IN COSTA RICA
HELP PARK GUARDS
Dear Colleague,
An increasing number of our guests and agents have been asking us for suggestions as to how they can support conservation in Costa Rica by making a donation. There are many more very worthy organizations and projects in Costa Rica that I can possibly include here. For this reason, I will only tell you about the project that we at Costa Rica Expeditions have chosen for special emphasis.
In September of 1992, Costa Rica Expeditions together with our colleagues at Horizontes Nature Tours donated $25,000 to start a fund dedicated to the well being of National Park Guards. The reason that we picked this particular cause is that, even though there is substantial disagreement on some of the more controversial matters confronting conservation and tourism, I trust we can all agree that ethically viable tourism cannot be based on the exploitation of the people who protect the wild lands, the basic resource upon which ecological tourism depends. The economic benefits of ecological tourism have in many cases been distributed to local populations and been used to acquire and protect wild lands and parks. On the other hand, park guards have in a large part been sadly left out. Ecological tourism vastly increases their work, but except in rare cases, leaves nothing in return. While the tourists who visit Costa Rica's National Parks enjoy increasingly luxurious accommodations, park guards often have to do without minimally decent living conditions, not to mention the necessary tools to do their work.
The fact that the most frequently requested item on which the original $25,000 in donations were spent was bedding, graphically illustrates how basic the park guides' needs are. Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and water purifiers were among the other things that were bought and are now contributing to the well-being of park guards in fourteen national parks.
At this time only a small balance remains in the fund, and we've only scratched the surface of what is needed to provide the park guards with the living conditions and tools that they need to adequately do their job. As well as the items that were bought this year, uniforms, boots, and such simple basic tools as machetes and shovels are vitally needed.
So, if you are looking for a way to donate to conservation and/or environmentally beneficial tourism in Costa Rica, this is our suggestion.
Tax deductible donations by U.S. companies and citizens can be made directly to: The Nature Conservancy, Costa Rica Park Guard Fund, 1815 North Lynn Street, Arlington VA 22209 (Make checks payable to The Nature Conservancy); or donations can also be made directly to: Fundación Neotrópica, P. O. Box 2361002, Paseo de los Estudiantes, San José, Costa Rica. (Make checks payable to Fundación Neotrópica). Please specify who the donor is and that it is for "Fondo de Bienestar de Guarda Parques."
Thank you very much.
Michael S. Kaye
President
P.S. To help us be sure that the Costa Rican government and the public are aware that truly
environmentally beneficial tourism pays off, please let us know when you contribute.
Costa Rica at the Crossroads
Mass Development or Nature Based Tourism?
UPDATE May 17, 1994
A Call for an International Dialogue on the Future of Costa Rican Tourism
Make Your Voice Heard
As you may well already know, we are at a critical moment in the tourism industry. President José María Figueres' Administration prepares for office. A new policy for tourism is being formulated.
Simultaneously, the tenure of President Calderón's Ministry of Tourism has broiled to the end, under fire from The Defender of the Inhabitants, (Costa Rica's official watch dog), the conservation community, and the media. There has been a call for a dialogue on the future of Costa Rican tourism. The situation has been intensified by development in Papagayo, Gandoca-Manzanillo, Manuel Antonio, and the Nicoya Peninsula, where a pattern of disregard for Costa Rican law and the environment has been widely reported.
It is an important time to make your voices heard on these issues affecting the tourism industry and the environment.
Bright Signals
There are hopeful signs. A young, energetic, outdoorsman president promises a new direction for tourism policy. Throughout his campaign, President José María Figueres made some insightful statements on the future of Costa Rican tourism: ". . .the road we choose should be one where we put stronger emphasis on eco-tourism . . . We should not say: `let's first grow economically then we can take care of nature,' only to discover, after the growth, that it is too late." (Costa Rica Today Interview with Sorrel Downer, January 6, 1994)
Upon designating Carlos Roesch as the new Tourism Minister, President Figueres emphasized the need to protect biodiversity "so that our children do not question us for mortgaging national resources."
Future First Lady Josette Altman de Figueres has been particularly perceptive on the dangers of mass tourism in Costa Rica, and other issues affecting the relationship between the industry and the nation's ecological patrimony. "The basic problem is to confuse growth with development." The idea that "if someone fattens it is a sign of health . . . is false . . . Without a doubt, tourism will come as a generous response to the Costa Rica's spirit of conservation, as long as the visitation balance is beneficial to the environment. Because of this, the growth of tourism must be planned and not explosive. . . But above all, we must keep clear that Costa Ricans are not inventing the tourism industry. There is vast international experience that allows us to identify errors. . . The country must follow a policy that promotes responsible tourism that respects our land and natural resources." (Prensa Libre, June 20, 1994)
These indications, as well as the willingness of the Figueres team to consult experts in the field, are bright signals to those of us in the industry who have worked hard over the years to preserve Costa Rica's beauty.
You Can Make A Difference
The new President, First Lady, and tourism Minister Carlos Roesch, will confront strong political and financial pressures. The short-term temptations of the fast and easy money from mass tourism development in the context of an economy the size of Costa Rica's should not be underestimated. They will appreciate your input.
Please write:
Ing. José María Figueres Ing. Carlos Roesch
President of CostaRica Minister of Tourism
Apdo 520 Zapote Apdo. 777-1000
San José Costa Rica San José Costa Rica
Tel: (506)253-9676 Tel: (506)222-6152
Fax: (506)253-7569 Fax: (506)223-5107
Profits, Prestige and Repeat Business
A message from Michael Kaye, President of Costa Rica Expeditions
Dear Colleague: May 15, 1994
Our mission at Costa Rica Expeditions -- "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" mean PROFITS, PRESTIGE, AND REPEAT BUSINESS for you.
Most of our income comes from you, wholesalers and travel agents, so we take pains to ensure that all of our 180 employees are focused on "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" that meet your needs.
You need a fast response. We guarantee to get back to you within two working days. We make sure that all our sales people know that while you're waiting to get an answer from us, your client may well be deciding to go somewhere (or with someone) else.
You need reasonable profits. We make sure you get clear quotes with good nets and no surprises, so that you can know exactly what you are going to make.
You need a sales tool that is easy to use and really helps you close. We work constantly to improve our manual -- and would appreciate your feedback. In fact, we'll send you a free gift if you send us a suggestion to improve this catalogue.
You need a cut-rate package. We send you a list of tour operators in Costa Rica who sell cheap packages. It's important to understand that total dedication to "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" means having a clear vision of who we are and what we do, and also of that we don't do.
Perhaps most important you need prestige -- the kind of prestige that translates into loyalty and repeat business. Here's where "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" to your customers comes in.
First of all, we recognize that in order for service to generate loyalty and repeat business, service has to be more than good. It has to be legendary -- legendary in the sense that it generates legends -- stories that are told and retold. Secondly, we are clear that only through memories -- memories that will last a life time -- can we provide service that becomes legend. Thirdly, we understand that it is not enough for the "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" to reflect positively on us. They have to reflect positively on you for having the knowledge and professionalism to select us. The way in which you sell us and our products to your clients helps us to do this.
We are convinced that the keys to "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" are the timeless principles of caring, consideration, competence, enthusiasm, reverence, and respect. On a daily basis, we strive so that these principles permeate Costa Rica Expeditions. The way we care for each other, the way we care for our colleagues and partners in the travel industry culminates in the way we treat our guests.
Here is how it works on a day to day basis. It wasn't until we received a letter from the person involved that we realized that Ricardo Barrantes from our group sales department had spent all of his lunch hours for 2 weeks visiting a lonely hospitalized guest. "If job promotions were based solely on kindness, superb efficiency, good humor and customer satisfaction, then Jackie Aguilar should have your job!" said Stephanie G. McWethy of Ann Arbor, Michigan, in her memorable letter that we published on the first page of last year's sales manual.
These are just two examples of our people's willingness to go the extra mile. If space permitted, I could cite many more. However, "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" cannot be achieved by dramatic acts alone. It comes from a daily custom of small kindnesses and gestures; an extra 5 minutes to make sure a guest understands directions to a place, a phone call to make absolutely sure special dietary needs are being met.
Urbano, who takes care of the horses and grounds at Corcovado Lodge, notices a guest admiring a plant. He stops what he is doing and shares what he knows. Communication is tortuous. Other guests gather around. Half forgotten high school Spanish helps a little. Somehow, despite almost no common language, our guests understand that this plant is native to the area, attracts hummingbirds, and was brought from the forest and planted by Urbano himself. They also understand that Urbano cares.
If you think that a company culture that makes sincere day-to-day kindness and consideration part of the routine, will result in loyalty to you the wholesaler or travel agency who chose us, we're the operator for you; if not, you'd probably be better off with another inbound operator.
How important is environmental sensitivity? It is important for all of us to understand that in today's highly competitive world, even caring, considerate, competent, respectful service is not enough. The people that you send us are no longer just out for a good time. An increasing number of sophisticated travelers want to know that their visit has positively contributed to the environmental and social well being of the places to which they travel. Being environmentally sensitive is no longer just an abstract concept. Environmental sensitivity has become a strong influence on buying decisions for a large sector of the public. American Motors had a two page spread in the April 1994 issue of OUTSIDE magazine for its newest model, "Neon." It doesn't tout how fast the car will get from 0-60 mph, nor how comfortable it is. On the contrary -- two full pages are devoted to communicate one message: "No matter what color you choose, you can be sure we did our darndest to make it green."
In another two page spread in the same magazine, Reebok doesn't tell us that their new boots are light or durable. Rather they are "made from only the finest pecan shells, corn oil, tree bark, old soda bottles and used tires: a whole bunch of recycled, reclaimed and environmentally clean materials."
Travelers now choose with whom they will work informed by expert information from the media on how to choose environmentally sensitive travel agents and outfitters. One of the main criteria for travel agents and outbound operators is that they chose the right outfitter.
Since we started in 1978, Costa Rica Expeditions has put a high priority on working to ensure that tourism in Costa Rica contributes to the ecological, social and cultural well being of the country. Then, we were the only inbound operator who cared. Now there are a few more. Then and now, no operator contributes as much as we do. To date (May 1994), Costa Rica Expeditions is the only tour business in Costa Rica to publicly support the government watch dog office's condemnation of environmentally damaging practices and alleged rampant illegality in the Costa Rica Tourist Board's Gulf of Papagayo Project. See Costa Rica at the Crossroads on page 1. (Detailed information on Costa Rica Expeditions' contributions to conservation in Costa Rica is available upon request.)
Beyond it being good business there is an even more important reason to emphasize the importance of the environment in travel: It's the right thing to do.
Most of your clients in their every day life not only face the normal tensions of the modern world, but also sacrifice for the benefit of the planet. They pay premiums for environmentally friendly products, recycle, donate, etc. A trip with Costa Rica Expeditions to the wild and beautiful places of Costa Rica is a gift they give themselves. Together we can provide it. And we firmly believe that a partnership between us that combines to consistently provide this gift is the most noble and sustainable way to ensure profits, prestige and repeat business for both of us.
