Costa Rica

West to the Pacific Beaches via Monteverde (Green Mountain)

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. Welcoming dinner (included).

Day 2 - We drive west over scenic foothills and up to the Monteverde cloud forest at Santa Elena. Alex Martinez will lead an afternoon hike that will explain why this is one of the most popular nature destinations in the tropics. More than 2,500 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals and 120 species of reptiles and amphibians have been catalogued in the area.

Day 3 - Alex leads a hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Bring your binoculars as we might see the Resplendent Quetzal the most sought-after bird sighting in Latin America. This iridescent, emerald-green bird (the national bird of Guatemala) was revered in Aztec and Maya culture where its tail feathers were worn by the nobility. However, it is now endangered due to habitat destruction.

Day 4 - We return to the lowlands from the Monteverde Region and continue west to the Nicoya Peninsula and our hotel on Playa Samara one of the safest beaches in Cost Rica. Try a dip in the Pacific Ocean or the swimming pool 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 Ceibra tree. On the way back to Samara we stop at an organic coffee plantation for a chance to purchase superb Costa Rican coffee.

Day 7 – Up early to pack and drive to a river where we see huge crocodiles basking in the sun from the safety of a high bridge. Then back over the mountains to Gracia and an afternoon relaxing by the pool before our farewell dinner (included)

Day 8 – To the airport and away with fond memories of our Eco-Adventure in Costa Rica

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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