Costa Rica: Rhythms of Nature

Trip highlights

• Tortuguero National Park. Search for spider monkeys, crocodiles, three toed sloths, wading birds, manatees, and caiman along the inland waterways by boat.

• Learn about sea turtle conservation. Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy museum. Enjoy evening turtle walks in search of nesting females.

• Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve. Look for keel-billed toucan, great green macaw, white-winged becard, sunbittern, red throated ant-tanager, and white-collared manakin amongst the 500 acres of primary and secondary tropical rainforest.

• Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station. Visit one of the world’s leading institutions in tropical education and research. Be on the lookout for coati, howler monkey, agouti, ornate hawk-eagle, and spectacled owl.

• Arenal Volcano National Park. Experience the geologic and biological complexity of this region while hiking through secondary forest and lava fields from previous eruptions.

• Travel with a small group. The maximum number of travelers is 12. We think the small-group atmosphere allows you to get closer to your guide, each other, and, most importantly, nature.

Activity Level 3: Moderate

Participants should be able to ascend or descend 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 3 hours over some steep slopes, and uneven, potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time, and can occur several times per day.

NOTE: It can be very hot (85-95F) and humid, which can add to the level of exertion and stamina needed.

Health & Safety

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica. A note about altitude sickness: Upon arrival at locations of high elevation (above 5,000 feet), shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness.

Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Additionally, avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms.

It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in oxygenating the blood while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.