Detailed description
of Itinerary
Day #1
Upon arrival at the Tropical Center, participants
will have their first experience on a
tropical forest. There will be free time
to spend around the property where free
internet service is available, library
and walking trails. After dinner, our
environmental educator will do an introduction
of the program and revision of all activities.
Day #2
Today we will organize a hike to the Catarata
trail (waterfall trail). We will walk
for about 3 hours, learning about the
features and distinctions of the tropical
rainforest. There will be plenty of time
to enjoy a cool bath at the waterfall.
In the afternoon, we will learn how to
make handcrafts. A local artisan will
teach us on how to create beautiful hand-painted
wooden animal figures and other handcrafts.
At night, we will review tomorrow´s
trip and watch an interesting video on
Corcovado National Park.
Day #3
After having an early breakfast, we will
drive to Guadalupe (30 minutes from the
TC). A tractor with a wagon will be waiting
for us, to take us to the trail that leads
to Los Patos ranger station (rural trucks
will be used during dry season). The Corcovado
national park protects the last remnant
of tropical rain forest on the Pacific
coast of Central America. It covers over
40.000 hectares of primary forest, home
for a great variety of species of flora
and fauna; including heliconias, frogs,
butterflies, small mammals, snakes, fig
trees. This will be the only time during
the program when you will be in a primary
forest.
We will cross Rincón River several
times during the wagon ride and will follow
its bank for approximately an hour, until
you reach the trail to "Los Patos"
ranger station inside the park. This is
a 3-kilometer walk (1 1/2-hour). Once
we arrive we will have a snack. After
snack, we’ll hike on a trail that
leads to a waterfall where you can bathe
and will enjoy your lunch. During the
ride and walks there will be natural trails
interpretation, mainly on the primary
forest. We will be back at the TC around
3 or 4pm.
Day #4
Morning will be at leisure. Participants
may relax, read, hike or do some birdwatching
(excellent spots around the TC!) After
lunch, group will visit local farmers
to learn about sustainable practices:
organic gardens, production of methane
gas, elaboration of organic fertilizer
or reforestation. These farms are part
of our project called: Osa Biological
Corridor. After dinner, get ready for
some latin dance lessons!
Day #5
La Gamba Project has been part of a community
program from the Neotropica foundation
since 1998. Part of the mission is that
the community reaches their own self-development
through equitable, organizational, productive
processes and community actions that conduct
to better social and economical conditions.
All activities lead to a better environmental
quality for protected areas. Participants
will learn about the history of the community,
visit their school, integral farm, badger
breeder, biodigestors, medicinal plants
and do some horseback riding. After dinner,
get ready for an extraordinary experience,
taking a night walk at Heliconia trail.
Open your senses to enjoy the scents,
sights and sounds of the rain forest’s
nightlife.
Day #6
After waking up with the sounds of the
tropical rainforest, we will head towards
Puerto Jiménez for an adventure
educational activity. The kayak tour starts
at Platanares River, where you will be
able to observe many interesting birds,
reptiles and learn about the magnificent
mangrove ecosystem. After navigating thru
the canals, you will enter Dulce gulf.
There will be time to relax at a beautiful
beach and enjoy seasonal fresh fruits.
The activity continues while the group
paddles in the calm water of Dulce gulf,
where there is a great chance to watch
dolphins. Group will have dinner at a
local restaurant (at Puerto Jiménez)
and enjoy some free time at this town.
Once at the TC, group will be divided
into small groups of 4 and will visit
a local family for dinner. Help prepare
any of our typical dishes and experience
an authentic costarican dinner!
Day #7:
In the morning we will visit an Indian
Reserve. This cultural activity allows
the interaction between Guaymi Indian
and all participants of the group. First,
they will give us an introduction of their
way of living, the textiles they produce,
medicinal plants they use and their typical
food. We will be able to visit the local
school and walk along the community. We
will have lunch at the reserve and then
return to the TC. At night, we will present
an optional video about the rainforest.
Day #8:
After breakfast, we will pack our bags
and get ready for our drive to San José.
Note: This itinerary might suffer some
changes during rainy season
All of our itineraries are flexible and
adaptable to different needs and expectations.
Our Tropical Center also coordinates other
Conservation Projects for the Neotropica
Foundation, where we like to include students
on their activities, for example: reforesting
farms, installing biodigestors, organic
gardens, school nurseries and others.
Minimum 10 people
Includes: Lodging, Meals and activities
with our environmental educator
Does not incluye: Transfers to activities.
Should be provided by tour operator, otherwise
price will be quoted separately.
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