Finally, "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" is not just a mission, it is a challenge. We are painfully aware of the fact that horrible service can become legendary much easier than excellent service, and nightmares can produce memories just as unforgettable as dreams come true.
We sincerely want to hear from you if you feel we have not lived up to our mission; call us collect, have the operator tell the receptionist you want to talk to "Legendary Service" so that we will accept the call. Our offices are open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 365 days a year. If you feel it is necessary to talk to me out of office hours, my home phone is (506) 228-2202.
Thank you,
Michael S. Kaye,
President
"I've been in this business for 14 years. At present we have expeditions to 18 countries on 6 continents. No inbound operator with which I have worked does as many things as well as does Costa Rica Expeditions."
Richard Ryel, President
International Expeditions
Helena, Alabama
"Your entire organization
is to be
commended for their
excellence from top to bottom.
Legendary
service and unforgettable memories
are what we received and more."
Dave Washabaugh, Newton Square, Pennsylvania
Contact Information
PLEASE NOTE we now have an extra digit
in our phone and fax numbers.
MAILING ADDRESS
IN COSTA RICA
(12-15 day delivery):
COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS
APARTADO 6941-1000
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
CENTRAL AMERICA
MAIL FORWARDING
ADDRESS IN USA
(we receive 1 business day
after arrival in Miami):
COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS
DEPT 235
PO BOX 025216
MIAMI FL 33102-5216
This is a mail forwarding service only, we do not have offices in Miami.
Executive Management Team
Michael Kaye, President
Howard Solomon, Executive Vice President
Natalie Ewing, Vice President Marketing
Isabel Garbanzo, Director of Human Resources
Javier Salazar, Director of Hotels & White Water
Ralph Volandi, Chief Financial Officer
Roberto Morales, Director of Marketing
Full Management Team: Leo Arias, Transportation Manager; Eddie Brown, Tortuga Lodge Manager; Elmo Dellanoce, General Services Manager; William Granados, Corcovado Lodge Manager; Alex Herrera, Asst. to the President; Sandra Leitón, Individual Sales Manager; Jim Lewis, Vice President Natural History; Laura Montero, Reservations Manager; Silvia Rioja, Director of Guides & Conservation; Poett Ryan, Group Sales Manager; Geovanny Salas, Accounting Manager; Annie Simpson, Asst. to V.P. Marketing; Eduardo Zuñiga, Monteverde Lodge Manager
Naturalist guide (NG): Highly experienced bilingual naturalists and biologists that accompany our natural history tours. These guides often have developed an area of specialization such as birds, botany, herpetology, etc. Those who do not have formal training have a life time experience in the field studying natural history. All are trained in guiding techniques.
Service Guide (SG): Bilingual guides who perform airport transfers in San José for our guests and also accompany our guests on itineraries that do not include a naturalist accompaniment. Often these are naturalists-in-training and have considerable knowledge of plants and animals. All have training in guiding techniques, a general knowledge about Costa Rica, and a sincere desire to share and meet their guests' needs.
Raft Guide (RG): professional assortment of highly experienced white water experts. Bilingual Costa Ricans and English/Spanish speaking foreign guides form our staff. Safety & first aid skills are essential requirements for their position. All are trained in guiding and white water rafting techniques & have a sincere desire to share & meet their guests' needs.
Corcovado Guide (CG): Local inhabitants from the Corcovado area and other personnel who are familiar with the trails of the region. While bilingual, and trained in guiding techniques, some may lack the polish of, for example, a naturalist guide. Their knowledge of the area, its natural history and their ability to spot wildlife makes them invaluable.
Tortuguero Guide (TG): Natives of Tortuguero hired by Tortuga Lodge to drive the boats and help guests spot wildlife and/or fish. While bilingual, and trained in guiding techniques, many are not overly talkative and may lack the polish of, for example, a naturalist guide. Guests should take the initiative to ask questions. It is often amazing how much they do know. Keep in mind that when it comes to spotting local wildlife or taking you to where the fish are biting, virtually no one can out do them.
Monteverde Guide (MG): These are bilingual or English speaking naturalists who live in Monteverde and are not hired nor trained directly by Costa Rica Expeditions, but rather the Monteverde Reserve.
Why Guides make for Better Memories
What a guide will add to your trip:
+ Education--learn about the flora and fauna you see and how the creatures fit into the overall picture, the tropical ecosystem you are viewing. Natural history, culture, Costa Rican society, all are topics that your guides will share with you.
+ Translation--Our bilingual guides will help you understand what the little boy carrying the milk can on a burro's back calls out as the bus passes by.
+ Rain Forest Interpretation--An ever shrinking habitat that is so complex your guide will put a whole new meaning to a walk in the woods.
+ Prevention of Environmental Impact--How to watch a marine turtle lay eggs without disturbing her: your guide will tell you when lights are OK, how much noise is acceptable.
+ Prevention of Cultural Impact-What's acceptable behavior in Costa Rican rural settings, your guide will help avoid any misunderstandings that can arise when two cultures meet.
+ Safety--Our guides are trained in first aid and carry fully-stocked first aid kits for any emergency. With respect to crime, tourists traveling alone in rental cars are much more likely targets than those on a guided excursion.
+ Prevention of Accumulated Impacts of Tourism--Where can you go that is still off the beaten track? Your guide knows which places should be avoided because they are over visited.
+ Fun--Share jokes, tell stories, do fun things together; Costa Rican humor will lighten your outlook and put a smile in your vacation.
HOWARD SOLOMON. OCCASIONALLY,
WE LET HIM OUT OF THE OFFICE.
Your Guides: Escorts to Exploration
FULL TIME COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS GUIDES
Felipe Arias,
phenomenal wildlife stalker
& nature interpreter
Corcovado Guide
Think about Jungle Jim, Tarzan and many other heroes we are used to watching on TV, and then just watch Felipe scouting the forest--he's the real thing! His swift movements and sensitive perception of the surroundings let him use his keen sense of vision and intuition to successfully track animals. "The tapir's very close," says Felipe to the inquisitive nature watcher. How does he know? By smell. His perfect orientation allows him to perform an astonishing job of nature interpretation while walking through the wildest areas of southwestern Costa Rica.
Do you want to learn how the natives hunted animals or the best way to track a certain species? Felipe has the answer. When he was young, living off the land near what is now the Sirena Field Station in Corcovado National Park, he learned about seasonal movements of the animals and their habits, as well as in which habitat you are most likely to find any certain species. There was also a period several years ago when he practiced subsistence agriculture and learned about the medicinal qualities of many wild plants. There is a noticeable difference in the way Felipe moves with the forest as he moves through it--he's not an intruder.
Felipe has spent several years of his life as a gold miner on the Osa Peninsula and as a fisherman in the Pacific Ocean, using in both instances manual labor, nothing mechanized. He has been a voluntary National Park Guard, and in August 1993, rescued two tourists lost on the Leona Trail at night, where the Park Guards didn't dare search after dark. Since Felipe has not had the opportunity to read modern ecological theory, he has just about reinvented it for himself.
Felipe Arias has shown such incredible knowledge and talent that with the help of a North American sponsor he guided, we have set up a program to send him to the U.S. to learn English and polish his interpretive skills.
Jorge Fernández,
mountain medicine man
Naturalist Guide
Born July 1, 1957, and raised in a wild mountain area of Costa Rica, Jorge learned many of the secrets of nature in the rain forest. Jorge's natural knowledge of the forest has allowed him to learn much of its scientific aspects and he is now an excellent naturalist guide. He not only knows the common local names of the animals and plants, but also their different uses within the local culture. Jorge has been working with us for 3 years, and his efforts to always do his best have earned him many compliments from our guests, as well as service awards within the company. Grandson of a Cabecar Indian shaman, he lives with his wife and 4 children in rural Turrialba.
"I love my job, because I travel all over the country learning about everything from everyone, which helps me improve myself. Being a guide lets me keep in touch with nature, and that's what I like best."
Jorge has developed a special interest in medicinal plants: prickly pear lowers fever, sensitive mimosa is used to treat varicose veins, wild coriander stimulates the appetite, and gumbo limbo helps diarrhea and calms gastritis and ulcers. All of these are common plants in tropical forests and many can be found in the gardens of Costa Rica.
Luis Torres of the six gold ear studs
Tortuguero Guide
Service Guide
Born in Limón of Nicaraguan parentage, Luis moved to Tortuguero with his mother at the age of 2. As with many boys in a rural setting, he developed a skill with a rifle and helped support his family hunting game for many years. With the opportunity to show the animals to interested ecotourists arose, Luis made a smooth switch to spotting and protecting wildlife.
During the months of June through October, when marine turtles arrive in large numbers to lay on the beaches of Tortuguero, Luis is a licensed Turtle Watch Guide. The Purple Gallinule, a bird that is not very common in Tortuguero, has earned a special place in his heart because it can "walk on water" and has an impressive strut along with attractive
coloration; the Jaguar he finds intriguing because it is so elusive.
The diverse ways that Luis and his family made a living provided Luis with his amazing expertise in the natural environment. Though his first experiences with nature were related with hunting and logging and other activities generally considered damaging to nature, during those years in Tortuguero it was a different and tough world for the local population. Often in order to eat, one had to hunt. Even though times were hard, Luis took great advantage of those experiences. Since his early years, he developed a great respect for nature and therefore hunted to support his family, but not for sport. Atlantic green sea turtles, iguanas, and pacas formed an important part of their diet.
When natural history tourism made Tortuguero popular among foreign nature-lovers, Luis worked as gardener for Tortuga Lodge, and soon was promoted to fishing and nature boatman guide. His drive for self improvement led him to quickly memorize the common English names for the birds and animals of Tortuguero, and more recently he has set his goal to become an accomplished naturalist guide for all of Costa Rica, not just Tortuguero. In just a few months, he's achieved that objective, too. When he's not reading nature guide books, piercing another hole in his left ear for a new gold stud, or guiding a boat down the canals, Luis loves to play the guitar.
Jim Lewis
naturalist guide
Jim has over 30 years of field experience as a guide and wildlife
biologist in both temperate and tropical environments, including epidemiological surveys in Utah; island biological surveys and open ocean surveys of birds and mammals in the Pacific with Smithsonian Institution; oceanographic cruise with Scripps Institute along the west coast of South America; 6 years marine ecological research as resident biologist on the Farallon Islands Wildlife Refuge west of San Francisco, California; and 6 years independent research and consultant work in Costa Rica. As a consultant with the Tropical Science Center, Jim prepared independent reports on the wildlife aspects of environmental review for a proposed AID-GOCR development project (July 1980) and served as wildlife consultant on a contract with the Costa Rican President's Office to carry out a comprehensive analysis of Costa Rica's system of national parks and other conservation units (Jan. 1981-Jan. 1982). Born May 19, 1940, he is currently a partner and Director of Natural History tourism for Costa Rica Expeditions. Jim has guided for us since 1980.
Carlos (Charlie) Gómez
naturalist guide
Born December 29, 1955, he started on his birding career working with Gary Stiles, the author of Birds of Costa Rica. Charlie has guided Birding and Natural History groups for Costa Rica Expeditions for 9 years, and before starting with us was Station Manager at the OTS Field Station at Finca La Selva.
