Costa Rica
West to the Pacific Beaches via Arenal Volcano and
Nature Reserves
November 20 - 27, 2010
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. Stay in our Grecia Inn as before. Welcoming dinner included.
Day 2 - We drive west over scenic foothills to La Fortuna and the active Arenal Volcano, staying at luxurious accommodation at the volcano’s base. On the way we descend to the bottom of dramatic Fortuna Waterfall then soak in our hotel’s hot spring.
Day 3 - Alex Martinez leads us on a jungle walk in Arenal National Park a great place to see the after effects of volcanic eruptions past and recent. Back to the hotel for a final soak in the hot spring.
Day 4 - After breakfast we drive around Lake Arenal stopping to visit a jungle cat rescue mission in Cañas then on 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 dinner.
Day 5 - We start with a swim at beautiful Playa Carrillo followed by a hike through a Mango plantation to a hill that offers great ocean views and sunsets.
Day 6 - A stimulating drive brings us to Monte Alto a private nature reserve where we hike through rain forest to a 600 year old Ceiba tree. On the way back to Samara we stop at an organic coffee plantation for a chance to buy superb Costa Rican organic coffee.
Weekly land costs from San José for each trip are $1,448. 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 sometimes changes may become necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
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