ARCC Programs | Costa Rica: Protecting Rainforest Wildlife Recently Updated

Contribute to Costa Rica’s vibrant ecosystems by protecting endangered sea turtle nesting sites, assisting scientists at the Monteverde Institute, and volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Spot nocturnal animals on a rainforest night hike, aid reforestation for migratory birds, and encounter wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Zipline through the cloud forest and earn 20 hours of hands-on conservation service learning in a truly unique tropical environment.

Explore an 18-day adventure in Costa Rica, a global leader in biodiversity, for high school students passionate about wildlife conservation. This program provides hands-on experience in one of the world’s most ecologically rich countries. Assist scientists at the Monteverde Institute, protect endangered sea turtles, and volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Explore the rainforest on a nocturnal hike, contribute to reforestation for migratory birds, and zipline through the cloud forest canopy. With 20 hours of service learning, this adventure blends environmental stewardship with cultural immersion, equipping you with skills in conservation and global citizenship. Dive into Costa Rica’s natural wonders and develop a deep, lasting connection to the environment.

San Jose and Poás Volcano

Our Costa Rican wildlife adventure begins in the capital city of San Jose with an engaging orientation to Costa Rican culture. Here we adjust to “Tico time” and taste our first local fare, before venturing off on a day trip to the active Poás Volcano, one of the country’s hottest spots (literally).

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The higher elevations and cooler temperatures of the northern mountains create Costa Rica’s famed cloud forests, home to thousands of animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. We visit the Monteverde Institute to learn about local conservation projects in the area, before taking to the skies to get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy through a series of suspension bridges and ziplines. We make sure to keep our eyes peeled for Howler monkeys, toucans, blue morpho butterflies, and resplendent quetzals as we soar over the misty forests below.

Nicoya Peninsula

Work with a local non-profit organization to help protect endangered sea turtles. By day we learn about sea turtle ecology, help monitor the turtle nursery, and enjoy plentiful beach time with our group. At night we patrol the nesting beach to collect monitoring data on sea turtles and protect recently-laid eggs; the turtles only nest at night so we work on their schedule. Though the numbers of sea turtles are dwindling, we may be lucky enough to see turtles nesting along the beach or help newborn hatchlings safely reach the ocean.

Manuel Antonio National Park

The Pacific coast hosts many vibrant surf towns, including Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and Manuel Antonio National Park, where the jungle meets the sea. This park is one of the country’s best places to see capuchin and squirrel monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and parrots, and the calm waters around the park are full of colorful coral reefs rich with marine life.

Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park

Our spotlight project takes us south to the Osa Peninsula, where we find the country’s most breathtaking scenery and most abundant wildlife. We settle into our new home at a biological research station and meet the local staff of researchers and local guides. Over the next week our days are packed with exciting activities: jaguar and bat research, humpback whale watching tours, jungle night hikes, snorkeling among manta rays and sea turtles at Cano Island, and hikes to refreshing hidden waterfalls! We even have an opportunity to try our hand at creating traditional Costa Rican dishes in a tropical cooking class.

San Jose Closing Celebration

After three weeks of working, playing, learning and laughing, we conclude our program in San Jose with a final celebratory meal. We reflect on our time together and all that we have experienced as we depart this beautiful country, ready to share our experiences with family and friends back home.

June 25-July 12

Airfare not included in tuition price.