Lodging & Field Sites
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San Jose is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica and is located in the mid-west of the central valley of the country.
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Bijagual Ecological Reserve is located on the Atlantic slope in the Sarapiquí region.
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http://www.bijagual.org/
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Hotel Savegre is located in the high elevation cloud forest.
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http://www.savegre.com/
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Dolphin Quest is located in humid, lowland rainforest on the Golfo Dulce, bordering Piedras Blancas National Park.
https://www.dolphinquestcr.com/
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Parrita is an off-the-beaten path coastal village on the Pacific coast.
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Source: Google Earth
Bijagual Ecological Reserve
Bijagual Ecological Reserve is a research station on 720 acres of rainforest in the lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica. The elevation of the reserve ranges from 300-400 meters above sea level and the annual rainfall averages about 217 inches. Bijagual contains 17 km of trails that provide convenient access to all parts of the reserve. The reserve offers students the chance to experience the rainforest first-hand and to study its many inhabitants.
The main building offers dormitory-style accommodations. Spacious common areas are equipped with tables and work surfaces. The building is equipped with modern facilities (including electricity, potable water, hot water showers and indoor plumbing).
While visiting Bijagual students will have the opportunity to discover tropical rainforest ecosystems through both guided instruction and by participating in research. The reserve allows students to learn tropical plant families and wildlife ecology in the field. Students are also introduced to experimental design. In the past research has varied from mist-netting birds and trapping insects to plant sampling and forensic entomology. Students have also installed and monitored wildlife cameras.
Savegre Hotel
While staying at the world-famous Savegre Hotel, students will have the opportunity to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the high elevation cloud forest. There are numerous trails around the hotel perfect for viewing a diverse group of wildlife from a close distance. Students will also attempt to catch a glimpse of the Resplendent Quetzal.
Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest is a rustic, family-owned ecolodge located steps from the warm, tranquil waters of the Golfo Dulce, The property borders the remote Piedras Blancas National Park, the least visited of all national parks in Costa Rica, accessible only by boat. Students will explore the coastal rainforest, observing scarlet macaws, many species of hummingbirds, red eyed tree frogs, huge toads, and potentially all four of the monkey species native to Costa Rica. We'll take the boat out to follow a pod of dolphins, snorkel on a warm coral reef, and swim in the bioluminescent sea at night. We'll be treated to incredible food, much of which is grown on the property, prepared by a world-class chef.
