costa rica - Holbrook Travel

PHOTO BY JOHN EARL KNEISLER
EDUCATIONAL CONNECTIONS
COSTA RICA
Conservation
Fort Zumwalt South High School
June 7-16, 2016
Experience Costa Rica’s
fascinating biodiversity,
geology, ecology and
culture. From observing
the wildlife inhabiting
a tropical rainforest,
zipping through the
treetops of Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve
and whitewater rafting
down the Sarapiquí
River, a balance of rich
educational content and
adventure activities make
this an unforgettable
expedition!
Geology
Active Adventure
Biology
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about the biodiversity of ecosystems such as
tropical rainforests and cloud forests.
• Identify flora and fauna during guided rainforest hikes and
visits to reserves and national parks.
• Experience an exhilarating zip line adventure at the
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
• Journey down the Rio Sarapiquí on a whitewater rafting
adventure.
• Hike near the base of the Arenal Volcano.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
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Bilingual naturalist guide
Accommodations
Activities
Entrance fees
In-country transportation
Meals & beverages
PHOTO BY PETER SHEIK
ITINERARY
BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
JUNE 7 - CHILAMATE
Upon arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, after
clearing customs and immigration, your guide will meet you and
transfer you to Selva Verde Lodge. In the evening, attend a welcome
orientation, followed by a nocturnal hike where you can compare the
difference in activity from daytime to night. Overnight at Selva Verde
Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (D)
JUNE 8 - CHILAMATE
Early this morning receive an introduction to the amazing tropical
birds of Selva Verde and take a short hike with your guide around
the lodge’s grounds. The bird life of Selva Verde is abundant, and
feeding stations have been set up around the lodge grounds to
facilitate observation and identification of the many species that
frequent the grounds. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then set out
on a second nature hike through the reserve in search of new species.
As you study the forest, your guide will discuss the complex details
of the ecosystem and how life in the rainforest thrives. After lunch
embark on an adventurous whitewater rafting trip down the Río
Sarapiquí. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)
JUNE 9 - CHILAMATE
After breakfast, visit the Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a guided
hike. The trails are designed to approach areas of high interest for
wildlife watching or for viewing highlights of rainforest biodiversity.
Tirimbina visitors can view the richness of treetop flora and fauna
from a 100-meter suspended canopy walkway spanning one of
the many stream valleys in the reserve. In the afternoon get to
know the fascinating world of reptiles with a visit to the Sarapiquí
Serpentarium. Observe close-up a wide variety of native and exotic
venomous and non-venomous snakes, lizards and frogs, many of
which inhabit the Sarapiquí rainforest. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge
& Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)
JUNE 10 - ARENAL
This morning depart for the Arenal area. In the afternoon take a hike
in Arenal National Park near the base of Arenal Volcano. Arenal is
young as volcanoes go; it is only about 4,000 years old. Currently in
a period of inactivity, it was once the country’s most active volcano.
Your hike along the base takes you through green forest, over lava
flows, and finally, to the destroyed areas now in the process of
regeneration. After your hike, settle in at the hotel and enjoy the
geothermal hot springs. Overnight at Arenal Paraíso. (BLD)
JUNE 11 - MONTEVERDE
This morning will be at leisure to enjoy the Arenal area and the
hot springs. After lunch you will be taken to Lake Arenal to board
a boat and begin your journey to Monteverde. As you boat across
Lake Arenal the volcano will be in full view, so photo opportunities
are amazing. When you reach the other side of the lake, a car awaits
for the climb up to Monteverde through nice countryside, much of
which is pasture for dairy cows or planted with coffee. Upon arrival
in Monteverde check into your lodge and have an orientation on the
area. Overnight at El Bosque. (BLD)
JUNE 12 - MONTEVERDE
After breakfast, enjoy a guided hike in the Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve. Cloud forests occur near mountain peaks, where
rain turns into a life-sustaining mist that hydrates and nourishes
epiphytic plants. At the Hummingbird Gallery, the birds hover
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL:
then zip by, attracted to the many feeders specifically designed and
placed to entice them. Spend an adventure-filled afternoon in forest
canopies as you navigate the many suspension bridges and zip lines
of the Monteverde Sky Walk/Sky Trek Park. The Sky Walk offers
a spectacular chance to view flora and fauna from an ‘up in the
branches’ perspective. Complete your cloud forest exploration with
Sky Trek’s exhilarating zip line adventure through the forest canopy.
Overnight at El Bosque. (BLD)
JUNE 13 - MANUEL ANTONIO
This morning depart Monteverde for Manuel Antonio, stopping for
lunch en route. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax
and enjoy the hotel pool or visit the beach. Overnight at Hotel San
Bada. (BLD)
JUNE 14 - MANUEL ANTONIO
Today will start with a guided hike in Manuel Antonio National
Park. Manuel Antonio contains a combination of rainforest, beaches
and coral reefs. The beaches are known as the most beautiful in the
country, lined with lush forest. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas,
squirrel monkeys and millions of crabs, and the trail that winds
around Punta Catedral affords some spectacular views. After your
hike the remainder of the day will be free to enjoy the beach. The
park’s two most popular beaches are Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa
Manuel Antonio. Overnight at Hotel San Bada. (BLD)
JUNE 15 - SAN JOSE
This morning you will have some free time to enjoy Manuel
Antonio before transferring to San Jose. Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Overnight at Country Inn & Suites. (BLD)
JUNE 16 - DEPARTURE!
Morning transfer to the San Jose airport for flight home. (B)
LAND PRICE
$1590 (based on 18 participants)
Price includes accommodations, transportation, entrance fees,
full-time guide and meals and activities listed in itinerary.
Price does not include gratuities or items of a personal nature.
AIR PRICE
$550 (from St. Louis)
THE FINE PRINT
Cost is based on triple/quad occupancy rooms (triple and
quad occupancy may require bed sharing). Double occupancy
is available for an additional $100 per person. A $200 per
person deposit and enrollment form are due to reserve your
space on the trip. Non-refundable final payments are due no
later than March 4, 2016. Travel/trip cancellation insurance
is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel
Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com.
Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.
Contact Andrew Delehaunty at [email protected] // Enroll online at holbrook.travel/zumwaltcr