July 30 - August 7, 2009

Our annual Educators' Journey is an amazing opportunity for teachers to explore Costa Rica at a greatly discounted price. The wonders, challenges, and solutions of Costa Rica are tools you can return to the classroom with to refresh your curriculum and your spirit!


Specially Priced for Teachers: $1250*

For more information on these or other EcoClassroom tours please email or call (800) 551-7887.

*Please see below for inclusions

Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday July 30

An early flight gets into Costa Rica by mid-day with time to head directly to the beautiful Caribbean coast. The drive takes us through Costa Rica’s largest national park: Braulio Carillo National Park. Enjoy our first exposure to the rainforest as we pass giant elephant ear plants and waterfalls along the road. Near the coast we drive through a veritable ocean of banana plantations before we reach the port city of Limon. From Limon we head directly south to the Puerto Viejo area – our home base for the next several days.

Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Limon)

Day 2: Friday July 31

Our first day in the rainforest begins with a hike through the KekoLdi Indigenous Reserve where a native guide shares with us the culture and customs of the Bribri People. We begin with a visit to the Iguana Farm – a project that over the past ten years has reintroduced more than 10,000 green iguanas into the surrounding forest. On a two-hour hike through secondary rainforest, we are introduced to the forest from the Bribri perspective, learning about the plants that have provided food, medicine, clothing, and shelter for thousands of years. A delicious native lunch is served in typical style with many ingredients harvested from their understory gardens. Enjoy the afternoon at Punta Uva, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, where the rainforest practically pours into the sea.

Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Limon)

Day 3: Saturday August 1

We get an early start as we prepare for our full day adventure at Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education. A local guide will take us through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge where the path travels from the beach into the jungle. Our guide will show us the wonders of his ‘backyard’ while explaining the medicinal and edible uses of many of the trees, fruits and plants along the way. We arrive at Punta Mona where we experience firsthand an exercise in sustainable living. Most food is harvested from the extensive organic gardens with more than 150 varieties of fruit trees. Energy comes from solar panels and the buildings are built with wood from nearby fallen trees. We enjoy the secluded beach and farm and then return by boat to Manzanillo. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any of the three species of dolphin that live in these waters!

Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Limon)

Day 4: Sunday August 2

Today we have the opportunity to visit some projects where we see local people implementing positive solutions to some of the environmental, agricultural, and social issues we have learned about thus far. We visit local organic banana vinegar producers, agricultural co-ops, and family farms where we get up close and personal with the people of this area.

Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Limon)

Day 5: Monday August 3

Early this morning we head to the banks of the Pacuare River for an unforgettable day of white water rafting on class III and IV rapids. This scenic and famous river runs through lush jungle and majestic gorges; beautiful waterfalls cascade into the river alongside the rafts. We stop on the riverside for an excellent lunch and appreciate the fact that this is still a thriving ecosystem thanks to strong local advocates who, after a decade of action, stopped a dam project here in 2004. After a thrilling day of rafting, we make our way to the slopes of Arenal, Costa Rica’s most active volcano. In the evening we bathe in the delightful natural hot springs with a view of the lava-streaked volcano.

Overnight: Finca Don Juan, La Fortuna

Day 6: Tuesday August 4

In the morning, we take a short hike to a stunning waterfall and swim in the refreshing pools at its base. This afternoon, we learn from former school teacher Don Juan as we take his farm tour and learn about organic farming, sustainability and bio-digesters. We also may have the chance to work with the Tilapia fish pond, make sugarcane juice, or milk cows. This evening we help harvest and make dinner with Don Juan’s family.

Overnight: Finca Don Juan, La Fortuna

Day 7: Wednesday August 5

After an early start, we make the long drive to the cloud forest. We pass through Cartago, Costa Rica’s original capital and then begin to climb up into one of the country’s most magical paramo forests. We take a short hike into our eco-lodge, which is an off-the-grid family farm. Relax and soak up the views after a long day of travel.

Overnight: Seelye Family Farm, Santa Maria de Dota

Day 8: Thursday August 6

This morning we take a breathtaking hike through the surrounding forests and have a chance to climb the magical Castle Tree, a redwood relative that is believed to be 1000 years old. On our hike we learn about the highland forest and see many unique species of plants, trees, and birds that are endemic to this area. In the late afternoon, we return to the capital city of San Jose for a farewell dinner at a typical-style restaurant with a spectacular view.

Overnight: San Jose Area

Day 9: Friday August 7

We'll board the plane filled with memories of our Costa Rican Adventure!

Itinerary subject to change based on availability.

*Price is per person based on double occupancy and is land cost only. Airfare is not included. Single room supplements are available at an additional cost.