Other Locations

Expanding your program . . .

While all the activities and learning experiences at Campanario can keep you busy for weeks, there are other beautiful and educational places we frequently visit close to San Jose, in other corners of Costa Rica, and between San Jose and Campanario which can be added to expand your program. Some of these locations have already been listed and briefly described under Cultural Conservation and Low-Impact Living. Depending on your program design, some of these other locations may already be included in your itinerary. Contact us for more information.

Here is a short list of other locations we visit:

Arenal Volcano
Butterfly Kingdom
Caño Palma, Tortuguero
Coopesilencio
Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, La Carpio, www.crhf.org
Dúrika
Empresa de Servicios Publicos de Heredia y Ture Huá
highland bogs
INBio
Irazu Volcano
Kekoldi
La Selva
Las Cruces Wilson Botanical Gardens
Los Cusingos
Los Nimbulos
Monteverde cloud forest
Museo de Jade
Museo de Oro
Parismina turtle project, Stanley
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Poas Volcano
Pretoma
Talamanca cloud forest
Teatro Nacional
Trapiche de Nayo

Click here for Cultural Conservation programs.

Click here for Low-Impact Living programs

Click here for Activities at Campanario

Insects

Insects and Arachnids

Campanario has not, to date, kept an inventory of insects and arachnids. We have, however, taken many pictures of the diversity that can be found. We ask all photographers to share their photos of insects and arachnids, with names if possible, so we can begin our inventory. Thanks.

Comfort and Safety

Buddy System, please . . .

We are concerned for your comfort and safety so that your enjoyment of the rain forest and the area in general is unhampered. Appropriate clothing, shoes, sun and bug protection are vital. We will send you a list of things to pack for Campanario. We provide storage in San José for your "city clothes", should you decide to leave some items there. We ask that you read the packing list carefully, as the list includes items which are absolutely necessary and items which are not recommended or prohibited.

A first aid kit is maintained at the field station for dealing with minor problems, and there's a cellular phone for critical communication with the outside world. In addition, a boat is always available in the event of an emergency evacuation. Because a significant amount of travel time is spent on the water, we do ask that all visitors be able to swim.

Please remember that Campanario is a remote station where good physical condition and a basic awareness of the out-of-doors are important. If you have a serious medical problem and/or limitation, you should check with your doctor and seriously consider your proposed visit.

Accommodations and Facilities

5-Star Jungle Basic...

Field Station

Campanario offers a large and rugged field station with all the simple comforts of home including a large kitchen and dining hall, screened-in dormitories with bunk beds, tiled bathrooms, laundry area, balcony, large front porch, and a great view. Capacity is for 24 in bunks, with more space for mattresses on the floor.

Electricity is generated through solar panels for basic lighting and other essential power needs. Supplemental lighting is by lantern or candlelight. The water is potable, coming from natural springs and filtered. For the educator, the field station also has lab tables and classroom area, library, and some basic equipment.

Cabins

For those folks wanting more individual accommodations, Campanario offers five private cabins on platforms, each with its own "garden" bathroom (Don't worry, there are still showers and toilets, just more open-air than most). Each cabin can sleep 4 comfortably. The cabins, only a fshort walk up the hill behind the field station, are right on the edge of the forest and surrounded by an open lawn with flowers and fruit trees.

Jungle Living

Redefining “Quality of Life”...

Campanario is a remote rainforest reserve with field station and cabins wedged in between the forest and ocean. This means living within a multitude of habitats - a biologist’s dream. Campanario’s first mission is to conserve the forest and marine ecosystems around us. Because of this, we see ourselves as visitors to this rainforest and do our best to keep our impact as small as possible.

Jungle living at the Campanario Biological Station generally requires a change of lifestyle. The sun rises early, and most everyone is up with the sun, be this for bird watching, taking a swim at dawn, or just having coffee on the front porch to watch the splendid colors over the ocean. Daily schedules are usually quite busy with hikes, explorations, hikes, climbing in and out of trees, hikes, watching leaf cutter ants, hikes, and . . . you get the idea. There’s so much to see and do!

Naturally, there are relaxing moments such as swimming and snorkeling in the ocean, resting in a hammock; opening and tasting a fresh coconut, reading any of the books from the extensive library (particularly The Lorax, our favorite book), watching the sun set, and/or enjoying a bonfire at program’s end. There might even be time for playing cards and other games with friends, soccer or frisbee on the beach at low tide (The high tide takes the field away!), sketching, painting, or writing if you’re so inclined. Be sure to bring the materials for your interests.

Evenings find us with mini-lectures, night hikes, games, singing, and/or just talking with friends. Most everyone is in bed and asleep before 9:00pm. Remember, tomorrow is another busy day!

What better quality of life can anyone hope for?

Click here for Accommodations and Facilities

Click here for Comfort and Safety