Travel Sparq, Inc.

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Travel Sparq, Inc. Travel Sparq gives eligible students unique learning opportunities through international travel!

We announce, with deep sadness, the dissolution of Travel Sparq, Inc. Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control...
10/19/2026

We announce, with deep sadness, the dissolution of Travel Sparq, Inc. Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the Board of Directors voted to end the program. We made this decision with the safety and well-being of future students as our top priority.

Travel Sparq’s motto was "locally grown, globally flown." We are profoundly grateful for the incredible support our community has shown over the past four years. Thank you to the families who entrusted us with their students, and to the students who joined us on this journey. Witnessing each participant grow and transform in Costa Rica was a true privilege.

We will donate any remaining funds in our treasury to a local nonprofit that provides adventure opportunities to students in Iowa.

We continue to believe in the transformative power of travel and hope everyone has the chance to experience its opportunities. May you travel far and always keep an open mind.

All of us here at Travel Sparq, Inc. want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible. ...
09/01/2026

All of us here at Travel Sparq, Inc. want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible. Perspectives were shifted, minds opened, and adaptability muscles strengthened. We have an update about the future of the program we will be sharing soon- so stay tuned.

We’re still waiting to hear from a few parents, but here is what the responses to the program’s impact look like so far ...
08/26/2026

We’re still waiting to hear from a few parents, but here is what the responses to the program’s impact look like so far from the people who know the students best:

08/25/2026

A few extras and outtakes ;)

08/24/2026

Just a bit more turtle content because we don’t think there’s a limit to it….. right?

08/21/2026

Between our adventures and classes, we carved out moments to unwind and truly embrace the Pura Vida spirit. With the Caribbean Sea just steps from our bungalows, students dove into the waves with surf and boogie boards or simply stretched out on the sun-warmed sand. There was even time to hunt for unique souvenirs and savor an array of mouthwatering dishes, from local favorites to international treats. 🏄‍♀️🏄

08/20/2026

On the third day, we walked to the Jaguar Rescue Center (JRC) and toured the facility. The students learned not only which animals the facility cares for, but also the initiatives the Center is taking to reduce the number of wildlife that need help in the first place! From purchasing land to create safe release sites to insulating power lines (a HUGE problem for monkeys and sloths), JRC puts the animals' well-being at the forefront.

Later in the evening, we were invited into Josefina’s home to take part in a Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class! The 6 of us and 2 students from Belgium listened as Josefina told us about her family’s history in the region and how the culture has changed. Our students (especially our foodie, Lia) acted as sous chefs to Josefina as she prepared chicken, coconut rice, plantains, and salad! And as if we weren’t already about to burst, she brought out banana bread and ice cream, too!

During our last full day in Puerto Viejo, we hopped in a shuttle with Exploradores Outdoors to do a little whitewater rafting! We ran class III and IV rapids with our guide, Manuel, and saw Costa Rica from the Pacuare River. It's such a unique, exhilarating way to look at the landscape; we saw sloths, birds, monkeys, and floated through the jaw-dropping Dos Montanas Gorge. Bailey said it was one of her favorite parts of the trip and that we should make sure it’s on the itinerary for the next group! And based on the smiles, we would have to agree!

08/19/2026

After our week at the sea turtle conservation, we headed south on the Caribbean coast to enjoy our last few days in the Land of Waterfalls, experiencing, excursioning (?), and eating in Puerto Viejo!

We started our time on the coast with a night hike in Cahuita National Park! We saw sloths, arachnids, insects, frogs, snakes, caiman, birds, bats, cats, and more during the tour with our extremely knowledgeable guide, Cesmar!

On day two, we were picked up by Cesmar in the morning for a BriBri community tour! The BriBri tribe is one of the remaining native tribes in Costa Rica, and we were guided through their community, learning about their history! We saw how every plant in their community had a purpose, including medicinal uses. We also got to watch and help make chocolate from pure cacao beans! Cacao is a sacred part of BriBri culture, and witnessing how they turn that small, bitter bean into amazing hot chocolate was really special.

After we toured the community, we went to the BriBri Sparkling Waterfalls to explore, cool off, and enjoy the natural splendor of Costa Rica as our return to Iowa drew near!

08/18/2026

Costa Rica is known as a biodiversity hotspot, and here are just SOME of the creatures we caught on camera in the wild!

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Ames, IA

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