ARCC Gap | Central America: Panama, Costa Rica & Belize

Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the turquoise waters of Panama, to the lush jungles of Costa Rica, to the white-sand beaches of Belize.

Shadowing doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama, we understand the barriers to medical access for remote indigenous communities. Visiting a locally run coffee farm in the Costa Rican mountains, we learn the process behind the production of coffee and cacao. Rafting the astonishing Pacuare, the vibrancy of life in the jungle beckons us in the calls of toucans and howler monkeys. Partnering with local biologists on the Nicoya Peninsula, we work hand-in-hand to preserve the offspring of Olive Ridley sea turtles nesting onshore. Basking in the crystal clear waters off improbably white sand beaches, we take in the beauty of Belize. Exploring the underwater life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, we gain insights into a world rarely witnessed, while doing a small part to protect the reef through a lionfish eradication project and getting our SCUBA certifications in the process. After experiencing three of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful nations, we return to the U.S. with broader perspectives and a newfound passion to learn.

Dates:

September 1 - November 9

February 15 - April 24

Duration: 70 days