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Butterfly Guardians: Costa Rica's Farm Project for Conservation

  • North America, Costa Rica, Puerto Jimenez
  • |
  • Durée : 1 to 24 Weeks

Program Highlights

  • Spot unique Costa Rican butterfly life in various places, while contributing to their protection and that of their habitat.
  • Live and work at a research station in the middle of Costa Rican.
  • Observe Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula, Southern Costa Rica wildlife species in their natural habitats, including tropical butterfly, and neo-tropical butterfly.
  • Learn about gaining real field experience.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

Climate Action Life on Land

This program is ideal for

If you are someone who finds inspiration in the beauty of butterflies, then you will love everything about this project. This project is for you if you are intrigued by the great impacts of these small creatures within their ecosystems. As your tasks will vary based on various factors, you should be open to helping out in any kind of activity that is prioritised while you’re there.

Discover the Butterfly Guardians project in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, dedicated to rainforest conservation and butterfly protection. Learn about their butterfly habitat, botanical gardens, and educational initiatives to support rainforest biodiversity.

Explore the Butterfly Guardians project, a vital initiative in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, dedicated to rainforest conservation and the protection of butterflies. This rainforest conservation and environmental education project covers approximately 2 hectares of restored secondary forest, featuring a 25×35 meter enclosed butterfly habitat and botanical gardens. The project aims to safeguard the diverse butterfly species while educating local and visiting students about the importance of rainforest conservation.

Situated on the Osa Peninsula, the Butterfly Guardians project is an oasis of conservation in Puerto Jimenez. The heart of this project lies within its 2 hectares of restored secondary forest. Here, you will find a 25×35 meter enclosed butterfly habitat that now houses a vibrant community of butterflies. Additionally, the botanical gardens are a sight to behold, showcasing an extensive collection of plants specifically chosen to attract butterflies and other wildlife. These gardens also feature medicinal plants and food crops that have been thoughtfully integrated into the forest habitat.

One of the primary focuses of the Butterfly Guardians project is on butterflies, classified under the order Lepidoptera. These delicate animals are essential to preserving the ecosystem's equilibrium in the rainforest. Regrettably, a number of butterfly species are in danger of going extinct because of things like pollution, habitat loss, and the negative effects of climate change. By actively protecting and educating others about butterflies, the entire rainforest benefits. These beautiful insects hold a special place in the hearts of many, making them an ideal entry point for teaching about biodiversity and the intricate web of relationships that sustains a healthy forest environment.

The Butterfly Guardians project extends its educational mission by conducting workshops at local schools and hosting school field trips for both local and visiting students. The project places significant emphasis on community development, seeking to promote active engagement and meaningful connections with the natural world. Through these efforts to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and drive action, the project endeavors to inspire individuals to make meaningful contributions to the preservation of the rainforest.

More than just a conservation initiative, Butterfly Guardians in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, is a ray of hope for the rainforest and its vulnerable inhabitants. This project, which emphasizes butterflies and is steadfastly committed to educating the public, is evidence of the critical role that each of us plays in protecting the environment. Join Butterfly Guardians on their mission to protect these fragile wonders and ensure the continued health of our rainforests.

Throughout the workshop there will be days free to enjoy the Osa Peninsula and Costa Rica. There are plenty of activities to do around the Puerto Jimenez area, and the Osa Peninsula. It is important to plan ahead for some activities. Hence we have a list of activities here so that you know what to prepare for:

  • Kayaking: Kayaks are for rent in Puerto Jimenez town from $20. It’s possible to go out afternoons after the course is over (around 4pm) for a sunset kayak cruise. You can hire a guide as well to take you through the Mangroves (highly recommended).
  • Bike riding to Playa Preciosa: Bikes are available for rent in Puerto Jimenez town from around $10. You can take a bike and cruise around 45 minutes to a beautiful picture perfect beach with a several kilometer long beach. Perfect for an afternoon or day excursion on your own.
  • Horseback Riding: Horses are for rent in Puerto Jimenez town for around $40 per horse. The guide charges another $40 to join you and show you around.
  • Dolphin and Whale watching tour: Typically we organize a group dolphin and whale watching tour for the entire group (or whoever wants to join). Costs are approximately $50 per person. The tour starts around 7:30am and goes until around 1:30pm. This tour is perfect for a whole day off (Saturday or Sunday).
  • Tour to a Chocolate Making Farm: There is a chocolate farm close to Puerto Jimenez. A tour typically costs around $70 per person, includes transport and chocolate tasting! You will learn everything there is to know about chocolate making!
  • Butterfly farm: The butterfly farm offers night walks to see frogs, crocodiles, snakes and other night active animals. They also offer day tours around the butterfly farm and teach you about the conservation work they do.
  • Hike to a Waterfall: To go for a waterfall hike cost around $20 per person for transport and a guide. They’ll take you for a beautiful walk where you see lots of monkeys and animals, and arrive at a beautiful waterfall where you can go for a swim. This tour is around half a day starting from around 7:30am – 2pm.
  • Surfing in Matapalo: Matapalo is one of the best surf spots around the country. Surf boards are for rent from $20 for experienced surfers, and lessons for beginners starts at around $55 per person. You’ll get a lesson from an experienced surf instructor in small groups (around 3 people per group) and you’re almost guaranteed to stand up !
  • Surfing in Pavones: Pavones is one of the longest left-breaking waves in the world, and is just across the Golfo Dulce. If participants are interested, we can organize a trip to Pavones by boat to go surfing. The cost will depend on how many participants are into going, but may be around $50 per person.
  • Hike to Corcovado National Park: Hikes to Corcovado National Park have to be planned a little further in advance, since park permits are limited. You need a guide to join you for this hike. Costs start from around $140 for a day tour including transport. There is also an option to stay overnight in the park, which would be a bit more expensive (around $250) but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You would sleep in world famous La Sirena Ranger Station in the middle of the jungle.

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