Natural Expeditions

Drake Bay Costa Rica

2011-12-31T15:59:00.001-08:00

This is not a bad place to spend the last hours of 2011. The Miller Park Junior Zookeepers arrived to Drake Bay, Costa Rica. They will be in this little paradise for the next three nights, enjoying one of the most beautiful National Parks that Costa Rica has to offer - the Corcovado National Park.

Snorkeling in the Cano Island environment is one of the different activities that is awaiting the group for this once in a life time experience with Natural Expeditions, the Costa Rica Tour Experts.

Picture by Herson Guevara

Resplendent Quetzal in the Costa Rica Forest

2011-12-31T07:53:00.001-08:00

Costa Rica is a fortunate geographic location where more than 800 bird species have decided that it is a good place to live. Bird groups vary greatly and the classification of all these feathery creatures has not been easy. There are all kinds of bird sizes and colors, as well as a uniqueness in the behavior among different groups. All in all, there is one bird that has amazed cultures throughout its existence. Mayas and Aztecs as well as Spaniards declared some natural passion for the beauty of this RESPLENDENT QUETZAL, one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas.

San Gerardo de Dota Costa Rica, the place where our Junior Zookeepers spent last night, is one of the few places in the planet where this bird can be seen. This morning before breakfast, the entire group went for a stroll and was lucky enough to spot the guy in the picture, a male Quetzal entering its nest.

We want to thank Herson Guevara, the devoted Natural Expeditions’ naturalist guide, for putting so much energy into making this trip an unforgettable experience for the Junior Zookeepers. He has the experience to be motivating enough to get up a crowd of teenagers on Saturday Dec, 31 at 5:30 am for this unique outing in the chilly mountains of Costa Rica. Hundreds of tourists from all over the world come to Costa Rica with the idea of seeing a Quetzal, but a lot of them have not been as lucky as the Junior Zookeepers.

Jose Rojas

Picture by Herson Guevara

San Gerardo de Dota Costa Rica Visited by Miller Park Junior Zookeepers

2011-12-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Day five is probably one of the longest days on the road for the Junior Zookeepers . As they traveled, they moved from 1,800 feet above sea level to approximately 9,120 feet above sea level. Along the drive, the group got the chance to experience all types of ecosystems, starting with tropical rain forest, coming across cloud forest, and ending up in a very unique scenario best known as Paramo.
They also saw part of San Jose and Cartago, the Costa Rica's old capital city, and many little towns along the road side.
As shown in the picture, the group stopped up in the mountains where the forest is loaded with massive amounts of moss as well as all kinds of likens and air plants best known as ephyfites.
The tree they are standing by is at least 1,000 years old, according to INBIO, the Costa Rica Institute in charge of processing all the taxonomic information.
By the end of the day, they arrived to San Gerardo de Dota and got ready to spend the night at a very unique accommodation run by the pioneers of this town - Savegre Lodge.

Picture by Herson Guevara

Miller Park Junior Zookeepers in the Costa Rica Rain-Forest

2011-12-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí Located in Heredia Province, Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui has become a very important research area in Costa Rica. Well-known biological stations such as La Selva, Tirimbina, and the protected area of Selva Verde Lodge are just a few of the many groups dedicated to tropical conservancy.
The natural beauty and biodiversity of the area, located on the Costa Rican Caribbean slope, make it a favorite site for eco-tourists and birdwatchers alike. The Miller Park Junior Zookeepers are enjoying every aspect that the area has to offer. Starting really early, the group took a morning stroll around the surroundings of the Selva Verde Lodge. The intention was to spot as many tropical birds as possible.
The list went on and on, from toucans to ospreys to many different species of tanagers. As the day went on, the list kept growing towards the idea of animal life, including the spotting of a three-toed sloth, howler monkeys, and a vine snake. After the early morning activity, the group went to the Aerial Tram, located in the middle of the rain forest. The day ended with a team work activity where everyone had to show their paddling skills as they went white water rafting in the class II-III rapids of the Sarapiqui River. According to Herson Guevara, their Natural Expeditions local expert, they all ended a little tired but with a very positive attitude about a wonderful day. Jose Rojas

Pictures by Herson Guevara

Miller Park Junior Zookeepers Group Travels to Costa Rica

2011-12-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Due to its latitude, Costa Rica presents an amazing biodiversity, which is why in the late 1600s many scientists such as volcanologists, biologists, and dendrologists began the difficult enterprise of bringing to the public the magnificent amount of information that the country counts on today. At the same time, they made out of Costa Rica a great laboratory for the benefit of the place itself and the entire world.

