We are eager to invite teachers of all levels to build their technology skills and experience sustainable development in Costa Rica. You will discover lush tropical environments ranging from rainforest, grasslands, rivers, foothills, and their impact on the marine national park of Marino Ballena. These 9 days will offer a blend of engaging hands-on experiences in digital technologies, useful in offering key community leaders and businesses valuable products, resulting in meaningful service.
Here’s a sneak peek at our exciting itinerary for our upcoming trip in 2012:
July 01 – Uvita
Depart San Jose, stopping at Carara National Park for a hike. After lunch take a crocodile boat tour with interpretive talk. Continue on to La Cusinga Rainforest Lodge. La Cusinga is situated on the southern Pacific coast and is committed to conservation of terrestrial and marine environments. Check into the dormitory accommodations upon arrival. Orientation to GIS (Geographic Information Systems) program. Overnight La Cusinga Lodge – Dormitory (BLD)
July 02 – Uvita
Introduction to GIS and GPS projects. Earth Cache to the sea caves and mapping activities. Overnight La Cusinga Lodge – Dormitory (BLD)
July 03 – Uvita
Early hike. Visit ASANA with lectures on tapir conservation. Visit turtle nesting sites near ASANA. GIS lab on Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and land use issues. After dinner discussion with Jack Ewing, author of Monkeys are Made of Chocolate. Overnight La Cusinga Lodge – Dormitory (BLD)
July 04 – Uvita
Early morning birdwatching. Visit local ocean tour operators after breakfast. Micro loans and business development talk from owners about long term plans for the community and local youth outreach: SURF, schools initiative, conservation efforts. Business GPS and photography project of local businesses in town, whale watching, GPS island reserves, diving areas and coastal attractions. Overnight La Cusinga Lodge – Dormitory (BLD)
July 05 – Uvita
After breakfast kayak in the mangroves, collecting salinity/conductivity measurements. Talk on creation and management of the Marino Ballena National Park. Afternoon mapping and a hike for an Earth Cache type activity. Overnight La Cusinga Lodge – Dormitory (BLD)
July 06 – Uvita
Morning snorkeling at Three Sisters Island and coral reefs. Afternoon GIS lab, make local business maps. After dinner presentation to the community and celebration! Overnight La Cusinga Lodge – Dormitory (BLD)
July 07 – San José
Travel back to San Jose. Lunch in San Jose, afternoon visit to National Museum and a local market. Overnight Buena Vista (BLD)