COSTA RICA A FIELD COURSE

LENGTH: 11 Days/10 Nights

FIXED DEPARTURE DATES: Jun 18-28

*Other dates for individuals, families and groups, including WINTER INTERIM BREAK and SPRING BREAK, available upon request.

*Our standard COSTA RICA A FIELD COURSE itinerary can be modified in content and length for SPECIAL INTERESTS and NEEDS.

*An affordable extension to TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK before or after our COSTA RICA A FIELD COURSE available upon request. Description is included below.

*WHITE-WATER RAFTING in Costa Rica also available upon request.

*Please also see our COSTA RICA FIELD COURSE for INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS and our COSTA RICA FIELD COURSE for EDUCATORS at http://www.rainforestandreef.org or contact us for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

*FIELD COURSES for those with SPECIAL INTERESTS, such as BIRDING and GARDEN GROUPS are available upon request. Sample itineraries can be seen at http://www.birdingtours.org (being updated), http://www.gardentours.org (being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org (being updated). Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

*SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAMS for individuals/groups are also available in Costa Rica. A sample itinerary can be seen at http://www.iwanttolearnspanish.org (being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org (being updated). SPANISH IMMERSION is also available in the rainforest. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

FIELD COURSE COST: 1305.00USD per person Low Season (Apr 1-Nov 30)/1375.00 USD per person High Season (Dec 1-Mar 31). Based on a minimum of 15 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our COSTA RICA A FIELD COURSE with 15 full-paying participants. Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double and single occupancy available upon request, usually at an extra cost.

Notes: Group Leaders, please contact Rainforest and Reef for details about STIPENDS for bringing 15 or more full-paying participants.

For individuals, families or groups of less than 15 full-paying participants, please contact Rainforest and Reef for pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

Includes: All INSTRUCTION and BI-LINGUAL GUIDE SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in the itinerary; all GROUND and WATER TRANSPORTATION within Costa Rica; ONE-WAY DOMESTIC AIRFARE Puerto Jiminéz-San José on DAY 7; all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS and OTHER SITES.

Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE to Costa Rica; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX (26.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL ITEMS.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: Rainforest and Reef uses consolidators/wholesalers for all of our GROUP and INDIVIDUAL airfares. We are therefore able to offer the LOWEST RATES available. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

ITINERARY:

MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Note: On the MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM that you will be receiving shortly after registration, please make us aware of any special meal requests and/or dietary restrictions….vegan, vegetarian, etc., that you or members of your group may have. We will be pleased to fulfill your requests/needs.

DAY 1 ARRIVAL SAN JOSÉ-FIELD COURSE ORIENTATION. Following your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, outside of San José, you will be met by our Costa Rica A Field Course Staff and transferred to your hotel. After dinner, there will be an orientation session to our Costa Rica A Field Course. Overnight San José. D

Note: You will be met outside of Immigration and Customs by Rainforest and Reef Staff.

DAY 2 CABAÑAS CHACÓN-CLOUDFOREST HIKE. After an early breakfast, we will depart by bus and travel southeast, along the Pan American Highway. Our route will have us climb steadily to an elevation of 7,200 feet. About 50 miles from San José, we will come to the village of San Gerardo de Dota and then travel on to Cabañas Chacón. Established in 1957 when Don Efraín Chacón, family members and several close friends bushwhacked their way through over 30 miles of forest to the site where the family farm now stands. Aside from the farm and cabins built for guests, the surrounding region is one of the finest examples of high elevation cloudforest in all of Latin America. In addition, the Savegre River runs through the property and is excellent for trout fishing. The farm itself has apple orchards and a small dairy operation. There are numerous trails here that provide an excellent opportunity for hiking. Horseback riding is also available. Cabañas Chacón and the surrounding cloudforest, is considered by many to be the best place in the Latin America to see the resplendent quetzal year-round, one of the most beautiful birds in all of the Americas. Other high-elevation birds, that could be sited, include a wide variety of hummingbirds, the sooty robin, volcano junco and several species of silky flycatchers. Meals are home cooked and much of the wholesome food served is grown on the farm. Dinner and overnight Cabañas Chacón. B L D

DAY 3 CABAÑAS CHACÓN. Continued activities Cabañas Chacón and surrounding cloudforest. Dinner and overnight Cabañas Chacón. B L D

DAY 4 PUERTO JIMINÉZ-CARATE-CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK. Following breakfast, we will say goodbye to Cabañas Chacón Staff and depart for the spectacular Osa Penisula and Corcovado National Park. Our route will again take us southeast along the Pan American Highway, where about 60 miles from San José, we will come to the highest point on the entire Pan American Highway. At an elevation of 10,000 feet, we will encounter the northermost limit of páramo or tropical tundra habitat, with highland shrub and tussock grass being the dominant vegetation. There will be a number of stops along the way to explore the surrounding landscape with our Costa Rican Naturalist Guides. Our group will then descend into the Río General Valley, one of the major agricultural regions in Costa Rica, where coffee, pineapple and banana plantations dominate much of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, we will arrive in the village of Puerto Jiminéz, on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula. From here, we will then drive around the peninsula to the village of Carate and along the way stop to observe wildlife that may be encountered. Possibilities include all 4 species of monkeys found in Costa Rica, sloths and wide variety of birds found on the peninsula, including the spectacular scarlet macaw. Following our arrival in Carate, we will transfer to a nearby lodge for dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 5 HIKING CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK. Early this morning, we will depart for and hike in Corcovado National Park. Located in the southwestern corner of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado protects 103,200 acres of shallow lagoons, marshes, mangrove swamps, rivers, lowland tropical rainforest and 29 miles of sandy coastline. This region has the greatest biodiversity of any protected area in Costa Rica, including more than 500 species of trees, 140 different kinds of mammals, 367 bird species, 40 types of freshwater fish, 117 species of amphibians/reptiles and an estimated 6,000 insect species. It is also home to large mammals, such as jaguar, tapir, ocelot, peccaries and Costa Rica’s largest population of scarlet macaws. Its’ great biodiversity and pristine condition have long attracted tropical ecologists and their research. Dinner and overnight on the Osa Peninsula. B L D

