Our last Tropical Trek, Raft & Waves group is out and experiencing Costa Rica’s natural wonders as they hike from our Eco Lodge and end their journey at the beaches of Manuel Antonio. Alongside one other group who are embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle as they wrap up their courses.
Summer Courses 14-18
Once on base, the students got acclimated to their new rainforest home and enjoyed a welcome meal with their course-mates. The next morning they woke up for tree climbing, where they learned how to belay each other and work as a team! Bright and very early Monday morning, participants loaded their backpacks into the van and were driven to their trek’s trailhead just southwest of San Jose.
Their second day, they accomplished around 7.4 miles (mostly downhill) through the spectacular mountains of Costa Rica’s southwestern highlands while their instructors taught them about native plants. They also went on a guided night hike where they were able to spot different frogs among other wildlife.
Today the group continued their trek toward Santa María de Dota, exploring the pristine cloud rainforest and learning about the flora and fauna that thrive in this biodiverse ecosystem.
On Wednesday, the group continued its trek toward a beautiful Rainforest Eco Lodge, overlooking the mountains. There, they were welcomed by a local family – it’s owned and operated by one of OBCR’s very own instructors’ family! – and fed a delicious dinner.
Later this week they will be heading out again to go whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River (class II-III rapids). With each element of course there are deeper learning experiences where our field instructors facilitate a discussion on how each student can transfer these learnings to their lives back home. From our Blue Peter Flag to the Leadership Wheel and more, each student will be walking away with having learned more about themselves, discovered more about the world, how to better communicate with others, and having made many lasting friendships.
Can’t wait to hear this group’s stories once they are back on base!
Scuba, Sea Turtles, Service & Sloths
Once on base, the students got acclimated to their new rainforest home and enjoyed a welcome meal with their course-mates. The next morning they woke up for tree climbing, similar to a rock climbing gym, but it’s 100% natural! The students then worked on a reforestation project in a nature reserve close to our Tres Rios base. The students also celebrated a birthday with cake and relighting candles.
The group then woke up bright and early to kick off a long day of traveling to our San San Pond Sak! Once there, the students helped the locals with a reforestation project where they planted pineapple fruit crowns. They were even lucky enough to see a sloth and hold a massive grasshopper during their community service!
At this point, the students will be assisting at one of the most important sea turtle sanctuaries and meet conservationists and learn about the active conservation efforts for endangered leatherback and hawksbill sea turtle populations. So far every group has been able to release baby sea turtles and some were lucky enough to watch a mother lay her eggs! The students will also complete a night patrol to monitor the potential mama sea turtles laying their eggs along the beach and protect them from animal predators. During the day the students will also get to see and feed manatees from a remote dock. Along with a boat ride that is perfect for sloth spottings.
In the upcoming week, the group will be heading to Bocas Del Toro to practice their confined water skills in preparation for their dives coming up later in the week. They will be working with our Dive Master Jim Rowe (our executive director)! The group will also get to practice their skills at wakeboarding around the islands of Bocas Del Toro. During their time in Bocas Del Toro a ship wreck and bioluminescence dive will be stories that students tell their family and friends for years to come.
Looking to explore Central America?
Join us on our fall Coast to Coast Expedition. Envision yourself spending 85 days in Costa Rica and Panama!
Submit an inquiry or contact our Enrollment Manager at 800-676-2018 or by emailing [email protected].
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