COSTA RICA
About three million years ago the Central American isthmus rose from the sea to link the two Americas. There followed a period of migration between the two continents. The more advanced mammals from the north soon dominated resident marsupials and many species disappeared leaving the tough, opportunistic Opossums.
Costa Rica's unique location, geography and climate has given refuge to species that have died out elsewhere, They can still be found here and this fact together with generous infusions of plants and animals from both continents has resulted in a proliferation of species in Costa Rica that is vastly richer than either North or South America.
Examples of this richness abound:
It is estimated that there are 500,000 animal species in Costa Rica and half of these are insects. For example there are 5,000 species of grasshopper and 220 different kinds of butterfly including the gorgeous electric-blue Morphos butterfly.
There are 160 species of amphibians including 20 kinds of toxic frogs such as the bright green, red and black poison-arrow frogs.
There are 1000 varieties of orchids including “La Guaria Morada” the Costa Rican national flower.
Costa Rica is home to 850 species of birds which is 10% of all known bird species worldwide. (Canada and the USA combined have less than half that number). Birds are the most obvious evidence of biodiversity. Colourful birds are everywhere and it is not uncommon to see 100 different species in one day. The essential ingredient is a guide who can identify the birds and animals that you will see. Alex Martinez is such a person.
Alex Martinez is a native-born Costa Rican, deeply connected to the land he grew up in, with a life-long commitment to protecting his homeland. He has spent decades active as an educator, ornithologist and tour guide and a tireless campaigner against illegal wildlife trade, hunting and timber cutting. For the last 11 years he has run the popular Andrea Cristina Bed and Breakfast in Puerto Viejo as well as providing unique tour opportunities for his guests. Most recently, Alex has been involved in an effort to save the critically endangered and spectacular Great Green Macaw. Be sure to ask him for a report on progress being made by the “Amigos de la Lapa Verde
East to the Caribbean Beaches via Poas Volcano and Rainforests
Nov. 4 - 11, 2006
Day 1 - Fly to San José . We stay in a lovely inn near Grecia, 25 minutes from the airport, high in the hills with incredible views , flowers, hummingbirds galore, unique pool, hedonism! We will celebrate our safe arrival with a dinner together (included) followed by a discussion of the week ahead.
Day 2 – Drive to the top of Poas Volcano; if it is clear, we will hike around the steaming caldera and adjoining elfin cloud forest. Then down through lush jungle past remarkable waterfalls to the Northern Lowlands. At Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui we settle into Posada Andrea Cristina, an ecolodge run by Alex Martinez , our guide for the next five days .
Day 3 – Up early for Alex's early morning bird walk; you may see the beautiful, endangered Giant Green Macaws (only 30 pairs left), parrots, toucans and many others. After breakfast Alex will lead us on our first hike in the jungle, including a boat trip on a local river, an education. Overnight at Alex's B&B.
Day 4 - On the road through banana plantations to the Caribbean Ocean. At Cahuita we check-in to a jungle lodge close to an endless beach. We explore the beach for the rest of the day then return to the lodge .
Day 5 - We hike in Cahuita National Park, on a trail that winds between beach and jungle, featuring 3 kinds of monkeys, sloths, anteaters, cayman, many jungle birds and flowers. After 10 kms of walking we can snorkel on the reef . Snorkels are available.
Day 6 – An outstanding native guide leads us on an unforgettable interpretive hike through an Indian jungle reserve which is a model for harmonious living with nature. Bring local currency to buy some of their hand made crafts they are unique. Back to the lodge.
Day 7 - Early away for a pleasant drive along the palm-studded coast, through banana plantations and over high, lush mountains to San José and our delightful Grecia inn, where we'll can relax by the pool, enjoy the sunset (it's mandatory here) and a midpoint dinner party (included).
Day 8 - To the airport. Farewells to the “first-weekers”, hello to the “second-weekers”: Meanwhile the “both-weekers” relax at the inn or visit a local snake farm or a highly recommended bird zoo. This is also day one of the second trip. Dinner is included .
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West to the Pacific Beaches via Arenal Volcano and
Nature Reserves
Nov. 11 to 18, 2006
Day 1 - Fly to San José . Stay in our Grecia Inn as before. Dinner included.
Day 2 - We drive over interesting foothills to La Fortuna and the active Arenal Volcano, staying at a dramatically located lodge at the volcano's base. There will be time for a hike in Arenal National Park and a soak in a local hot spring.
Day 3 - Alex Martinez leads us on a boat trip in the Reserve Caño Negro a fine opportunity to observe wildlife. In addition to a wide variety of birds the reserve is remarkable for its healthy population of mammals. In the afternoon there may be time to descend to the bottom of Fortuna Waterfall.
Day 4 - After breakfast we drive around Lake Arenal to Guanacaste Province stopping at
Cañas to visit the Wild Cat Rescue Project - an opportunity to see all six species of wild cats in Costa Rica . We continue to the Nicoya Peninsula and our hotel on Playa Samara one of the safest beaches in Cost Rica. Try a dip in the Pacific before a seafood dinner.
Day 5 - We start with a visit to Punta Islita and a walk along this beautiful beach. We will visit a mango plantation and in the evening there may be an opportunity to visit Ostional and witness the miracle of turtles laying their eggs.
Day 6 - An early morning hike and birding session along local trails then an afternoon to enjoy the beach and maybe to try boogie boarding in the surf.
Day 7 - After a leisurely breakfast we pack up and drive back over the mountains to our favourite inn at Grecia. We stop on the way at a river where we can see huge crocodiles basking in the sun from the safety of a high bridge. We spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool enjoying the hospitality of our hosts and a final farewell dinner (included).
Day 8 - To the airport and away with fond memories
Weekly land costs from San José for each trip are $1,298 CAD, $1,168 USD. You can choose 1 or 2 trips. This covers the guided program, transportation, accommodation (dbl, rarely triple) in small resorts, inns and ecolodges, breakfasts and indicated dinners. Optional extras are indicated.
Although every effort will be made to adhere to the above program sometimes changes may become necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
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