Costa Rica Adventure
January 8‐16, 2014
Trip Leaders: Dennis & Marcia Yockers
Overview Costa Rica’s ecosystems contain 5% of the living organisms
on our planet, and this resource is protected through the
development of na onal parks and reserves. The terrain,
flora, and fauna is some of the most diverse and beau ful
in the World and this adventure will get you up close and
personal with local ecosystems. You’ll explore rainforests,
cloud forests, river & canal systems, tropical islands,
beaches, planta ons, and amazing birding territory! Plus,
you’ll immerse yourself in a friendly and fun na ve culture.
Trip I nerary
Jan. 8 ‐ Arrive in San Jose Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica. You will be met at the airport by
your in‐country guide then travel to and spend a res ul
evening at the Bougainvillea Hotel www.hb.co.cr
Jan. 9 ‐ Trip to the Tortuguero Canals The group departs early this morning (6 am) to travel to Siquirres (near San Jose). A er stopping for
breakfast along the way, the group arrives at the Tortuguero Canals. Tortuguero is a network of
navigable lakes, rivers and canals that are used for local transporta on. More than 300 species of birds,
amphibians, and fish inhabit this area. Approximately 400 different tree species, and around 2,200
species of other plants and animals line its shores, including 3 species of monkeys (White Faced
Capuhin, spider, and Howler), two and three‐toed sloths, crocodiles, and caimans. The canals also
provide shelter to endangered animals such as manatees, tapirs, and jaguars. www.mawamba.com/
tortuguero‐na onal‐park‐costa‐rica.html A er lunch, visit the town of Tortuguero and arrive at the
Mawamba Lodge. Evening tour to see the green turtles www.mawamba.comtortuguerocostaricagreen
turtles.html , hike the Tortuguero Na onal Park, or enjoy other relaxing ac vi es.
Jan. 10 ‐ Tour of the Tortuguero Canals/Tortuguero Na onal Park The group will enjoy an all day tour of the Tortuguero canals, eat our lunch on the fly and then return to
the Mawamba Lodge for overnight. Evening ac vi es will challenge group crea vity and fun will be had
by all.
Jan. 11 ‐ Selva Verde The group departs the Mawamba lodge, rides the river back to the bus and then drives to Selva Verde.
A lunch break at approximately 2 P.M. will find the group experiencing the Danta Restaurant. With
con nued travels the group checks in at Selva Verde around 5pm. A er a relaxing dinner, the group will
experience an adventurous, 7:30 PM, evening bat program at La Tirimbina. www. rimbina.org/
ecotourism/bats‐program.html
Jan. 12 ‐ Ra the Puerto Viejo River & Pineapple Tour This morning the group will ra on the beau ful tropical Puerto Viejo River. The sec on is class I (flat
water) and par cipants will leisurely float through pris ne rain‐forest to see howler monkeys, sloths,
iguanas, and all manner of birds which are o en missed while hiking. Sun bi erns, toucans, herons,
ospreys, and more are frequently found. It’s paradise for
birding! In the a ernoon, the group will experience the daily
opera ons of a pineapple planta on. The group returns to the
Selva Verde Lodge for dinner and another overnight.
Jan. 13 ‐ Depart Selva Verde & Mi Cafecito Tour
Explore the life and work of Costa Rican coffee producers. Their
coffee is grown in harmony with nature (including vermiculture
& lapia) and the group will learn about the life of the coffee
bean. The tour ends with a taste of delicious Mi Cafecito coffee,
cappuccino, or espresso www.coopesarapiqui.com. A er lunch, the group con nues the journey
towards the Pacific beach and explores stops along the way. Arriving at Punta Leona Hotel
h p://hotelpuntaleona.com the group will enjoy the Pacific Ocean beach dinner on the cabana.
Jan. 14 ‐ Morning Outrigger Canoe Tour
Outrigger canoes have been exploring the warmer oceans
of the world for centuries... The group will journey the waters
of the Pacific in this perfect ocean cra . The adventure will
include exploring beau ful secluded beaches, swimming
and snorkeling, and exploring tropical rainforest. Guided by a
seasoned guide, these canoes are ideal for the average person
with no prior experience h p://www.kayakjaco.com/
outrigger‐kayak‐costa‐rica‐tour.html. The a ernoon is free to relax on the beach, experience zip‐
lining, explore Carara Na onal Park, etc. Overnight at Punta Leona Hotel.
Jan. 15 ‐ Crocodile Safari Tour
A er breakfast the group will experience a river system boat tour. Specially designed for bird
watchers and adventurers, this crocodile tour is safe for the en re group. Home to some huge
crocodiles, the site also provides shelter to a whole spectrum of exo c animals, including over 50
species of birds like the very rare scarlet macaw www.junglecrocodilesafari.com. Then, the group
heads back to San Jose for a farewell dinner and overnight at Bougainvillea Hotel.
Jan. 16 ‐ Depart San Jose
Transfers to the airport will be provided for all travelers.
COST: $2,389 (plus airfare). Price includes escorted tour with bilingual guide (Lloyd Mar nez), all meals, lodging
with private bathrooms (double occupancy), and travel once in Costa Rica. All program & park entrance fees are included
for the various loca ons and (exit tax). Not included are roundtrip airfare, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and ps. Tipping
is encouraged for your guide, bus driver, and some local adventure guides.
Trip Leaders: Dennis & Marcia Yockers, 715‐252‐0640 (Dennis cell), 715‐252‐0559 (Marcia cell) dyockers@uwsp.edu Group Size: 16 person maximum
Contact: Trevor Roark, 715‐340‐8186, adventure.tours@uwsp.edu
Registra on: register online or download form and pay deposit by check
Website: www.uwspadventuretours.com