Explore costa rica volcanoes, rivers and rainforests Join the Loomis Chaffee Center for Global Studies and the Alumini Office in Costa Rica March 8-16, 2014
F rom the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean coast to mistshrouded mountains cloaked in cloud forest, Costa Rica is a paradise for the naturalist. This peaceful little country, located at a natural bridge between North and South America, contains a phenomenally diverse concentration of wildlife. With over 25% of the country set aside for national parks and reserves, it s easy to understand how Costa Rica has earned its reputation as the wildlife sanctuary of the Americas. Within these rainforests and cloud forests there is an impressive array of flora and fauna. In the lowland jungles, monkeys create a commotion in the canopy, in the company of toucans and macaws. In the central highlands of Costa Rica, luxuriant cloud forests blanket mountains, valleys and active volcanoes. In this emerald kingdom, giant tree ferns, orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytes add an air of enchantment. In addition to wildlife explorations accompanied by expert Naturalists, our itinerary features comfortable accommodations and opportunities to relax, enjoy the local culture and take in the most beautiful tropical beaches in the country. Destination Highlights Our guides are the best in Costa Rica, trained in both universities and in the field. Look for spider, capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys, sloths, hummingbirds, resplendent quetzals and more in the country s pristine parks and reserves. Our accommodations at the Arenal Springs Resort put us in prime position to see the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Not only will you enjoy a traditional dinner with Doña Mireya at Hidalgo Family Hot Springs, you ll meet one of the original Quaker settlers of Monteverde.
costa rica Monteverde 3 2 Arenal Arenal Volcano National Park Sarapiquí 1 Tortuguero National Park Caño Blanco Caribbean Sea San José San José arrive / depart Journey by Land Journey by air Journey by boat 1 Turtles of Tortuguero Four turtle species green, hawksbill, loggerhead and leatherback lay eggs on the beaches of Tortuguero. 2 Nature s Fireworks When Arenal erupted July 29, 1968, the blast was felt as far away as Boulder, Colorado. Our resort offers an unobstructed view of the imposing volcano. 3 Creatures of the Cloud Forest While resplendent quetzals are Monteverde s most famous inhabitants, this cloud forest is home to at least 300 bird species. 9-Day Costa Rica Expedition Itinerary Day 1 U.S. / San José Fly independently to San José, and spend tonight at the Doubletree Cariari. Day 2 San José / Tortuguero After an early flight, visit the village of Tortuguero, bordered by swelling ocean, lagoons and jungle. You can take a night walk in the rainforest. Spend the next two nights at Evergreen Lodge. (B,L,D) Day 3 Tortuguero National Park Explore the flooded forests of Tortuguero, established to protect the largest nesting ground of green sea turtles in the Caribbean and the surrounding lowland rainforest home to jaguars, manatees and the endangered great green macaw. Glide along the black waters surrounded by towering trees, looking for colorful birdlife and primates. Enjoy a night excursion during sea turtle nesting season. (B,L,D) Day 4 Tortuguero / Sarapiquí Depart for the primary forests, swamps and banana plantations of Sarapiquí. Spend two nights at Sueño Azul. (B,L,D) Day 5 Sarapiquí Listen to the morning songs of birds and frogs en route to the Cascades to swim in the natural pools of spring water. Gaze at tropical butterflies in the on-site Butterfly Garden before hiking into the heart of the jungle. The afternoon is free to enjoy a variety of adventures, including white-water rafting, horseback riding or zip-lining through the canopy. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Sarapiquí / Arenal Explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges. As we walk these trails, see flowers and wildlife typical of the rainforest. Visit the Hidalgo family to enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by our local host, Doña Mireya. Spend tonight at the Arenal Springs Resort, enjoying a dip in the hot springs. (B,L,D) Day 7 Arenal / Monteverde A boat takes us across Lake Arenal to an ecological farm, where we enjoy lunch. Continue to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Once settled into El Establo, we ll be visited by one of the area s original Quaker settlers. (B,L,D) Day 8 Monteverde Explore the Monteverde Reserve, looking for motmots, hummingbirds, toucans and the stunning resplendent quetzal. After a coffee tour learning about Costa Rica s golden bean, visit the Butterfly Garden. (B,L,D) Day 9 Monteverde / San José / U.S. Return to San José for our independent flights home, departing after 2 p.m. (B)
In this land of eternal spring you discover the richest, most complex tropical cloud forest in the New World Monteverde. There are six distinct forest types at Monteverde, with each tree trunk, every limb and even the ground itself becoming a solid mat of living green. Experience the Full Beauty of Nature s Rich Coast No less dramatic than a volcano or an elegant orchid, the easy tranquility of Costa Rica s people is often a surprise to first-time visitors. But at International Expeditions we discovered decades ago that beauty in Costa Rica goes beyond nature. Arenal Volcano Magenta-throated woodstar with an orchid
Superb Accommodations Arenal Springs Resort Your cabin at Arenal Springs Resort offers an impressive, unobstructed view of the Arenal Volcano. Each of the air-conditioned cabins include vaulted ceilings and comfortable beds you can see the volcano from your bed. At night, relax on the private porch in a leather rocking chair. Evergreen Lodge In Tortuguero your small group will spend two nights at the Evergreen Lodge, just a five minute boat ride from Tortuguero National Park s main entrance. This lodge has 26 spacious rooms, with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water and ceiling fans. During our leisure time at this accommodation, you may wish to relax at the swimming pool, enjoy music at the bar or treat yourself to a spa visit. sueño azul The peaceful Sueño Azul Lodge is the ideal Costa Rica travel accommodation for nature lovers, boasting a coveted location near Braulio Carrillo National Park and the scenic rivers of the Sarapiquí region. All of the hotel s rooms feature a panoramic view of lakes or mountains, which you can enjoy from your private terrace. El Establo While in the lush cloud forests, we spend two nights on our Costa Rica tour at El Establo, set in a private 150 acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde Reserve. The rooms at El Establo feature excellent views of the Gulf of Nicoya on clear days, private bathrooms, orthopedic mattresses, cable TV and hair dryers. Great Guides Leading your group will be local expert naturalists like Jonathan Sequeira, a Master Naturalist who did his Ph.D work in medicinal plants of the rainforest. While each of our guides has studied science, nature and wildlife at the university level and in the field, Jonathan, Luis and Miguel also ensure you have the most fulfilling journey possible! Nesting sea turtles march 8-16, 2014 Double Occupancy................$3,298 Single Occupancy.................$4,048 what s included Choice of horseback riding, white-water rafting, canopy zip line & more in Sarapiquí Traditional dinner with Doña Mireya Tour of local coffee farm Arenal Hanging Bridge excursion Wildlife excursions on land & by boat Daily rainforest walks Swimming in natural pools & hot springs Flight to Tortuguero Visits to two Butterfly Gardens Guided tours & enriching lectures by naturalists Nightly briefings on history, wildlife & conservation 22 meals Tips to porters & to waiters for included meals Bottled water on transfers All entrance fees Transfers on group arrival & departure dates Expedition Price Does Not Include: International airfare, passport and visa fees, items of a personal nature, and tips to naturalist guide and expedition leader. Cancellations: All cancellations must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt in our office. Cancellations received up to 90 days prior to departure will be refunded all monies less an administrative charge of $175. Cancellations between 89 and 61 days prior to departure are assessed $350. Cancellations between 60 and 0 days prior to departure are assessed the full cost of the journey. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST 2045230-20
For more information contact: Alexander M. McCandless Christopher H. Lutz Director Center for Global Studies Loomis Chaffee School alec_mccandless@loomis.org 860-687-6298