LEARNING & DISCOVERING THE RAINFOREST IN COSTA RICA. 7D/6N

Our program Learning & Discovering the Rainforest is one of our 20 different Costa Rica Student Travel Programs we offer for schools & high schools interested in student travel companies seeking for visiting our country for a learning and educational experience.

VISITING: Our School Package to Costa Rica includes the following places: San Jose, Sarapiqui, Tirimbina Reserve, Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest.

EDUCATIONAL OBJETIVES: 

Day 1- Introduction about Costa Rica.

Day 2 – Learn about Tropical Species, Rivers and Tropical Ecology. At night, participate in a live lab about Bats and Vampires with real specimens just caught up from the nearby rainforest.

Day 3 – Live the experience to be in a real tropical rainforest – Be a scientist for a day – Learn about water cycle and its importance for the ecosystems – Experience a Hands-On program in a field exercise were students will evaluate the water quality of the Sarapiquí River through the use of the physical, chemical and biological analysis. Practice about Ecology and Behavior of the butterflies. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing time at Sarapiqui River doing whitewater rafting.

Day 4 -To be a farmer for a day. Learn about the common crops in the area and how are they planted, harvested and prepared. On this Hands-On activity the students will interact with a local farmer his experience in the fields and be able to be a farmer for a day. Learn about underground rivers and hot springs. Have a blast enjoining at the Largest Hot Springs Park in the World.

Day 5- Experience a lake crossing by boat – Learn about Cloud Forest and its differences with a Rain Forest. Visit a community with a long tradition in environmental practices and sustainable development. Lear about tropical amphibians and reptiles.

Day 6 – Discover the secrets of the treetops and have a blast experiencing the famous zipline canopy tour. Monteverde is the place where this activity was invented.

LETTER CODES: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner. 

Day 1. WELCOME TO COSTA RICA (D). Our student travel company Greenway Tours, start with the group arrival to the International Airport Juan Santamaria. Upon arrival at the San Jose airport, you will be met by one of our representatives how will explain your itinerary, answer any questions and provide you with a package of vouchers and information about your trip. Transfer to Hotel Radisson Europa and free time at leisure.

Lecture about Costa Rica General Facts & overview of the program´s key concepts you will learn, as well as the sites you´ll visit throughout the program. Welcome Dinner.

Day 2. DEPARTURE TO SARAPIQUI REGION (B, L, D). Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Sarapiqui Region, located in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica and about 2 hours drive from San Jose. Driving to Sarapiqui is an amazing experience where you will be able to enjoy crossing the Braulio Carrillo National Park, the second largest of Costa Rica. This pristine rainforest located in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range goes from high elevation areas to almost sea level.

Due this characteristic the park hosts multiple species of tropical plants and lots of wildlife species. Upon arrival to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, the name of the Town, board a motorboat for a 90 minutes Sarapiqui River expedition for enjoy the rich wildlife of the area including Howler Monkeys, White-Faced capuchin Monkeys, Toucans, Others, Caymans, River Turtles, Multiple Aquatic Birds, Giant Iguanas and many other species. This river boat tour will be a perfect introduction to the amazing Costa Rica Wildlife. After the trip, continue to La Virgen de Sarapiqui and check in at Selva Verde Lodge or Tirimbina Reserve, two leader student travel companies in Costa Rica. 

During the afternoon, special activity: Discovering the Rainforest.

This educational activity is intended that the participants systematically discover one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems of the planet: the tropical rainforest. This learning process is done by observing, measuring and recording various biological and physical aspects of this ecosystem, from top-down by visiting the suspension bridges, and from the inside-out by examining the ground and up to the height of the trees. This interactive process is easy and enjoyable for participants who develop their perception, intuition, observation and natural correlation. Tirimbina staff coordinates the different activities, facilitates the observation of wildlife, points out their relationship and ends with a comparison of the plant structures, soils and animal diversity of the two different habitats of this rich ecosystem.

After this scientific activity and laboratory, dinner at the lodge.

Evening, another special scientific activity and laboratory but this time for learn about some famous nocturnal creatures: Bats & Vampires. Did you know that bats represent 50% (110 species) of Costa Rican mammals?  We invite you to enhance your education, dispel myths you may have heard about these wonderful mammals, and enjoy this adventure into the world of the bats. Tirimbina Rainforest Center will provide a multi-media presentation on the history of bats, their classification system, diversity, adaptations, reproduction methods, threats, and more.  And for the most popular part of the Bat Tour, a trained guide will provide visitors a safe opportunity to touch, feed and release safely captured bats. Visitors can also take a short-guided walk (15–30 min.) to see the mist nets used to gently catch these creatures.  The bats are kept for less than 2 hours and the professional methods used assure the well-being of the animals. 

