Costa Rica

East to the Caribbean Beaches via Poas Volcano and Rainforests

Nov. 14 - 21, 2009

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. 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.

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

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. We hike around the steaming caldera and adjoining elfin cloud forest. Then down through lush jungle past a remarkable waterfall to the Northern Lowlands. At Puerto Viejo de Sarapique 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 . We may see endangered Giant Green
Macaws , parrots, toucans and many other exotic birds. After breakfast Alex will lead us on our first hike in the jungle, perhaps 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 Puerto Viejo we check-in to a spectacular jungle lodge across the road from an endless beach. Explore the beach for the rest of the day.

Day 5 - We hike in Cahuita National Park, on a trail that winds between beach and jungle.  We should see three kinds of monkeys, sloths, and several kinds of insects, birds and flowers.  We stop for a swim in the ocean so bring a bathing suit and towel.

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 as they are unique. A lunch of traditional foods will be served on an interesting “plate”.

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 can relax by the pool, enjoy the sunset 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 nearby bird zoo. This is also day one of the second trip. Dinner is included .

Weekly land costs from San José for each trip are $1,398. You can choose 1 or 2 trips. This covers the guided program, specified transportation, accommodation (double occupancy) in small resorts, inns and ecolodges, breakfasts and indicated dinners.

Although every effort will be made to adhere to the above program changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

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