Free Time
Wildlife Conservation Expedition in Costa Rica

Participating with GVI not only allows you to work on programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your down time or further visit other regions of Costa Rica either before or after your program. Below is some information on trips and travel options in Costa Rica.

Optional Side Trips

• Visit Tortuguero Village, browse its small souvenir shops, visit the delicious bakery or drink a milkshake while watching people go by.
• Go on a canopy and zip-lining tour through the treetops of the rainforest
• During the three long week-ends during your 10 week program, you could decide to head off base and further explore the Caribbean region of this part of Costa Rica. This will give you an idea of the that are possible to do in the area, including hiking, snorkelling and fishing, amongst a variety of others. Options include white water rafting on the world famous Pacuare river – rapids classed III to IV, this can be done in one day or a two day rafting trip. Or you could simply relax in a laidback Caribbean village while enjoying their delicious cuisine.

Further Travelling Opportunities

There are a number of possibilities for exploring Costa Rica further. These include the following ideas:

• Admire the world famous and active Arenal Volcano from a distance, and relax in the natural hot springs, go horseback riding, and visit the waterfall
• Surf the Salsa Brava – a hotspot of the Caribbean for the advanced surfer
• Visit Irazu Volcano and discover coffee farms on the way back to San Jose
• Ride horseback on the beach in Puerto Viejo or simply enjoy miles and miles of beautiful beaches kissed by palm trees
• Spot migratory raptor birds in the Talamanca Mountains and visit indigenous villages to learn more about their amazing culture
• Go deep sea fishing in the Caribbean Sea
• Enjoy the organised wildlife tours of Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Discover the cloud forest at Monteverde, visit the hummingbird gallery, enjoy the locally made ice cream and other fresh dairy products or walk among the treetops on the hanging bridges
• Travel across the country to discover the beautiful Pacific Coast with its sunny beaches
• Spend a relaxing weekend in the capital San Jose, while visiting the Gold Museum or the Jade Museum or attending a play in one of the numerous theatres