10 Day Corcovado Expedition
Day One: Welcome
Depending on the arrival of the flight into San Jose, the group will sightsee around San Jose, the nation's capital and enjoy dinner in the city.
Day Two: Cerro de la Muerte Cloud Forest
Todays adventure starts by heading to the Savegre Biological Reserve, used by many universities from around the world as a living research laboratory. It is located along Cerro de la Muerte in the Talamanca Mountain Range. You will check in to your hotel and with your guide, go on a hike and explore this living laboratory.
Day Three: Bird Watching - Sierpe
It's an early morning as we head back into this amazing ecosystem to see and learn about the birds that are typical for this upper mountain cloud forest region. We will be searching for the resplendent Quetzal, the sacred bird of the Aztec and Maya Cultures. After lunch we leave for Sierpe and spend the evening at the hotel located on the banks of the Serpe River.
Day Four: Drake Bay and Cano Island Wildlife Refuge
Drake Bay lies on the northern end of the Osa Peninsula. It is one of the most well known destinations in the region. This tiny town by the bay is actually one of the most inaccessible places in the entire country. Discovered by Sir Francis Drake in 1579. Drake Bay is the gateway to visiting the Isla Del Cano. We will go by boat and have the opportunity to
visit the Cano Island. While on the island we will go snorkeling. With the underwater terrain and sea life thatsurrounds Cano Island. The dark, volcanic rock is home to numerous species of marine life. You might be lucky enough to see whales and/or dolphins frolicking in the ocean. Here is the opportunity to see archeological remains, Mysterious, completely round spheres that date back to pre-Colombian times. The purpose for these spheres is unknown, although they are thought to have been used for religious purposes or star alignment.
Day Five: Hiking at Corcovado National Park
Today we spend our day at Corcovado National Park with over 500 species of trees, 140 species of mammals, 367 species of birds, 40 species of freshwater fishes and 117 species of amphibians. It is easy to understand why Corcovado National Park has been called "the most biologically intense place on Earth" by National Geographic. We will visit the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, which is the Park's northern most ranger station. From here your guide will lead you up into the dense jungle comprised of primary and secondary forest, during which time you'll be introduced to some of the more interesting aspects of the Park's natural surroundings. Scarlet macaws, monkeys, peccaries, iguanas, sloths, lizards, and a wide variety of plants, amphibians and insects all call this home.
Day Six: Dominical and zip line experience
We depart Drake Bay and head to the area of Dominical, after lunch we will enjoy a view from the top as we harness up and fly over and through the trees on a zip line. This is a truly unforgettable experience. Then it's back to our hotel for free time and relaxing by the pool.
Day Seven: Reforestation Project and Manuel Antonio
Today we will head to the Portalon School where we will be greeted by the students who will teach us one of their traditional folk dances. Then we go with the Costa Rican students to the site of the schools reforestation project. Here the students will participate in the planting of Sota Caballo trees. These trees are a key part in stopping water erosion. Once the planting is finished its time for a game of soccer and lunch. We then travel to Manuel Antonio and check into are hotel. The rest of afternoon is free time to be spent relaxing on the beach, or by the pool.
Day Eight: Manuel Antonio National Park
This morning we'll head down to the beach at the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, explore some beautiful trails and do some swimming. Over 109 mammal species have been spotted in the park, most famous are the two-toed sloths, raccoons, white nosed coatis, all three species of monkeys, and 184 species of birds! One of our personal favorites is the squirrel monkey which is on the endangered species list but is quite visible in this little corner of Costa Rica.
Day Nine: Back to San Jose
After breakfast, time to enjoy the white sand beach, catch the last few waves -- body surfing, start up a game of volley ball, or just find a nice spot to work on your tan. After lunch we leave for San Jose, stopping in Quipos for a last chance to shop. We will check into Hotel Don Carlos in time for dinner, and you can spend the evening packing in anticipation of your flight home.
Day Ten: Sad Goodbyes
Sad goodbyes to your guides and driver. Fly home and Fill your journal with amazing tales to tell the folks and friends.
What is included?
Included: All meals, all hotels, private bus, 24 hr private naturalist guide, all activities.
Not included: Airfare, tips and spending money.
Free Travel for Trip Leaders: With 10 participants a trip leader travels FREE, including air.
Available Trip Dates: March through July 2014.
Cost: $1860. pp.