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Costa Rica Campus - Activities
Activities
We encourage you to participate in the many activities available in the San Luis and Monteverde areas during your stay at UGA Costa Rica. Our 62-hectare (153 acre) campus includes 50 hectares (123 acres) of forest and a network of about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of maintained trails—an ideal environment for research and recreational hikes! Please remember to stay on trails (whether on our campus or in one of the local reserves) as this helps to minimize both your impact on the environment and your risk of injury.
Activities Included in the Daily Rate – OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Activity |
Description |
Notes |
| UGA Costa Rica Campus Tour |
Get to know our campus while hearing about UGA CR and its history, sustainability goals, and operations. |
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| Bird Watching |
Observe the birds of San Luis in their habitat, and learn their natural history and behavior. |
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| Night Hike |
Join our naturalists for a walk in the dark forest. Learn about nocturnal species and behavior, and experience the sights and sounds of the tropical forest at night! |
Allow approx. 1 hour |
| Guided Natural History Hike |
Discover the natural history of the area with one of our trained naturalist guides. |
Allow approx. 2 hours |
| Specialized Natural History Hike |
Tailor a guided hike to your area of interest, including plant and bird identification, biogeography, and natural history. |
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| Milk Cows |
Try your hand at milking our cows with Don Otoniel Rodríguez… then enjoy the milk in your coffee at breakfast! |
Begins at 6:00 a.m., allow approx. 45 minutes |
| Botanical Garden |
Explore our gardens and forest trails. Learn about our reforestation project; common edible crops; and traditional uses of medicinal plants. |
Allow 1-2 hours for tour, depending on interest. Guests are also welcome to explore the garden on their own. |
| Assist Field Researchers |
Participate in an ongoing research project… A great chance to meet our researchers and learn about emerging studies in tropical ecology. |
Depends upon availability of research projects. |
Activities Included in the Daily Rate – TALKS & WORKSHOPS
Our lectures and workshops are given by staff, visiting faculty, or researchers. The following activities are free for guests and students. Additional fees apply for day visitors. Availability of each talk or workshop is subject to change; contact the Academic Programs Coordinator for more information.
Talks |
Description |
Notes |
| Orientation & Introduction |
General introduction to Costa Rica, San Luis and the UGA CR campus. |
Allow 30-60 minutes |
| Introduction to Cloud Forest Ecology |
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Allow 1 hour. Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4PM, reservations required. |
| Introduction to the Birds of San Luis, and How to Identify Them |
A great introduction for beginning birders and those who want a refresher on Costa Rican avifauna. |
Allow 1 hour. |
| Bird Diversity and Ecology |
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Allow 1 hour. |
| Mammal Diversity and Ecology |
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Allow 1 hour. |
| Amphibian and Reptile Diversity and Ecology |
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Allow 1 hour. |
| Plant Communities of Costa Rica |
Learn about the major plant communities of Costa Rica. Plant natural history, biogeography and taxonomy. |
Allow 1-2 hours. Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4PM, reservations required. |
| UGA Costa Rica Carbon
Offset Program and the Bellbird Biological Corridor
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Allow 1 hour. Talk is available at no charge; fee of $20/person for participation in Carbon Offset program. Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4PM, reservations required. |
| Ecotourism as a Tool for Conservation |
Learn how ecotourism has provided an opportunity to use tropical forests sustainably. |
Allow 1 hour. Monday-Friday, 8AM to 4PM, reservations required. |
| Introduction to Costa Rican History and Culture |
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Allow 1 hour. |
| Current Research at UGA CR |
Topics will vary depending on researcher availability. |
Allow 1 hour. |
| Rhythms in the Clouds: Bio-diversity and Conservation
in Monteverde (movie) |
This documentary film, produced by renowned Monteverde naturalist Mark Wainwright, gives an excellent introduction to the area’s history, biodiversity, and current conservation issues. |
Allow 1 hour. |
Workshops |
Description |
Notes |
| Insect-O-Rama! |
Learn about the wonders of insect biodiversity, behavior and general classification. Try your hand at collecting insects, and take a look at our specimen collection! |
Allow 2 hours |
| Plant-O-Rama! |
Dive into the world of tropical plants! Participants will learn about the diversity, common characteristics, and classification of common tropical plant families. |
Allow 2 hours |
| Spanish language workshop |
Classes for beginners or early intermediate speakers. Practice with our Costa Rican staff when you're done! |
Subject to instructor availability. |
| Cooking |
Learn to prepare Costa Rican specialties with our kitchen staff. |
Reservations required. Cooking classes are not available during high season and times of peak occupancy. |
| Dancing |
Learn the essentials of Latin dance, including meringue, cumbia, and salsa! |
1 to 2 hours. Reservations required. |
Off-site Activities Not Included in Daily Rate – SAN LUIS
All activities in this section require reservations; some require translation. Contact the Academic Programs Coordinator for more information.
