Broadreach's Costa Rica Experience

  Costa Rica

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 21 day trips in June and July

Description: Costa Rica is the perfect playground with endless opportunities for adventure. Trek through lush jungles, raft world-class rapids, journey on horseback through cloud forest, surf the waves on the Caribbean coast, sea kayak pristine Pacific shoreline, explore mysterious caves by the light of your headlamp and hike below howler monkeys playing in the trees. Over one fourth of Costa Rica is protected by a national park system, preserving twelve life zones that are home to an astounding abundance of plant and animal life. Come prepared for unspoiled adventure and exploration.

To enhance our experience, local naturalists join us to reveal the secrets of the complex ecosystems we explore. Their expertise and knowledge is critical to understanding the unique regions we visit. They also offer us a good chance to practice a little Spanish! During our travels, we take two days to participate in a community service project. The project changes every year depending on current needs. Past endeavors include riverbank rehabilitation, reforestation work, painting school classrooms and volunteering at a local orphanage. As we contribute, our appreciation of fragile ecosystems and native customs grows.

Day 1-4
Our first task is a discussion on local customs and survival Spanish. Ready for action, we enjoy the thrill of soaring through the jungle on a zip line canopy tour. Harnesses support us as we glide above the trees, one by one, platform to platform, through a world normally reserved for monkeys and birds. Then we set out for Volcan Tenorio National Park, traveling through tropical wet, transitional and cloud forests, unique environments that provide important habitats and research areas for tapirs, ocelots, monkeys, sloths and anteaters. Trek on horseback and backpack along the mystical waters of Rio Celeste, and camp in the shadow of the towering Tenorio Volcano.

Day 5-6
We saddle up our horses one last time to travel down valley to Heliconias Lodge, an eco-lodge and research station where we participate in on-going conservation projects. This region has been economically dependent on cattle, coffee and timber production for many years, and harvesting the forest is part of the valleys history. Local conservationists are working to create alternative, environmentally sustainable economic activities focused on eco-tourism to preserve this rare ecosystem. We explore the village to learn more about the area and partake in a spirited soccer match with locals.

Day 7-11
Head deep into Costa Rica, 60 feet below the earth, to explore the impressive limestone caves at Barra Honda National Park. Descend into the cave and investigate the stalactites, stalagmites and other calcareous formations found in the chambers by the light of your headlamp. Visit the Curu Reserve, a wildlife rich sanctuary where scarlet macaws and spider monkeys are being successfully reintroduced. The scenery only gets better when we launch our sea kayaks into the Golfo de Nicoya. Hone your paddling skills, play in lagoons, swim in waterfalls and camp on secluded beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for the incredible wildlife we may encounter&tiger herons, iguanas, monkeys, sting rays and, if were lucky, a sea turtle, dolphin or whale.

Day 12-13
Travel to San Jose for a discussion on Costa Ricas history, economy and environmental concerns. In the evening, we explore local markets. Next, a short bus ride takes us to the quaint town of Turrialba perched on the Caribbean side of the Cordillera Mountains. Play soccer with locals and participate in a community service project. Then visit the towns world famous serpentarium and learn all about snakes from one of the countrys top experts.

Day 14-17
Spirits are high in anticipation of whitewater, a true highlight of the trip. We spend several exhilarating days on two world-class rivers. Our first run is the Pejibaye, a great river to build paddling skills read the river, develop paddling techniques and work as a team to navigate the rapids. Confident and eager for more, we set out on our second run on the bigger Pacuare. Hearts race as we blast down spectacular whitewater through a magnificent valley. Take a break to hike into primary growth rainforest to a pristine waterfall and leap from the top into the crystal clear pool below. Then travel to EARTH College to learn about sustainable agricultural practices and the economic and ecological challenges facing farmers in developing countries worldwide.

Day 18-21
Head to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast for more adventure and a two-day surfing clinic. Have a blast learning how to catch the swell and ride the waves. A visit to a sloth rehabilitation center gives us the chance to get up close to these cool animals before they are released back into the wild. On our last night in San Jose, we enjoy some delicious Costa Rican cuisine and trade stories of adventure.

Highlights:
- Multi-sport ecological adventure in jungle and coastal regions
- Sea kayaking, surfing, whitewater rafting
- Backcountry hiking, horseback riding, zip line canopy tour, spelunking
- Learn about conservation and sustainable agriculture
- 10 hours of environmental and cultural community service
- Grades 9-10 or 11-12; no prerequisite

Cost in US$: $4380

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-14

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Broadreach Summer Adventures / Academic Treks's Mission Statement: Broadreach offers experiential summer adventures for teenagers and young adults including scuba, sailing, marine biology, academic and wilderness programs that span the globe. Broadreach's educational adventures provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world. Academic Treks is the academic adventure and community service division of Broadreach Summer Adventure Camps for Teenagers. Our educational summer camps and high school study abroad programs provide excellent alternatives to traditional summer camps and summer school. Lastly, Academic Treks College is the university division of Broadreach Summer Adventures. Our college study abroad programs provide unique opportunities to study a single topic in multiple countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1993