Every two years, the Miller Park Junior Zookeeper group travels to this country and transforms the different tropical fields into a roofless classroom.

On December 26, 2011, 12 students from different areas of Central Illinois started this wonderful 10-day journey to the heart of the tropical jungle located 10 degrees north from the Ecuador.

At Natural Expeditions we are honored to be the company in charge of putting together the logistics for the Junior Zookeeper Costa Rica trip and as well as many other educational groups.

During the next 10 days, we will be providing updates to relatives, friends, and anyone who wants to know what happens when a group of teenagers go from the zoo scenario to various natural habitats. Follow this adventure conducted by Shannon Reedy (Miller Park Zoo) and Herson Guevara (Natural Expeditions tour guide).

Picture by Jose Rojas

Mawamba Lodge Tortuguero Costa Rica

2011-12-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

Mawamba is one of the Lodges used by Natural Expeditions in the area of Tortuguero Costa Rica. Its location regarding the beach and the Tortuguero village is very convenient for visitors, needless to say that when the spawn season comes turtles are just one step away.

The construction of the place is simple and rustic but cozy and peaceful. For over twenty years the Mawamba Lodge had served hundreds of tourist from around the world. Its gardens are kept with pride and care, as well as loaded with a variety of tropical plant and tree species.

Staff at the Mawamba lodge is courteous and professional, different generations had served the Tortuguero visitors through this location, connecting the outsiders with the traditions and culture from this small community.

The base of power "Mawamba" as explained by the owner Mr. Dada is a word taken from the Swahili African dialect which gave the inspiration for the lodge's name. In fact, Mawamba Lodge is one of the first places in the area inspiring other investors to follow the base of the power's idea.

At Natural Expeditions when we choose the place where our clients will stay, it's not a random last minute decision; it is the result of long term relationship with the supplier where we know our client’s expectations will be fulfilled.

Costa Rica Educational Tours

2011-09-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica

Cultural Experience

It has become very common that teachers and their students travel around the world. In some cases, these trips are related to foreign language classes, but there are other teachers who travel with students as well, such as those from science and social science departments. Destinations may vary depending on the company that promotes the activity and also on the interests of the teacher leading the group. Did you know that teachers can travel with their students and do it for free? There are many companies that conduct these educational trips, but as an educator and future tour leader, you need to be aware of many important aspects involved with traveling internationally with your students.

We know that teachers put a lot of time and energy into recruiting students for a tour, and we want to reward you accordingly. With Natural Expeditions, the Group Leader travels free and stays in private accommodations. Also, your tour is guaranteed to be private - no more sharing your special moments with one, two, or three other schools! Furthermore, the tour price we quote you is the price your students will pay. Forget about membership fees or hidden charges that are added onto the quoted price at a later date like other companies. The full $200 deposit we request is applied directly to the tour price. You will also be quite surprised at our tour package prices. Because Natural Expeditions is both the travel agent and the tour operator (no middle man!), we are able to pass on the savings directly to our clients.

The quality of our tours, the variety of activities, the cultural encounter that travelers experience, the affordability of our tour prices, and our exceptional customer service has made Natural Expeditions the company in charge of arranging educational trips for groups throughout the United States.

