San Ramón: Alberto Brenes Biological Reserve

Tropical Pre-Montane Forest Visit

A hike in the pristine pre-montane forest of
Alberto Brenes Biologcial Reserve

near San Ramon, administered by
the University of Costa Rica

for research and educational
purposes only.

  

Biological Reserve Hike
One a various hikes in and around the
biological field station of the Reserve.
These included tracking, bromeliad
ecosystem identification, and bird
identification.

Waterfall Visit
One of our hikes through the pristine
pre-montane forest at the reserve,
included a hike up the river
to a nearby waterfall.

Bromeliad Species Identification
Allison and Chrissy collecting a bromeliad for study of the aquatic species found within.

San Ramón: Finca Patriana & Farmers Market

 

Organic Coffee Farm Presentation
Receiving a presentation about organic coffee production at Finca Patriana in San Ramon.

Organic Coffee Farm Visit
Visiting the only Smithsonian Institute
certified bird-friendly organic
coffee farm in Costa Rica.

Farmers Market Visit
A visit to the farmers' market
in San Ramon, one of the
best in the country.

Poas National Park & Volcano

Group at Poas Volcano

The 2008 group during a visit to the Poas Volcano crater. This is one of the few
volcanoes where one can safely visit a volcanic crater.

Viewing the Central Valley from Poas Volcano
A roadside stop along the skirt of Poas Valcano to view the central valley of Costa Rica,
which includes San Jose and the other most important urban areas of the country. 

San José: National Biodiversity Institute &Park

Introduction to Tropical Ecosystems
A guided tour of the Tropical Park of the National Biodiversity Institute in Heredia. Here we were provided with an overview of the diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica.

Limón: Hotel & Port

 Caribbean Welcome Lunch
A welcome to the Caribbean lunch upon arrival.

Visiting the Port of Limón
A visit to the port of Limón, which handles more than 80% of all shipped
commerce entering and departing from Costa Rica.

Rio Sarapiqui & La Trinidad

Sunset of the Rio San Juan
A view of a Costa Rican sunset in La Trinidad from the
Nicaraguan side of the San Juan river.

A Boat Ride up the Rio Sarapiquí
Traveling the historical trade route of the Sarapiquí river from Puerto Viejo
to the Nicaraguan border at La Trinidad. 

Cabinas at La Trinidad
The rustic lodge at La Trinidad: A remote once-booming town on the
disputed San Juan river where Costa Rica meets Nicaragua.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui: Nogua Banana Plantation

 

Traditional Costa Rican Dance
A traditional folkloric dance presentation put on by the Nogua women's group, one
project of the Nature & Community Project in Nogal, Sarapiqui (northern plains). 

Banana Show
A banana plantation visit and show put on by the Nogua group in Nogal, Sarapiqui.

 

Banana Plantation Visit
A visit to a banana plantation.

Braullio Carillo National Park

 

Braullio Carrillo National Park
A view of the forest in Braullio Carrillo National Park, northwest of San Jose. 

Tropical Forest Hike
A hilke through Braullio Carillo National Park, lowland forest on the 

Atlantic/Carribbean slope of Costa Rica.

Heredia: Recycled Paper Production

 Artisanry Paper: A Sustainable Cottage-Industry Business
Monica (center) explaining the process for making paper from recycled materials.

Recycled Paper Store-Room Visit
Examining recycled/non-tree fiber paper produced at a micro-enterprise facility in Heredia.

Manufacturing a Recycled Greeting Card
Monique (center) making a greeting card out of recycled/non-tree fiber paper,
with the assistance of a staff member.

 A Coffee Plantation Visit
Learning about coffee in the mountains of Heredia.

San José: International Development & City Visit

UNDP Meeting

A presentation by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in San José.

Plaza de la Cultura, San José
A visit to 'Culture Plaza' in San José. From left to right is Alana, Johanna, Alicia, Anne, and Kate. 

Group Shot in San José

The group in front of a political statement against CAFTA at Democracy Plaza in San José.

Hotel in San José
A coutryard view of the hotel we stayed at in San José.