Rural Community Tourism and Ecotourism Activities

The SCLC is a non-profit organization that links communities and conservation through education and ecotourism in the Sarapiqui region of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands. The SCLC focuses its efforts in four areas:

Our goals are to develop future environmental leaders, raise the organizational capacity of local communities, promote sustainable land use, and connect tourists to the local community and environment. The activities listed below have been carefully chosen so that tourism helps the SCLC to fulfill its mission. By booking tourism activities with the SCLC, you will be contributing to environmental conservation, promoting the well-being of local communities, and contributing to the economic benefit of the SCLC and the local community.

Cultural and Rural Community Tourism Activities:

1. Latin Dance Class:

Description: If you have ever wanted to learn Latin dancing, this is the class for you! Local dancers will first demonstrate merenge, salsa, and cumbia dancing styles and will then lead the group step-by-step. You will also practice with a partner and everyone can take turns showing off their new dance moves. This activity is fun, perfect for families and friends, and for groups to kick off or end a tour.

Restrictions: 25 person max
Recommended time:7:00 pm- 7:30pm

Duration: 1 hour

2. Cooking Class:

Description: This class will offer you the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes. The classes are led by local community members. You will learn about each fresh ingredients, and everyone participates in the cooking process. The menu choices consists of frescos (fruit juices), empanadas rellenas (turnovers filled with beans and cheese), tortillas (flat bread), patacones (fried green plantains) or picadillo de chayote (water squash). Enjoy trying all of your culinary creations at the end of the class!

Restrictions: 30 person max
Recommended time: afternoons or evenings
Duration: 1 ½ - 2 hours

3. Community Service Projects

Description: Our service projects provide visitors an opportunity to make a difference by working alongside community members. Examples of social/cultural projects include painting or light construction/maintenance at local schools or community institutions, building a sidewalk, or a bus stop. All supplies are purchased with group fees, while remaining funds go the host community, institution, or organization. If a group is interested in donating tools or working on a specific project please let us know when the reservation is made.

Full-day activity recommended for high school students or adult groups with a particular interest in community development, conservation, or a related topic.

Please note:

Community service projects must be arranged and finalized no fewer than 2 weeks in advance. Changes are not possible after this time. Projects are arranged to address current community needs, and the menu of possible projects is fluid. We will try to honor project requests, but not all project options are available at a given time. Service projects at schools are available only on weekdays, mid February – June and August – mid December, depending on the school calendar.

Service projects mean work. Supervised use of tools and/or machinery may be involved. Please come prepared with bug spray, sun block, rain gear, appropriate shoes, and a good attitude to help the community, make new friends, and have fun!

Restrictions: 5 person minimum
Recommended time: 9am –3pm

Duration: 2 hours half-day, 4 hours complete day

4. Arts and Crafts Class:

Description: This is an educational and creative class where you will learn from local artisans how to make jewelry with rainforest seeds, woodworking, painting, or palm frond weaving. All materials needed for the class is provided. At the end of the class, take your rainforest creation home with you.

Restrictions: 25 person max
Recommended time: flexible
Duration: 1 ½ hours

5. “Local Life” – A chat about life in Sarapiqui:

Description: During this informative talk given by a local community member, you will learn about life in Sarapiquí. Topics include immigration, domestic life, local artisan work, student experience and much more! A question and answer session concludes the activity, fostering international communication and understanding. Delicious Costa Rican coffee and baked goods complete the experience.

Restrictions: 30 person max
Recommended time: mornings or afternoons

Duration: 1 hour

6. Home/Farm Visits:

Description: Take this rare opportunity to visit local people in their homes. Listen to them speak about their life, their family, their history, their community, and their work. You will also take a tour of the home and small farm, and receive coffee and a special homemade treat!

Restrictions: 5 person minimum, 25 person max
Recommended time: morning or afternoon

Duration: 2 hours

7. Local School Visit:

Description: This is a unique opportunity to compare and contrast the education system in Costa Rica with your own. The visit consists of a guided tour of the school, led by the director, a teacher, and/or students, a presentation, and a Q&A session. Groups will either visit one of the local elementary schools or high schools. One-third of each participant fee will go directly to the school visited. Book donations are accepted. This activity is highly recommended for teachers, educational administrators and students.

