorges which drop
the most beautiful waterfalls right alongside your raft. That evening,
we make our way to the slopes of Arenal, Costa Rica's
most active volcano. We bathe in soothing hot springs and
hope for a view of the lava-spewing volcano.
Overnight: La Fortuna
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Fortuna Waterfall, La Fortuna
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Day 7:
In the morning, we take a short hike
to a stunning waterfall and swim in the
pools at its base. From there, we head into the city of
San Jose, stopping along the way to shop in some local markets.
In the evening we return to the capital city of San Jose for a farewell
dinner.
Overnight: San Jose
Day 8
In the morning, we to board the plane filled with
unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!
Monteverde
Cloud Forest Extension
A two-day tour can be added to the above itinerary
Day 7
In the morning, we take a short hike
to a stunning waterfall and swim in the pools at
its base. Next, we drive around Lake Arenal on
our way to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde.
Along the way, we will see windmills which supply an alternative
source of electric power to the hydroelectric dam which created
the lake. Upon our arrival in Monteverde, visit the Butterfly
Garden and meet a diverse collection of forest creatures.
In the evening, experience the nocturnal world of the forest with
a night hike through the Ecological Farm.
Overnight: Santa
Elena (Monteverde)
Day 8
After an early breakfast, experience
the Sky Trek- a unique way to experience the forest
canopy. Sail over the trails and through the treetops, traversing
the canopy on a zip-line! Expert guides assist you in this exciting
journey through the different layers of the pristine cloud forests
from the time you leave the ground until you rappel back down to
the forest floor. Orchids, bromeliads and ferns share this aerial
existence with an abundance of wildlife. If we're lucky, we
may catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal. In the afternoon,
we hike through the Monteverde Reserve or visit local art
galleries.
Overnight: Santa
Elena (Monteverde)
Day 9
Today we return to the capital
city of San Jose, stopping along the way to shop in some
local markets. In the evening we participate in
a farewell dinner.
Overnight: San Jose
Day 10
In the morning, visit the National
Museum, housing artifacts from the country's pre-Colombian
civilizations. After some time for shopping, board the plane filled
with memories of your COSTA RICAN ADVENTURE.
Contact Us today
for more information on our EcoClassroom tours!
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Cooking at Punta Mona
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