When he's not guiding Charlie works in his garden making it attractive to birds. "Birding is my number one love (after my family of course). Guiding lets me do that, and share my ideas about conservation with other people. Sometimes I think I am a frustrated professor--but then my job is much better than sitting behind a desk, and a great way to meet and share with people."
An excellent naturalist and avid birder with a BA in biology from the Univ of Costa Rica, Charlie shares the ABA's Big Day record for Costa Rica of 225 bird species seen or heard during a 24 hour
period. His tireless enthusiasm on the job has made Charlie our most requested naturalist guide.
Marcos Soto
naturalist guide
Marcos Soto was born on February 29th, 1964, a leap year child with nature in his soul. Since the very first years of his life, his interest in learning about his surroundings and its loving people started shaping the life of someone who has become an interpreter of nature's ways. All this is supported by the fact that he accomplished his B.Sc. in Biology, worked as a Laboratory Assistant for the Vertebrate Zoology Department, took courses for a subsequent Post-graduate degree in Conservation and Ecology, and is now completing his M.Sc. thesis dealing with Ecology of Behavior at the University of Costa Rica. His experience has given him the balancing formula between empiricism and science.
His field experience dates back to his first years of Biology School, in the early 80's, only interrupted briefly by working nights at the Hotel Cariari, which incidentally provided him with excellent experience in people management plus an outstanding English language vocabulary (Marcos is self-taught in English).
Marcos' decision to become a nature interpreter four years ago allowed him to mix these virtues in order to achieve his real purpose in life: teaching, informing, and providing people with incentives for saving the planet.
Traveling with Marcos Soto is not only a very relaxing and rewarding learning experience about Costa Rica, he also makes it fun and enjoyable.
Robert (Bobby) Coto
naturalist guide
From a mixed USA/CR home, Bobby has 9 years of guiding experience in Costa Rica. Although his formation as a naturalist guide has been empirical, his knowledge rivals many university trained biologists. Born June 5, 1965, although his primary area of interest is birds and he is fast approaching a country species list of 700, he is well-versed in general ecology and plants.
Bobby's knowledge about Costa Rican history and local culture allows him to vividly describe distinctive characteristics of our native Indian cultures, their pottery techniques, agricultural idiosyncrasies, and language development. What's most important is that Bobby makes the narration so alive it's easy to imagine what life in Costa Rica must have been like before the arrival of Columbus.
"My goal in guiding is to help my guests to live Costa Rica and lead them into fields of experience (using all of their senses) that they never knew existed." Dynamic and hard-working, Bobby's great attention to detail makes him a memorable story teller and much-requested guide.
FREE LANCE GUIDES
who frequently work forCosta Rica Expeditions
Federico Muñoz
naturalist guide
Born September 11, 1962, Federico is a native Costa Rican proud to share the natural and cultural diversity of his country. Educated at the University of Costa Rica as a biologist, published as a researcher on tropical amphibians and reptiles, and experienced through eight years of leading tours, Federico continues to apply his outstanding communication skills and intimate knowledge of tropical ecology. He speaks fluent English, injecting deep thinking and light humor into his tours. Fede has traveled extensively throughout the world and knows well the North American and European cultures. He has appeared on multiple TV and radio rain forest specials in the US, England and France. At home, he remains involved in sociopolitical issues related to saving the rain forest. All this has placed Federico Muñoz in serious demand by multiple agencies and individual travelers, and places him at your disposal as an expert guide.
Arturo Jarquín
naturalist guide
As a professional horticulturist, Arturo has trained at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania and spent a year working at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Born September 29, 1958, he worked 3 years (1980-1982) for the Costa Rica Park Service and gained much experience in the areas of conservation, protected areas and flora and fauna. In the private sector he worked in design, maintenance and management of small nurseries and gardens. He has been leading natural history trips for us for 6 years. His hobby is the use of paper and dried plants as decorative materials. Arturo has a special sense of humor that keeps his guests smiling throughout
their trip.
Patricia Morúa
naturalist guide
Born October 30, 1951, Patricia has 11 years of experience in guiding natural history and birding tours. She has been a teacher of general sciences and biology, as well as a laboratory assistant for 8 years (1975-1983) on the following subjects: general biology, ornithology (assisting Gary Stiles, author of The Birds of Costa Rica), ecology, genetics, animal anatomy and zoology. She has a Masters Degree in biology from the University of Costa Rica and important field experience working with nature in different parts of the country.
Roy Leon
naturalist guide
Born January 11, 1962, Roy is working on his M.Sc. degree in biology at the Univ. of Costa Rica. Although his special area of study is the management and conservation of marine resources, he is also very knowledgeable in ecology, birds and insects. Roy has worked for the University in different projects in marine areas, with emphasis on ecological, behavioral and population dynamics. He is also an experienced photographer and certified scuba diver; he has been leading trips with us for 4 years.
Patricia Rojas
naturalist guide
Costa Rican biologist, born January 12, 1964, and graduated from the Univ. of Costa Rica with a major in birds. Patricia has worked as a biology laboratory assistant the Univ. of CostaRica in cytogenetics, zoology & general biology. She trained on techniques for plant tissue culture at CATIE in Turrialba and has been a consultant for horticultural and cattle ranch production in several locations of Costa Rica. Patricia has been working as a naturalist guide since 1989.
Jonathan Sequeira
naturalist guide
Born September 2, 1966, Jonathan is a naturalist with a wide experience in guiding. Having studied nature and social sciences at the National University in Heredia, he has also worked as a resident naturalist in biological stations in the Corcovado and Sarapiquí areas. Jonathan has worked for the National Parks as a volunteer in the Guayabo Archaeological Monument and also for the National Audubon Society at Garrison Refuge in New York. A native of Guanacaste Province, Jonathan is well versed in birds and orchids and also has great interest in the culture and archeology of Costa Rica, which makes him a well-rounded guide.
"I call him Luis of the six gold ear studs because. . . the six studs in his left ear were unique. At any rate, Luis was a spectacular guide with a huge body of knowledge of the area, the birds (our principle interest), the plants and various animals. . . Luis's enthusiasm, sharp eye, excellent English, and active expertise greatly impressed all there of us and made our two half days on the Tortuguero River an outstanding success."
Hugh Mitchell, Jr.
Belen, New Mexico
NATALIE EWING, VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING, AT THE AMAZON CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH, IQUITOS, PERU.
At the risk of being inmodest, we can't resist passing on the fact that several of the top U.S. outbound nature tour operators have told us that we have the best team of guides of any company of its kind in the world.
13TH ANNUAL GUIDE RETREAT: (L-R BACK ROW) MICHAEL KAYE; CRAIG SHOLLEY, DIR CONSERVATION & EDUCATION, INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS, ALABAMA; BILL ABBOTT, PRES, WILDERNESS TRAVEL, CALIFORNIA. (L-R FRONT ROW) SILVIA RIOJA, DIR GUIDES & CONSRVATION, COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS; OSWALDO MUñOZ, PRES, NUEVO MUNDO EXPEDITIONS, EQUADOR; NATALIE EWING; SAM MCGRIER, ASST DIR, US SMALL BUSINESS ADMIN, ILLINOIS; ROB RACHOWIECKI, AUTHOR COSTA RICA TRAVEL SURVIVAL KIT, PUBL BY LONELY PLANET. RESOURCE PERSONS, GUIDE RETREAT 1993.
TIPPING
A Treatise, by Michael Kaye
There are more differences of opinion about tipping than just about any other topic in the travel industry. Should they be included or not? Should specific amounts be recommended to guests? Until now we have not recommended average tips. Now by popular demand. . . we'll see if we're damned if we do, damned if we don't.
Of course tipping is entirely up to you. Level of service, whether or not you feel comfortable giving tips, and your budget are all important factors.
Personally, I love to tip (or not tip), depending on service. When I worked as a guide I loved to receive tips. I've tipped toll takers for giving me particularly careful, detailed directions. I've also left a penny in a full water glass after suffering through particularly surly service at a restaurant. I think of a tip as a statement.
If you don't believe in tipping, don't feel obligated. Nobody should expect a tip. Regarding Costa Rica Expeditions and our own hotel personnel, if you believe in tipping and do not feel that one of our people deserves a tip, we'd very much appreciate hearing from you. We'd also appreciate hearing from you so that we can recognize extraordinarily good work.
Restaurants are required by law to add 10% tax and 10% tip to the bill. As a general rule, Costa Ricans do not tip. I tip up to 10% depending on service.
Taxi cab drivers are not usually tipped unless extra service is provided.
Bellboys are often tipped a minimum of US $1.00 up to US $1.00 per bag, at check-in and check-out. Remember that the people that carry luggage at out-of-town places are bellboys too, even if they are not sporting the normal bellboy attire.
Chamber maids are so often overlooked. I think they are among the most important people to tip. You may want to consider US $0.50-1.00 per night.
Transfer Guides, Service Guides, Corcovado Guides, Tortuguero Guides, & Monteverde Guides. Average tip: US $3.00 per person per day. This tends to go up if the group size is less than 4 persons.
Naturalist Guides. Average tip: US $5.00 per person per day. This tends to go up if the group size is less than 10 persons.
River Guides. Average tip: US $5.00 per person per day. This tends to go up if there are less than 4 persons in the raft.
Drivers are often overlooked. Kaye's tip: your life is in his/her hands. If you tip anyone, tip the driver. Average tip: US $3.00 per person per day. This tends to go up if the group size is less than 4 persons.
"Your advice on tipping says 'tip what you would tip for a similar service in the US.' When do I ever tip in the US? Restaurants; I tip 15% of the entire bill. With flights, my vacation in Costa Rica cost $4000 for me and my wife. Does that mean I'm
supposed to tip $600? To whom, how do I split it up? 'Tip what you would for a
similar service in the US' is
a cop out."
Sam McGrier
Asst Regional Director
US Small Business Administration,
Chicago, Illinois
1993 Guides Retreat
Sign seen in White Water River Trip bus in U.S.:
Tipping is not
a city in China
"From the moment we were greeted at the airport by a charming young lady to the last goodbye by a bright young chap who brought us our bags (left with you) at the airport, and ALL of the other representatives of your firm, we were made to feel like family. They definitely conveyed that they cared about their country, the environment, the firm they worked for and us their clients."
Lawrence S. Smith, New York, New York
The word for tip in Spanish is "propina" and is defined as a synonym of "reward."
It comes from the Latin word "propinare" which means to give something.
Legendary Service
Unforgettable Memories
"The quality of your staff was not only in the leadership role but everyone we had the pleasure of meeting. Enrique Araya Vargas who drove us safely to and from, also served us with a great deal of patience and humor. During a brief break down of the bus he was quick to protect your property and the passengers. He is a fine man who contributed a lot to sightings and general joy of each day.
My trip to Costa Rica was more than I had ever imagined, my impressions of the vast wealth of natural beauty will forever be a special memory and one that I would not have had, had I not been able to see it through the eyes and hearts of Bobby Coto and Enrique Araya."