Activity & Fee |
Description |
Notes |
| Carbon Offset Program ($20/person) |
Minimize your carbon footprint by having trees planted, or plant them yourself! Includes an optional talk on the UGA Costa Rica Carbon Offset Program and the Bellbird Biological Corridor. |
Allow 1 hour for talk; time for service (greenhouse work or tree planting) can vary based on your interest. Monday-Friday, 8AM to 3PM, reservations required. Tree planting depends on season and availability of seedlings. |
| San Luis Waterfall Hike
($7/student - $8/adult)
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A challenging 4-km hike along trails and up the San Luis River to this 100-meter waterfall (one of the highest in Costa Rica!) Whether or not you take a swim, you will certainly enjoy the lush forest and the opportunity for wildlife sightings. |
Allow 3 to 4 hours. Involves river crossings and steep ascents/descents. Discuss any health or fitness concerns with our staff. |
Finca La Bella Coffee & Sustainable Farm Tour
($4/person)
http://www.fincalabella.org/ |
Visit a small, sustainable neighboring farm where coffee, sugarcane, and other crops are grown. Learn how coffee is processed and roasted, followed by a chance to taste & purchase locally-grown organic coffee. |
Allow 3 to 4 hours. Reservations and translation required. |
| The Loop Trail Hike
($5/person)
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A vigorous adventure along trails through both secondary and primary forest here in San Luis. |
Allow 4 to 5 hours; best to take a pack lunch. Reservations required. |
| EcoBambú paper recycling center
($4/person)
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Learn how this community-
based paper recycling project got started. Get a first-hand look at the paper-making process, and browse the unique hand-crafted paper products.
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Reservations required. Allow 2 hours with transportation; 4 hours without transportation. |
| Cooking with local family
($5 to $6 per person, depending on size of group)
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Prepare Costa Rican specialties in the home of a local family. You’ll learn a typical recipe, while meeting some of our neighbors here in San Luis and getting a unique glimpse into their home and daily life. |
Allow 2 to 3 hours. Reservations and translation required. |
| Homestay
($14/person, per night)
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Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by staying with a host family in the San Luis community. It's an experience you will always treasure! |
Families are carefully selected based on applications and previous student experiences. Reservations required. |
| Cultural Activity:
Fiesta with live marimba music
($100) |
Enjoy live music from a local marimba band and practice your moves from the Dance Workshop, while enjoying treats from a traditional piñata! |
Also available without live music; please inquire for pricing. |
| Cultural Activity: Other
(prices vary)
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Take part in one of the following activities here in San Luis; options include: watch soccer games; attend mass; have dinner at a local family’s home; and more. |
Subject to availability. |
Off-site Activities Not Included in Daily Rate – TALKS
Talks may require travel and/or translation. All talks are subject to availability of the guest speaker. Contact the Academic Programs Coordinator for more information.
Activity & Fee |
Description |
Guest Speaker |
| Principles of Fair Trade Coffee Production
($80)
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Learn how farmers organize to produce coffee within a sustainable, fair-trade framework. |
Guillermo Vargas, former Director of the Café Monteverde Cooperative |
| Natural History of the
Three-wattled Bellbird
($100)
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Discover the natural history of this unique, endangered species, and learn about the efforts being made toward its conservation. |
Debra Hamilton, Costa Rica Conservation Foundation (FCC) |
| Cloud Forest Amphibians:
Perspectives on Frog Declines in Monteverde and Worldwide
($100)
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A broad look at frog declines worldwide, with special emphasis on the Monteverde area. |
Mark Wainwright, natural historian, artist, and reptile & amphibian expert |
| Introduction to the Natural History of Frog Calls
($100)
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A fantastic introduction to frogs and their unique calls. |
Mark Wainwright, natural historian, artist, and reptile & amphibian expert |
| Cloud Forest Mammals
($150)
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Natural history of Neotropical cloud forest mammals; natural history, biogeography, and more. |
Federico Chinchilla, local mammal expert |
| Neotropical Bats
($150)
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Add a personalized natural history talk to your tour at the Bat Museum in Monteverde. |
Richard Laval, bat expert and owner of “Paseo de Stella” Bat Museum in Monteverde |
| Biodiversity and Conservation in Monteverde
($100)
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An excellent introduction to the area’s history, biodiversity, and current conservation issues. |
Mark Wainwright, natural historian, artist, and reptile & amphibian expert |
| History of Conservation in Monteverde
($100)
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One of the pioneers of conservation in Monteverde talks about how it all got started. |
Eladio Cruz, Monteverde native and local conservation pioneer |
| History of San Luis
($50)
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Discussion of the settlement and evolution of the San Luis community since the 1930s.
