Costa Rica 2019: Charismatic Megafauna!

We are excited to offer an eco-travel expedition to explore the amazing biodiversity and unique cultural history of the Republic of Costa Rica! With the largest percentage of protected areas of any country and plans to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021, the New Economics Foundation rated Costa Rica as the greenest country in the world. The wildlife in Costa Rica is also extraordinary - did you know that Costa Rica is home to as many as 225 mammals and 913 species of birds?

Speaking of wildlife, this is the Urban Ecology Center’s first time leading a trip to Costa Rica in the summer to take advantage of two magical wildlife spectacles:

First, we will be witness to the breeding grounds of Humpback Whales that spent the winter near Antarctica and are now returning to tropical waters to give birth to the calves that have been developing inside them all year.

Second, we will be present along the Caribbean Coast during the sea turtle nesting season as they return to their natal beaches to give birth. These are two natural events you will not want to miss!

And when we’re not looking for these two wonders, we’ll explore the amazing natural areas and biodiversity that bring visitors from around the world, while also looking into social and economic forces that contribute to some of the best examples of sustainability on a national level.

Reserve your spot today!

Can you spot the crocodile in this shot? Photo: Global Water Forum

When

August 1-12, 2019 (12 days, 11 nights)

Highlights

• Tortuguero National Park during turtle nesting season: a unique area where the primary avenues of exploring are the many naturally-formed canals through primary rainforest. This area was preserved primarily to protect sea turtles and jaguars.
• Tirimbina, an 850-acre, mid-elevation rainforest with a strong focus on environmental education.
• Visiting Arenal: volcano, hot springs, and a chocolate tour (what more could you want?!)
• Whale watching tour at Marino Ballena National Park
• Wilson Botanical Garden, to see one of the largest plant collections on the world
• Visiting the Paramo, the highest elevation tropical ecosystem

Itinerary

• Click here for a sample of our itinerary!

Arenal Volcano, where you'll relax in hot springs, enjoy a chocolate tour, and more!

Cost

The price for this 12-day trip is (all-inclusive except for airfare):

$3375 for single occupancy

$2,595 for double occupancy 

$1600 for children sharing a room with an adult

Click here to pay your deposit and reserve a spot

If you are interested in this trip, have questions, or would like more information, contact Tim Vargo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (414) 964-8505

The Urban Ecology Center Eco-travel program offers a unique way to explore local and international destinations while exploring issues around sustainability. Your participation supports the Urban Ecology Center’s mission.

Top photo by Carlos Roberto Chavarría

We are excited to offer an eco-travel expedition to explore the amazing biodiversity and unique cultural history of the Republic of Costa Rica! With the largest percentage of protected areas of any country and plans to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021, the New Economics Foundation rated Costa Rica as the greenest country in the World!

Explore the crater at Poás Volcano National Park!

When

This 12-day excursion is scheduled from Wednesday, February 1st through Sunday, February 12th, 2017.

About the Trip

Our adventure begins with a visit to Poás Volcano National Park, followed by an exploration of the Sarapaqui region with opportunities for either white-water rafting or a leisurely wildlife-watching boat tour. We will spend time pumping up the adrenaline with a zip-line tour and then relaxing in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano. We will make our own chocolate using traditional methods and then of course sample our creations during the Rainforest Chocolate Tour!

Get your heart racing ziplining through the rainforest canopy... (Photo Micah MacAllen)

...then relax in the volcanic hot springs. (Photo: Steve Jurvetson)

The trip also takes us to the beautiful cloud forests of Monteverde, rife with orchids, hummingbirds and home of the Resplendant Quetzal and Three-wattled Bellbird. Monteverde is also home to a strong Quaker community who moved there from Alabama after World War II. Uncomfortable supporting war efforts at home, they preferred a  country with no military. We will get an in-depth look at bats with one of Costa Rica’s premier bat biologists and visit the Children’s Eternal Rain Forest.

The cloud forests of Monteverde stand in contrast... (Photo: Micah MacAllen)

...to the Tropical Dry Forests of Guanacaste. (Photo: Leland Jackson)

Then we head to the beautiful and historic Tropical Dry Forests of Guanacaste, home of peccaries, Howler and Capuchin monkeys, iguanas and five species of big cats! Guanacaste also offers a chance  to swim under some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world! 

The last few days of the trip will be spent as it should, relaxing on the gorgeous beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Wind down on the lush beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. (Photo: Arturo Sotillo)

We will travel with Carlos Chavarria, the Director of Costa Rica Rainforest Experience. Carlos has lived his whole life in Costa Rica, was the Executive Director of La Tirimbina Rainforest Center, and is an avid Packers fan. Carlos is very intentional in creating an itinerary that supports local businesses and sustainable industries.

Cost

The price for this 12-day trip is $2,555 for double occupancy ($3,325 single), and is all-inclusive except for airfare.

The Urban Ecology Center Eco-travel program offers a unique way to explore local and international destinations while exploring issues around sustainability. Your participation supports the Urban Ecology Center’s mission.

In December 2003, 14 intrepid travelers embarked on a long-remembered journey. Their destination was Costa Rica, a land of majestic natural beauty, smiling faces and the occasional near hurricane-force winds. At the risk of sounding cliché, words can’t describe the incredible breadth of Costa Rica’s biodiversity, the warmth of the Tico (local) people, or its striking topography. Our group truly embodied the motto of Costa Rica - Pura Vida/Pure Life! - and lived life to the hilt throughout the 10 day tour.
There is so much to share but let's start with the following journal excerpt, culled from pages submitted by trip participant Pat Mueller, which offers a glimpse of one of the more memorable experiences: