E.A.R.T.H. University
An agricultural college with a focus on investigating sustainable agriculture in tropical environments, E.A.R.T.H. University (Escuela de Agricultura de la Region Tropical Humeda) is located in the town of Guacimo, just east of Guapiles in the Limon Province. This non-profit, private university encompasses 990 acres (400 ha) of lowland forest, including a large, 570,280 square foot (52,980 sq. km) campus that consists of a variety of facilities including classrooms, laboratories, administrative buildings, and residence halls for live-in students and professors.
E.A.R.T.H's students and faculty tackle the prominent environmental problems that are affecting our world today, such as deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, exploitation of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, poverty, and problems facing rural communities. The faculty's goal is to create an environment conducive to experiential learning. In other words, students are always active in the "field', hypothesizing, researching, and observing, with the intent on learning valuable experimental techniques that will help them in their professional careers, and contribute positively to the environment.
The university's vast tropical forest is available for exploration to the public. Many trails wind through the reserve, offering incredible birding opportunities and a chance to spot some of the other local fauna that inhabits the Caribbean region. Visitors, including overnighters, can be accommodated with prior arrangements.
Travel to Guacimo and E.A.R.T.H. is relatively easy. They are located north of Guapiles, off Highway 32 which connects San Jose and Puerto Limon. Signs indicate the proper turnoffs from Highway 32 as well as from within Guapiles.
Where to stay in E.A.R.T.H. University
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every E.A.R.T.H. University accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hotel Suerre & Country Club
The Hotel Suerre & Country Club offers a comprehensive set of well-maintained athletic facilities and a modern hotel. An hours drive from San Jose in Guápiles, this Central Highlands resort sits in the lush tropical plains near the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Pacuare Lodge
Situated within Costa Rica’s Caribbean region along the banks of the Pacuare River, the Pacuare Lodge is an experience in comfort, conservation and community. The lodge is nestled within a 25,000-acre protected area known as Pacuare, which begins near the town of Turrialba and descends down the Talamancan mountain range.
Turrialtico Mountain Lodge
The splendid Turrialtico Mountain Lodge is located in the central highlands of Costa Rica, just outside of the town of Turrialba. The charming town of Turrialba is conveniently located between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast, surrounded by fertile farmland and green mountain pastures.
Hotel Casa Turire
Hotel Casa Turire is situated in the central valley of Costa Rica, just two hours from San Jose. In the heart of the verdant Turrialba agricultural region, this beautiful estate is surrounded by the wild Reventazon River, with the imposing presence of the Turrialba Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. A delicate balance has been maintained between agricultural development and ecological preservation so visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty and diversity of flora and fauna.
Aninga Lodge
A neat place to stay in a truly exotic location, Aninga Lodge offers private cabins connected by raised walkways. Keep a lookout for birds, mammals, and other animals while you stay and explore here—Tortuguero is absolutely teeming with wildlife.
Evergreen Lodge
The Evergreen Lodge is located in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero. This hotel has eco-friendly accommodations and is surrounded by nature.
Pachira Lodge
The Pachira Lodge is located on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica near the National Park of Tortuguero. The lodge is surrounded by a network of very scenic canals and is considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterized by its rich flora and fauna. Arriving at this paradise is an exciting and unique experience as it consists of either flying or busing into the coast near Limon and then taking a short boat ride to Tortuguero.
Hotel Mawamba
Hotel Mawamba is located in Tortuguero, on a piece of land between a canal and the ocean, just a short walk from the beach. Tortuguero is a network of lake and canals and is accessible only by boat or air. Because of its remote isolation, this hotel offers an exclusive look at a tropical environment that serves as an important nesting ground for sea turtles.
Manatus Hotel
Manatus Hotel is an all-inclusive hotel in Tortuguero National Park. It is located between the canal and the coast.
Laguna Lodge
Laguna Lodge lies along Costa Rica's northern Caribbean Zone, an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land between the sea on one side and the Tortuguero-Lagoon on the other. This Region is the most important nesting site in the entire Western half of the Caribbean for the green sea turtle. The Caribbean provides a unique mixture of cultures from the Indigenous to Jamaican influences bringing you a completely different side of Costa Rica.
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens
The Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is on Costa Rica's northeast Caribbean coast, just offshore of the port town of Limon. Limon is a lively town with a distinct Jamaican influence in the ambiance and foods. The draw of Tortuguero is its slow-moving tropical rivers, astounding rainforests, and the Tortuguero National Park, one of the most important nesting sights of the Green Sea Turtle.
Flora & fauna in E.A.R.T.H. University
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in E.A.R.T.H. University, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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