When you decide that it is time to travel, we suggest considering NaturalExpeditions for your next student group tour. You can be confident that you and your group will receive an excellent tour program with superior service. We have been in the Costa Rican tourism business for over 15 years and have spoken with many frustrated teachers due to bad experiences with other tour companies. This knowledge has given us the opportunity to design a program that will meet your individual needs and make your tour a success for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of traveling with Natural Expeditions!
info@naturalexpeditions.com
(309) 242 9519

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

– Saint Augustine

Costa Rica Photography

2011-09-04T08:54:00.001-07:00

Costa Rica is a small, but beautiful country well known for its natural surroundings. It is a place where any photographer (professional or not) has the chance to take all types of pictures with regards to nature and wildlife. If you feel it is time to take your camera out of storage, get the spider webs off of its lenses, and give it a try, then it is time to get on a plane and visit Costa Rica.

Bird -Watching Costa Rica Tour Program

2011-08-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hugged by two bodies of water, Costa Rica's topography offers the perfect combination of ecosystems to host hundreds of bird species. Climate and geographical position are more than mere facts: they define this tiny country. High elevations, valleys, and primary and secondary forests make out of this place the perfect scenario for bird watching .This ecological paradise protects its natural treasures in acres of preserved land and Natural Expeditions will be the pathway for those who want to experience a wonderful adventure. Join Natural Expeditions in January 2012 in a ten day trip where you will be able to go throughout various and amazing live-zones.

Mid-Illini Credit Union & Natural Expeditions

2011-07-31T14:11:00.001-07:00

During the last three years, Natural Expeditions, LLC has been developing an important connection between the state of Illinois and Costa Rica. We started by providing leisure trips for families and now, thanks to the support of Illinois' population, we have grown to be able to offer other options such as volunteering programs and cultural exchanges, which have been a total success. Since our mission is to continue to grow, we are now offering a new option for famillies and individuals who are looking to travel in our tours from Bloomington-Normal to Costa Rica. We have partnered with Mid-Illini Credit Union to provide financing for those looking to travel to Costa Rica with Natural Expeditions, LLC. This partnership is just another way to show how hard we are working in order to open all types of options for those who have supported us so much. Thank you Illinois - we hope to continue to grow in order to keep giving back to the community!

Tours Operated from Bloomington-Normal IL, to Costa Rica

2011-07-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica Verde (MONTHLY DEPARTURES)
10 days / 9 nights or 12 days / 11 nights with extension

Costa Rica Verde has been designed for people who want to see and do as much as possible while still enjoying a relaxing pace throughout the tour. This fully guided program includes the most important highlights of Costa Rica such as Irazu Volcano, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde. Add the extension to the Central Pacific coast and enjoy the natural wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park. This tour package has monthly departures with a maximum of 16 travelers per group. Unlike other tour companies, we keep the tour size small because we want only the very best for our clients, including personalized service and tranquility while on your well-deserved vacation. Be sure to check out which date is best for your travel plans!
This tour package is also available as a private tour - contact us today for your free quote.

Tours to Costa Rica

2011-07-30T03:05:00.001-07:00

Costa Rica is a country with a very distinctive flora and fauna. The large amount of protected areas such us Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano area, Manuel Antonio National Park among others will show visitors the splendor of this natural latitude. Watch this fantastic video made by the Costa Rican Tourism Board and get plenty of information about this wonderful destination. Natural Expeditions (based on Bloomington-Normal,Illinois) will prepare the tour program of your dreams, come and see Costa Rica the country with no artificial ingredients.

Spiders from Costa Rica, Cupiennius coccineus (Araña errante.)

2011-07-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

http://darnis.inbio.ac.cr/ubisen/FMPro?-DB=UBIPUB.fp3&-lay=WebAll&-error=norec.html&-Format=detail.html&-Op=eq&id=152&-Find

This link by the INBIO or Costa Rica National Instituto of Biodiversity is very extensive about this big spider seen in the area of Tortuguero Costa Rica in the Natural Expedition with Mr. and Mrs. Beachy

In every program Natural Expeditions offers the possibility of exploring unique areas of this Natural Paradise best known as Costa Rica.