Kay Lott Baker, Nevada City, California
SPECIAL THEME WORKSHOPS
1994
Women in Conservation
July 09-18, 1994
First Annual "Women in Conservation" July 9-18, 1994
Work study series with hands on field experience
Retail price $1714 per person in double occupancy (single occ $264 extra)
Leaders: Ana Báez, Ligia Fernández, Annie Chávez, Yanina Rovinski
(Detailed biographies of leaders available upon request.)
Although women earned the right to vote in Costa Rica only about 40 years ago, "Ticas," as they are affectionately called, have been known for their independence and hard working moral ethic for centuries. Costa Rican women have always been leaders in female emancipation in Latin America. Women occupy 30% of the work force in Costa Rica today.
Costa Rica conserves fully 25% of its area in National Parks and designated protected areas, and women have taken increasingly active roles in conservation in Costa Rica over the last 20 years. From administrating various National Parks, to the planning of national and international conservation policies, to muckraking environmental journalism, Costa Rican women have created a vocal and active minority. A strong middle class and obligatory education through the sixth grade have helped many women occupy what have been considered traditional male jobs throughout this century in spite of societal problems including machismo, an ever-growing population, and shrinking natural resources.
Extended families and a comparatively low cost for child care are just two factors that have helped Ticas be able to choose the option of combining a career with child raising. Women in Conservation, as an educational workshop experience, is designed to enlighten participants from other cultures with respect to community level conservation programs that are active in rural Costa Rica, and at the same time provide a unique perspective on the role of women in this most advanced of Latin American cultures. We have chosen bilingual Costa Rican women with years of experience in many different areas of conservation to share their beliefs and knowledge with the workshop's participants. The goal is learning more about how we can work together on an international level on projects that will conserve our natural resources, slow the pace of the destruction of our biodiversity, and make this planet a better place to live in.
Combining pertinent educational presentations with hands-on field workshops in some of Costa Rica's most treasured natural areas, "Women in Conservation" offers an important and enriching experience for anyone truly committed to understanding and contributing to the preservation of the global environment. Though the program showcases Costa Rica's most prominent women conservationists, attendance is certainly not limited to females; anyone interested in these pertinent issues is encouraged to attend.
The first full day (July 10th) will be a general group orientation, spent at EARTH (Agricultural School for the Humid Tropical Region). This is a non-profit college sponsored by the USAID and the Kellogg Foundation whose 4-year curriculum focuses on sustainable agricultural practices for the region and allows local youths to receive a university education specifically geared towards tropical agricultural systems.
July 11th features a full day of workshops, giving participants the opportunity to learn from different women conservationists, especially those who will be leading the field trips. July 12th is orientation and departure for the chosen field study destinations.
The field study portion of the program provides three full days of hands-on involvement, giving practical application to the classroom expose. Participants are immersed in actual community efforts to sustain natural resources, gaining invaluable insights and guided by the women who direct the projects.
Annie Chávez, Director of the Marine Turtle Conservation Program at the University of Costa Rica, will lead Field Trip #1 to Ostional Beach Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast. This group will focus on Community environmental education efforts to protect the Ridley Turtle nesting site while supporting controlled harvesting of eggs.
Yanina Rovinski, a well-known environmental activist and author will take Field Trip #2 to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Participants will have an in-depth view of the Children's Eternal Rain forest and integration of this innovative international program with the local community it helps to sustain.
Ligia Fernández, a nationally renowned biologist with an MBA from INCAE (International Harvard Business School affiliate) will lead Field Trip #3 to the Caribbean coast to observe projects involving local Indian communities, explore the Gandoca/Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, and review the history of protected areas in Costa Rica.
Ana Báez will lead Field Trip #4 to explore the unparalleled abundance of Corcovado National Park. Since Ms. Báez has devoted her recent professional career to the study of biological corridors and the planned use of natural resources, this trip will offer enlightenment on the directed preservation of critical natural habitats.
With the growing global awareness of the need for conservation, sustainable development and the preservation of natural areas, "Women in Conservation" provides an important forum for these critical issues. We strongly feel that Women in Conservation is not just important because of more cooperation for equality of women, but also because conservation needs all the help it can get.
"Women in Conservation," July 9 - 18, 1994, is available for $1714 U.S. per person, double occupancy. Single supplements are available for an additional $264. Included in the package: all lodging; land, air and water transportation within Costa Rica; most meals; entrance fees to all parks and reserves; services of bilingual naturalist guide.
Field trip group size will be 15-20 people maximum,
so early advance booking is suggested.
1995 Dates Tentatively scheduled for August 26-September 4, 1995
SPECIAL THEME WORKSHOPS
With Our Top Naturalist guides
Normally marketing considerations oblige us to operate general interest natural history trips. As an experiment for summer & fall 1994, we have decided to dedicate 12 of our fixed departures to the themes that our top guides most want to teach, at no additional cost. We feel this represents a very special opportunity for guests interested in delving more deeply into a specific topic than is normally the case.
August 11-20 Costa Rica Explorer
Itinerary, see pages 27-31; $1410 p/p dbl occ
led by: Robert (Bobby) Coto
Cultural and Environmental Survival
Wisdom and Evolution of Native Peoples
August 12-21 Costa Rica Odyssey
Itinerary, see pages 21-25; $1399 p/p dbl occ
led by: Jim Lewis
Big Trees, Birds and Begonias
Tropical Forest Natural History Interactions
August 18-27 Costa Rica Explorer
Itinerary, see pages 27-31; $1410 p/p dbl occ
led by: Carlos (Charlie) Gómez
Beaks, Bills and Binoculars
Bountiful Birding Bonanza
September 01-10 Costa Rica Odyssey
Itinerary, see pages 21-25; $1299 p/p dbl occ
led by: Carlos (Charlie) Gómez
Beaks, Bills and Binoculars
Bountiful Birding Bonanza
September 8-17 Costa Rica Explorer
Itinerary, see pages 27-31; $1303 p/p dbl occ
led by: Federico Muñoz
Camouflage, Mimicry, and Cryptic Coloration
in the Rain Forest
October 06-15 Costa Rica Odyssey
Itinerary, see pages 21-25; $1299 p/p dbl occ
led by: Robert (Bobby) Coto
Cultural and Environmental Survival
Wisdom and Evolution of Native Peoples
October 20-29 Costa Rica Explorer
Itinerary, see pages 27-31; $1303 p/p dbl occ
led by: Marcos Soto
Understanding the Earth
A Wildlife Experience that is Exciting, Informative, & Spiritually Rewarding
November 10-19 Costa Rica Explorer
Itinerary, see pages 27-31; $1410 p/p dbl occ
led by: Robert (Bobby) Coto
Cultural and Environmental Survival
Wisdom and Evolution of Native Peoples
November 17-26 Costa Rica Odyssey
Itinerary, see pages 21-25; $1399 p/p dbl occ
led by: Carlos (Charlie) Gómez
Beaks, Bills and Binoculars
Bountiful Birding Bonanza
December 01-10 Costa Rica Explorer
Itinerary, see pages 27-31; $1410 p/p dbl occ
led by: Marcos Soto
Understanding the Earth
A Wildlife Experience that is Exciting, Informative, & Spiritually Rewarding
December 08-17 Costa Rica Odyssey
Itinerary, see pages 21-25; $1399 p/p dbl occ
led by: Jim Lewis
Big Trees, Birds and Begonias
Tropical Forest Natural History Interactions
Look for our
mailing on
1995
special
theme
workshops.
See page 8
for more information on Escorts to Exploration.
Please
contact us for a detailed description of what will be covered in these
workshops.
"I want to tell you what a fabulous trip to CostaRica I had. I was very impressed with all the services CostaRica Expeditions provided and with all the staff involved. Patricia Morúa, our guide, was the greatest. She was so knowledgeable about the animal & plant life of Costa Rica. She was very patient with our group & a whole lot of fun.
Enrique Araya, our driver, was terrific. He worked hard & always had a smile on his face. We missed him our 2 days in Tortuguero. Unfortunately, due to illness we had to leave early by 2 days. Allan Ortega was very understanding and was very efficient in making our changes. We loved the Hotel Milvia, he booked our last night. It was a great place to end our trip. I have told my travel agent about your company and will certainly refer any travelers to you. I hope I will return to CostaRica soon and need your services. Thanks again."
Trish Peterson, Inglewood, California
White Water River Familiarization Trips
In cooperation with LACSA airlines
October 18-27 and November 05-14, 1994
Thrilling White Water Experience with the Safest and the Best
Geared to Whiter Water Rafting Outfitters and Select Consumers
Price for River Outfitters $699 per person (double occupancy) including airfare. Space on these trips is available to a limited number of regular guests at a cost of $768 per person (double occupancy) NOT including airfare. Since the normal retail price for this itinerary is $1025, this represents a discount to the public of 25%. Conditions of payment are as follows: A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total amount is due at the time of booking. The balance is due 45 days before arrival.
ITINERARY
Day 01: (LG) (D) Arrive Juan Santamaría International airport via LACSA Airlines where you will be met at the ramp and helped through immigration and customs and transferred to the hotel. Gather this evening for a welcome orientation dinner. Overnight at Gran Hotel Costa Rica or similar.
Day 02: (BLD) (RG) Early morning drive over 10,000 ft Cerro de la Muerte (Mountain of Death) (a stop for breakfast will be made) to the put-in on the Chirripó River. (Big Volume Class III-IV) After a safety talk, rig the rafts and proceed down the river. Ahead are the jungle, the exotic wildlife, the canyons, rapids and pools of one of the best white water rivers in the world. The Chirripó is a friendly river. Your adrenaline will flow here. The river demands respect, hard paddling and good judgment, but it does not demand death defying courage. Overnight camping on the river bank.
Day 03: (BLD) (RG) Proceed down river. Today we come to some of the more difficult rapids as well as easier rapids and pools where you can swim. Overnight camping on the river bank.
Day 04: (BL) (RG) Today you'll experience the biggest wave on the river, "Chachalaca". Mid-afternoon take-out and return to San José. Overnight at Gran Hotel Costa Rica or similar.
Day 05: Free day for shopping and sightseeing in San José. Optional tours are available at an additional cost. Overnight at Gran Hotel Costa Rica or similar.
Day 06: (BLD)(RG) Early morning pick-up at the hotel lobby for the approximately 3 hr drive to the put-in on the Pacuare River (Class III-IV). You will be making a stop for your typical Costa Rican breakfast with "gallo pinto". After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hrs to Tres Equis, where you will say goodbye to our van for the day and begin the 2 mile descent on foot to the river. You will be expected to carry your own vest, paddle and helmet only. On this day, rapids are moderate. In the afternoon, stop and make camp in a large grassy field. Overnight camping on the river bank.
Day 07: (BLD) (RG) Rise and breakfast early. Break camp and load boats. Besides enjoying difficult rapids, today you will have the opportunity to take side hikes and enjoy waterfalls. Mid-afternoon take-out and drive to Pochotel in Turrialba. Overnight at Pochotel (multiple occupancy).
Day 08: (BLD) (RG) After an early morning breakfast, drive approximately 1 1/4 hrs to the put-in on the Upper or Power House run (Class III-IV) of the Reventazón River. The Reventazón is a big crashing, raucous river with a gradient of 125 ft/mile for the first 5 miles. This makes this section of the run virtually a continuous rapid featuring large waves and big holes. Take-out and drive about 15 mins back to Pochotel for overnight. (multiple occ.)
