Costa Rica: Biology and Geology

Arrive in Liberia, Costa Rica

Drive to the most active area of Rincón de La vieja Volcano, El Gavilán, where the hotel is based (approx 1h40 mins drive)

Check-in, Relax & Refresh

Orientation- The group will become oriented with their neighborhood, nearby pharmacies, markets, ATMs, etc. Additionally, an in-depth safety briefing will be provided for what to do in case of an emergency.

Welcome Dinner - The group will enjoy an authentic group dinner with a wide variety of menu options to cater all diets.

Explore the area of most active volcanoes of Costa Rica - Today we will explore some of the geological stratigraphy, including a sampling of hot springs, lava flow, and lahars. Relax around the nice hot springs of this area.

Visit the Sanctuary Waterfall in Rincón de la Vieja

Drive to Tenorio Volcano (approx. 2h40 mins)

Arrive at Rio Celeste - Enjoy the turquoise water of this famous river where you can swim and relax.

Explore Tenorio Volcano National Park - This park has a rainforest that protects species of wildlife of regional importance. Within the area, the Tenorio Volcano, with its four cones, offers natural scenic overlooks that allow appreciation for the plains of the Pacific and Caribbean. It is best known for the Celeste Waterfall, its hot springs, wildlife, and canopy bridges.

Drive to Arenal (approx. 1h30 mins)

Visit Asis Rescue Center Project (approx 30 mins drive)

Volunteering Experience - The group will be involved in food preparations for this animal center. Students will learn the story of how they became pets and why they can no longer be released, as well as all about their diet and behavior.

Drive to Arenal National Park - This is where the youngest volcano of Costa Rica awaits. Arenal Volcano has many lakes that were formed in different eruptions. Students will enjoy its hot springs and the incredible variety of wildlife.

Drive to Arenal (approx. 1h30 mins)

Mistico Hanging Bridges - Experience the Tropical Rainforest from a different perspective! You are going to see the forest from ground level up to tree level! Try to spot as much wildlife as possible while your guide explains all about the interactions that occur between the flora and fauna along the trail.

Wellness Park Volunteer Experience - Here students will be involved in tree planting- get your hands dirty, and contribute to a much needed global change! During this educational activity and nature walk around this property, students will learn all about the ecotourism project, the conservation of this area, and much more.

Explore La Fortuna town

Drive to Poas Volcano (approx 2h30 mins) - This is one of the most active volcanoes of the Central Mountain Range. During the drive, vast lands used for agriculture and several coffee farms will be part of the scenery.

Poas Volcano National Park - Here we reach the cloud forest! Depending on the weather, we may spot the hyperacid lake “Laguna Caliente”, which is one of the 30 hot and acid lakes in the world. While in the park, the group will see many volcanic deposits dating back to the eruptions of 1834, 1910, 1953-55, and 2017. In the path, there will be a waterfall formed by lava flows, and the group will walk along the many trails while spotting cloud forest wildlife.

Drive to Turrialba-Casa Turire (approx 4h30 mins)

Free Afternoon-  Refresh and relax after a long traveling day.

Volcano exploration - Get your hiking boots ready! There's an early start today as the group will be taken to two volcanoes: Irazu - probably the most amazing volcano of Costa Rica - and Turrialba, where the recently opened trail will allow you to see the crater and the “dead zone” created by acid gases and ashes. Depending on the weather, you will appreciate views of the Caribbean Sea, and will explore the largest monogenetic volcanic field of Costa Rica.

Bribri Community Educational Day – While visiting this local community, the group will see the Bribri Waterfall and will also experience a traditional meal, learn about medicinal plants, chocolate making, sustaining traditions, and participate in discussions about Shamanism.

Drive to Manzanillo de Gandoca (approx 30 mins)- This is one of the most southern areas of Costa Rica in the Caribbean lands. You will enjoy amazing views of the rainforest meeting the ocean.

Surfing lesson in the late afternoon

Airport Transfer (approx 4h30 mins)

Depart San Jose, Costa Rica for Home