Albuquerque Academy Costa Rica Research Trip

Explore Costa Rica's Bri Bri Culture

Join us for an enriching school-based trip to Costa Rica, where students will immerse themselves in the Bri Bri culture while engaging in vital water quality monitoring and microplastics research. Students will learn about the culture, religion, and agricultural practices of the Bri Bri in southern Costa Rica while living with the village in remote Yorkin.

Cultural Immersion Experience

Research and Exploration

In addition to learning about the culture of the Bri Bri, our students will be collecting water quality samples to analyze for the tribe and to measure for microplastics back home. This website aims to provide essential information and forms for students and parents to participate in this unique trip, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and cultural heritage.

Cultural Immersion Trip

Explore Bri Bri culture while engaging in vital water quality and microplastics research.

Research and Monitoring

Participate in water quality monitoring and contribute to microplastics research efforts.

Student Engagement

Empowering students through hands-on experiences in environmental science and cultural understanding.

Access essential information and forms for a successful trip experience.

Trip Information

Trip Locations

BriBri Territories:

Stibrawpa is the commune in the jungle where we will be learning about the Bri Bri and living in their traditional accommodations. The Bri Bri will be acting as our hosts and us as their guests. This will also be the site of the majority of the water quality testing

San Jose:

The trip will fly into and out of San Jose. This will be our staging area. We will also explore the pre-Columbian gold museum, which will give us a context for the Bri Bri history and origins in the region. We will also visit a nearby volcano to examine the geologic features of Costa Rica. The address above is the hotel we expect to use but we might have to change.

Puerto Viejo:

This will be our last stop. In Puerto Viejo, we will stop by the beach and take a few more water samples. We will get to see how Costa Rica's tectonic history has generated a black sand beach rich in Titanium Ferrite. We will take in the natural wonder of the region and have some time to reflect on our time with the Bri Bri.

What to Expect

Here are some helpful expectations for the trip:

In Yorkin: We will be living in rustic conditions when we stay with the Bri Bri. The cabins we will be using are made of hand-hewn wood planks and thatched roofing. That means you should expect a few things. There is running water, but not hot water; the water flows at the same temperature as the outside air. You can expect a flush toilet and bed, but you will need to use a mosquito net while in the Bri Bri territories. Because the buildings are made to ventilate smoke and are made of natural materials, you should be ready to see some insects. Additionally, as guests in Stibrawpa, we will be helping out with some chores and service to the community. This work is meaningful and will help our hosts; the 12-14 hours of community service count for off-campus community service. Lastly, all phone service is spotty in the Bri Bri territory. You will be able to get some messages out, but many phone calls cannot be completed. This is an opportunity to unplug and connect with the incredible culture you will be experiencing, so take lots of photos, but please lean into this period of limited connection. This is a wonderful trip, and none of the students who have taken it thus far have been too heavily impacted. We just wanted you to make as informed a decision as possible.

Elsewhere in Costa Rica: Cell service should be easily accessible outside of the Bri Bri territories. We will still have busy days and have lots to do, but your accommodations are more standard. We will ask you to remember that we are on a school trip, so while we aim for fun and engagement, you will have some challenges left to face, and we will all have to make compromises (for instances the type of food for dinner or shops to visit) as we navigate a foreign country and unique challenges. You'll still have an absolute blast!

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