Costa Rica
Sustainability, the Environment and Ecotourism
Costa Rica is known internationally for its beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity as well as its production of the world’s coffee and chocolate. Previously dependent heavily on the exportation of agricultural products, Costa Rica has now turned to ecotourism for its economic development. In the recent years, the country has seen great growth in ecotourism, representing more than 5% of the country’s GDP.
This project will dive into the world of Costa Rica’s environmental policies and agricultural practices which sustain the country’s economy. Through conversations and presentations, students will increase their awareness of how organizations influence—and are influenced by—environmental, social, political, economic, and cultural forces. Students will hear from Costa Ricans directly, in addition to the immigrants and migrant workers often not heard or seen in the eco-tourism point of view.
Sample Itinerary
| Day | Sample Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Travel to San Jose | Welcome and Orientation Presentations of History and Current Events |
| Day 2: San Jose | Guided Tour of Coop Dos Pinos Downtown Tour of San José |
| Day 3: Ecotourism and Sustainability | Conversation with Costa Rican Government Agency Fonafifo Ecotourism, and the Impact of Agriculture |
| Day 4: Visit La Carpio | Presentation and Guided Tour of La Carpio Visit Tarrazú Coffee Cooperative |
| Day 5: Quepos and San Jose | Guided Tour of Manuel Antonio National Park Free Time at the Beach |
| Day 6: Pérez Zeledón and Borucca-Bribri Community | Introduction and Guided Tour of Borucca-Bribri Community Learn about and make Traditional Masks |
| Day 7: Longo Mai Costa Rica and Europe presentation | Pineapple Industry and the Impacts of Monocropping Popusa Cooking Class |
| Day 8: Return to San Jose | Irazú Volcano National Park Conversation with Cokomal and Economia Solidaria |
| Day 9: Travel back to Gettysburg |
Contact Us
Email cps@gettysburg.edu or call 717-337-6490.