Day 09: (BLD) (RG) Today you will drive approximately 45 minutes to the put-in on the Pascua section of the Reventazón River (Class III-IV). Big waves and holes will challenge your skills and cleanse your spirit. After take-out in Siquirres, drive back to San José. Evening farewell dinner. Overnight at Gran Hotel Costa Rica or similar.
Day 10: (LG) Transfer to the International Airport approximately 2 hrs before your flight's scheduled departure time.
INCLUDED: Round trip airfare from the U.S. courtesy of LACSA Airlines,* all ground transportation, all lodging, meals where specifically noted in the itinerary, all rafting, commissary and community camping equipment. Tents, sleeping pads, sheets for camping on river, blankets for Pochotel. Guests who want to bring their own sleeping gear or tents are welcome to do so. Please inform us. Space limitations may apply. The services of professional river guides.
NOT INCLUDED: Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, personal clothing and equipment, (detailed clothing & equipment list will be sent upon confirmation), alcoholic beverages, extras in hotel, tips.
* Included for a limited number of participants. In the event that LACSA's schedule does not permit travel (arrival and/or departure to Costa Rica or the U.S.) on scheduled arrival/departure dates, changes in dates must be adjusted by you, the participant, accordingly. If this results in any additional expense, it will not be the responsibility of Costa Rica Expeditions.
WHO SHOULD GO: This trip involves camping and rafting on Class IV white water rivers. Participants are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of the trip and to judge prudently their own qualifications. Emotional balance, maturity, a spirit of adventure, and the desire for good companionship should be considered essential qualifications for all of our trips. Trip leaders on our trips carry a fully-stocked first aid kit (including anti-venom) and are trained in first aid. At any time during the expedition the leader has the right to disqualify anyone judged a safety risk to either himself or the other participants. Refunds are not normally given under such circumstances.
HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS
Gran Hotel Costa Rica: 106 rooms with carpeting, telephone and private bath. Coffee shop, restaurant, casino and bar services. Located in downtown San José. (warm to cool climate)
Pochotel: Highlands restaurant/hotel with lots of Costa Rican flavor. 5 cabins for 3 to 5 persons with hot water and private baths. Located near Turrialba with a beautiful view of the Reventazón River valley. (cool climate)
COSTA RICA ODYSSEY
1995
The Costa Rica Odyssey offers Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Poás Volcano National Park and Butterfly Garden, White Water Rafting, and Corcovado National Park for the adventure and wilderness traveler at a very affordable price.
Length: 9 days, 9 nights
For information on possible pre- or post-extensions, please refer to our Multiday Excursions Table in this manual.
Pricing Information:
All prices are listed per person in US dollars, include taxes, and are based on double occupancy. There is a minimum of two participants, with an additional single supplemental fee to be added to the basic rate if single accommodations are requested or forced.
The cost of the Costa Rica Odyssey fluctuates with the seasons.
COSTA RICA ODYSSEY PRICING
RETAIL PRICE
A SEASON DEPARTURES
Jan 12-21, Feb 16-25,Mar 16-25, Dec 14-23 $1499
B SEASON DEPARTURES
Apr 13-22, Jul 13-22, Aug 10-19,* Nov 02-11* 1399
C SEASON DEPARTURES
May 19-28,* Jun 15-24,* Sep 07-16,* Oct 12-21* 1299
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Year round 182
*Naturalist guide services included on these 1995 departures. For information on 1994 Special Theme Workshops, see pages 18-19 in this manual.
Prices to the public for the Costa Rica Odyssey must be charged as per our
published retail prices. Please do not pass any part
of your
commission on to your clients.
~
Look for our
mailing on
1995
special theme workshops.
"Costa Rica Expeditions
is the BEST
agency I've used
on 3 continents."
Andrea Charles
Seattle, Washington
COSTA RICA ODYSSEY 1995
9 DAYS - 9 NIGHTS
This Costa Rica Odyssey offers Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Poás Volcano National Park and Butterfly Garden, White Water Rafting, and Corcovado National Park for the adventure and wilderness traveler at a very affordable price.
Letter Codes:
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included
SG=Service Guide, MG=Monteverde Guide,
CG=Corcovado Guide, RG=Raft Guide
Day 1- Arrive San José
Arrive Juan Santamaría International Airport where you will be met by our representative at the ramp, helped through immigration and customs, and transferred to your hotel in San José. Welcome orientation dinner. Overnight at hotel in San José. (D)(SG)
Day 2- San José/Poás/Monteverde
Drive to Poás Volcano National Park (cold climate). Poás is one of the deepest active volcanoes in the world. Having last erupted in September 1978, Poás emits a continuous flow of steam from vents adjacent to a lake deep within the main crater. A second crater, with a rain-fed lake surrounded by lush highland rain forest, is located a half mile away, via a trail through rarely encountered dwarf cloud forest. Among the 80 species of birds reported, several are unique to this habitat.
Following a picnic lunch in the park, begin the descent to the Pacific lowlands (hot climate for about 4 hrs) on the Pan-American Highway. Upon reaching the turnoff to Monteverde (cool climate), you start to climb back up into the mountains, driving along a gravel road with views of hillside pastures and beyond to the Gulf of Nicoya. Dinner and overnight at Monteverde Lodge, Hotel Belmar, Hotel Sapo Dorado, or Hotel Fonda Vela. (BLD) (SG)
Day 3- Monteverde
After breakfast, you'll be taken to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where you will join a group with a local Monteverde naturalist for a hike through the rain forest. Founded in 1972, the Reserve extends down both slopes of the Tilarán Mountains (elevation 2,300 to 2,600 feet), encompassing eight different ecological life zones and protecting over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,500 species of plants. From January to July, depending on your luck and patience, you may observe in their natural habitat the Resplendent Quetzal (occasionally a dozen or more individuals at once), the Three-wattled Bellbird, the Emerald Toucanet, and White Faced and Howler monkeys. Return to your hotel around midday for lunch and perhaps a siesta in your room. In the afternoon, transportation is provided to explore on your own the reserve or the Monteverde community, including the cheese factory where over 20,000 pounds of cheese are processed and sent to San José each week. Monteverde was founded about 40 years ago by a small group of conservation-minded Quakers who were looking for a peaceful place to live. Some of the original settlers still inhabit the area. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge, Hotel Belmar, Hotel Sapo Dorado, or Hotel Fonda Vela. (BLD) (MG)
Day 4- Monteverde
The morning is free to explore what you may have missed or just relax in the area. After lunch, visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Overnight at hotel in Monteverde. (BLD) (SG)
Day 5- Monteverde/San José
After breakfast check out and return to San José. Approximate 4 hour drive back to San José. Afternoon free to explore San José. Overnight at hotel in San José. (B) (SG)
Day 6- Pacuare/San José
Unlike other action sports which require a great deal of frustrating practice time, given an experienced guide anyone in reasonable physical condition can learn in half an hour how to paddle down the rapids like a pro. The trip begins with an approximate one hour ride to a stop outside the city of Cartago for a typical Costa Rican breakfast, then another 90 minutes to the river put-in site. Here, after a very important safety talk and instruction period, you will proceed down the Pacuare River. Mid-afternoon take-out, return to San José for overnight. (BL) (RG)
Day 7- San José/Corcovado
Early morning transfer from hotel to the National airport for an approximately 1 hour flight to the Carate airstrip, located less than a mile east of Corcovado Lodge. Upon arrival walk with a Corcovado guide along the beach 45 minutes to the Lodge (luggage will be transported by staff). Free afternoon for hiking through the Corcovado National Park. Spider, Howler, White-faced, and Squirrel monkeys, Scarlet Macaws and Coatis all roam the forest in addition to nearly 400 species of birds. Overnight at the Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp.(BLD) (CG)
Day 8- Corcovado
After breakfast, take the Guacamaya boat (20 min.) for a day trip to the Sirena Field Station. At Sirena you will have the rare opportunity to experience and inhabit the biologically richest tropical lowland rain forest in Central America. Corcovado offers the best wildlife viewing in the American Tropics and Sirena offers the best wildlife viewing in Corcovado. Walk in the rain forest through a diversity of habitats such as old secondary growth, virgin tropical lowland rain forest, mangrove swamp, river creek edges and Raffia palm swamp. While no means easy, here you'll have the best chance to see the large mammals which have come to symbolize the tropical rain forest: Jaguar, Tapir, Ocelot, Collared and White lipped Peccaries, Giant Anteaters are particularly abundant in the Sirena area. Spotting recent tracks is common. With another year's experience at Sirena since this was originally written, Corcovado Guide Felipe Arias' extraordinary knowledge of wildlife has resulted in GOOD SIGHTINGS OF TAPIR AND/OR PECCARIES FOR OVER 65% OF THE GROUPS VISITING SIRENA. A full day to explore the area. Please note that the Lodge continues to explore new destinations for the Guacamaya day trip and reserves the right to choose the destination depending on conditions and the desires of the group. The Osa Peninsula's coast has many isolated beaches we will be happy to share with you. Overnight at Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp. (BLD) (CG)
Day 9- Corcovado/San José
Depending on the ocean tide, either early morning or midday, a 45 minute walk to the Carate airstrip with a Corcovado guide (luggage will be transported by the Lodge), 1 hour flight to San José. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at hotel in San José. (B) (CG-SG)
Day 10- San José/Depart
Transfer to the International Airport approximately two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. (SG)
INCLUDED: 9 nights lodging, all land, air, and water transportation within Costa Rica, all airport/hotel transfers, meals as specified in the itinerary, guides' services as specified in the itinerary, entrance to all parks and reserves as specified in the itinerary, guides' expenses
NOT INCLUDED: International airfare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities
The service guide assigned to this trip is a bilingual guide who also performs airport transfers in San José for our guests. Often these are naturalists-in-training and have considerable knowledge of plants and animals. All have training in guiding techniques, a general knowledge about Costa Rica, and a sincere desire to share and meet their guests' needs. This guide is included to accompany the group and help out with logistics
during transport and at Poás. When there are 8
participants or more on the trip, the guide will accompany the group during the entire trip, except on the river. To the contrary, the group will be on its own part of the time and may have different guides at the different sites.
Additional guests may be added to any portion of this itinerary, and the order of the itinerary may be changed.
A shudder in the loins engenders there
The broken wall, the burning roof and tower
And Agamemnon dead.
Being so
caught up,
So mastered by the brute blood of the air,
Did she put on his knowledge with his power
Before the indifferent beak could let her drop?