DAY 6 CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK. Continued activities Corcovado National Park. Dinner and overnight on the Osa Peninsula. B L D

DAY 7 SAN JOSÉ-LAS JUNTAS. After breakfast this morning, we will transfer to Puerto Jiminéz for our return flight to San José. Our group will then transfer to the village of Las Juntas de Abangares, located northwest of San José. Afternoon at leisure in Las Juntas. Dinner and overnight Las Juntas. B L D

DAY 8 PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK-TEMPISQUE RIVER TRIP. Early this morning, we will depart for 6,800 acre Palo Verde National Park. Located on the northeastern banks of the Tempisque River and at the head of the Gulf of Nicoya, Palo Verde contains a wide variety of habitats. These include swamps, marshes, mangroves, lagoons, grasslands and tropical dry forest. The Park goes through major climatic changes throughout the year….December to March is usually very dry, while during the rest of the year, rain can be frequent and large areas become flooded. The lowlands are best known for having one of the largest concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirds in Central America. These include a variety of herons, ducks, geese, jabiru storks, black-crowned night herons and roseate spoonbills, to name a few. During our trip to Palo Verde, we will also travel by boat, down the Tempisque River, keeping an eye out for crocodiles, huge iguanas, howler monkeys and a great variety of birds. Late this afternoon, participants will return to Las Juntas for dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 9 SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK. After breakfast, we will depart for famed Santa Rosa National Park. Established in 1971, Santa Rosa is one of the oldest National Parks in Costa Rica. It covers much of the Santa Elena Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica and encompasses more than 20,000 acres. It was the site of the famous 1856 battle between Costa Rican forces and Tennessee’s William Walker, along with his band of mercenaries. The Costa Ricans defeated Walker at the Santa Rosa Ranch, establishing this as a symbol of Costa Rican freedom. Santa Rosa is also extremely important for ecological reasons, as it protects the largest remaining stand of tropical dry forest in Central America. Along the Pacific coast, it is home to some of the most important breeding/nesting sites for the endangered Pacific olive Ridley’s sea turtle. Santa Rosa serves as an important model for conservation, while at the same time attempting to maintain the region’s culture. Many local people have been actively involved in efforts to protect the Park and expand its’ boundaries. Santa Rosa is visited by a great number of scientists and students throughout the year, as they continue to unravel the complexities of tropical ecology. Following lunch, we will travel to the coast, where our group will hike and take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean. In the late afternoon, we will return to Las Juntas for dinner and overnight. B L D

Note: Be careful when swimming off the Caribbean or Pacific Coasts of Costa Rica. The rip-tides, which run parallel to the coast-line, are EXTREMELY dangerous. Our Costa Rica Guides will advise you. We want you to be aware of this prior to your arrival.

DAY 10 POÁS VOLCANO-SARCHÍ MARKET-SAN JOSÉ-FAREWELL DINNER. Following breakfast, we will depart for Poás Volcano. Poás is known for having one of the largest craters of any active volcano on earth. While here, we will also have a chance to hike in a very unique high altitude cloudforest near the volcano. After lunch, our group will visit Sarchí Market, one of the best places in Costa Rica to see and purchase traditional handicrafts. Local artisans will talk about the building and painting of famed Costa Rican ox-carts. Participants will also get a chance to observe as carts are painted. In the afternoon, we will return to San José for our Farewell Dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 11 DEPARTURE. After an early breakfast and farewells to your Costa Rica A Field Course Staff, you will be transferred to Juan Santamaría International Airport, outside of San José for your return flight home. B

Note: Due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond the control of Field Course Staff, certain activities may be changed or done on different days in the best interest of the group.

EXTENSION: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Note: Overnight stays in San José may be required prior to and/or following our TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK EXTENSION. If necessary, hotel reservations and transfers will be arranged through Rainforest and Reef.

LENGTH: 3 Days/2 Nights (longer extensions available upon request)

AVAILABLE DATES: Before or after any of our Field Courses in Costa Rica.

COST: Please contact Rainforest and Reef by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

DESCRIPTION: Tortuguero National Park is located on Costa Rica’s northeastern Caribbean coast and was established to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle. In 1962, the late Dr. Archie Carr began to study and tag thousands of sea turtles that return to Tortuguero, breed and lay their eggs throughout the year. This study has continued and today is run by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC). In all, 5 of the world’s 8 species of sea turtles nest in Tortuguero. Aside from its’ beaches, Tortuguero National Park is also made up of one of the last large intact remnants of tropical rainforest in Central America, covering some 51,900 acres. The lush jungle of Tortuguero has numerous natural inland waterways, which some call "Costa Rica’s Amazon". Eleven different life-zones have been identified within the Park. We will travel by boat, along the canals and through the rainforest of Tortuguero to view some of the wide variety of wildlife found here. This includes three species of monkeys, river otters, three-toed sloths, caimans, iguanas, freshwater turtles and more than 320 species of birds, including all 6 species of New World kingfishers, 3 species of toucans and 8 species of parrots. Aside from its’ diverse flora and fauna, Tortuguero is a beautiful and tranquil spot, with palm-lined beaches stretching off as far as the eye can see in both directions.