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Noé Vargas, San Luis Development Association. |
El Sendero Pacífico:
The Pacific Trail Project
($75) |
Discover the potential of rural tourism with the Pacific Trail (Sendero Pacífico) project, modeled after the Appalachian Trail in the US. |
Noé Vargas, San Luis Development Association. Fee for this talk is donated to the SLDA. |
Off-site Activities Not Included in Daily Rate – MONTEVERDE AREA
All of the activities in this section require transportation; allotted time does not include travel time. Inquire at Reception or contact the Academic Programs Coordinator for more information.
Activity & Fee |
Description |
Notes |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
($9/student - $17/adult)
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First and most-visited reserve in Monteverde. Well-maintained trails of varying lengths. Expert guides add to your experience by sharing their knowledge of local flora and fauna. |
Add $17/person for guide. Guided walk lasts approx. 2.5 hours. |
| Santa Elena Reserve
($6/student - $12/adult)
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This unique cloud forest reserve is owned and operated by students at the local high school. Lovely trails pass through a mix of primary and secondary forest in all stages of regeneration. |
Add $15/person for guide. |
| Suspended Canopy Bridges
(prices vary)
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Experience the cloud forest from a bird’s eye view! Suspended canopy bridges allow a view of epiphytes, treetops, and much more. Guided tours also available. |
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| “Zipline” Canopy Tour
(prices vary)
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Fly through the forest canopy on a zipline adventure! |
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| Frog Pond / Ranario
($8/student - $10/adult)
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This guided tour includes exhibits of live frogs from throughout the Costa Rica and Central America. |
Allow approx. 1 hour. Take an evening tour to hear more frog calls! |
| Serpentarium
($6/student - $8/adult)
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Guided tour of 40 reptile species. |
Allow approx. 1 hour |
| Butterfly Garden
($8/student - $10/adult)
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Highly recommended! Guided tour of butterfly gardens representing 4 unique tropical habitats. Get a close-up look at butterflies, other insects, and their relatives. |
Allow approx. 2 hours. |
| Monteverde Bat Jungle
($8/student - $10/adult)
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Guided tour of “Paseo de Stella,” the Monteverde Bat Jungle, complete with a live bat exhibit! |
For best bat viewing, inquire about feeding hours. |
| Quaker History Museum ($2/person) |
Explore the unique history of the Monteverde Quaker community in this small museum, located adjacent to the Bat Jungle. |
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| Monteverde Cheese Factory
($8/student - $10/adult)
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Get a close-up look at the cheese making process. Includes cheese sampling and a presentation on this history of the Quaker community of Monteverde. Not to be missed are Monteverde ice creams and milkshakes! |
1 tour in the morning, 1 tour in the afternoon. Tour lasts approx. 2 hours. Reservations required. |
| Monteverde TrainForest
(prices vary)
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Travel through the cloud forest on this railroad adventure. Keep an eye out for rare glimpses of the stunning Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. |
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| Aerial Tram
($15/student, $20/adult)
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This trip in an aerial carriage takes passengers through secondary forest and thematic gardens, including a wonderful view of the Gulf of Nicoya! |
Ride lasts approx. 1 hour. Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Horseback Riding
(prices vary)
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Enjoy the natural beauty of Monteverde on horseback! A variety of tour options are available. |
Inquire at Reception for tour options and prices. |
| Café Monteverde coffee roaster
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Bring a taste of Costa Rica home with you! Purchase locally-grown, Fair Trade coffee and related souvenirs at Café Monteverde, “grown in harmony with the cloud forest.” |
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| Visit CASEM women's crafts cooperative |
CASEM is a non-profit cooperative dedicated to the economic and social well-being of local artists. The CASEM store and workshop showcases unique, locally produced handicrafts inspired by the natural beauty of the region. |
Guided tour and talk about the history of CASEM available for an additional $50 |
| Night hike at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
($17/person)
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The forest never sleeps! Experience the world-renowned Monteverde Reserve at night. |
Reservations required. |
| Brenes Family Model Farm
(prices vary)
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Owned by Don German Brenes, this local farm is a union of organic farming and sustainable tourism. Learn about organic fertilizers and insecticides, vermiculture, dairy farming, and medicinal plants. |
All-day activity. Reservations and translation required. Several tour options available. |
| Santa Elena Farmer’s Market |
Get a taste of local culture while mingling with residents from throughout the Monteverde area. Taste local foods made with fresh produce, cooked right on the spot. |
Every Saturday morning, next to the Santa Elena high school. |
Important Notes:
- Transportation and off-site hotel fees, when applicable, are not included in this fee structure.
- Prices subject to change – for current cost information, please contact the Academic Programs Coordinator at progCR@uga.edu.
- UGA Costa Rica is not responsible for payments to other providers. All fees for other attractions and activities must be paid directly to the service provider unless other arrangements are made in advance.
- Off-site attractions and activities are provided by third parties. Participants in these activities and attractions release and forever discharge UGA Costa Rica from any liability.
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