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Costa Rica: Preserving Paradise

Parks & Reserves of Costa Rica

March 13 – 22, 2025

Costa Rica has more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, 801 miles of coastline, and the world’s highest percentage of protected areas. At the same time, it is consistently rated as having a high quality of life. How does Costa Rica maintain this balance and what can we learn from it? Join the Natural Resources Foundation on this 10-day adventure to explore natural areas and hear from conservationists who steward this remarkable realm. Observe abundant wildlife, enjoy beautiful scenery, and see the efforts underway to protect this tropical paradise firsthand.

This trip is in partnership with Holbrook Travel.

An Emerald Touncanet perched on a tree branch. Costa Rice: Preserving Paradise trip promo.

Emerald toucanet by Hans Norelius.

Trip highlights

  • Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve. Search for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and other wildlife on the reserve trails. Take a boat ride on the Sarapiquí River to learn about its ecology.

 

  • Carara Biological Reserve. Explore the biodiversity of this transitional forest, where rainforest and tropical dry forest overlap. Take a night walk to look for kinkajous and other nocturnal animals.

 

  • Manuel Antonio National Park. Search the park’s beautiful beaches and trails for squirrel monkeys, basilisk lizards, coatis, and more. Enjoy an evening lecture about ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

 

  • Savegre Natural Reserve. Hike the cloud forest ecosystem in search of the Resplendent Quetzal. Attend a talk with a member of the Chacón family about the history and development of this region.

 

  • Travel with a small group. The maximum number of travelers is 15. We think the small-group atmosphere allows you to get closer to your guide, each other, and, most importantly, nature.

 

A Connecticut Warbler, the Great Wisconsin Birdathon 2023 #Birdoftheyear, sitting in a tree

Three-toed sloth by Greg Bascoe.

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, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time. 

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 getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens by Michael Talbot.

Pricing and cancellation

The base cost is $3,200 per person. The price includes accommodations, meals, entrance fees, activities noted in itinerary, private vehicle transportation unless otherwise noted in itinerary, non-alcoholic beverages with meals, a full time guide, porters, bottled water on the bus, a carbon offset, and part of your trip cost goes to support the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.

A deposit of $350/person is required by participants to register and reserve a space on the program. Reservations made less than 95 days prior to departure require full payment.

Cancellation Policy: 96 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 95-0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

 

Registration deadline is December 8, 2024

Common basilisk by Laura Hare.

Kim Kreitinger

Kim Kreitinger

Field Trip Coordinator

(608) 409-3110
Kim.Kreitinger@WisConservation.org

Kim Kreitinger (she/her) supports the Foundation's Field Trip program, plans our domestic and international travel, and helps connect members with the Foundation.

Banner photo courtesy of Holbrook Travel.