Please give us your thoughts about what your expectations of a trip to Costa Rica are and we will make it happen because we are The Costa Rica Tour Experts!
info@naturalexpeditions.com
309 2429519

Mawamba Lodge Costa Rica

2011-07-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

Bismarki Nobilis, is one of the beautiful plants you can find at the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero Costa Rica. The gardens of this place offer the possibility of many ornamental plants as well as medicinal. The owner of this lodge devotes lots of energy on making sure the gardens keep an extensive variety of the local flora. At Natural Expeditions we will make sure that your tour program includes the visit of such a fantastic destination. Natural Expeditions the Costa Rica Tour Experts

Normal West School- time to relax

2011-06-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a week with a lot of different activities and the group has had an incredible participation, For now time to relax and take advantage of the settings of the Mawamba Lodge

Normal West School Zips through the forest

2011-06-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Monteverde offers a lot of different elements. Zip lining is one of those, this is an activity that involves adrenaline and a beautiful scenery and Normal West School was part of it today.

Normal West School from the beach to the clouds day 3

2011-06-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

The ride is not short but there were many ways to entertain the students. Songs, crocodiles and a few stops for pictures. From sea level to the nice temperatures of Monteverde (over 5000 feet above see level) kids are having a wonderful time

Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica-Normal West 2011

2011-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Located two and a half hours from San Jose capital of Costa Rica this small National Park (4,014 acres) is consider the second most visited Place in the country.The park was established in 1972 and is one the only places that inhabits the four primate species in this latitude. With a number of 150,000 visitors annually Manuel Antonio is well-known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

Normal West in Costa Rica, June 2011

2011-06-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is day one in Costa Rica for Normal West High School leaded by Mr. Hirst. Long day traveling from Bloomington Illinois to Costa Rica. However, students enjoyed every moment of the ride from beginning to end.

La Leona Tent Camp Corcovado Costa Rica

2011-04-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

In the very south part of the country of Costa Rica there is a neat location known as La Leona Tent Camp. To get there you must take a domestic flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez,45 minutes after ground transportation will be waiting to begin the most spectacular ride. A gravel road loaded with a lot of surprises is awaiting, monkeys of four species, sloth, scarlet macaws among others. At the end of this road a cart with a horse is waiting to get your luggage only, people must walk for 45 minutes to get to paradise. Those who travel to this place must know that no phones, flat screen TV's, internet, or other technological facility will be available. Food is great, trails from the Corcovado National Park are fantastic to take all bad toxins out of your daily routine !!!

Costa Rica Student Exchanging Program.

2010-10-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Symbiotic Cultural Exchange Student Program is a project which brings high-school aged students from the United States to live and share with Costa Rican students in their regular daily routine. The Costa Rican students who host U.S. visitors will then be able to experience the American way of living when they come here on the reciprocal part of the exchange program. The U.S. students who went to Costa Rica will host their new friends and show them what it is like to live the life of a typical teenager in the United States.

Students interested in participating in the exchange program must have at least 3 years of Spanish language instruction, an attitude that is open to live in and learn about a different culture, the ability to pay the exchange program fee of $995 and to travel for 9 days in May-June 2011, and the willingness to host the Costa Rican exchange partner for 9 days in January 2012. Our past participants in this program have said it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Are you interested? Please let us know - space is limited to the first 10 students who sign up!

The exchange program fee of $995 includes airfare, living accommodations, food, and group activities while in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Cultural Exchange with Natural Expeditions

2010-06-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

Symbiotic Cultural Exchange Program

by Natural Expeditions

My experience in Costa Rica has been one of the best times of my life! I have made a lot of new friends who I will keep for a lifetime. Submerging myself in a culture completely different from my own was a little nervewracking at first, but everyone has made me feel so welcome here, and I have learned so much! It has been wonderful to discover that differences in culture, language or lifestyle cannot stand in the way of true friendship. I am excited to share my culture with my erxchange student in January, and I hope I will have the opportunity to return to Costa Rica someday. Pura vida!

-Kelsey Larson

My trip to Costa Rica has been amazing! The differences in culture and the country in general have provided a good learning experience. The first day was overwhelming because of the language barrier, but with time things became easier and the language barrier wasn´t overwhelming anymore. Everyone was so nice to me and really made me feel comfortable. The family that I stayed with has had great hospitality. It has been a great learning experience and very fun as well. I plan on showing my Costa Rican exchange student the same hospitality and fun learning experiences that he has shared with me. Pura vida!

