Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure

Turtles, Manatees, Iguanas, Birds, and More!

Join SEE Turtles and EcoTeach for a new ecotour, exploring little visited areas of Costa Rica and northern Panama.  No need to worry about crowds on this trip, its low season but its the best weather of the year!  On this trip, you will see two species of sea turtles both on land and in the water, as well as manatees, migrating hawks, iguanas, and many other animals.  You will also visit an indigenous reserve, learning about the Bri Bri culture, and experience life in rural communities.

Price: $1,650 per person (double occupancy) which includes all in-country transportation, hotels, guides, activities, most meals, and a donation to turtle conservation (does not include airfare).

**Sign up by Sep 1 for a 10% discount!

For more information or to register, visit EcoTeach's web site.  Contact us with any questions.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Patrol green turtle nesting beaches with local researchers
  
• Snorkel with hawksbill sea turtles
  
• Visit a manatee site in Panama
  
• Watch one of the world's largest migrations of raptors
  
• Visit an iguana conservation project at a Bri Bri Indigenous Reserve 

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Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure (468 kb)

FULL ITINERARY

Saturday, September 26th - Arrival

We will pick you up from the airport and take you to the Hotel Don Carlos, an historic landmark in San Jose. Dinner is on your own depending upon arrival time.

Sunday, September 27th - Parismina

Up early for the drive to Parismina, a small coastal community on the northern Caribbean coast. On the way, we will visit Jardin Pierella, a beautiful butterfly farm for a tour and lunch. Tonight, we will receive a presentation on turtle conservation and join the members of Save the Turtles of Parismina for a beach patrol looking for nesting green turtles. We are staying at the Carefree Ranch, a simple, clean hotel near the beach.

Monday, September 28th - Parismina

After breakfast, we will take a casual boat tour of the Tortuguero canals, looking for wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and caiman. Our afternoon will be free to rest or join a game of soccer with the local kids. Tonight we will again patrol the beach, optional for those who want to rest.

Tuesday, September 29th - Cahuita

Today we head south to the coastal town of Cahuita, a fascinating mixture of cultures. We will arrive in time for a picnic lunch on the beach at Cahuita National Park, one of the country’s most beautiful and relaxing beaches. Our afternoon is free to explore the park or town and tonight we will be free to choose from a number of wonderful restaurants for dinner. Our hotel in Cahuita will be Atlantida Lodge.

Wednesday, September 30th - South Caribbean Exploration

In the morning, we will snorkel in the park's coral reef, the country’s largest. With luck, we will spot beautiful hawksbill turtles and meet local researchers studying the reef. In the afternoon, we will explore Puerto Viejo, a charming town with great souvenir shops and cafes and then head to Manzanillo, which has another wonderful beach and we can rent kayaks, snorkel, or hike. Dinner will be at the world famous Maxi’s Restaurant, which serves some of the country’s best seafood.

Thursday, October 1st - Panama

We will get an early start and board our bus to visit Panama. After settling into the AAMVECONA (a local conservation organization) station, we will visit San San Pond Sack to view manatees. After we will visit a local organic farm and then head back to Costa Rica.

Friday, October 2nd - Back to Cahuita

After breakfast, we will return to our hotel after an early morning visit to the manatees. Our late afternoon will be free when we arrive to enjoy the hotel pool or stroll the beach. Tonight we will enjoy a delicious bbq at the hotel.

Saturday, October 3rd - San Jose

This morning we will visit the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve to see migrating birds and hike the rainforest. After a moderately strenuous hike up to the top of a ridge, we will visit a viewing platform where bird researchers are monitoring populations of raptors passing overhead. This spot has recorded the second highest number of migrating hawks, vultures, and other birds in the world! After lunch, we board our bus to San Jose and time permitting, will have a bus tour of the city. Dinner will be out at one of the city’s finest restaurants. We will again stay at the Hotel Don Carlos.

Sunday, October 4th - Departure

We will take you to the airport in time for your flight. Remember to share your pictures and keep in touch!