William Butler Yeats
COSTA RICA ODYSSEY
TIPS & INFORMATION
Average Temperatures for the Odyssey
San Jose: 69 F
Monteverde: 65 F
Poás: 61 F
Alajuela: 72 F
Corcovado: 81 F
Pacuare River: 72 F
WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Casual clothing for travelling in cities
Shirts - cotton, long and short sleeved
Sweater or jacket
Trousers - cotton hiking pants or light weight pants (jeans not recommended--too slow to dry)
Hiking shorts
Footwear - tennis or running shoes, waterproof lightweight hiking boots, thongs or sandals
Socks - bring extra in case feet get wet
Rain gear - poncho, raincoat, or umbrella
Hat(s) - with visor for rain and sun protection
Plastic water bottle - especially for hikes
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Binoculars, field guides
FOR THE DAY TRIP ON THE RIVER -
Shorts and/or swimsuit
River sandals or any kind of shoe that can get wet, and strap or tie on your feet
Full set of dry clothes & plastic bag for wet clothes
Towel
Please note that on excursions involving boats or flights on light
charter aircraft, luggage weight limitations of 25 lbs per passenger are imposed. This includes clothing, cameras, etc. Your San Jose hotel
will usually be happy to store extra baggage for you until your return.
HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS
Gran Hotel Costa Rica: 106 rooms with carpeting, phone, TV, and private hot water bath; coffee shop, restaurant, casino, and bar services. Located in downtown San José. Telephone: 221-4000
Monteverde Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 27 large rooms with private hot water bath and forest view. Jacuzzi in an indoor forest full of tropical plants. Fireplace. Excellent local and international cuisine. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5057 or 645-5214
Belmar Hotel: 36 rooms with private hot water bath; chalet-style construction; bar, and restaurant with meals served family style. Located 3 km from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5201
Hotel Sapo Dorado: 10 deluxe mountain suites with private hot water baths and views of the Gulf of Nicoya; outstanding restaurant; bar. Private nature reserve. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5010.
Hotel Fonda Vela: 21 spacious rooms with private hot water baths; restaurant with home style and international cuisine; a 10 minute uphill walk to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5125
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions. 20 comfortable wall tents, 10ft high at the peak and 10 ft square, a screened, thatched-roof dining room and kitchen serving delicious meals, 2 common bath houses consisting of 4 showers, 4 toilets, and 4 hand basins each. The tents, pitched on wooden platforms, are ventilated to make for comfortable sleeping and have 2 single beds each. Guests should bring flashlights for illuminating paths and tents after dark. Radio communication only. Hot Climate. Costa Rica Expeditions' office Tels: 257-0766, 222-0333.
IMPORTANT! Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp is a primitive facility on the edge of a lowland tropical rain forest. Temperatures will sometimes be in the mid 90's and humidity will be high. Electricity is supplied by a small generator and is limited to certain hours in the dining area and bath house. Although a surprising number of even older guests tell us that Corcovado Lodge is the highlight of their trip, it is not for everybody. Potential guests are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of the Corcovado Tent Camp Experience and prudently judge whether or not they are suited for this experience. Emotional balance, maturity, and a spirit of adventure are essential qualifications.
Likewise, the Guacamaya Boat isn't for everyone. Passengers must be capable of holding on as the craft goes through the powerful Pacific surf. Passengers should be prepared for some hard bounces depending on sea conditions. As speeds vary, passengers may be drenched by the ocean spray. At 30mph, the strong ocean spray stings, but is certainly bearable. As with Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp, potential participants should make themselves aware of the conditions before experiencing the Guacamaya and honestly judge their own qualifications.
"I would like to take this moment to thank you and all your staff for a very fulfilling time with our stay at your Corcovado Lodge. I would like to especially compliment the staff, from the cook to the table servers to the boat people & groundskeeper as they demonstrated extreme interest in our well being with our visit to your camp. In all of my travels, which have been considerable, I've never seen people go out of their way so much to be of service and help. This is a compliment to the management and the organization as well as the individuals. You should be proud of what you do as you do it so well. Quality of work is a rare find, and Judy and I found it exciting to be the objects of so much concern."
Jerry & Judy Smith, Ames, Iowa
"We were particularly pleased with the emphasis on maintaining the environment in this lovely area around Corcovado Lodge.
We would recommend Costa Rica Expeditions to anyone who visits Costa Rica. This was our third trip with your company and we have been very pleased with your employees and the service you offer."
Marilyn & Roy Wiley
Washington, Maine
COSTA RICA EXPLORER
1995
The Costa Rica Explorer offers Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Arenal Volcano, White Water Rafting, boat trips through the rain forest, and light charter flights into remote Tortuguero National Park at a very affordable price. Clients have the option to upgrade to a deluxe room at Tortuga Lodge.
Length: 9 days, 9 nights
For information on possible pre- or post-extensions, please refer to our Multiday Excursions Table in this manual.
Pricing information:
All prices are listed per person in US dollars, include taxes, and are based on double occupancy. There is a minimum of 2 participants, with an additional single supplemental fee to be added to the basic rate if single accommodations are requested or forced.
The cost of the Costa Rica Explorer fluctuates with the seasons.
COSTA RICA EXPLORER PRICING
A SEASON DEPARTURES RETAIL PRICES
Jan 05-14, Jan 12-21, Jan 20-29,
Feb 17-26, Feb 23-Mar 04, Mar 02-11, $1516
Mar 16-25, Mar 23-Apr 01, Dec 07-16,
Dec 14-23, Dec 21-30, Dec 28-Jan 06, 1996
B SEASON DEPARTURES
Apr 06-15, Apr 13-22, Jul 06-15,
Jul 13-22, Jul 21-30, Aug 10-19,* 1410
Aug 24-Sep 02, Nov 02-11, Nov 09-18,
Nov 30-Dec 09*
C SEASON DEPARTURES
May 11-20,* May 19-28,* Jun 15-24,*
Jun 22-Jul 01,* Sep 07-16,* Sep 21-30,* 1303
Oct 12-21,* Oct 19-28*
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 260
DELUXE ROOM AT
TORTUGA LODGE 36
*Naturalist guide services included on these 1995 departures. For information on 1994 Special Theme Workshops, see pages 18-19 in this manual.
Prices to the public on the Costa Rica Explorer must be charged as per our
published retail prices. Please do not pass any part
of your
commission on to your clients.
Look for our
mailing on
1995
special theme workshops.
"Tortuguero is still exceptional. The (deluxe) rooms are tropical heaven and the food is absolutely the best! We got great birds there on two day boat trips and one night trip PLUS we saw an ocelot (night)!"
Alison and Michael Olivieri,
Fairfield, Connecticut
COSTA RICA EXPLORER 1995
9 DAYS - 9 NIGHTS
The Costa Rica Explorer offers Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Arenal Volcano, White Water Rafting, boat trips through the rain forest, and light charter flights into remote Tortuguero National Park at a very affordable price.
Letter Codes:
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included
SG=Service Guide, MG=Monteverde Guide,
TG=Tortuguero Guide, RG=Raft Guide
Day 1- Arrive San José
Arrive Juan Santamaría International Airport where you will be met at the ramp and helped through immigration and customs and transferred to San José hotel. Welcome dinner. (D) (SG)
Day 2- San José/Poás/Monteverde
With your guide , drive approximately 1 hour to Poás Volcano National Park. The active, fuming volcanic crater has recently entered a renewed phase of geyser eruptions. The crater, along with a nearby dormant crater, now a rain fed lake, are the focal points against which the high altitude (8,000 ft.) cloud forest provides a fascinating backdrop. You will take a short walk on the nature trail through high altitude dwarf rain forest to a viewpoint of the emerald green lake. Following a picnic lunch in the park, drive approximately 4 hours to Monteverde for dinner and overnight at the Monteverde Lodge, Hotel Belmar, Hotel Sapo Dorado, or Hotel Fonda Vela. (LD) (SG)
Day 3- Monteverde
After breakfast, you'll be taken to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where you will join a group with a Monteverde guide for a hike through the rain forest. Founded in 1972, the Reserve extends down both slopes of the Tilarán Mountains (elevation 2,300 to 5,600 feet), encompassing eight different ecological life zones and protecting over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,500 species of plants. From January to July, depending on your luck and patience, you may observe in their natural habitat the Resplendent Quetzal (occasionally a dozen or more individuals at once), the Three-wattled Bellbird, the Emerald Toucanet, and White Faced and Howler monkeys. Return to your hotel around midday for lunch and perhaps a siesta in your room. In the afternoon, transportation is provided to explore on your own the reserve or the Monteverde community, including the cheese factory where over 20,000 pounds of cheese are processed and sent to San José each week. Monteverde was founded about 40 years ago by a small group of conservation-minded Quakers who were looking for a peaceful place to live. Some of the original settlers still inhabit the area. Overnight Monteverde Lodge, Hotel Belmar, Hotel Sapo Dorado, or Hotel Fonda Vela. (BLD) (MG)
Day 4- Monteverde
In either the morning or the afternoon, visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight Monteverde Lodge, Hotel Belmar, Hotel Sapo Dorado, or Hotel Fonda Vela.(BLD) (SG)
Day 5- Monteverde/Lake Arenal/San Carlos
After breakfast, drive with your guide approximately 5 hours from Monteverde to Hotel Tilajari. To the east towers Arenal Volcano, which has been active since 1968. Arrive at the Hotel Tilajari in time for an afternoon rest. In the evening you will drive approximately 30 minutes to view the volcanic activity which may include explosions and lava flows. Overnight at Hotel Tilajari or similar. (B) (SG)
Day 6- San Carlos/Tilarán/San Carlos
Full day to explore the Atlantic slope or the Tilarán mountains, including a visit to Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. The forest, grasslands, and marshes provide shelter for jaguars, caiman, roseate spoonbills, white ibis, American anhingas, Neotropic cormorants, Jesus Christ lizards, and many more. Return to Hotel Tilajari or similar. (L) (SG)
Day 7- San Carlos/Tortuguero
After an early breakfast on your own , drive 1- 1/2 hours to Rio Frío, Sarapiquí where you will meet the light charter plane for the 15 minute flight to Tortuguero. Tortuguero National Park preserves 21,000 hectares of tropical rain forest. During the 2 days you will be at Tortuguero, Tortuga Lodge will schedule boat tours into the jungle for wildlife observation with a local Tortuguero guide. Additional boat tours are available at extra cost. There will also be time to wander on the primitive, deserted beach (swimming prohibited for safety reasons) across from the Lodge where thousands of green sea turtles come to nest from June through October (there are special night tours available in this season). Overnight Tortuga Lodge, standard rooms.* (LD) (TG included for boat tours only)
Day 8- Tortuguero
Free day to explore Tortuguero on your own. Tours are available through Tortuga Lodge at additional cost. (BLD)
Day 9- Tortuguero/Reventazón/San José
Very early morning departure from Tortuga Lodge for a 30 minute flight to San José where you will board a bus for the 2 hour drive to the put in on the Reventazón river. An hour from San José, there will be a stop for breakfast. The drive will take you through sugar cane , coffee, and macadamia nut farms for a day of white water rafting (class III) on the Tucurrique Run of the Reventazón River. Those who choose not to run the river may stay in San José where they will be transferred to their hotel for the rest of the day on their own. On the Reventazón, after a very important safety talk and instruction period, you will proceed down the river. Unlike other action sports, which require a great deal of frustrating practice time, given an experienced guide anyone in reasonable physical condition can learn in half an hour how to paddle down the rapids like a pro. Mid-afternoon take-out, and return to San José for overnight. Evening Farewell Dinner. (BLD) (RG)
Day 10- San José/Depart
Transfer to the international airport approximately 2 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. (SG)
INCLUDED: 9 nights lodging, all land, air, and water transportation within Costa Rica, all airport/hotel transfers, meals as specified in the itinerary, entrances to all parks and reserves as specified in the itinerary, guides' services as specified in the itinerary, guides' expenses
NOT INCLUDED: International air fare, airport departure taxes, meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities
The service guide assigned to this trip is a bilingual guide who also performs airport transfers in San José for our guests. Often these are naturalists-in-training and have considerable knowledge of plants and animals. All have training in guiding techniques, a general knowledge about Costa Rica, and a sincere desire to share and meet their guests' needs. This guide is included to accompany the group and help out with logistics. When there are 8 participants or more on the trip, the guide will also go to Tortuguero. To the contrary, the group is on its own for this portion, with a Tortuguero guide during boat tours only. The group also may have different guides at the different sites.