-Jordan Kilhoffer

This trip has been one of the most trying experiences of my life. I signed up because I came to Costa Rica on the trip in March and I feel in love with the country and the people. I had no idea just how different this would be, though. I don´t feel any different than I did the first time - I still love the country, the people, and the easy-going culture, and I have every desire to improve my speaking skills. But now, I know that it´s not easy. My first few days here, I barely understood anything, including the culture. Now that it´s my last day, I don´t know what to think. I´m just starting to break out of my shell and really get to know my surroundings, but my time here is done. I value this opportunity more than I can express in words. Only at U-High would I have the chance to so fully enrich my life. I´m eternally grateful. Pura vida!

-Alyssa Mandula

The Magic of Costa Rica Feb 2010 With Natural Expeditions.avi

2010-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Natural Expeditions's Notes.

2010-05-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

The Volcano Hummingbid i(Selasphorus Flammula) is a very small hummingbird which breeds only in the mountains of Costa Rica and Chiriqui Panama.This tiny endemic bird inhabits open brushy areas, paramo, and edges of elfin forest at altitudes from 1850 m to the highest peaks. It is only 7.5 cm long. The male weighs 2.5 g and the female 2.8 g. The black bill is short and straight.

The adult male Volcano Hummingbird has bronze-green upperparts and rufous-edged black outer tail feathers. The throat is grey-purple in the Talamanca range, red in the Poas-Barva Mountains and pink-purple in the Irazú-Turrialba area, the rest of the underparts being white. The female is similar, but her throat is white with dusky spots. Young birds resemble the female but have buff fringes to the upperpart plumage.

The female Volcano Hummingbird is entirely responsible for nest building and incubation. She lays two white eggs in her tiny plant-down cup nest 1-5 m high in a scrub or on a root below a south or east facing bank. Incubation takes 15-19 days, and fledging another 20-26.

The food of this species is nectar, taken from a variety of small flowers, including Salvia and Futschia, and species normally pollinated by insects. Like other hummingbirds it also takes some small insects as an essential source of protein. In the breeding season male Volcano Hummingbirds perch conspicuously in open areas with flowers and defend their feeding territories aggressively with diving displays.

Bird watching with Natural Expeditions

2010-04-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Resplendent Quetzal, the brilliant bird found in the cloud forests of Central America, was sacred to the Mayans and figures prominently in their artwork and legends. Today the Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, and name to the Guatemalan currency. Despite its legendary history, the Quetzal (also spelled Quetzel and Quesal) is in danger of extinction, partly due to hunting of the bird for food and trade, but mainly due to destruction of its elevated habitat to clear land for subsistence agriculture. Some countries, such as Costa Rica, have managed to preserve the Quetzal's (as well as other species') habitat by setting aside land for national parks to promote eco-tourism. War-torn Guatemala, however, has not been so fortunate, nor as conservation-minded. The result is that the Quetzal, the national symbol of freedom in Guatemala, is predicted to go extinct in Guatemala by the year 2000, or shortly thereafter.

The Quetzal, reputed to be the most beautiful bird that exists in the American continents, belongs to the Trogan family. The iridescent color of its plumage appears green or blue, according to the changes of daytime light. In [Guatemala], it lives in the mountainous, subtropical, humid regions of the departments of Quiche, the Verapazes, Huehuetenango, San Marcos, and Suchitepequez. The vegetation of the territory it inhabits is quite dense and rich in humus. In this habitat, the Quetzal searches for an old tree trunk situated in a tiny forest clearing to make its nest. There, in February through April, the hen lays one or two eggs. Both the hen and cock take turns during the 18-day period of incubation. The male Quetzal enters the nest, always leaving his beautiful tail plumes outside so as not to injure them. The female doesn't have this problem, for her tail feathers are very short. After the birth of the nestlings, their parents feed them with worms, insects, and larvae. The adults will eat forest fruits. The young can fly 20 days after birth, and abandon the nest to cut freely through the skies of [Guatemala]. If the Quetzal is confined to a cage, it dies. The Quetzal cannot live in captivity. For this reason, it is the emblem of our liberty.