With long sandy beaches, towering volcanoes and unspoilt tropical rainforest, Costa Rica is a naturalist's paradise - the habitat of some 800 species of bird and over 1,200 species of orchid. Basing ourselves at the research station in Tortuguero National Park, we will be living and working in the most remote region of Costa Rican rainforest on the Caribbean Coast. Assisting our project partners' research including turtles and jaguar, this is a fantastic opportunity to participate in wildlife research and conservation.

Poas Volcano & Guayabo Ruins
Arriving in San Jose, we visit the gigantic Poas volcano (2707m) - a towering crater, where fumeroles are surrounded by tropical forest and humming birds can be seen hovering among wild orchids. We'll visit the Indian ceremonial centre at Guayabo, Costa Rica's most important archaeological site before moving on to Turrialba where there's a chance to white-water raft (optional) before we make our way into the Tortuguero NP. Boarding our riverboat, we'll enter a network of jungle waterways, where brightly coloured parrots can be seen among thick creepers and vines. There is no road access in the region and so all transportation is via kayak, canoe and motor canoes, through canals and rivers, surrounded by tropical rainforest and its associated wildlife.

8 Days Conservation Work
The area of Tortuguero faces unique challenges and a clear change in indicator species has been noted over the past decade. All the work we participate in is part of long term initiatives as requested by the local partner organisations. After our training, we'll divide into smaller groups to assist the research team in its day-to-day activities. This could be anything from carrying out a morning turtle census, collecting data on nests and tracks on the beach or participating with the jaguar photo-trapping programme. Between Jul-Oct, thousands of Green turtles rest on Tortugero's beaches, whereas Mar-May is the turn of the Leatherback.

What are the benefits?
Our group will provide additional manpower and funding to support the ongoing research and activities of our project partners. This is particularly helpful during the turtle season.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join tour San Jose. 2 In San Jose; city tour; visit Poas volcano. 3 Drive via Cartago to Turrialba. 4 At Turrialba; visit Guayabo ruins; optional rafting. 5 Drive and boat to Tortuguero NP. 6 to 13 Working on conservation projects in Tortuguero NP. 14 Drive San Jose. 15 Tour ends San Jose.

Accommodation: Hotels 5nts, Lodge 9nts; 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 9 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Boat/On foot
Comment: Some of the research projects take place a long distance from base and so expedition members may have the opportunity to camp out in groups away from the base. As the work can be very hot, a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, drivers and project staff
Trip Reference: VCC