Additional guests may be added to any portion of this itinerary, and the order of the itinerary may be changed.
* An upgrade to a deluxe room is available at an additional cost. Most of our guests having seen the difference feel that the upgrade it worth it.
Due to the
ever-changing
conditions of the canal systems throughout the year, we often must change the point at which you will meet the boat/van. We reserve the right to choose the most viable route.
Additional guests may be added to any portion of
this itinerary, and the order of the itinerary may be changed.
COSTA RICA EXPLORER
TIPS & INFORMATION
Average Temperatures for the Explorer
San Jose: 69 F
Poás: 61 F
Monteverde: 65 F
Muelle San Carlos: 78 F
Tortuguero: 79 F
Reventazón: 72 F
WHAT TO BRING:
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Casual clothing for travelling in cities
Shirts - cotton, long and short sleeved
Sweater or jacket
Trousers - cotton hiking pants or light weight
pants (jeans not recommended too slow to dry)
Hiking shorts
Footwear - tennis or running shoes, waterproof
lightweight hiking boots, thongs or sandals
Socks - bring extra in case feet get wet
Rain gear - poncho, raincoat, or umbrella
Hat(s) - with visor for rain and sun protection
Plastic water bottle - especially for hikes
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Binoculars, field guides
FOR THE DAY TRIP ON THE RIVER -
Shorts and/or swimsuit, sunscreen
River sandals or any kind of shoe that can get
wet and strap or tie on your feet
Full set of dry clothes and plastic bag
for wet clothes
Wind breaker
Towel
Please note that on excursions involving boats or flights on
light charter aircraft, luggage weight limitations of 25 lbs. per
passenger are imposed. This includes clothing, cameras, etc. Your
San Jose hotel will usually be happy to store extra baggage for you
until your return, or the bags may be stored at our offices.
". . .we had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica. Most memorable was the natural beauty of the country, its birds, insects, mammals and its happy, accommodating natives. We especially loved Tortuga Lodge--what an adventure getting in and out, exploring the waterways and forests, (and the food was the absolute best we had on the entire trip!). Monteverde Lodge and the cloud forest was, of course, exquisite. Jorge Fernández was quite exceptional (this observation was shared by all). His knowledge of the forest, medicinal plants, birds and animals was amazing. Most of all, however, his stories of Costa Rican life, beliefs and Indian lore--some humorous, some frightening, always entertaining--kept us mesmerized for hours."
Juliet Flynt & Paula Shoots, Williamstown, Massachusetts
"I've been traveling pretty intensively for 34 years & in all that time I've never been on a trip for which I haven't brought at least one thing which I never needed, or not brought at least one thing that I wish I had."
Michael Kaye
President
Costa Rica
Expeditions
COSTA RICA EXPLORER
TIPS & INFORMATION
HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS
Gran Hotel Costa Rica: 106 rooms with carpeting, phone, TV, and private hot water bath; coffee shop, restaurant, casino, and bar services. Located in downtown San José. Warm to Cool Climate. Telephone: 221-4000
Monteverde Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 27 large rooms with private hot water bath and forest view. Jacuzzi in an indoor forest full of tropical plants. Fireplace. Excellent local and international cuisine. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Cool Climate. Tel: 645-5057 or 645-5214
Belmar Hotel: 36 rooms with private hot water bath; chalet-style construction; bar, and restaurant with meals served family style. Located 3 km from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Cool Climate. Tel: 645-5201
Hotel Sapo Dorado: 10 deluxe mountain suites with private hot water baths and views of the Gulf of Nicoya; outstanding restaurant; bar. Private nature reserve. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Cool Climate. Tel: 645-5010.
Hotel Fonda Vela: 21 spacious rooms with private hot water baths; restaurant with home style and international cuisine; a 10 minute uphill walk to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Cool Climate. Tel: 645-5125
Hotel Tilajari: 48 rooms with AC, private hot water bath, 2 double beds; swimming pool, tennis court, soccer field, restaurant, bar, and snack bar. Located at Muelle San Carlos. Warm Climate. Tel: 460-1083.
Tortuga Lodge: 25 rooms with twin or double beds, private hot water baths, and fans. First-rate bar and restaurant with meals served family style. Beautifully manicured grounds with many ornamental plants and orchids, adjoining rain forest nature trail. Deluxe or Standard?: The difference between standard and deluxe rooms at Tortuga Lodge is like the difference between a 1968 VW bug and a 1990 BMW. The deluxe rooms are much larger, lighter, and airier while the standard rooms are small but functional. Most guests are more than happy to pay the difference for the deluxe rooms. Hot Climate. Tel: 710-6861.
"All staff members at each of the accommodations we stayed at, were exceptionally friendly and did an excellent job. Our driver, Milton, was an excellent and safe driver. And even though he doesn't speak much English, I had a nice time trying to talk with him in Spanish (my Spanish is very bad) -- it was fun!"
Natalie Hopkins
Safaricentre
Manhattan Beach, California
TABLE OF MULTI-DAY EXCURSIONS AND RATES
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Corcovado Rain Forest Expedition--charter: 1D/1N No. of Guests
(Color brochures available upon request.) 2 3 4 5+ Sgl Sup
1 Without Guide 331 291 274 274 8.50
2 With Naturalist Guide 527 420 366 363 8.50
Extra Day without Guide -- Add to line 1 39 39 39 39 8.50
Extra Day with Guide -- Add to line 2 122 93 81 75 8.50
AN ADVENTURE NOT FOR EVERYONE
Corcovado Rain Forest Expedition--1D/1N without Guide: Pick up at hotel for the 20 min transfer to the Pavas airstrip (local airport) for a 1 hr charter flight from San José to Carate (1 mile southeast of Corcovado Lodge). Upon arrival at Carate, walk 30-45 mins with a Corcovado guide to the Lodge (luggage will be transported by the Lodge). Free afternoon for hiking through Corcovado Lodge Preserve and/or Corcovado National Park. Overnight Corcovado Lodge. Following day, return to San José in reverse order from above. Includes: 1 night lodging at Corcovado Lodge, 3 meals, round trip charter air San José--Carate--San José, all airport transfers.
Corcovado Rain Forest Expedition with Naturalist Guide: 1D/1N. Same as above but with services of a bilingual naturalist guide throughout.
Extra Day without Guide: 1D/1N. Overnight at Corcovado Lodge with 3 meals.
Extra Day with Naturalist Guide: 1D/1N. Overnight at Corcovado Lodge with 3 meals, and the services and expenses of a guide.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
1. Please note that Day 2 is really a day of transit. Guests will probably arrive in San José in time to continue on to another destination in the afternoon if they wish. For this reason, we highly recommend the extra day option.
2. Check-out time for the Lodge is 2:00 p.m. Therefore, guests may have to wait a short while before they can actually check into their tents, depending on departure time of previous guests.
3. Costa Rica Expeditions is not responsible for loss of life, personal injury, cancellations, delays, over-bookings, loss or damage of baggage, and/or any loss of services as a result of the same caused by any domestic flights within Costa Rica.
4. When travelling on light charter aircraft, due to weight limitations in the plane, you will need to restrict what you are taking with you to 25 lbs per person including cameras, clothing, etc. Your San José hotel will usually be glad to store extra baggage for your return or it can be left in our office in San José.
5. Who should go: Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp is a primitive facility on the edge of a lowland tropical rain forest. Temperatures will sometimes be in the mid 90's and humidity will be high. Electricity is supplied by a small generator and is limited to certain hours in the dining area and bath house. Although a surprising number of even older guests tell us that Corcovado Lodge is the highlight of their trip, it is not for everybody. Potential guests are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of the Corcovado Tent Camp Experience and prudently judge whether or not they are suited for this experience. Emotional balance, maturity, and a spirit of adventure are essential qualifications.
6. While it certainly continues to be true that Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp is not for everyone, those people who choose the Lodge should plan to stay a day or two longer than they originally thought they would want to. Unlike Monteverde and Tortuga Lodges where it seems that a two or three day stay is just about right for most people, one of the most frequent comments we hear from our guests is that they wish they had planned to stay a day or two longer.
7. Tent positions may be different, we are moving them to cause the least environmental impact.
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability.
DESCRIPTIONS
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions. 20 comfortable wall tents, 10ft high at the peak and 10 ft square, a screened, thatched-roof dining room and kitchen serving delicious meals, 2 common bath houses consisting of 4 showers, 4 toilets, and 4 hand basins each. The tents, pitched on wooden platforms, are ventilated to make for comfortable sleeping and have 2 single beds each. Guests should bring flashlights for illuminating paths and tents after dark. Radio communication only. Hot Climate. Costa Rica Expeditions' office Tels: 257-0766, 222-0333.
Naturalist guide (NG): Highly experienced bilingual naturalists and biologists that accompany our natural history tours. These guides often have developed an area of specialization such as birds, botany, herpetology, etc. Those who do not have formal training have a life time experience in the field studying natural history. All are trained in guiding techniques.
Corcovado Guide (CG): Local inhabitants from the Corcovado area and other personnel who are familiar with the trails of the region. While bilingual, and trained in guiding techniques, some may lack the polish of, for example, a naturalist guide. Their knowledge of the area, its natural history and their ability to spot wildlife makes them invaluable.
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Corcovado Rain Forest Odyssey: 2D/2N No. of Guests
(Color brochures available upon request.) 2 3 4 5+ Sgl Sup
Without Guide 470 400 374 374 17
With Naturalist Guide 749 583 507 488 17
For a detailed description of the Corcovado National Park experience, see the Costa Rica Odyssey section of this manual.
AN ADVENTURE NOT FOR EVERYONE
Corcovado Rain Forest Odyssey without Guide: 2D/2N. Day 1: Pick up at hotel for the transfer to the Pavas (local airport) for a 1 hr charter flight from San José to Carate (1 mile southeast of Corcovado Lodge). Upon arrival at Carate, walk 30-45 mins with a Corcovado guide to the Lodge (luggage will be transported by the Lodge). Free afternoon for hiking through Corcovado Lodge Preserve and/or Corcovado National Park. Overnight Corcovado Lodge. Day 2: Full day boat trip on the Guacamaya to Sirena or other isolated beach. Box lunch at destination. Overnight at Corcovado Lodge. Day 3: Return to San José in reverse order from above. Includes: 2 nights lodging at Corcovado Lodge, 7 meals, full day Guacamaya boat excursion, round trip air San José--Carate--San José, all airport transfers, Corcovado guide services while on Guacamaya, park entrance.
