Our journey through Costa Rica gave us an extremely diverse landscape and wildlife rich environment to explore. We got up close to active volcanoes; from looking down into the steamy crater of Poas Volcano and hiking the lava trails of the majestic Arenal Volcano to an evening relaxing in the hot springs under the stars, listening to the sounds of the rainforest.
Our visit to La Tirimbina saw the group taking part in many educational and cultural programs. Learning all about the chocolate making process, we loved sampling the fruits of our labour. We learnt about the rainforest and the studies that are carried out to better understand the diverse flora and fauna in the area. The students got the opportunity to help the researchers in their studies by measuring, recording and comparing data on the rich ecosystem.
We accompanied researchers to help on their butterfly research, capturing butterflies in fermented banana filled nets, learning how to handle them without harming them, carrying out identifications and learning how they can be preserved for further studies. With enough time for a wet and wonderful walk through the forest, the group got to experience and fall in love with the true nature of Costa Rica before retiring to the hotel infinity pool, overlooking the tree-top canopy.
A boat trip on the Cano Negro River was an amazing experience and a real highlight. The photographers of the group clicked away as we got incredibly close to crocodiles, turtles, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards, kingfishers, egrets, spoonbills, capuchins and howler monkeys to name but a few. The curious capuchins put on a real display for us and seemed as excited to see us as we were them.
Trekking and a night hike in the atmospheric Monteverde Cloud Forest brought a couple of personal firsts and highlights for me; among all the other creatures we discovered we were very lucky to see an armadillo scurry across our path, beautiful humming birds flitting from feeder to feeder and a sloth exploring the canopy over our heads.
Using camera traps at various locations also gave us an insight into the secretive night life of the forest. The group recorded all their sightings in their Costa Rican wildlife book and it was amazing to see just how much wildlife was out and about!
Not only did we explore the area on foot but we explored it from the air with an adrenaline-filled zip line through the tree tops - even the nervous among us braved the heights as we leapt from tree platforms to soar high above the ground below.
Our last stop on the coast gave a new perspective of Costa Rica as we kayaked through mangrove swamps onto stunning beaches and waded through a tidal river to help at a turtle conservation project. The group worked amazingly hard to move logs and change sand to help prepare turtle nests for next season. A little time to relax on the beach and reflect on the amazing journey we had all taken and then it was time to travel home accompanied by lots of chatter about who may be joining us on the next trip!
All in all it was a stunning trip with a wonderful group of passionate students - bring on the next one!
Lynsey led a group of students on our Costa Rica Biology Fieldtrek, which can be tailored to suit your school's requirements. Contact us for more information.
