Explore Costa Rica
January 12-21, 2017
Tour Leaders: Jesse Haney & Angie Lemar
scarlet macaw (photo by Mark Patton)
Overview
The magnificent land of Costa Rica is a traveler’s utopia full of tropical biodiversity and culture! From
the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, this country’s ecosystems contain 5% of the living organisms
on Earth and much of the land is protected through national parks and reserves. The terrain, flora, and
fauna are some of the most diverse and beautiful in the world. This adventure will get you up close
and personal with it all. On this adventurous yet relaxed tour you’ll hike rainforests, an active volcano,
and national park trails; explore beaches, a coffee farm, waterfalls, and hot springs; sail aboard a
catamaran and snorkel coral reefs, witness leatherback turtles on the beach, and take in the cultures
of small towns and the big city of San Jose. You’ll view countless species of tropical & subtropical
native plants and animals each day of the tour. You will also enjoy a variety of local foods and drinks..
And to top it all off, along with our bilingual Tour Leader from UWSP Adventure Tours, our favorite
bilingual in-country guide, Lloyd Martinez, will share this magnificent country with you. Whether
you’re an avid adventurer or just want to relax in an ecological paradise, this tour will create
memories that last forever.
Tour Itinerary
Jan. 12: Arrive in San Jose
Your adventure takes off with an overnight in San Jose, Costa
Rica. If arriving that evening, you’ll be met at the airport by
your Tour Leaders, Jesse & Angie, and in-country guide, Lloyd
Martinez. Then, travel to and spend a restful evening at the
Bougainvillea Hotel. (www.hb.co.cr)
Jan. 13: Visit Poas Volcano & Waterfall Gardens
Lloyd Martinez showing off (photo by John Munson)
Poas Volcano is one of the largest active craters in the world.
View this crater up close and hike around the park with your naturalist guide. In the afternoon, depart
for La Paz Waterfall Gardens (http://www.waterfallgardens.com/la_paz_waterfall_gardens.php). Here
you are guaranteed to see iconic Costa Rican elements;
lush tropical rain forest, flowing white rivers, spectacular
waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, snakes,
frogs, and jaguars. Another stop on this day includes an
early afternoon reception at the Herrera Family Farm in
San Cayetano de Venecia. You are invited to join the
Herrera family and locals from Venecia for a reception
in your honor featuring an early dinner. Depart for Arenal
Volcano and overnight at La Pradera Hotel
(http://www.lapraderadelarenal.com/) near Arenal.
Poas Volcano (photo by John Munson)
Jan. 14: Arenal Volcano
Mistico: Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
(http://www.misticopark.com/en/), a natural sanctuary hiking tour
of 3.2 km, allows you to comfortably enjoy the attractive tropical
forest while navigating 16 bridges. Manufactured with German
technology, the strategic position and height of each of the bridges
allows you to observe from a favorable perspective to light the
different attractions and the thousands of species that inhabit the
reservation; trees, flowers, plants, insects, mammals, reptiles, frogs
and many others live in an ecosystem in perfect balance. Afterwards,
visit Arenal Volcano National park with Lloyd. After lunch you will
hike the park and see old lava formations and experience more
nature wonders of Costa Rica. Further, you’ll relax, rejuvenate, and
dine at the Tabacon Hot Springs (http://www.tabacon.com).
With a perfect combination of volume, temperature, and mineral
content, you’ll replenish yourself in this completely natural thermal
spring surrounded by tropical rain forest. Overnight at La Pradera
Hotel.
Jan. 15: Bat Jungle to Monteverde
Depart mid-morning for the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Upon
Hanging Bridges of A. (photo by Mistico)
arrival, tour the Bat Jungle (http://batjungle.com/) to learn about 8
different bat species’ flying, eating, socializing, gestation, and nursing habits. An ultrasonic
microphone will allow you to hear bats echolocating and socializing in real time. Further options
include relaxing at the hotel, enjoying the spa/pool, or going to town
to site see and/or shop. Overnight at Hotel El Bosque
(http://www.hotelelbosquecr.com/).
Jan. 16: Monteverde Cloud Forest
The Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve encompasses an area of over
50,000 acres of rainforest land in conservation, making it the largest
private reserve in all of Central America. It sits at an altitude of 4,662-ft native bat (photo by Mark Patton)
above sea level, in fact, at certain points you are so high up in the
mountains that you can actually see the Pacific ocean even though it’s
over 20 miles away! Monteverde is the home to an amazing amount
of biodiversity with over 400 different types of bird species, 2 types of
the sloths, white-faced monkeys, agoutis, pizotes, kinkajous, and
interesting frogs and snakes. Be prepared for some of the best bird
watching in Costa Rica, especially for those who want to
catch a glimpse of the famous Resplendent Quetzal. This elusive,
crimson-breasted resident bird of the Costa Rican
highlands has an unmistakable plumage of gorgeous iridescent green
two-toed sloth (photo by Dennis Yockers)
feathers. This bird only exists in the Cloud forests of Costa Rica and is
a symbol of pride for the natives of Monteverde. The Aztecs also
once referred to this bird as one of the Gods and believed that
its bright red chest came from the blood of the Aztec Emperor,
Montezuma. Overnight at Hotel El Bosque.
