THE WILDS OF & THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night) Arrive in the central valley of Costa Rica, home to 80% of the country's population and surrounded by mountains. This area boasts fantastic vistas and a perfect climate. You will spend your first night in a comfortable country setting and have a chance to get acquainted with your guides. (1 night) Wind your way up and down the mountains towards the Pacific coast. Spend the evening at a hotel on the banks of the Sierpe River and get ready to board your boat the next morning for the trip to Drake Bay.

DRAKE BAY in the OSA PENINSULA (3 nights) Drake Bay, discovered by Sir Francis Drake in 1579 during his circumnavigation of the globe, is located on the west of side of the Osa Peninsula and boasts a beautiful bay surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest. Boat through the largest mangrove reserve in Latin America, snorkel in the crystal clear water off of Cano Island and hike the trails of .

DREAMCATCHER TURTLE PROJECT in the OSA (2 nights) Next, head to the other side of the peninsula and the area near Rincon. Here, work with biologists and staff in the Golfo Dulce (one of the world’s only tropical fjords) on turtle monitoring and mangrove clean up. Assist in the monitoring of green and hawksbill turtles from boats by measuring and tagging them before releasing them back to the ocean. You may also bring the turtles ashore if they are in need of attention at the on‐site turtle rescue center. You will also participate in coastline and mangrove clean up and reforestation.

PROVIDENCIA CLOUD FOREST (2 nights) Depart the coast and head up the hills rising above the central valley. The highest points in the Costa Rican landscape are found in this mountain range. On your way, stop at an indigenous Borucan community famous for mask making. Stay in the small community of Providencia, surrounded by cloud forest and home to an astonishing array of biological diversity. Choose from a list of community activities ranging from: artisan workshops, visiting the local creamery, sugar cane processing, visiting a sustainable farm and nature walks!

ATENAS & THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night) Depart Providencia and visit a small coffee and berry farm as you say farewell to the hills. End your trip right where you started, in Atenas. This is the night to celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on your experiences. THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA: Trip Outline

AREA DAY LODGING & MEALS MAJOR ACTIVITIES

Francisco’s Lodge Arrive Costa Rica Atenas Day 1 Meals included: snack Transfer to lodge

Oleaje Sereno Sierpe Day 2 Transfer to Sierpe Meals included: BLD

Proyecto Campanario Transfer to Campanario Drake Bay (Osa) Day 3 Meal included: BLD Boat through mangrove to Drake Bay

Proyecto Campanario Explore Corcovado National Park Drake Bay (Osa) Days 4‐5 Meal included: BLD Snorkeling at Cano Island

Delfines Hotel Transfer to Dreamcatcher Turtle Project Osa Turtle Project Day 6 Meals included: BLD Orientation to Project In boat capture & release of turtles Delfines Hotel Osa Turtle Project Day 7 Help researchers collect data on turtles Meals included: BLD Mangrove Reforestation

Providencia Transfer to Providencia Providencia Day 8 Meals included: BLD Boruca Mask‐Making workshop enroute

Providencia Providencia Day 9 Choose from various Community Activities Meals included: BLD

Francisco’s Lodge Berry and Coffee Farm Tour Atenas Day 10 Meals included: BLD Transfer to Atenas

Depart Day 11 Meals included: B Transfer to Airport WILDS OF COSTA RICA: Trip Information

AVAILABLE DATES: Year round

GROUP SIZE: Minimum group size is 10 participants (including group leaders) Maximum group size is 24 participants (including group leaders)

We may be able to accommodate larger or smaller groups— please contact us for more information.

PROGRAM FEE:

The price includes:  Bilingual Naturalist Guide  Accommodations (based on triples and quads)  Private in‐country transportation  Meals as stated in the itinerary  Purified water available on the bus  Activity & entrance fees, and associated tips  Post departure travel insurance

The price does NOT include:  Tips for guides and driver (recommended $10/day for guide and driver to split)  Cancellation insurance  Expenses of a personal nature both prior to departure as well as during the trip

TRIP LEADER COSTS: One trip leader travels free (including air) with 10 full paying participants. Trip leader cost (including air) will be pro‐rated if the total number of full paying participants is not a multiple of 10.

FLIGHTS: EcoTeach will automatically arrange flights for your group. However, you are welcome to work with your own travel agent or directly with the airline group desk. Just let us know if you would like to make your own group travel arrangements.

For groups booking flights through EcoTeach, a $25 per ticket service fee will be assessed. Occasionally, EcoTeach will purchase several blocks of tickets for a group at different prices and charge the averaged amount to the participants. Also, please be aware that taxes and fees (fuel surcharges, security costs, etc.) imposed by the airlines and/or the US Government are subject to change until the tickets are purchased approximately two months prior to your departure date. Such changes are outside of EcoTeach’s control.