Aula Global and Tortuguero Sea Turtle Trip
10-day trips run throughout August

August is the time of the Sea Turtle.
In a remote area of Costa Rica there is a place called Tortuguero. It is there, under the cover of darkness, that hundreds of Green sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs. (If we are lucky, we may even see a one of the massive leather-back turtles that also nest here). Each August Raven Adventures shares this amazing experience with a small group of participants.

Day 1: Arrive San Jose. Travel to Casa Ridgway Guest house where we will spend our first night. Short orientation of the city and trip, followed by a traditional Costa Rican dinner.

Day 2: Travel to the mountain town of Santa Elena/Monteverde. Santa Elena is a quaint little town that has several small attractions worth checking out. We will spend a day and a night here. Some free time will be available for those who would like to visit the butterfly farm, the serpentarium, hummingbird gallery, the orchid garden or one of the many other local attractions.

Day 3-4: Your first four nights are spent at Aula Global reserve in search of birds, monkeys and even our elusive cats. Our guides will take you on daily walks along our trails in search of mammals, orchids, butterflies and many other treasures of the forest. Trained as naturalists, animal trackers and adventure guides, our guides will be sure to share with you many secret aspects of the old growth forest of Aula Global.

Day 5: Return to San Jose.

Day 6: Leave San Jose for the small village of Moin. It is here we start our adventure to see the nesting turtles. Hiring a small boat as our taxi, we will travel along lush jungle lined rivers for nearly 30 miles to the remote village of Tortuguero. Along the way we will be watching for howler and spider monkeys, three toed sloths, toucans, otters and even the rare manatee's that live in the murky waters flowing to the sea. Arriving in Tortuguero, we will settle into our guest houses and meet for a home cooked meal at one of the many local restaurants. Free time will be available in the afternoon to walk the beaches, hike the park trails or just relax. -After our evening meal we will gather to join a local guide who is authorized to take us onto the beach to witness the giant turtles as they create a nest and lay their eggs.
-The scheduled night time turtle walks are under the control of the park and local towns people who have been trained as guides. This system has been created to ensure the turtles are not disturbed while they nest. An early morning side trip can also be arranged with a local guide who will take us in a small canoe to explore the small lagoons and channels deep in the forest. This has always been a highlight of our trip and is highly recommended.

Day 7: More exploration in Tortuguero

Day 8: Depart for San Jose.

Day 9: Free time to relax or explore San Jose. Visit local artisan's market, museums, national theater. Shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Day 10: Depart Costa Rica or continue on your adventure. (we can arrange for your flight to be scheduled for any length of stay. Advance notice is required. Additional fees may apply).