Restrictions: 5 person minimum, 30 person max
Recommended time: Mon – Fri: 9:30-11:30am, 2:00-4:00pm mid Feb. – June/ August – mid. Dec.
Duration: 2 hours

Eco-tourism Activities:

1. Bird Identification 101:
Description: The region of Sarapiqui has more than 520 species of birds. Without any training, trying to identify all these birds can be difficult and even frustrating. Now the SCLC offers a Bird Identification 101 course. This 2 hour course, includes 1 hour of in class practice, and 1 hour of birding in the field. Learn how to identify birds, use binoculars, and your field guide.

Restrictions: 12 person max
Recommended time: 7 – 9 am, or 2:30 – 4:30 pm

Duration: 2 hours

2. Ecological Presentations:
Description: The SCLC offers a variety of presentations about ecological themes. Choose the one that interests you and your group most.

Restrictions: 30 person max
Recommended time: afternoon or evening

Duration: 1 hour

Choose from a variety of ecological presentations we offer at the SCLC.

The presentations we offer are:

A. The San Juan – La Selva Biological Corridor:

The SCLC will explain this regional conservation program. Learn about the Sarapiqui demographics, ecological connectivity, the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge, the Great Green Macaw and how the SCLC is making a difference in linking communities and conservation.

B. Conservation of the Great Green Macaw:

The Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) is one of the most endangered species in the world. Get to know the natural history of this species, what threatens its existence, and why it is the flagship species for Sarapiqui.

C. The Costa Rican Bird Route:

This project is one of the most important initiatives in the region. The project, which promotes bird tourism on private lands, is a pilot conservation project for all of Costa Rica. Learn what the SCLC and other organizations are doing to promote landowner-based conservation.

D. Health: The connection between your health and the health of the environment:

Our health is directly related to the health of our environment and what we do to the environment. Learn lessons about the dangers of contaminating our environment and how they affect the health of our bodies and our communities.

E. Intro to Bird Identification:

Learn the basic concepts of bird identification, binocular use, and field guide…in the classroom.

F. Birds in a World of Threats:

4. Reforestation Projects:

Description: Visit a local farm and help plant native trees on the property. Reforestation is a clear environmental need that is not addressed at smaller scales by Costa Rican government programs. Yet it is something that interests many farmers and can be offered at minimal sacrifice to them. This activity provides an important lesson about grassroots forestry, community awareness, and the impact humans have on conservation and the environment.

Notes: Prices include all trees and materials for planting. Full-day activity includes two reforestation sessions and is recommended for high school or adult groups with a particular interest in community development or conservation.

Restrictions: 5 person minimum
Recommended time: Monday – Saturday, 9am; 2pm

Duration: 2 hours for half day, 4 hours full day with lunch

Other Activities:

1. Orientation to the SCLC:
Description: Get to know the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center. Through a short powerpoint presentation learn about the history of the center, our mission and the work we do for conservation and the community. Take a walk around the center afterward.

Time available: Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 9:30am - 3pm

Duration: Approximately 15 minutes

2. Room Rental:
Description: Use our center located along the Sarapiqui River for your conference, workshop or class. The classroom comes with a projector, whiteboard, tables and chairs. Snacks and meals can be arranged. Please contact us well ahead of time for reservations.

Capacity: 30 people

Accommodations:
The SCLC does not offer our own lodging; however we can arrange lodging and meals at three levels:

Homestay with local family:

Description: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to actually live in another country, as opposed to simply traveling through it? Stay with a local family. Our families offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to live in rural Costa Rica. Share meals, conversation, and leisure time with a local family. This opportunity is sure to provide you with a unique cultural and linguistic experience!

Restrictions: Each family has a certain amount of beds available. We need a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice to accommodate your reservation.

Recommended time: Afternoon

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Click here to download the list of Activities in English and Spanish