Hola Costa Rica🌴

 

Our first week in Costa Rica has been absolutely unforgettable. We stayed at a hotel in San Juanillo, where we completed the first part of our course about tropical ecology. Every day brought something new to learn, explore, and experience.

One of the main focuses of the week was learning how to study forest structure. We collected data in the field by measuring tree circumference and estimating tree density, and then learned how to analyze our data using R. 

We also conducted a capture-mark-recapture study on hermit crabs. My groupmates and I carefully marked the individuals with nail polish and recollected them a few days later to estimate population size. It was fascinating to see how ecological research and fieldwork described in textbooks actually work in real life. 

Costa Rica is incredibly hot and humid. By the end of every field session, we were completely soaked in sweat, and the insects definitely kept us company. At first, the climate was challenging to adapt to, but it quickly became part of the adventure. Every day felt different, and there was always something unexpected waiting for us. The best reward after a long, exhausting day in the field was swimming in the ocean. The cool water was the perfect way to end each day:)

One of the most unforgettable moments happened when we received a surprise announcement one evening: we were going to Ostional to witness the nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles. It was one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences I have ever had. We watched the mother turtles dig deep nests, lay their eggs, and carefully cover them with sand before making their way back toward the ocean. Watching these ancient creatures disappear into the waves under the night sky was truly awe-inspiring!

Later in the week, we also took a boat tour and were lucky enough to see sea turtles mating in the ocean. Seeing these incredible animals both on land and at sea made me appreciate how unique Costa Rica’s ecosystems really are.

Overall, this week was physically demanding because everything, from the climate to the everyday schedule, was so different from what I am used to. However, it also made me feel closer to nature than I have ever felt before. Living far away from city lights, seeing the wildlife everywhere, and spending our days outdoors have been both refreshing and inspiring. Next week, we are going to Ostional and start the sea turtle part of the course, and I can’t wait to see them in their natural habitats again.

Pov: what biodiversity looks like in Costa Rica

Everly Feng | Jul 7, 2026