Osa Peninsula You will fly from your departure city to San Jose and then to our jungle field station on the Osa Peninisula.

Arrival Day 1: you will spend the night in the historic city of San Jose

In the morning on the second day you fly to the jungle

The black sand beach adjacent to our property near the Corcovado National Park.

The view from our place. Below is the lowland lagoon with the pacific ocean on the horizon.

Our meals are served buffet style and will be a mix of local flare and American cuisine.

There is plenty of time for rest and research.

The rainforest is not just for those interested in science. Some of our students like to combine ecology with art. These are pencil sketches one of our students drew of amphibians found during a night hikes.

La Leona Tent Camp on the Beach

Our wild neighbors, like the Cioti (a raccoon looking mammal), will venture into camp daily.

Taking time to sample native fruits.

Hands On Experience

Interaction with friendly locals will gives us a chance to introduce you to Costa Rican culture.

Transportation Method #1

Our specially designed trucks allow us to transport you in this remote and rugged environment. Transportation Method #2

Traffic Jam

You will feel like you and your group are the only people on earth as you take in the rolling mountains, the misty rainforest, and the sounds of the crashing ocean. (Horseback riding is optional). Transportation Method #3

For many students, being able to traverse these remote beaches and wade through rivers on horseback is a climax to their Costa Rican experience.

Activities: Gold Mining

Daily Hikes To Hidden Places in the Rainforest

Bromeliad

Strangler Figs

Turkey Vulture

Aaucarias

Almost every hike requires us to cross a river. You should expect to get your feet wet. We recommend a trail running shoe. These shoes are light, have excellent tread, and generally have mesh sides that will allow adequate drainage, along with plenty of aeration and a removable sole for a quicker drying.

Macaws like this one sitting in an almond tree, are easily photographed. Because of habitat loss, collection for the pet trade, and pressure to find nesting cavities the Corcovado National Park is one of the last places in the world to see this bird in the wild.

One of our students holds a bird snake. Night Hikes:

A small caiman

A calling red-eyed tree frog

Gladiator Tree Frog

What do you get when you mix rushing water, the jungle, and an explosion of adrenaline? Rappelling down the Carate’ River waterfall.

Your instructors will teach you the skills necessary for a safe rappelling experience in a non-threatening and controlled environment.

The Carate’ River Waterfall is about 45ft.

This adventure is sure to give you a “National Geographic” experience.

Enjoying the waterfall at the other end.

Rope Traversing Through The Canopy

Howler monkeys can be heard for miles and sometimes a troop will visit us in the canopy. This one has a baby on her back.

Pass approximately 100ft through a mountain canopy suspended on ropes over the rainforest.

The view from the top looking at the beach community below.

Looking West

Red-eyed Tree Frog

Termite Nest

Rivers are natural roads through the jungle and provide us with lots of wildlife encounters

Many, many, many insects…

The disc-winged bat. Those suction cups allow it to hang under large leaves during the day.

Poison Dart-Frog

Rest stops are not without scenic beauty.

Brown Pelican

The lagoon is a calm place to kayak, but as always keep your eyes peeled for beautiful birds and secretive wildlife. Kingfishers, Jesus Christ lizards and Caimans are residents of this habitat.

Caimans are one of the largest reptiles that you will see, both day and night.

The Jesus Christ Lizard. It litterally walks on water.

Some more of the animals….. White-faced Monkey

With more than 850 species of birds, all found within a tight geographic area, Costa Rica offers birders of all levels of expertise and unrivaled bird watching experience during their stay in the country. King Vulture Chestnut Mandibled Toucan

Neotropic Cormorant

Bare throated Tiger Heron Chestnut Bellied Heron

Laughing FalconMangrove Blackhawk Ornate Hawk-EagleBat Falcon

Crimson Fronted Parakeet

Scarlet Macaw

Squirrel Cuckoo

See you in …

Whitney Young is traveling to Costa Rica this Spring Break. The total cost, including airfare, food, lodging and all study materials is $1995. For more information, or if you are interested in joining us for this experience, talk to Ms. Benz in the Science Department (room 318, 321 or 322).