Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Conservation
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Arrival Day: ¡Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!
Welcome to Costa Rica, a country well known for its high-quality coffee, love for nature and pura vida lifestyle. Now that you are here you may start feeling our tropical weather and warm people.
Our guides will be waiting for you at the airport ready to go directly to the hotel to get some rest, but not before your first taste of Costa Rican cuisine with a local dinner.
Lodging: Hotel Irazu
Day Two | Drive to Camaronal Wildlife Refuge
After a good night's sleep, enjoy a traditional breakfast with gallo pinto and start your ride to Camaronal.
Enjoy a beautiful journey over mountains and curved roads, and arrive at the town of Carrillo, a coastal community well known for their Bandera Azul Beach, a designation given by the government for beaches that are kept pristine.
Enter Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, the protected area which will be our home for the week throughout our service project with sea turtles. In the evening, we start our first expedition with a night walk along the beach searching for turtles. If we are lucky we will find a turtle laying eggs.
Lodging: Hacienda del Mar Hotel
Day Three | Art and Turtle Conservation
Today we will visit a community association to take an art class. This is a local women-run enterprise where members will guide us on how to create art using no more than natural resources such as seeds, driftwood, and other organic materials.
After an introduction to our artistic side, it is time to switch to our conservational one. Spend the rest of the day working with local park rangers on conservation projects to protect the turtles nesting on Camaronal Beach. We will learn how important it is to support these areas. These might include working at the turtle hatchery, participating in beach clean-ups, and going on nightly turtle walks to mark and collect eggs.
Lodging: Hacienda del Mar Hotel
Day Four | Sun, Surf, and Sunset
After two days of working with park rangers and collaborating on sea turtle conservation projects, it's time to relax in the warm Pacific Ocean with surf lessons and beach time.
Walk around town, shop for souvenirs, chat with locals, or just enjoy a delicious ice cream, it is all part of getting to know the local culture and finding the perfect way to spend the rest of the day.
Lodging: Hacienda del Mar Hotel
Day Five | Local Coffee Farms and Pura Vida Life
Coffee is one of the things that Costa Rica is well known for and today you will learn why. Learn about how coffee grows, why Costa Rica’s climate is perfect for the low, shady bushes, and how to process the ripe red berries into the deep, dark roasted coffee drink that are a mainstay in every tico household. Learn from the producers, try different varieties, and understand the cultural connections and origins of coffee in Costa Rica. Take a relaxing evening at the hotel and enjoy the warm night air.
Lodging: Hacienda del Mar Hotel
Day Six | Costa Rica’s Indigenous Communities
Today we will visit the Matambu territory to learn about the cultural, culinary, and modern life of one of Costa Rica’s many indigenous groups. The community is surrounded by a beautiful primary forest, and members will share insights into their history and perspective in northern Costa Rica.
In the evening, we will go on another night walk for turtles and nests, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
Lodging: Hacienda del Mar Hotel
Day Seven | Boat Excursion, Sea Life, and San Jose
¡En el mar, la vida es mas sabrosa! Get ready for a boat trip and an opportunity to see marine life in its natural habitat. If we are lucky we will see dolphins, sea turtles and other animals, and enjoy being on the open sea.
Then head back to San Jose and enjoy your last dinner of local food and music.
Lodging: Irazu Hotel
Day Eight | ¡Buen Viaje!
You’ll have just enough time today to pack away your belongings before departing for the airport. We hope the people you’ve met, perspectives you’ve gained and lessons you’ve learned will serve you well as you head home.
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Offbeat Travel local guide on call throughout
All community service materials and donations
Breakfast and lunch
All transportation
7 nights of accommodation
All activities as detailed in your itinerary
Interested in booking or customizing this trip for your group? Click below to schedule a call.
