Friends of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (FCER) leads annual ecotours to Costa Rica.  These trips focus on tropical conservation, wildlife photography and education by local scientists and naturalists working in the field.    Choosing to travel with us directly benefits the forest because a portion of the trip price is a donation that supports FCER programming and conservation efforts.

As part of your visit, you will have the opportunity to stay deep within the Children’s Eternal Rainforest at one of the the forest’s two Biological Field Stations where you can hike on trails through pristine rainforest or relax on the porch with a view of the stunning Arenal Volcano and watch for wildlife.

2012 Trip

 Children’s Eternal Rainforest

San Gerardo Field Station

and Monteverde 

Dates: June 30-July 8, 2012

Price: $1,850 – Early bird discount of $100 if you sign up by February 1st.

To see the itinerary for this trip click on the San Gerardo link under our Eco-Travel tab.

Click here to download the registration form to sign up.

Our recently inaugurated itinerary that includes travel to the brand new field station at Pocosol was a tremendous success and will be repeated for those who missed out the first time! Hike the fascinating trails at Pocosol, swim beneath a beautiful waterfall, get to see bubbling mudpots, mistnet for birds and bats or bird-watch from a hammock on the deck.  Climb the base of Arenal Volcano to the lava fields, float down the Sarapiqui River with its terrific views of wildlife – howler monkeys, iguanas and basilisks, herons and kingfishers, sloths and more, view the forest canopy from an aerial tram, see how chocolate is made at Tirimbina, visit an archaeological site. Be amazed at how much the Caribbean slope of the forest differs from the Pacific side, one of the many reasons for the exceedingly high biodiversity of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. For those who are fortunate enough to be able to stay longer, we can arrange an extension to suit your preference.

TESTIMONIALS!

From several of our 2011 travelers:

“The service and sights were beyond amazing!  This trip really opened my eyes.  I want to go and do it all over again!

“My trip to Costa Rica was an experience of a lifetime, and I don’t say this lightly, having lived in Venezuela and Uruguay and traveled extensively around the world. Sponsored by [FCER] and led by Maggie Eisenberger, I knew I would be getting a quality experience, not just a tourist visit.  It was filled with many hikes led by expert local naturalists into the depths of the forest in the Monteverde Region and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.  We were able to observe the amazing and unique plants and animals of the forest as well as interesting facts about the animals. I wanted to choose a highlight, but as each day ended I remember thinking, “This was the best day ever!” How could I decide on a highlight when I’d have to choose among experiencing the peacefulness and power of a waterfall pool, the brilliant iridescence of the morpho butterfly’s wings, the frisson of delight at catching sight of an agouti or coati at the station, the primal wonder at playful monkeys in the branches overhead, the silent grace of a swallowtail kite soaring in the sky, the exquisite delicacy of the tiniest orchids and hummingbirds, the spiritual connection I felt during my solo time on the trail – I think you get my drift!  The rainforests of Monteverde are like no where else on earth!”

“…[W]e had an opportunity to experience many facets of Costa Rica. The trip was well planned to include activities appropriate for younger children. Overall, seeing the beauty of the flora of the rainforest and seeing fauna in its natural habitat was perhaps the most enjoyable.”

“Our trip exceeded our expectations. We learned much more about rainforests than expected. The size of the group was ideal.”

“The trip was a fabulous experience from beginning to end! LOVED IT!”

“Once we arrived I saw so much! There were monkeys along the Sarapiqui River and we ate ice cream cones on the bridge at a town called Los Iguanas while big green iguanas sunned themselves below. We shared the path at Tirimbina with leaf cutter ants and learned not to stop in the middle of their trails and I watched my nephew crack open a cacao pod to make chocolate.”

From a student traveler on a school trip:

“All the people in Costa Rica are wonderful people.  I learned a lot from everyone.  And our guide was the best!”

From a grandfather in Rochester NY who asked us to design a custom trip for his family:

“I cannot believe how interesting, exciting and informative the trip was – far exceeding my greatest expectations. You, as the engine/leader/teacher and [FCER co-founder Dwight Crandell] as the caboose/leader/teacher, were an exhilarating combo, and you provided us with a great combination of your expertize, the expertize of perfectly chosen bug, bird, bat and other specialists, home cooked local fare, 7-scoop milk shakes, and a modicum of “quiet time”. A great, delicate balance that pleased all, aged 8 to 70++. We absolutely will spread the word about our experience, and will be delighted to be a promotional assistant with our recommendation to any qualified inquirers.”