Service is a big part of our trips here at Appleseed Expeditions. Whether it is a domestic trip to Yellowstone or an international trip to New Zealand or Costa Rica, we believe that making a difference in the
lives of those we serve also makes a difference in the lives of the students who serve. Some of the service activities for past groups have included creating a garden for fresh vegetables and herbs, painting rooms at an orphanage, helping control invasive species in The Galapagos Islands, interacting with abandoned and neglected children, and beach cleanup. We look for any service activity that needs to be done in each particular area that we visit. The main purpose of including service for students in all of our trips is for them to make a difference in the lives of others by using their own talents and skills.
Over the past 5 years since I have been a part of the Appleseed Expeditions team I have witnessed the impact that service does in the different countries and the communities we visit. I have also witnessed the impact that service has on the student travelers. I have seen how students react to helping solve issues and the needs of others and how this helps them discover what they can do to help in their own communities when they return home. They learn that serving others should be a part of all our lives, no matter what our profession is or where we are.
Once, the mother of a student from a little town in Missouri, shared with me that a few years after her son returned from an Appleseed trip to Costa Rica, he rethought his decision to not go to college. After serving in the local Costa Rican community and reflecting on that service each night on the trip, he changed his mind and is now in college with a dream of a career to be of service to others.
A few years after guiding a student group in The Galapagos Islands, I was contacted by a local who told me that the students’ efforts to restore the habitat of Giant Tortoises in San Cristobal Island had really made a difference. He said that the scientists and rangers had reports that the tortoises were returning – the students had helped increase their territory.
There is hope in this world and there is a lot we can do to help, making a difference starts with the little actions that we do every day. On our Service Learning trips we focus on helping students find way to make a difference.
Paulo Segura ● Appleseed Expeditions Guide
Maleku Indigenous Reservation: The Malekus are the smallest indigenous group in all of Central America as there are only 600 of them. Their reservation is located about an hour away from La Fortuna, a very popular place to visit with groups. They manufacture souvenirs that show some of their culture and they work with balsa wood one of the lightest types of wood in the world. Visiting the area would let students learn about a group of native Costarricans and their culture and also let them purchase some very authentic items as goods souvenirs of the trip.
very peaceful. In fact, in 1948 Costa Rica was one of the first countries in the world that abolish military forces. Education is a great advantage; the budget that could have been used for military forces has been invested in education. Costa Rica’s 98% literacy rate is a sign of how successful this has been! All these factors together make Costa Rica a very safe country to travel. Even still, it is always important to take precautions when traveling with your groups, here are my safety suggestions for your trip:
Arenal Volcano: One of the most famous volcanoes on the planet, Arenal was in the top 14 most active volcanoes in the world for 42 years from 1968 (when it started the current active period) until 2010. It is still nowadays, as there haven’t been any eruptions since 2010. During those 42 years of constant activity it was common to see lava rocks falling off the side of the crater all the way down to the base of Arenal. Arenal is the only conically shaped volcano in Costa Rica, and it is surrounded by tropical rain forest. There are many mineral hot springs to visit in this area where your group can soak in these thermal waters. The best way to get to see this volcano is to visit the Arenal National Park and walk on the impacted lava area from the 1968 eruption. This gives a beautiful view point which allows your group to appreciate the majesty of this amazing volcano.
ternational airport in Costa Rica. The drive to the volcano is beautiful as you will see coffee plantations, cattle pastures, mountains and a beautiful view of the city. Once you enter the National Park, it only takes 15 minutes of a walk to reach the crater, which means as you drive to the park you are already on the volcano! Poás is an active volcano, with a beautiful turquoise lagoon in the crater. The vegetation on the top is evergreen and usually you can see beautiful flowers on the path to the crater.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano: Just like Arenal Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja doesn´t have an easy access to the crater, but this is the volcano where you can appreciate the most secondary activity, such as fumaroles (an opening in or near a volcano, through which hot sulfurous gases emerge) and hot springs. When you visit the park and walk on the most popular trail called Las Pailas, you will be able to see different forms of fumaroles, in mud ponds, rocks and lagoons. Only a mile away from the entrance of the park, there is a Geothermal Plant producing clean and renewable power.
