Mexico Eight Day Course
Introduction to tropical ecosystems and culture
Sea Turtle Camp, Tropical Forest, Tropical Reef

Day One: Arrive in Puerto Vallarta. Meet staff at airport. Proceed by van to Mayto, one of the most beautiful white beaches in Mexico. This beach is remote, pristine and 8 miles in length.. View spectacular mountains, river canyons and tropical forest in route (2 hour ride). Orientation and supper at the Mayto Sea Turtle Camp. Settle in. Evening patrol to spot nesting sea turtles and rescue newly laid eggs from poachers.

Day Two: Early breakfast. Morning hike through the tropical forest to a beautiful river. Time to swim and relax in shallow pools. Return for lunch. Afternoon visit to tree nursery for transplanting tropical trees. Supper. Early evening work in the turtle nest pens, dusk release of sea turtle hatchling (if any have hatched out in the nest pens). Evening patrols.

Day Three: Early breakfast. Proceed to nearby coastal village located along sheer cliffs. Boat ride out into the ocean to swim with, capture and study adult mle sea turtles (that can not be seen on the nesting beaches). Lunch. Free time to catch up on sleep or enjoy the beach. Supper. Evening work in turtle nesting pens. Release hatchlings at dusk. Evening patrl.

Day Four: Early Breakfast. Depart for Tenacatita - 3 hour drive. Settle into hotel. Picnic lunch. Snorkel the only coral reef on the Pacific coast of Mexico. See a large variety of reef fish and other marine life. Time to beach comb and observe several types of seabirds including frigate birds and pelicans. Watch a glorious sunset. Evening dinner at restaurant.

Day Five: Early breakfast. Morning beach walk and swim. Visit a rustic coconut plantation and sample coconut and coconut water. Lunch. Return to coral reef for another snorkeling excursion. Late afternoon free time. Dinner in Restaurant.

Day Six: Return to Puerto Vallarta via coastal road. Stop at Chamela Dry Forest Reserve in route to take a short hike in this special habitat. Stop for picnic lunch. Continue on to Puerto Vallarta and check into a charming seaside hotel at the far edge of the old city. Late afternoon stroll along the beachfront. Dinner in a traditional Mexican restaurant.

Day Seven: Breakfast in the hotel. Day long boat excursion to include distant beaches, snorkeling sites and tropical forest trail that leads to a breathtaking waterfall. Lunch included. Return to town. Dinner in Restaurant.

Day Eight: Breakfast in hotel. School visit, time permitting. Chance to donate basic school supplies to needy students. Proceed to airport. Depart for home.