Rain Forests and Reefs of Central America. a program of the stanford alumni association. From the Caribbean Sea. the Panama Canal. March 8 to 22, 2013

Transcription

1 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Rain Forests and Reefs of Central America From the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal March 8 to 22, 2013 a program of the stanford alumni association

2 Ask seasoned travelers about their most unusual and memorable adventures and it s not uncommon to hear tales of transiting the Panama Canal. Sailing from the east coast of the Western Hemisphere to its west coast in a few hours time is indeed an extraordinary experience, made possible through one of the greatest engineering feats in history and brought to life with lectures from our learned faculty leader and a team of expert naturalists. Cruising aboard the elegant Island Sky, we ll also visit indigenous Indians, make forays into virgin rain forests, and snorkel amid the colorful coral reefs that dot Central America s coasts and offshore islands. Join us for this pageant of manmade and natural wonders! Brett S. Thompson, 83, Director, Stanford Travel/Study scarlet macaw Highlights SEARCH for specimens of Central America s incredibly diverse wildlife over 750 species of birds have been recorded in Costa Rica alone. interact with the Kuna Indians of San Blas and the Emberá Indians of the Darién, both of whom proudly preserve their cultural heritage. ENjoy a daylight transit through the historic locks of the Panama Canal, one of the world s most impressive engineering projects. experience world-class snorkeling, from Belize s Half Moon Caye to one of the world s largest marine parks in Coiba, Panama. embera indian village

3 H ONDURAS Granada Pa C OSTA R ICA ci Puerto Caldera San José fi c an Caribbean Sea Isla de Providencia F r iday, M a r c h 8 U.S. / BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Depart from home on independent flights to Belize City. Meet fellow travelers during dinner at our hotel. RADISSON FORT GEORGE HOTEL (D) This morning we board boats for a wildlife cruise through both virgin marsh and forest. We hope to spot Morrelet s crocodiles, northern jacanas, anhingas and great egrets, as well as such rare species as snail kites and black-collared hawks. A short walk through the jungle brings us to the ruins of Lamanai, one of Belize s largest Mayan centers. An interesting archaeological aspect of the site is the excavation revealing the multiple layers of pyramids built upon other pyramids as one king succeeded the prior king. This afternoon board our ship and set out for the cayes of Belize. S u n day, M a r c h 10 LIGHTHOUSE REEF Established in 1981, Lighthouse Reef s Half Moon Caye Natural Monument is a bird sanctuary and the only nesting site of red-footed boobies in the region. During nature walks we observe these pelagic birds as well as ospreys, mangrove warblers, magnificent frigatebirds and white-crowned pigeons. The waters off Half Moon Caye offer excellent snorkeling amid purple seafans and colorful fish. M o n day, M a r c h 11 ROATÁN, HONDURAS Today we explore the largest of Honduras Bay Islands, Roatán. The island has a mountainous backbone and is completely surrounded by coral reefs that are among the most thriving in the Caribbean. Crystal-clear waters also offer excellent snorkeling 300 feet from the beach, where the water is only five feet deep. Other activities we enjoy here include an excursion to a botanical garden, shopping for mementos in the island s westend stores or an exhilarating zip-line experience. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D) Lamanai Puerto Limón Bocas del Toro Panama Escudo de Canal Veraguas San Blas Archipelago P ANAMA Mogue River Isla Caño Rio Claro Isla Coiba Itinerary S at u r day, M a r c h 9 LAMANAI RUINS / EMBARK ic an N ICARAGUA Managua Islas Solentiname ce nt Copán EL SALVADOR O la ce G UATEMALA At O Lamanai Belize City Tikal Lighthouse Reef MEXICO B ELIZE Roatán DARIÉN capuchin monkey T u es day, M a r c h 12 SAILING THE CARIBBEAN SEA Enjoy a full day at sea as our lecturers introduce us to the natural and historical highlights that lie ahead. W ed n es day, M a r c h 13 ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA, COLOMBIA Far from mainland Colombia, stop at rarely visited Isla de Providencia, a warm and friendly, English-speaking island with the nostalgic feel of the Caribbean of yesteryear. An island tour this morning takes us to a parochial school and other points of interest ashore. Or venture out to snorkel among a variety of fish, including colorful tangs, cuttlefish and barracuda. T h u r s day, M a r c h 14 PUERTO LIMÓN, COSTA RICA Today we arrive in lovely Costa Rica and board shallow-draft boats for an excursion among the Tortuguero Canals, home to 2,000 plant species, more than 400 species of birds and 13 of Costa Rica s 16 endangered mammals. During our exploration of the raffia-lined waterways, we may spot sloths, howler and capuchin monkeys, wood storks, bare-throated tiger herons, roseate spoonbills, Montezuma oropendolas and ringed kingfishers, as well as crocodiles, caimans, turtles, iguanas and Jesus Christ lizards. Return to our ship for lunch and set sail for Panama. F r iday, M a r c h 15 ESCUDO DE VERAGUAS, PANAMA Ten miles off the coast of Panama, isolated Escudo de Varaguas is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Zodiacs take us to the southern side of the island to view the steep white cliffs and rock stacks where brown boobies nest. Explore the long sandy beach and the jungle beyond in search of the endemic pygmy sloth and Escudo hummingbird. The island is also one of the best places in the world to spot the rare uniform crake. Blue channels and a superb coral reef provide excellent snorkeling opportunities. S at u r day, M a r c h 16 SAN BLAS ARCHIPELAGO The San Blas Archipelago is a group of over 350 islands stretching for 200 miles along

4 teeming marine life panama canal isla coiba Frigate Birds nesting Panama s east coast. Our exploration offers up-close views of the wildlife native to the archipelago. San Blas is also home to the Kuna Indians, a semiautonomous tribe still practicing the traditions of its ancestors, including the crafting of molas, brightly colored, appliquéd fabrics. We have the opportunity to meet with the Kuna, learn of their culture and purchase molas. In the afternoon we land at Holandes Caye to beachcomb or snorkel in the inviting waters. Sunday, March 17 TRANSIT THE PANAMA CANAL During our daylight transit of the amazing Panama Canal, the Island Sky gracefully navigates the canal s three mighty locks, Gatún Lake and the dramatic Gaillard Cut. Relax on deck and enjoy a historical perspective as we follow this famed waterway to the Pacific. Monday, March 18 MOGUE RIVER, DARIÉN PROVINCE Panama s remote Darién Province is one of the last unspoiled regions in Central America. In Zodiacs and dugout canoes we make our way up the Mogue River to meet with the indigenous Emberá Indians who live in small, thatched-hut villages. Primarily harvesters of forest agricultural products, they are also well-known for their baskets and the carvings they fashion from cocobolo, a dense hardwood. The Emberá are also famed for their music and dance, and as we approach the village listen for percussion and flutes celebrating our arrival. Tuesday & Wednesday, March 19 & 20 ISLA COIBA We anchor off Isla Coiba for a two-day exploration of one of the largest marine parks in the world. On nature hikes search for more than 130 species of birds, including red-legged honeycreepers, crimson-backed tanagers and brilliantly colored lance-tailed manakins. Zodiacs take us on excursions along the island s wild shores and bring us to secluded beaches. Snorkeling is excellent as Coiba is also the site of a large coral reef where a convergence of currents reveals a stellar array of eastern Pacific tropical marine life. ISLAND SKY (B,L,D BOTH DAYS) Thursday, March 21 RÍO CLARO, COSTA RICA / ISLA CAÑO Zodiacs take us ashore for a hike to the Río Claro. Scarlet macaws nest along our route, and we may spy white-faced capuchin monkeys, red-legged and shining honeycreepers, chestnut-mandibled toucans and black-cheeked ant tanagers, a bird endemic only to the Osa Peninsula. Isla Caño, our afternoon destination, offers excellent snorkeling with opportunities to see a variety of Pacific Coast reef denizens such as triggerfish, angelfish and barracudas, plus rays, sea turtles and white-tip reef sharks. Enjoy a farewell cocktail reception aboard ship this evening before dinner. Friday, March 22 PUERTO CALDERA / DISEMBARK / SAN JOSÉ / U.S This morning we bid farewell to our ship in Puerto Caldera and transfer to San José for flights homeward. (B) Pre-voyage Extension Ancient Mayan Mysteries March 3 to 8 Explore two of the bestpreserved Mayan sites in the Americas: Tikal in Guatemala and Copán in Honduras. These former glorious cities give us a rare look into the daily lives, culture and beliefs of a people who once dominated Central America. Enjoy a two-day stay in the island-town of Flores, take a cruise on Lake Peten Itza and visit the splendid Copán Butterfly and Orchid Farm. Post-voyage Extension Nicaragua: Land of Lakes and Volcanoes March 22 to 28 Known for its incredible diversity of tropical flora and fauna, Nicaragua also boasts a long history and rich cultural heritage. Visit Los Guatuzos Wildlife Reserve, Indio Maiz Biosphere Reserve, Masaya Volcano National Park and Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve, as well as the small charming town of El Castillo and historic Granada. Pricing and detailed itinerary will be sent to confirmed participants.

5 columbus deck cabin kuna indian island sky Island Sky Originally built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2010, Island Sky accommodates all guests in 55 outside suites, each affording sea views and elegantly furnished with a sitting room area, flat-screen TV, safe, mini-refrigerator and an en suite bathroom with robes, slippers, hairdryer and fine toiletries. Several suites have private balconies. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a large lounge, elegant bar and library. The dining room accommodates everyone at a single seating. The ship also includes a beauty salon, onboard clinic and doctor, elevator serving all passenger decks, top deck with Jacuzzi and rear sun deck with a bar. Island Sky is served by 75 experienced officers and crew. Program Cost * Rates are per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise specified Category Rate Category 1 $11,980 Category 2 $12,980 Beauty Center Gym Sun Deck and Spa Pool Explorer Deck Category 3 $13,980 Category 4 $15,280 Outdoor Café Bar Bridge Erikson Deck Category 5 $16,780 Category 6 $18,280 Library The Club Marco Polo Deck Single/Category 2 $16,280** Single/Category 3 $17,480** Lounge Reception Columbus Deck * Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited at this rate. Additional singles may be available at 1.6 times the share rate Flag: Bahamas Length: 297 ft. Beam: 50 ft. Draft: 14 ft Doctor Magellan Deck Restaurant

6 Information Dates March 8 to 22, 2013 (15 days) Size Limited to a total of 110 participants, including travelers from Stanford and Zegrahm Expeditions. INCLUDED 1 night of deluxe hotel accommodations 13-night cruise aboard Island Sky 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program NOT INCLUDED International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Independent and private transfers Tripcancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as wi-fi access, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services air arrangements International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on United Airlines from San Francisco to Belize City, Belize, with return from San José, Costa Rica, via Houston is approximately $750 as of March 2012 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent. FUEL COSTS In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge. WHAT TO EXPECT The climate varies greatly for the countries in this region and you should be prepared for all types of weather. Temperatures can range from 60 (ºF) to 90, and rain is a strong possibility in the tropical and rain forest areas we visit. For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to be able to climb into and out of Zodiacs for snorkeling activities and excursions ashore. While ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances, unaided, along beaches and sometimes over rough terrain, including steep and slippery trails. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program. Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to hold space for this program. An additional $200-perperson deposit is required to hold space for each extension. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability. Cancellations & Refunds Deposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-perperson cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you. Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter. Eligibility We encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/membership or call (650) Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is understood that the ship s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in April 2012 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. California Seller of Travel Program Registration # COPYRIGHT 2012 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Printed on recycled, FSC-certified paper in the U.S.

7 Buzz was friendly, generous, positive and knowledgeable! Gloria Corey, 55, Great Rivers of South America Expedition, 2010 Stanford Faculty Leader Barton Buzz Thompson, BA 73, MBA 75, JD 76, a leading authority on environmental and natural resources policy, is one of the founding directors of Stanford s Woods Institute for the Environment. His research, scholarship and teaching focus on a broad range of environmental issues ranging from the management of ocean fisheries to protection of natural landscapes to the sustainable provision of freshwater. At Stanford: joined the Stanford Law School faculty in 1986; Robert E. Paradise Professor in Natural Resources Law since 1995; vice dean, Stanford Law School, ; founding director of the law school s Environmental and Natural Resources Program; the perry L. McCarty Director of the Woods Institute for the Environment since 2004; senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies since 2001 Chairman of the board, the Resources Legacy Fund and the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation; California trustee, The Nature Conservancy; board member, the American Farmland Trust and the Sonoran Institute BA, economics and political science, 1973, Stanford University; MBA, 1975, Stanford Business School; JD, 1976, Stanford Law School Expedition Leaders Since 1990, Stanford Travel/Study has partnered with Zegrahm Expeditions to combine some of the world s most remote and remarkable destinations with expedition leaders and naturalists who are experts in their fields and passionate about the natural wonders we encounter. Joining this expedition are Lia Oprea, expedition leader; Pepper Trail, an ornithologist, conservationist, photographer and writer; and Conrad Weston, a native Costa Rican and naturalist who specializes in tropical ecosystems. S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y Reservation Form Rain Forests and Reefs of Central America March 8 to 22, 2013 MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS MR. / MRS. / MS. MISS / DR. / PROF. NAME age STANFORD CLASS ADDRESS SIGN UP ONLINE! I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations. OR I plan to share accommodations with OR I d like to know about possible roommates. Category Preference: 1st choice: Twin Beds Queen Bed 2nd choice: Twin Beds Queen Bed Here is my deposit of $ ($1,000 per person) for space(s), plus $ ($200 per person/per extension) for the following: Maya Extension Nicaragua Extension CITY / STATE / ZIP Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CARD # EXPIRES CELL PHONE AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE ADDRESS Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?reefs2013. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. 8555

8 Rain Forests and Reefs of Central America From the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal March 8 to 22, 2013 Stanford Travel/Study Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center 326 Galvez Street Stanford, CA (650) Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Stanford Alumni Association alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy No single great material work which remains to be undertaken on this continent is as of such consequence to the American people. President Theodore Roosevelt, speaking of the Panama Canal in a speech to Congress, 1901 S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y