Las Nubes
Expedition
The Las Nubes Expedition is Mondo Eco-Expeditions' flagship trip, taking place in York University’s Las Nubes Biological Reserve and the surrounding Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor (COBAS) in southern Costa Rica.
The Las Nubes Expedition provides hands-on experience in a range of research projects that explore the local flora and fauna of COBAS. Program participants learn about the ecology of the area and gain field research skills in a tropical environment. Through the Las Nubes Expedition, participants take part in community-based conservation by supporting local sustainable agriculture and tourism initiatives, and participating in educational outreach and cultural exchange activities.
Research & Ecology
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Located on the Pacific slope of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the Las Nubes Biological Reserve is home to an abundance of plant and animal life, such as toucans, anteaters and pumas. The area provides an opportunity to gain insight into a unique and biodiverse ecosystem.
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Participants learn from expert guides and gain experience using a variety of research tools and techniques. Examples include clinometers to measure tree height, camera traps to monitor mammals, bird point counts, pitfall traps to monitor reptiles, and stream surveys to monitor amphibians.
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While each expedition is relatively short in length, the data collected by participants contributes to long-term research and monitoring projects.
Experiential Learning
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All expeditions are supplemented with lectures in ecology and conservation, with a specific focus on Costa Rica and COBAS. Topics can be customized to tie in with your school's curriculum. Participants also engage with local school and community groups for impactful educational workshops.
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Participants visit and learn about sustainable community initiatives, such as coffee and sugarcane plantations, bird watching tours and reforestation efforts. "Fun Day" excursions, like swimming under breathtaking waterfalls, support eco-tourism in the region. These cultural activities promote sustainability efforts and give participants insight into how people work and live in COBAS.
Accommodation
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While in COBAS, program participants live with experienced local host families in the seven communities surrounding the Las Nubes Biological Reserve.
Host families open their homes and share their lives with participants, providing food and accommodation throughout the expedition. These living arrangements offer an enriching cultural learning experience, and benefit the local communities by providing income to participating families.
It is our vision that by discussing research projects with host families, participants enhance local environmental awareness and encourage conservation throughout the biological corridor.