Day 3. SARAPIQUI – TIRIMBINA RESERVE HANDS ON ACTIVITY COSTA RICAN ECOLOGY. (B, L, D).  After a heavy breakfast at the lodge, be ready for two interesting educational programs. River Water Quality & Ecology of Butterflies included in our School package to Costa Rica.

First Hands-On Scientific Program: River Water Quality. 

This activity aims to assess the quality of the water for one or more aquatic ecosystems (rivers, creeks) through physical, biological and chemical surveys. Using very interesting hands-on activities, easy to carry out on-site, the participants measure certain parameters of interest to discover the meaning of physical-chemical relationships between water and the diversity of animals and plants present in this aquatic ecosystem. This activity takes place in one of the many aquatic ecosystems of the reserve which enables visiting this area from a unique perspective. The activity takes place under the supervision of our expert on the topic who also coordinates the activities, he explains the procedures and techniques used and finally he promotes the discussion and ideas about the ecological reasons of the results obtain and their implications of activities and the health of human being. 2.5 hours activity.

Second Field Lab: Ecology of Butterflies. 

In this activity students will learn about the rainforest biodiversity, so they can make conscience about how important of the place they are for conservation worldwide, through a short presentation, after that, they will use some of the tools used by the researchers. At the end students will have a greater knowledge about the scientific method and the importance that it has for the conservation of tropical forests. 

At the end of the presentation, the students will take a walk in the gardens and the forest of Tirimbina. The idea of this activity is that the students have a direct contact with the nature and thus they obtain a nearer experience with the biodiversity of the rainforests. 

The activity consists of three parts: 

First: Students will discover the use of nets to catch adult butterflies using fermented bananas to attract them. Here also they study the methods to manipulate and identify the butterflies. 

Second stage: The second stage consists of a trip inside the forest and in the gardens, with one of our researchers, to discover the other stages of the butterfly life cycle; Eggs, caterpillars and pupae and also the importance of plants for the different stages of butterflies. 

Third stage: with the help of a net, students will be encouraged to catch adult butterflies and identify the different species captured. 

After this activity, return to the lodge and lunch. In the afternoon, A GREAT Whitewater Rafting tour in Sarapiqui River (Class 3-4). 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a rafting expert, this class 3-4 white water rafting trip is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping! Build up the anticipation as you receive your safety gear and instructions on the bank of the Sarapiqui River! You’ll hit the water and your adrenaline levels will soar as you experience over 40 exciting rapids along 12 km of lush, vibrant rainforest! Feel the rush of excitement as you tackle rolling rapids like “The Terminator” and “Dos Locos.” Take a break about half-way down the river and enjoy a refreshing tropical fruit snack as you take in the beauty of the nature surrounding you. Feel free to go for a swim or just relax with the rest of the group. Get back on the water and finish your unforgettable river adventure! 

After the tour return to the lodge and free time. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 4. ARENAL VOLCANO & BALDI HOT SPRINGS. (B, L, D). After breakfast, departure to our next destination: Arenal Volcano and Fortuna Town. Upon arrival visit Finca Don Juan for a Practice & Lab about Organic Agriculture. This is a very important component of our School Package to Costa Rica

The general area of ​​the farm is 2 hectares, with a good use system under the foundations of PRODUCTION, CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION. They maintain more than 30 different crops with strict organic techniques, semi-stable cattle, methane gas production, tilapia and the manufacture of organic components in a small empirical laboratory: among them worms farm, bio ferments, natural bamboo hormones, capture and reproduction of mountain microorganisms , compost, fertilizers by osmosis of fruits, herbs or mixed, among others.

The farm has been divided into sections, including:

1. MATHEMATICS SECTION
2. MEDICINE SECTION
3. SECTION OF SOCIAL STUDIES
4. LOVE SECTION
5. SPIRITUAL SECTION
6. CHALLENGE SECTION
7. PEACE PATH

The visit to the Finca Educativa Don Juan it is to live an educational agricultural experience walking on trails in green area that make up geometric figures, you will participate in the cassava harvest, planting of it, harvesting of vegetables, fruits for homemade fresh, spinach and any other necessary ingredient to the lunch or dinner that they will then have with fresh products from the farm, grown organically through the concept of sustainability.

The practice includes moving to the bio-digester, where pigs, chickens, quails and cows are in charge of giving us milk every day for cheese and custard, as well as collaborating with the production of methane and fertilizer gas. You can easily notice a closed cycle.

