Brief

Costa Rica and Nicaragua are two of the world’s most biologically diverse countries. They offer spectacular volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforests and stunning beaches. The Maribios volcano range in Nicaragua offers fantastic trekking options and with jungle environments in both countries there will be plentiful opportunities to spot wildlife! The people have an easy going nature and you will find the local communities and colonial culture fascinating. Be sure to visit soon whilst you can still find yourself far from the maddening crowds.

Highlights

Experience the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest.

Witness baby turtles hatching at Tortuguero National Park.

Take on the volcano challenge in Nicaragua.

Integrate with local communities whilst undertaking orphanage, school or environmental based projects.

The Expedition

Phase 1: Acclimatisation

Arriving in to the city of Leon, in Nicaragua, the team will spend a few days adjusting to the tropical climate and unique culture in this bustling city that sits in the shadow of the famous Maribos volcano range. This is a great opportunity to explore the city, with its colourful architecture, interesting museums and impressive cathedral.

Phase 2: Trek

The team has a chance to trek in the Maribos volcano range in Nicaragua, which consists of 21 gently smoking volcanoes. The team may choose to hike up the side of one of these imposing volcanoes, peer into the bubbling crater and camp over night, a few hundred metres from the crater while watching the sun set over the dramatic landscape.

Phase 3: Project

The project is a valuable and rewarding phase. Teams can volunteer and take part in a variety of environmental or community based projects. Past examples include repairing community buildings, building play grounds for the local children or desperately needed sanitation facilities for schools or the community. All projects are chosen in consultation with and have the full support of the local communities. This is a great opportunity to interact with local villagers and children and practice your foreign language skills.

Phase 4: Culture & Review

The team may choose to visit the Tortuguero National Park, which is well known for its popular turtle-laying beaches. Take a short hike past stunning waterfalls and visit one of the many coffee plantations that the continent is famous for. There is also the opportunity to visit the Monteverde cloud forest with it’s vast array of wildlife. It is also a great chance to explore the culture and traditions in the local area.

Expedition Grade

Our Costa Rica and Nicaragua adventure is graded as challenging or level 4. However we have many trek options from the more easy to difficult, giving an overall grade of 3 to 5. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy your expedition.

Expedition Type

Adventure

Project

Culture

Expedition Level

Easy

Moderate

Hard

Facts

Terrain

Mountains, coast, cloud forest, rainforest, and volcanoes.

Weather

Average year round temperatures in the mid 20’s. The country’s climate is divided into wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from January-May and the wet season from May-December.

Culture

There are many local indigenous languages and the country is heavily influenced by Spanish culture.