Few places on earth compare to the great natural beauty and rich biological diversity that is found in Costa Rica. Located on the narrow isthmus bridging the North and South American continents, Costa Rica encompasses mountainous forest terrain, rolling savannas, steaming volcanoes, lowland jungle rivers, remote beaches and coastal islands. This diversity of tropical ecosystems provides refuge to many thousands of species of birds, reptiles, fish, plants, insects and mammals, together representing nearly 5 percent of the Earth’s total terrestrial lifeforms. 

This special one-week odyssey through Costa Rica’s tropical forests and rivers, highland volcanic areas and coastal environments is designed to introduce the traveler to virtually all of the natural habitats of Central America (including the range embracing dry, rain and cloud forests), and areas of great scenic beauty including beaches, valleys, lowland jungles, volcanoes and waterfalls. The route stretches from the highlands surrounding the Central Valley to the windswept fincas of Guanacaste to the lush amazonian southern Pacific coast.

A physically and intellectually exciting journey designed to give each individual a sense of discovery, excursion highlights include:
 

• Climbing to the rim of one of the world's largest and most active volcanoes
• Hiking into rain forests with hidden waterfalls
• Rafting down a jungle river
• Sighting monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, parrots and other tropical wildlife
• Swimming, snorkeling and fishing along Pacific beaches

Day 1: Saturday, December 27, 1997  -  Travel to Costa Rica

Travel from the United States to Costa Rica’s capital city San José. Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Evening orientation to Costa Rica.

Day 2: Sunday, December 28, 1997  -  Poás Volcano

Early morning departure for Poás Volcano. Poás is one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, and is surrounded near the steaming crater by a dwarf cloud forest hosting tree ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. A hike through the forest leads to a now extinct crater forming a beautiful lake. From Poás, travel down the western slope of Costa Rica's central plateau to the Interamerican Highway on the Pacific coast. The route passes coffee plantations as the landscape changes to dry savannas and fincas dotted with African palms and flowering trees as the drive north straightens towards Guanacaste Province. Late afternoon arrival at La Pacifica.

Day 3: Monday, December 29, 1997  -  Rafting Trip on the Corobicí River

Morning free to relax or explore La Pacifica - a 19th century finca with trails for hiking and horseback riding. After an early lunch, into the rafts for a trip down the Corobicí River. The gentle float with occasional rapids passes through dense tropical forests that host monkeys, iguanas, and one of the greatest diversity of water birds in Costa Rica. After a swim in the river, fresh fruit is served onshore before returning to La Pacifica in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Tuesday, December 30, 1997  -  Rincón de la Vieja 

Early morning departure for Rincón de la Vieja volcano in northern Guanacaste Province. The route to Rincón rises up from the dry coast to the transition forests at the base of the volcano. Upon arrival, the diversity of Rincón's geography is explored -- commencing with a hike to the steaming volcancitos and fumaroles at the edge of the dense tropical forest that provides an introduction to one of Costa Rica's most remote and rich national parks. A hike through Rincón’s diverse forests leads to hidden waterfalls and tropical streams flowing down from the volcano. Alternatively, an opportunity for an optional exploration of the tropical forest canopy (a new system of ropes and zip lines allows guided access to the tops of some trees at the forest perimeter).

Day 5: Wednesday, December 31, 1997  -  Gulf of Nicoya

Early morning departure for points south. After a stop along the Tarcoles River to spot basking crocodiles, arrival on the coast near Punta Leona for lunch on the beach. Hilltop accommodations overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya and coastal islands. After sunset over the Gulf, New Year’s Eve dinner under the stars on the terrace of Villa Caletas.

Day 6: Thursday, January 1, 1998  -  Dominical

Morning departure for Dominical on Costa Rica’s remote southern Pacific coast. The route passes through palm oil plantations as the road makes its way into the ever dense amazonian zone of Costa Rica. A stop for a hilltop lunch near Quepos before arrival at Dominical in mid-afternoon. Jungle setting lodging along the Rio Barú near the Pacific.

Day 7: Friday, January 2, 1998  -  Dominical

Dominical remains a small remote southern Costa Rican coastal town famous for its Pacific beach coves, fishing, and surrounding rainforests. Optional activities at Dominical include horseback riding into the rainforest, tubing down the Rio Barú, exploring the beaches, swimming, snorkeling and fishing. Excursions by boat down the coast to the Ballena Marine Reserve or out to Isla del Caño can be arranged.

