A group of 14 students recently returned from a fantastic four week expedition to the picturesque Costa Rica. Travelling with Outlook Expeditions, they enjoyed the sights and sounds of an unfamiliar culture in what was a truly memorable experience.

Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and eco-tourism forms a major part of the economy.  The huge range of activities the group took part in during the expedition really reflected this way of life.

Students spent the first part of the trip in La Luchita, in the south of the country, visiting the women of a community who have formed a co-operative which develops facilities in order to attract visitors.  They then travelled north, trekking through the rainforest in the volcanic areas, and took the opportunity to take a break in the thermal pools!

The team then went to the Nicoya Peninsular on the Pacific coast to work on a turtle conservation project.  This involved the construction of a turtle hatchery and running night patrols to help protect newly laid eggs from predators.

The last part of the trip was spent in the Corcovado National Park which is only accessible by a two hour boat trip.  The group were treated to sightings of humpback whales on the way there and saw several species of monkeys, tapirs, peccaries and scarlet macaws during the visit.  To finish off the trip, students enjoyed an exhilarating day of white water rafting!

An amazing time was had by all, experiencing incredible opportunities with memories that will last a lifetime.  Students took full responsibility for the management of the budget, booking the accommodation and transport, as well as organising all the food and cooking.  They all learnt a lot about themselves and each other during the expedition and are eager to book their next trip!