Jan. 17: Bebedero River Tour & the Beach (Playa Grande)
The lowlands and marshes of Palo Verde create the perfect
conditions for the largest concentration of waterfowl and
crocodile (photo by Mary Jo Patton)
wading birds in all Central America. This is a perfect spot to see
crocodiles, iguanas, coati mundi, and monkeys as you cruise the Bebedero River by boat. You will have
the opportunity to admire scores of tropical birds, such as the roseate spoonbill, white ibis, great
egret, little blue heron, tricolored heron, motmot, and bare-throated tiger heron, among others.
Depart for the beach afterwards. Free late afternoon and evening to enjoy the beach at Playa Grande.
Dinner and overnight at Rip Jack Inn (http://www.ripjackinn.com/).
Jan. 18: Rincon de la Vieja National Park & Leatherback Turtles
Depart early this morning to spend the day at Rincon de la Vieja
National Park. This huge park protects 34,800 acres of land with
widely ranging elevations from 980 to 1987 meters (3,215 to
6,307 feet). Habitats are diverse and include cloud forest, tropical
rainforest-upland, tropical rainforest-lowland and tropical dry
forest. The morning hiking trail will feature boiling mud pods,
native wildlife, and more. After box lunches on the trail, the
Pacific sunset (photo by John Munson)
afternoon hike will feature a majestic waterfall and remarkable
views of the active and dormant volcanos. Return to hotel later afternoon to enjoy the Playa Grande
again. Sometime after dinner, the group will enjoy a night tour to see the Leatherback turtle. Dictated
by the ocean’s tides, this could potentially be late at night. Visitors from all over the world come to
Playa Grande and witness these beautiful 800 lb. creatures coming ashore and laying their eggs.
Guests can take guided tours to see the turtle hatchlings make their way towards the Pacific
(http://www.ripjackinn.com/leatherback-turtles.html). Dinner and overnight at Rip Jack Inn.
Jan. 19: Sailing &
Snorkeling
Sailing along the coastline
will give you a completely
different view of Costa Rica
and allow you to experience
marine wildlife: dolphins,
whales, sea turtles, tropical
fish, manta rays, coral reefs,
and more. This specially
equipped catamaran with
catamaran sailing on the Pacific (photo by Blue Dolphin Sailing)
experienced, professional,
and friendly crew will satisfy every seafaring craving; including guided snorkeling with modern
equipment (provided) at some of the most beautiful secluded beaches and snorkel locations in Costa
Rica. Sea kayaks are available for those who do not wish to snorkel or swim, as well as a fishing option.
A freshly prepared lunch and fruit juices, soda, rum punch, beer and wine are served throughout the
tour. Overnight at Rip Jack Inn.
Jan. 20: Return to San Jose
Catch a morning swim and then hop on the bus for a return to San Jose. Farewell dinner and overnight
at Bougainvillea Hotel.
Jan. 21: Return Home
Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight home.
COST: $2,789 pp (USD)
MY OWN ROOM: $293 pp (additional USD)
GROUP SIZE: 12-18 travelers
INCLUDED: The cost includes all accommodations (comfortable lodging) and taxes , all meals in
country, all group activities (Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Hanging Bridges of Arenal, Arenal
Volcano National Park tour, Tabacon Hot Springs, Bat Jungle tour, Monteverde Cloud Forest tour,
Bebedero River tour, Rincon de la Vieja National Park tour, leatherback turtles tour, catamaran
sailing/snorkeling), all in-country transfers (tour bus w/ expert driver), escorted tour throughout Costa
Rica by our favorite bilingual guide (Lloyd Martinez), and 1-2 UWSP Adventure Tours Tour Leaders
(depending on group size).
NOT INCLUDED: Roundtrip airfare to Costa Rica, extra/non-group activities, extra purchases (such as
souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and lodging sundries), tour bus driver’s & guide’s tips, extra transfers
(taxi, etc. during free times), laundry service, and travel insurance.
PLEASE NOTE: The cost is per person with double occupancy accommodations in single cabins with
private bathrooms. Single rooms (“my own room”) are limited. Due to some variables (weather, etc.)
some activities/accommodations may change prior to or during the tour. Plan to spend an extra $30$60 USD on tips. This tour will accommodate most fitness/health levels; however, it is suggested that
all participants have at least a moderate/fair level of fitness and health. Our goal is always to ensure a
fun and safe wellness adventure for everyone aboard!
TOUR LEADERS: Jesse Haney (715-204-7800, jesse.haney@uwsp.edu) & Angie Lemar
CONTACT: Trevor Roark (715-340-8186, adventure.tours@uwsp.edu)
REGISTRATION: Register online with a check or credit card OR print registration form, complete, &
mail along with $300 (pp) nonrefundable deposit.
WEBSITE: www.uwspadventuretours.com