Day 8: Saturday, January 3, 1998  -  Travel to San José

Late morning departure for the drive to San José along the high mountain road. Salsa and merengue after dinner.

Day 9: Sunday, January 4, 1998  -  Departures from Costa Rica

Departure flights returning to the United States.

Late December is the beginning of Costa Rica's "summer" and one of the driest times of the year. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s in San José, to the 90s on the Pacific coast (with Rincón providing some of all). Nighttime temperatures generally range in the 60s everywhere. The beaches are perfect and the forests are magical. The volcanoes are out of this world.

The hotels and lodges in San José, Guanacaste, and on the Pacific coast are first-class (with swimming pools and supplemental recreation facilities including tennis and horseback riding). The food at the lodges is fresh, plentiful and delicious.

The excursion will be led by Preston Scott and Leif Christoffersen, who have developed WFED excursions to Costa Rica to maximize participants’ opportuntities to experience the rich diversity of life found in the Americas, while helping to create opportunities for improved understanding about important international environmental issues that have implications at home and abroad.

Several days include allocated time for optional activities. While daily opportunities depend on local and seasonal events and the interests, vigor and age of participants, specific activities available on this trip include river rafting, hikes to explore hidden waterfalls deep in the forest interior, horseback riding, excursions to coastal islands for fishing and snorkeling, and exploration of the top of the rainforest canopy by ropes and zip-lines. Recommended packing lists are provided before departure. Spanish is useful but not required.

All over-land excursion travel in Costa Rica is by four-wheel-drive jeeps (Troopers or similar) safari-style. Roads range from modern and paved to rocky and unpaved to non-existent. There will be dust. Occasional shallow river crossings can be expected.

The cost for the December 27, 1997 - January 4, 1998 excursion is $1,450 per person (double occupancy*), and includes all in-country travel in Costa Rica, park entrance, river trip and guide fees, lodging and meals, pre-departure documentation and suggested reading. Air travel to Costa Rica, passport fees, personal expenses (i.e., souvenirs, snacks on-the-road, supplementary beverages at meals, telephones calls, etc.), airport departure taxes (approximately $20), insurance, and any supplementary optional activities are not included. On request, WFED can provide information relating to air travel options to Costa Rica.

*Per person costs for families with children sharing room with parents is US$1,100.

Space is limited. A deposit of US$750 per person is required by October 31, 1997, to guarantee a reservation. The remaining balance is due by not later than November 30, 1997. Cancellations prior to December 1, 1997, are subject to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of all money paid. No refunds after December 1, 1997.

Enclosed is my (our) check for $_________ (US$750 per person) as a deposit to reserve ________ space(s) on Explore Costa Rica (December 27, 1997 - January 4, 1998). I understand that final payment is due by not later than November 30, 1997.

As a condition of acceptance, each participant must agree and sign the following statement:

Release: The undersigned has carefully read the description of activities associated with this excursion and is/are aware that the excursion and associated activities involve the risk of personal injury and damage or loss of property. In consideration of the benefits to be derived from participation in the excursion, the undersigned voluntarily accepts all risks of personal injury and property damage or loss arising from participation on the excursion and hereby agrees that he/she and his/her dependents, heirs, executors, and assigns do release and hold harmless the World Foundation for Environment and Development (WFED) , cooperating organizations, and the employees and staff, officers, directors, trustees, or representatives of any of them, from any and all claims, including claims of illness, bodily injury, death, or property damage or loss, however caused, arising from or related in any respect to the excursion. The undersigned has read carefully this agreement, and will abide by the conditions set by the World Foundation for Environment and Development (WFED) as described herein or elsewhere published by WFED. The undersigned affirms that he/she has not received or relied on any oral or written representation of the World Foundation for Environment and Development (WFED) as a basis for executing this release.

I/We have read and agree to the terms and conditions that apply to this excursion, especially noting costs and the policy of cancellation and responsibility.

All participants must sign below: I/We have read the information provided about this excursion (Explore Costa Rica (Dec. 27, 1997 - Jan. 4, 1998)) and agree to its terms and conditions:
 

Signature ______________________________________________________________
 
 

Date ___________________________________