STEM Costa Rica: Tropical Ecosystems

Explore a national park in northern Costa Rica known for one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Hike trails through tropical highland and lowland wet forests, and see Lake Arenal, the country’s largest lake and a major source of Costa Rica’s renewable energy.

Because of its humidity and latitude, the entire city of Monteverde can disappear in a second under a massive cloud cover. Founded by Quakers in 1951, the city boasts the best in Costa Rican creatures. Observe a proud display of howler monkeys, revered quetzals and native frogs in the dense cover of the cloud forest.

Step into the Monteverde Cloud Forest and be transported to the lush world of the Costa Rican rainforest. The towering trees, abundant shrubs and vibrant flowers create a luscious oasis for a huge array of animals, including jaguars, toucans and monkeys.

Get a broader look at Costa Rican flora and fauna at the Ecolodge, a University of Georgia satellite campus. The visitor-friendly farm offers hiking, bird-watching and night walks, and the residents are always happy to discuss their work in sustainable agriculture throughout the area.

Create authentic local foods and sit down to savor your delicious creations.

Climb into the clouds for unforgettable wildlife encounters at the Santa Elena Reserve. Shrouded in mist, this lush cloud forest is home to spider monkeys and offers sweeping views across the landscape, stretching all the way to Arenal Volcano on a clear day.

Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zip line tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.

Fluttering wings of red and yellow hop from flower to flower in Monteverde’s impressive Butterfly Garden, founded by biologist Jim Wolfe and his wife Marta Iris Salazar. Get a broader look at Costa Rican flora and fauna at the Ecolodge, a University of Georgia satellite campus. The visitor-friendly farm offers hiking, bird-watching and night walks, and the residents are always happy to discuss their work in sustainable agriculture throughout the area.

Mosey on through Costa Rica’s “Old West.” Cows, horses, and sabaneros (Costa Rican cowboys) ride across the sun-struck landscape of this arid region. Seek out the local Guancaste tree, whose oddly shaped seedpods have given it the name “Monkey Ear Tree.”

Explore the Costa Rica's oldest and most developed park, home to the largest remaining stretch of tropical dry forest in Central America and a nesting site for endangered sea turtles. Learn about the park’s biological education programs.

Cruise by river boat through the winding waterways and mangrove forests of Palo Verde National Park. Watch for American alligators along the banks, white-faced monkeys in the trees, and colorful macaws soaring overhead as you explore this rich wetland ecosystem.

Explore the role of coffee in Costa Rican culture and the economy. Learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, then enjoy a fresh cup at the end of the tour.

In 1987, a nine-year-old Swedish student asked what he could do to save the rainforests, and Children’s Eternal Cloud Forest was born. The Monteverde Conservation League oversees the planting of deforested land and virgin rainforest in the Children’s Forest and throughout the area, and now owns more than 22,000 hectares. Contribute your green thumb efforts to their conservation work.

Costa Rica’s culture draws on African, Caribbean, and Spanish roots to create a unique and lively blend. Sit back and surround yourself with this colorful culture during an evening of fine food and fiesta. Brightly costumed locals serve up a typical Costa Rican meal of beans, rice, white cheese, fruit, and a main dish of fish, chicken, or beef, and a performance of traditional music follows.