Situated amongst a cluster of countries with slightly troubled pasts, Costa Rica has maintained a state of peace and neutrality for the better part of the past 70 years, earning it the nickname the “Switzerland of Central America.’ In fact, the Ticos (as Costa Ricans call themselves) have even taken this notion of peace one step further by abolishing their national army in 1948 – the first country in the world to do so. 

Costa Rica is much more than a political science case study, and the extreme natural beauty one finds in this country will awe even the most traveled nature enthusiasts. Fiery volcanoes, lush tropical rainforests, some of the world’s last intact deciduous dry forests, verdant cloud forests, and high alpine paramo are just a sample of the many rich ecosystems that exist in a landmass the size of West Virginia. Biodiversity surveys have shown that up to 5% of the earth’s species inhabit the country’s many microclimates, and where there is great terrestrial diversity there is often also great aquatic diversity.

Costa Rica is home to an amazing range of fish species. Two oceans and a variety of rivers and lakes equates to the ability to target many different species all within a relatively small geographic space. This trip is meant to put students in direct contact with the warm-water exotics of Costa Rica. Students will try their hand at the fruit-eating machaca and elusive guapote in the Caribbean lowlands, then target jungle tarpon and tropical garfish in the northern reaches of the country. All while surrounded in lush tropical rainforest and a myriad of amazing wildlife. But fishing isn't the only objective, as students will explore a world-famous biological research station, learn about the diversity of lowland rainforest and study some of the animals that live there, and finally give back with some river cleanups and tree planting activities. Students will also become research assistants in an active jaguar study, trying their hand at camera trapping and field science. 

This trip is part fly fishing journey around Costa Rica, part wildlife adventure, and part scientific expedition! Prepare to fall in love with a country and culture all its own. But be warned - trips to Costa Rica often leave students yearning to come back and experience even more of this diverse and magical country.