Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive San Jose
Day 2: Cerro de la Muerte (L,D)
This morning we drive south into the Cordillera Talamanca and the
ancient oak and misty cloud forests of Cerro de la Muerte. As we near
the 11,450 foot pass, the forests break away to paramo - a high altitude
shrub and grass ecosystem more common to the Andes of Ecuador and Peru.
Dropping into a steep valley we wind our way down to our mountain lodge
at the headwaters of the rushing Savegre River. The steep mountains
descending to the Pacific Coast in this region provide the best
opportunity to see the resplendent quetzal, as well as hundreds of other
bird species. This afternoon we saddle up for a horseback ride to a
nearby waterfall.
Day 3: In search of Quetzals
(B,L,D)
This morning you can wake early to explore the forests around our lodge
and search for the resplendent quetzal, emerald toucanets and colored
trogons. After lunch, it's back to the Interamericana Highway where we
continue south down to the verdant lowlands. Along our way, we pass
checkered coffee farms, small villages, and wide rivers. We arrive at
Las Cruces Biological Station in time for dinner with the resident
biologists and visiting students. Las Cruces is also known as the Wilson
Botanical Garden and it is operated by the Organization for Tropical
Studies. A premier research station, biologists come from around the
world to study the tropical ecology of the more than 6000 plants that
thrive here. This evening you can talk with researchers and take part in
lectures for any visiting students.
Day 4: Las
Cruces Biological Stationn (B,L,D)
What began as a modest garden for the Wilson family is now part of the
La Amistad Biological Reserve. Also known as the Friendship Park, this
is the largest nature reserve in Latin America encompassing forest from
the Caribbean to the Pacific in both Costa Rica and Panama. This morning
you depart for a reforestation project with a resident biologist. Along
the way, you'll learn about the forest through the eyes of a biologist
as you pass through primary and secondary forest. When you arrive at the
site, you'll learn about various stages of reforestation and help plant
trees in the project area. After lunch, spend the afternoon discovering
the fascinating flora of the gardens.
Day 5: Down to the Beach (B,L,D)
This morning we visit the garden nursery to see how a gardener of more
than 6000 species maintains such a vast collection of plants. Then, it's
off to Tiskita Jungle Lodge for lunch and a few days of beach and
rainforest adventure!
 Day
6-7: Tiskita Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)
Steep jungle clad hills plunge down to the Gulf of Dulce where deserted
black sand beaches stretch for miles. Originally an experimental fruit
farm of Peter Aspinall, Tiskita Jungle Lodge now protects 550 acres of
primary and secondary forest in this seldom visited region of Costa
Rica. Thirty-seven acres of the original farm still produce over 100
varieties of fruits such as carambola, mango, guanabana, pineapple,
papaya, guava, vanilla, and more. Savor the flavors of some of these
exotic fruits on a tour of the farm.
Peter is a tireless conservationist and active in the
local community. Through his efforts, the community of Punto Banco
recently built a health clinic, bought new supplies for the school,
created a turtle protection program and developed a hatchery for
endangered olive ridley turtles. Peter's latest project is to
reintroduce scarlet macaws to the region. Years ago he donated the first
male scarlet macaw to mate in captivity, and his generosity has been
rewarded with a gift of 5 mating pairs of macaws to be released in early
2002. Tiskita offers adventure and escape for everyone.
After exploring the jungle around Tiskita with a
naturalist guide, head down to the beach with a boogie board or grab a
snorkel and mask to discover the underwater world of nearby tide pools.
Day 7 is free to explore the forest on your own or relax on the beach.
Optional excursions include visiting Corcovado National Park, horseback
riding or fishing with the locals.
Day 8: Return San Jose (B)
After a delicious tropical breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your
hosts. The flight back to San Jose is by single engine plane and takes
about 70 minutes. This afternoon, explore San Jose on your own or take
an optional coffee farm tour.
Day 9: Home
Accommodations: 4
nights cabaņas, 2 nights biological station, 2 nights comfortable hotel
Food included: All meals while away
from San Jose as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Transportation: 2 charter flights
and minibuses
Group & Staff: Min 2, No Max
Personal budgeting: Allow $60 for
meals not included, $35 optional excursions, $17 international departure
tax
Pre and post tour accommodations:
Share $50, Single $75
Is it for me? A journey of learning
and adrenalin to South Pacific Costa Rica flexible enough for the most
adventurous or those who prefer to take it easy.
Arrival Transfers:
1 person $50 each
2 or more people $25/person
Single Supplement: $275
Note: Internal flights Puerto Jimenez-San Jose not included.
Please add US$70 (flight cost subject to change)
Departure Dates
2001: Dec 15
2002: Jan 12, Feb 9,
Mar 9, Apr 6, May 4, Jun 1, Jun 29, Jul 27, Aug 24, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec
14
2003: Jan 11, Feb 8,
Mar 8, Apr 5, May 3, May 31, Jun 28
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