La Fortuna Waterfall: Located only about 15 minutes driving time from the town of La Fortuna, this waterfall is beautiful, plummeting from 180 feet out of the jungle to a clear pool below. After a short but strenuous hike of about 500 stairs, your group will get to the base of this majestic waterfall. There are a couple of swimming spots and excellent views for pictures
Arenal Volcano National Park: Arenal Volcano Area is a must see place when you come to visit Costa Rica as it combines the Tropical Rain Forest with the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. Because of the volcanic activity there are many hot springs that groups can visit. But the main attraction is the volcano and the best way to see it is taking a guided walk to the National Park
tion is the best option for most group to travel in Costa Rica and a reliable bus company is the best way. At Appleseed Expeditions we have been using an excellent transportation company named Transuca. They have different sizes of buses and mini buses, and they have been working for over 20 years in Costa Rica and have very experienced drivers.
ino has 56 rooms, a large pool, conference rooms (that works really well for group reflections or meetings), an excellent restaurant and very large grounds and gardens. The staff is excellent and go out of their way to accommodate the group’s needs.
in Costa Rica with volcanic activity and a beautiful forest. The hotel keeps some of the old buildings from the old Hacienda; this gives the place a nice authentic look. The Hacienda is still working so every morning the workers clean the horses and it is common to see the cows near the hotel. Hacienda Guachipelin has a lot to offer in a safe environment; it is an excellent place for groups of students to stay.
odge is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica which is La Fortuna. This is home of one of the most famous and beautiful volcanoes in the world, Arenal Volcano. This hotel has a view of the volcano form every room (weather permitting), hot springs, beautiful gardens, a great restaurant, security and two pools. The staff at the hotel and restaurant is very friendly. Volcano lodge is definitely a great option for groups in La Fortuna area.
offers a great combination of tropical forest and the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the tropics. Manuel Antonio is probably the easiest National Park to see wildlife in Costa Rica, it is overwhelming. I always recommend my groups watch their belongings as the monkeys and raccoons commonly search for food in the unwatched backpacks of tourists. Costa Verde has an excellent location, great views and the opportunity to stay in a place surrounded by forest with the opportunity to see animals in the hotel area.
to one of the most famous volcanoes in the planet. Arenal Volcano is an active volcano with a beautiful conical shape. The volcano is studied and monitored constantly, with equipment placed around the volcano and in observatories. La Fortuna is also home to the largest man made lake in Central America. Lake Arenal covers 64 square miles and produces about 40% of the power for Costa Rica. Visiting the lake is a great experience, especially because it was so well designed that it looks natural.
n de la vieja volcano produces so much steam that the largest Geothermal Plant in the country was built very near the park. Also between Rincon de la vieja and Miravalles Volcano, groups can visit the largest windmill farm in Costa Rica. This location definitely has a lot to offer science groups.
crocodiles and many variety of birds. But probably what makes Tortuguero a world famous attraction is the fact that the beach is the most important nesting place in the Northern Hemisphere for the Green sea turtle The Sea Turtle Conservancy is an organization that, along with the National Park, have made big efforts in the conservation of the sea turtles by getting the community involved and helping directly with the study and conservation of sea turtles. During the nesting season it is common to see the female turtles nesting and laying eggs on the beach.
Airport. Restaurante Mariel’s specialty is Costa Rican food. The staff at this open air restaurant is very friendly and on our last trip they invited some of our students to cook for the group. The owner is a very kind gentleman named Marcial Salas. Don Marcial as he is called in Costa Rica, has a great heart and is always happy to have our student groups come enjoy the delicious food that they prepare.
now goes around the country sharing his testimony for others who have fallen into deep despair. He has helped many people realize there is hope and not to give up. His life was turned around by his sweet angel of a daughter so he named his restaurant Mariel, after her. If it weren’t for her he would have lost everything. He is now a great business man, a wonderful neighbor, a loving father and husband, a kind boss, and a great friend to many, including me. Our groups enjoy the delicious food and being greeted by the loving smile of Don Marcial and his staff when they attend Mariel’s in Costa Rica. We would love for you to join us soon!
Monteverde: The most famous Tropical Cloud Forest in the world and home to one of the most beautiful birds in the world, the Resplendent Quetzal. This area is great to see species such as hummingbirds as it is home to more than 30 species! When visiting Monteverde, The Biological Preserve is a great place to visit. In Monteverde after a good day visiting the Cloud Forest, there are great places for night walks, where you would have the opportunity to see nocturnal species of animals.
Appleseed Expeditions 