Join us in
Pacuare Reserve!
A visit to Pacuare Reserve is the best way to truly experience the programs
and conservation efforts of EPI. Join us next summer for an exclusive
three-night stay, led by EPI and Pacuare Reserve staff.
June 7-10 | June 15-18 | June 19-22
2024
Pacuare Reserve is a wildlife haven and conservation research site hidden in the tropical forest along Costa Rica's Caribbean Sea. The site also operates as an ecotourism destination for visitors from all around the world. In addition to the iconic leatherback sea turtle, Pacuare Reserve is home to more than 2,700 species of plants and animals (and counting).
ABOUT THE RESERVE:
Nesting grounds for
sea turtle species
Three sea turtle species come to nest on Pacuare Reserve's beaches, including the iconic leatherback.
200+ bird
species
The stunning and elusive agami heron nests in The Reserve, one of only a few accessible nesting sites in the world.
32 mammal
species
Big cats including jaguars and ocelot can be spotted here, along with three of Costa Rica's four primate species.
ITINERARY
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Bird watching
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Breakfast
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Boat canal tour
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Forest hike
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Lunch
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Talk: 30 years of research at Pacuare Reserve
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Boat tour - a visit to the North Station
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Possible hatchling release
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Dinner
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Sea turtle census
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Boat transportation to The Reserve
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Lunch
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Welcome and introduction to Pacuare Reserve
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Sea turtle protocol and beach practice
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Hatchling release, depending on timing of nest hatches
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Dinner
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Sea turtle census and night walk
DAY 1:
DAY 2:
DAY 3:
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Breakfast
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Primate census
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Forest hike
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Lunch
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Hatchlings release
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Cocktails at Casa Grande
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Dinner
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Sea turtle census
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Breakfast
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Departure
DAY 4:
Pacuare Reserve is first and foremost a safe haven and conservation research site for thousands of animal and plant species. As such, the site’s campus and accommodations are simple, rustic, and powered entirely by solar energy to best preserve the area. The benefit for you? With no electricity, crowds, or distractions, you’ll experience the incredible wildlife, landscape, and people of this magical place without interruption. Check out our top-rated booking.com reviews to hear from past guests!
Activity Highlights:
You'll get a behind the scenes look at the research projects Pacuare Reserve's staff and researchers are currently focused on. These projects center around four key species: leatherback sea turtles, primates, agami heron, and big cats. The team is partnering with more international research institutions each year to study the incredible flora and fauna of The Reserve—and how to protect it in perpetuity.
SEA TURTLE CENSUS
On the beach you may encounter a larger-than-life, 800-pound female leatherback sea turtle, or a nest of tiny hatchlings ready to take on the open sea. You'll tag along with research assistants from all over the world as they collect the data that contributes to preserving vulnerable sea turtle species.
FOREST WALKS
Back in the tropical forest, knowledgeable staff will guide you along jungle trails where you'll observe and learn about some of Costa Rica's iconic wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and eye-catching lizards. The rare and beautiful agami heron also nests seasonally in a small lagoon within The Reserve, the only known nesting colony in Central America, and one of only a few accessible nesting sites in the world.
BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE!
LODGING
RESEARCH PARTNERS
Centro Científico Tropical
One Hand
Planet Zota
UESPRA Costa Rica
FUNDERS
Anonymous
Bridgemill Foundation
Edward L. Anderson Jr. Foundation
Paul M. Angell Foundation
Philip Zarri & Lisa Rooney-Zarri
Rebecca Schultz
Ida & William Rosenthal Foundation