Normally the return of the tour is done by a path through the mountain area along the banks of the Burro River, a natural element that divides the cantons of San Carlos with San Ramón. Also, as a mandatory step is to go to the TROJA, place where students will process the sugar cane in a manual trapiche (sugar mill).

After the tour, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the World Famous Baldi Hot Springs The largest Thermal Waters of the World. 25 Thermal Water Pools amidst the tropical rainforest, these 25 thermal water pools are filled by crystalline waterfalls, for the use and enjoyment of all visitors. The purity of the water will make you feel like you are floating in an oasis of healing, with birds singing all around and the sound of falling water that invites you to relax and recover your wellness and quality of life. Our School Package to Costa Rica also includes recreational time.

Extreme adventure lovers seeking an adrenaline rush and extraordinary experiences have the perfect challenge of sliding and bumping through whirling and curved pipe water slides. These Xtreme slides are fun for the entire family as it is impossible not to laugh and share the excitement of people splashing out from the pipes.

Lunch & Buffet dinner included at Baldi. Overnight at Hotel KOKORO or similar.

Day 5. MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST (B, L, D) Say goodbye to Arenal and start the journey to Monteverde Cloud Forest. This amazing transfer will consist of crossing the largest lake of Costa Rica and them continue by the mountains to Monteverde. Upon arrival, check in at Historias Lodge or similar. During the afternoon, visit to Santa Elena Town, the famous cheese factory and art galleries. Before dark enjoy the Monteverde Frog Pond & Snakes Garden. 

The Monteverde Frog Pond is committed to educating its visitors on both the beauty and bounty of frogs, as well as the threats they currently face around the world. Visitors can admire more than 25 species of native frogs, toads and other amphibians living in large, naturally simulated terrariums. A bilingual guide accompanies visitors during each tour and teaches them about the frogs’ history, habitat, and unique characteristics. Some of the frogs and toads on hand include the colorful poison arrow frog, crowned frog, marine toad, cane toad, leopard frog, hourglass frog, and the famous red-eyed tree frog. Furthermore, there is an exhibition on the natural history of amphibians as well as a gift shop that sells many frog-related souvenirs. Visits after dark are especially popular, as the frogs are generally more active and vocal during the nighttime. Frogs and toads are currently undergoing a massive global decline. Part of the proceeds from the ticket sales goes to conservation and research efforts.

The Snakes Garden: This guided tour is an appropriated place to learn about Costa Rica’s amphibians and reptiles. The facilities are ample, modern to offer a cozy, extensive atmosphere, adapted temperature for the animals, at the same time provide more security to our visitors. You can appreciate over 40 species including venomous and non-venomous snakes, poisonous frogs, toads, lizards and turtles.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6. MONTEVERDE CANOPY TOUR– SAN JOSE. (B, L, D). After a strong breakfast enjoy one of the most popular tours in the world and it was created in Costa Rica: The ZipLine Canopy Tour at the best venue Sky Adventures. 

Sky Trek is a thrilling zipline circuit that’s located in the magical forests of Costa Rica. Sky Trek zipline courses begin at the top of the mountains, you’ll ride and open-air gondola to this point while admiring the best views of the surrounding area and even more. From there on, you will start the zipline course down the mountain. Cables stretch from mountain to mountain, reaching incredible lengths and heights, crossing canyons, going into the forests, and even sometimes in between clouds. But Sky Trek is more than that, live a unique experience beyond distance or heights, admire unique views, and feel the adrenaline like no other adventure.

After lunch, return to San Jose City and check in at Hotel Park Inn. Farewell dinner.

Day 7. TRANSFER OUT (B). Transfer to the International Airport according with your scheduled flight and good bye. 

RATES: Please contact us for a quotation indicating number of students, adults and possible travel dates. Rates based on Triple & Quad occupancy for the students and double rooms for the teachers. No single rooms available unless a single supplement is paid.

CHAPERONES:  One free ticket for every 20 students.                 

MINIMUM: NO minimum

INCLUDE: 6 nights lodging in high quality Hotels, all land transportation within Costa Rica, all airport/ hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/ departures dates only, specified meals, specified tours, private transportation and naturalist tour guide. 

NOT INCLUDED: International air fare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. 

WHATS TO BRING: Hiking Shoes, Bathing Suit, Binoculars, Camera, Beach Sandals, Suntan Lotion, Hat, Mosquito Repellent.

Greenway Nature Tours is a Certified Travel Agency and Tour Operator by the Costa Rican Tourist Board with special certification in Sustainable Travel (CST). .

We are one of the few student travel companies arranging educational tours to Costa Rica. Start planning your Costa Rica Student Travel today. Email us