Group Size: 15 - 34 participants
Price: $7,190 per person, double occupancy (ages 12+) / $6,590 per person, double occupancy children 11 and younger
Co-sponsored with: Harvard exclusive
Trip Overview
An 8-day family adventure unfolds in Costa Rica, revealing its renowned biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Navigate through rainforests teeming with wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Thrill-seekers in the family will enjoy rafting down the Balsa River. Hike through lush forests filled with the vivid sounds and colors of diverse wildlife, with opportunities abound to observe numerous bird species, mammals, and marine life.
A visit to an organic farm, along with a farm-to-table lunch will provide insights into local family farming and agriculture in the tropics, with a focus on delicious regional cuisine and specialties. Meet field biologists at La Selva research station, an important base for biodiversity research, including for Harvard faculty and students. Benefit from the expertise of an exceptional lecture team and local guides throughout our experience. Please note that this exclusive Harvard Alumni Travels opportunity is limited to 34 spots.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay in tree houses amidst the lush rainforest canopy and explore the winding San Carlos river inside of Maquenque Wildlife Refuge, where you seek two- and three-toed sloths, all four species of endemic monkeys, and 400 bird species.
- Raft down Class II/III rapids on the Balsa River, feeling the exhilarating rush of the water and soaking in the breathtaking views along the way.
- Gain insights into organic farming in the tropics, and delightin the flavors of locally sourced ingredients during a farm-to-table lunch.
- Explore various canopies of the rainforest on trails and hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano. As the sun sets, embark on a nighttime walk to experience the enchanting nocturnal sounds of both the rainforest and cloud forest.
- Immerse yourselves in Monteverde’s complex ecosystem for two days, perched atop the continental divide. Witness the misty clouds and fog that envelop this unique environment, home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and at least 2,500 varieties of plants, including 420 orchid species.
- Race through the canopy on a series of zip lines in the Monteverde cloud forest.
Schedule by Day
Pricing
- $7,190 per person, double occupancy (ages 12+)
- $6,590 per person, double occupancy children 11 and younger
- $1,790 single supplement
$560 discount for 3rd person in a triple / $460 discount for 3rd and 4th in a quad
Accommodations
- Marriott Hacienda Hotel (1 night)
- Maquenque Eco-Lodge (2 nights)
- Tilajari Hotel (2 nights)
- El Establo Mountain Hotel (2 nights)
Optional Extension
Extend your time with an optional two-night adventure along the Pacific coast in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. Split your time between water activities such as kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, enjoying sunset walks on the beach and relaxing poolside. Details will be sent to registered participants.
What to Expect
In order to make the most of what this expedition has to offer, the trip will be active, requiring you to be in good health and physical condition. The schedule will include long days, with some early departures, and activities scheduled throughout the day and into the evening.
Daily excursions can require up to three hours of walking, often over loose rocks and uneven terrain where stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails, and standing, often in the warm sun. Rafting down class II/III rapids on the Balsa River is appropriate for kids 8 and older. The degree of difficulty for each day’s activity will be described in daily briefings. Activities will run rain or shine.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
