Students will transported from Uni to O'Hare by university vehicle on June 17th and will be transported back to Uni from O'Hare by university vehicle on June 27th.

O'Hare Option ($718/seat)

AA 2325 17 JUN ORD DFW 12:55PM 3:25PM
AA 2167 17 JUN DFW SJO 4:05PM 7:05PM
AA 2166 27 JUN SJO DFW 9:50AM 3:00PM
AA 2364 27 JUN DFW ORD 5:00PM 7:30PM

Total Cost - $1595 + $718= $2313

Price includes: · Bilingual Naturalist Guides · Accommodations & Meals · All activities and entrance fees (unless specifically noted as optional in the itinerary) · Travel medical insurance

Price does not include: · Tips to guides and driver (generally $60-$70 total per participant) · Activities noted as optional in the itinerary · Expenses of a personal nature both prior to departure as well as during the trip

Additionally, like all U of I-affiliated students, those participating in the Costa Rice trip will be expected to pay a $30 U of I out of country travel fee.

A minimum of ten students must travel for this trip to take place.

ATENAS & THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night): Arrive in the central valley of Costa Rica, home to 80% of the country's population and surrounded by mountains. This area boasts fantastic vistas and a perfect climate. You will spend your first night in a comfortable country setting and have a chance to get acquainted with your guides.

TURTLE PROJECT (3 nights): Our turtle projects are located on the Caribbean coast. On the way there you will stop in a cloud forest, eat a typical Costa Rican farm meal, and visit a butterfly garden. The real work begins at night. You will patrol the beach in search of nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. It's tough work, but worth the effort. Some of the activities you may participate in include: conducting population studies, tagging turtles, transplanting eggs to a protected area or releasing hatchlings into the ocean. Be aware that sea turtles are an endangered species and their nesting is not "scheduled". Therefore, there's no guarantee that you will see a turtle during your stay. During the day, you may explore the local canals for wildlife, hike in the surrounding rain forest or engage in an impromptu game of volleyball or soccer. You may also be involved in volunteer activities such as building a hatchery or cleaning the beach of debris to make it easier for sea turtles to nest or return to the ocean. Accommodations at the turtle projects are very simple--there may not be electricity, and while there is running water, hot water is not likely to be available.

ARENAL VOLCANO (2 nights): The journey from the turtle project to Arenal takes you from the Caribbean coast to the northern lowlands. During the journey, you will stop for lunch and white water rafting on the Class II and III rapids of the Sarapiqui River. You will stay in Fortuna at the base of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Here you will have the chance to hike to a majestic waterfall and swim in its refreshing pools, and visit an organic farm which is full of surprises. The Arenal volcano erupts several times a day. With a bit of luck, you will be able to see red-hot lava running down the sides of one of the most active volcanoes in the world!

PITAL FARM VISITS & REFORESTATION PROJECT (1 night): Several communities around the town of Pital are involved in a project to improve the environment through reforestation and education. During your time here, you will participate in this reforestation effort and learn firsthand about rural Costa Rican life as you spend the night with a local family.

THE PACIFIC COAST (2 nights): After bidding farewell to your host families, you will head for the beaches of the Pacific Coast. Here you will swim, snorkel, and boogie board in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, and you will see (from a distance!) some of the largest crocodiles in Costa Rica. You will also visit a macaw project where they are working to increase the number of scarlet macaws and protect them from poaching.

ATENAS & THE CENTRAL VALLEY (1 night): You will end the trip right back where you started--in the Central Valley. This will be the night to celebrate your accomplishments and to reflect on your experiences.