Costa Rica Nat Geo Signature

Depart with a Naturalist guide on walking tour to waterfalls in Bajos del Toro, keeping eyes peeled for birds, insects, snakes, frogs, and plenty of additional flora and fauna as you make your way towards the waterfalls. Learn how El Silencio Lodge got its name, and take a moment in the forest to sit in silence and allow the sounds and smells of nature to sink in. Use this brief pause to wash away the tensions and anxieties of arriving to Costa Rica, and refresh yourself as you begin this relaxing and enlightening discovery of this peaceful place. Enjoy free time at the falls, listening to the rush of water and sounds of nature to cleanse your mind for the adventure to come.

Learn about the Arenal Volcano and its geological and cultural significance and history from your National Geographic Expeditions expert.

The Organization for Tropical Studies invites you to experience “Science Behind the Scenes at La Selva Research Station” — a guided visit led by a resident anthropologist and taxonomist offering an insider’s look at how tropical biodiversity research happens at one of the world’s leading field stations. Discover the fascinating diversity of tropical insects through our Insect Collection and learn about innovative monitoring systems such as the Automated Monitoring of Insects project. Observe insect traps and hear how these data help track biodiversity changes, with a short walk in the forest to connect research with field observation.

Begin your tour in the northwest area of the volcano, which was the area with the most volcanic activity during the last period of eruptions. Walk along trails that pass through a regenerating forest and cross over a large block of petrified lava formed by past eruptions, with steep slopes and sandy soils. It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, and magnificent rock formations. In addition to the volcanic landscape, the place offers a wonderful view of Lake Arenal.

During the tour, your experienced guides will provide you with interesting and educational information about the history of the volcano, lithological cycles, forest formation processes, and general volcanology.

The Monteverde Institute promotes social, ecological and economic sustainability by integrating community initiatives with education, research and conservation. During this visit, you will be at the intersection of wildlife conservation and research, innovation, and community.
Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects wildlife, human health and night sky visibility – learn about these issues with a presentation summarizing relevant research, and collaborative local and national initiatives to address them. From intentional design and product selection to retrofitting existing lighting, discover existing and proposed solutions, and offer your ideas! After some local coffee and refreshments from our kitchen, you’ll contribute to local efforts to monitor effects of ALAN in our biology lab, create affordable solutions in our Community Innovation Lab (e.g. streetlight shades), or promote astrotourism as a form of community tourism from our Center for Community Initiatives.
By participating in this activity, you are contributing to the search for solutions to sustainability challenges in Monteverde and around the world.

Join a Naturalist guide on a private tour of the hanging bridges of Treetopia Monteverde. Enter the hanging bridges before the crowds and witness the forest come alive as it wakes up and greets the day. With luck, you may hear the famous bell bird with its distinct call. The private experience on these famous bridges gives you the chance to truly absorb the size and scope of this unique cloud forest environment. Your later visit to the Santa Elena Reserve will be dedicated to spotting specific creatures at a closer distance.

Named one of the 25 most magical forests in the world, Santa Elena Reserve and the cloud forest region of Monteverde is home to over 200 species of birds. Additionally its host to a stunning array of diverse flora: orchids, bromeliads, ficus, monkey tail ferns and much more. Join a Naturalist guide to attempt to spot the incredibly elusive Quetzal. The males, in particular, with their striking long green tails and iconic tuft of green feathers atop their heads are often a once-in-a-lifetime spot for man avid birders.

Follow a guide through the geothermal plant, which harnesses the power of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, to learn about the history of the project and its contribution to Costa Rica's national energy system. Hear about its environmental impact, mitigation measures, and carbon offset strategies.

Learn about Costa Rica's focus on wind power generation, witnessing the massive wind turbines from an observation point. Hear from an expert about the environmental impact the wind project is having on the country's energy grid.

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, with the falls as your background.

Embark on a fully guided excursion within the Marino las Baulas National Park at the Tamarindo Estuary. The estuary and its brackish water provides food, shelter and breeding grounds for diverse wildlife. You will have the opportunity to observe different types of birds such as Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, and Night Herons, in addition to Hawks and Fishing Eagles. While on board the boat, travel through the estuary and observe the American Crocodile, Iguanas, Squirrels and learn about the mangrove ecosystem. During the excursion, you can also disembark for a short walk to observe the Howler Monkey, the Guanacaste Tree (National Tree of Costa Rica), the Ceiba Tree (National Tree of Guatemala), and The Thorny Cedar (one of the most expensive woods).