Corcovado Rain Forest Odyssey with Naturalist Guide: 2D/2N. Same as above but with the services of a bilingual naturalist guide throughout.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
1. Please note that Day 2 is really a day of transit. Guests will probably arrive in San José in time to continue on to another destination in the afternoon if they wish. For this reason, we highly recommend the extra day option.
2. Check-out time for the Lodge is 2:00 p.m. Therefore, guests may have to wait a short while before they can actually check into their tents, depending on departure time of previous guests.
3. Costa Rica Expeditions is not responsible for loss of life, personal injury, cancellations, delays, over-bookings, loss or damage of baggage, and/or any loss of services as a result of the same caused by any domestic flights within Costa Rica.
4. When travelling on light charter aircraft, due to weight limitations in the plane, you will need to restrict what you are taking with you to 25 lbs per person including cameras, clothing, etc. Your San José hotel will usually be glad to store extra baggage for your return or it can be left in our office in San José.
5. Who should go: Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp is a primitive facility on the edge of a lowland tropical rain forest. Temperatures will sometimes be in the mid 90's and humidity will be high. Electricity is supplied by a small generator and is limited to certain hours in the dining area and bath house. Although a surprising number of even older guests tell us that Corcovado Lodge is the highlight of their trip, it is not for everybody. Potential guests are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of the Corcovado Tent Camp Experience and prudently judge whether or not they are suited for this experience. Emotional balance, maturity, and a spirit of adventure are essential qualifications.
6. While it certainly continues to be true that Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp is not for everyone, those people who choose the Lodge should plan to stay a day or two longer than they originally thought they would want to. Unlike Monteverde and Tortuga Lodges where it seems that a two or three day stay is just about right for most people, one of the most frequent comments we hear from our guests is that they wish they had planned to stay a day or two longer.
7. Tent positions may be different, we are moving them to cause the least environmental impact.
8. Likewise, the Guacamaya Boat isn't for everyone. Passengers must be capable of holding on as the craft goes through the powerful Pacific surf. Passengers should be prepared for some hard bounces depending on sea conditions. As speeds vary, passengers may be drenched by the ocean spray. At 30mph, the strong ocean spray stings, but is certainly bearable. As with Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp, potential participants should make themselves aware of the conditions before experiencing the Guacamaya and honestly judge their own qualifications.
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp reserves the right to define the destination of the Guacamaya boat trip, even up until the same day of the tour.
Fixed Departure Dates:
Dec 15 - Apr 15: Departs every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at minimum 4 pax price.
Apr 16 - Dec 14: Departs every Wednesday and Friday at minimum 4 pax price.
DESCRIPTIONS
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions. 20 comfortable wall tents, 10ft high at the peak and 10 ft square, a screened, thatched-roof dining room and kitchen serving delicious meals, 2 common bath houses consisting of 4 showers, 4 toilets, and 4 hand basins each. The tents, pitched on wooden platforms, are ventilated to make for comfortable sleeping and have 2 single beds each. Guests should bring flashlights for illuminating paths and tents after dark. Radio communication only. Hot Climate. Costa Rica Expeditions' office Tels: 257-0766, 222-0333.
Guacamaya Boat: In cooperation with notable inflatable boat designer, Dave Demaree, we have developed a 32 ft long, 20 passenger pontoon craft capable of safely negotiating the surf of the open Pacific beaches of Corcovado National Park, loading and unloading passengers on dry land.
Naturalist guide (NG): Highly experienced bilingual naturalists and biologists that accompany our natural history tours. These guides often have developed an area of specialization such as birds, botany, herpetology, etc. Those who do not have formal training have a life time experience in the field studying natural history. All are trained in guiding techniques.
Corcovado Guide (CG): Local inhabitants from the Corcovado area and other personnel who are familiar with the trails of the region. While bilingual, and trained in guiding techniques, some may lack the polish of, for example, a naturalist guide. Their knowledge of the area, its natural history and their ability to spot wildlife makes them invaluable.
For a detailed description of the Corcovado National Park experience, see the Costa Rica Odyssey section of this manual.
"We especially enjoyed our stay at Corcovado Lodge. The manager, William Granados, did an exceptional job in making us and all his other guests feel welcome, and that he truly cared that we all had a memorable stay. The chef also did an outstanding job--his food was always wonderful. We certainly plan to return to Costa Rica and especially to Corcovado Lodge--please keep up
the good work there."
Charles Cockrum, Goleta, California
"The Barnett family has returned full of positive stories about Costa Rica Expeditions. Thank you very much for making their visit such a success. To a travel agent that is so important because they will now entrust other business with us which they might not have done if they had not been satisfied."
Marius H.A. Enthoven Travel Headquarters Vancouver
British Columbia
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Tortuguero Jungle Expedition (TJE):1D/1N No. of Guests
(Color brochures available upon request.) 2 3 4 5+ Sgl Sup
1 Tortuguero Jungle Expedition (TJE):1D/1N 358 335 239 239 24
Deluxe Room Upgrade--Add to line 1 16 16 16 16 32
Extra Day in Tortuguero--Add to line 1 66 66 66 66 24
Tortuguero Jungle Expedition (TJE): 1D/1N (Suggested stay is 2-4 nights). Pick-up at San José hotel for early morning direct flight to Tortuga Lodge. Fly over Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Atlantic lowlands (35 minute flight). Upon arrival, after breakfast, tour the canals of Tortuguero National Park by boat with a local novice naturalist guide to observe the wildlife and flora. Return for lunch at Tortuga Lodge. In the afternoon another boat tour (with Tortuguero guide). Return for dinner/lodging at Tortuga Lodge. Next day after breakfast, board plane to return to San José. Transfer to hotel. Includes: Round trip airport/hotel transfers, round trip flights San José--Tortuguero, lodging at Tortuga Lodge (standard rooms), 4 meals, 6 hrs of day time guided boat excursion, services of a Tortuguero guide, park entrances.
Extra Day: Includes one night's lodging at Tortuga Lodge (Standard Rooms) 3 meals.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
1. Costa Rica Expeditions is not responsible for loss of life, personal injury, cancellations, delays, over-bookings, loss or damage of baggage, and/or any loss of services as a result of the same caused by any domestic flights within Cost Rica.
2. When traveling on light aircraft, charter or Travelair, due to weight limitations in the plane, you will need to restrict what you are taking with you to 25 lbs per person including cameras, clothing, etc. Your San José hotel will usually be glad to store extra baggage for your return or it can be left in our office in San José.
3. Costa Rica Expeditions reserves the right to choose which light aircraft will be used (normally Travelair or charter).
4. Passengers leaving Costa Rica on the same day they leave Tortuguero should be made aware of the fact that due to ever-changing climatic conditions in the Tortuguero area, if weather does not permit an early departure out of Tortuguero, passengers may miss their international flights depending on departure times.
5. Check-out time for hotels in Costa Rica is 2:00 p.m. Therefore, guests may have to wait a short while before they can actually check into their rooms, depending on departure time of previous guests.
Fixed Departure Dates:
Dec 15 - Apr 15: Departs daily at minimum 4 pax price.
April 16 - Dec 14: Departs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday at minimum 4 pax price.
DESCRIPTIONS
Tortuga Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 25 rooms with twin or double beds, private hot water baths, fans and electricity 24 hrs, with backup generator system. Bar and restaurant service are first-rate and meals are served family style. A unique attraction of the Lodge is its beautifully maintained grounds with many ornamental plants and orchids and an adjoining rain forest nature trail. Located 10 mins by boat from the Tortuguero National Park. Tel: 710-6861 (hot climate).
Deluxe or Standard?: The difference between standard and deluxe rooms at Tortuga Lodge is like the difference between a 1968 VW bug and a 1990 BMW. The deluxe rooms are much larger, lighter, and airier while the standard rooms are small but functional. Most guests are more than happy to pay the difference for the deluxe rooms.
Tortuga Lodge Skiffs: Flat bottom open aluminum skiffs with padded seats for 4 or 5 passengers, or larger versions (for 12 and 20 passengers) with removable canvas roofs (2 of the 15 small skiffs also have removable canvas roofs.) Roofs are used for long trips and are taken off for wildlife viewing.
Tortuguero Guide (TG): Natives of Tortuguero hired by Tortuga Lodge to drive the boats and help guests spot wildlife and/or fish. While bilingual, and trained in guiding techniques, many are not overly talkative and may lack the polish of, for example, a naturalist guide. Guests should take the initiative to ask questions. It is often amazing how much they do know. Keep in mind that when it comes to spotting local wildlife or taking you to where the fish are biting, virtually no one can out do them. One Tortuguero guide, Luis Torres, has now "graduated" to naturalist guide.
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Tortuguero Jungle Odyssey (NTJO and TJO) No. of Guests
(Color brochures available upon request.) 2 3 4 5+ Sgl Sup
1 Short Tortuguero Jungle Odyssey (NTJO):1D/1N 299 279 199 199 24
2 Tortuguero Jungle Odyssey (TJO): 2D/2N 365 345 265 265 48
Extra Day in Tortuguero--Add to line 1 or 2 66 66 66 66 24
Deluxe Room Upgrade per night--Add to above lines 16 16 16 16 32
Short Tortuguero Jungle Odyssey (NTJO): 1D/1N. Pick-up at San José hotel for early morning direct flight to Tortuga Lodge. Fly over Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Atlantic lowlands (35 min flight). Upon arrival, breakfast will be served. The rest of the day is free for optional tours at an additional cost. Overnight Tortuga Lodge (standard room). The next day after breakfast, board the boat with a Tortuguero guide and depart for a 2-4 hr trip down the canals to the dock in the Limón area, where a service guide and van with driver will meet you for the drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park and back to your San José hotel. Includes: 1 night lodging in Tortuga Lodge (standard room), 4 meals, flight San José--Tortuguero, transfer from hotel to airport, bus transportation from the dock in the Limón area to San José (1 seat in a tour bus, not air-conditioned), services of guides as specified.
Tortuguero Jungle Odyssey (TJO): 2D/2N. Morning pick-up by service guide and drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. At approximately mid-day, board the boat and with a Tortuguero guide depart for a 2-4 hr trip to Tortuguero. Arrive at Tortuga Lodge late afternoon. Overnight Tortuga Lodge (standard room). Next day spent at leisure, optional tours available at extra cost. Overnight Tortuga Lodge. Following day early morning flight to San José. Transfer to San José hotel. Includes: Bus transportation from San José (1 seat in a tour bus (not air conditioned), maximum 30 persons/bus), boat transportation to Tortuguero, 2 nights lodging in Tortuga Lodge (standard room), 6 meals, flight Tortuguero--San José (approx. 35 min), round trip transfers from hotels in San José, services of guides as specified.
2 Day / 2 Night departures (TJO) may be run in reverse order: Transfer from San José hotel for early morning direct flight to Tortuga Lodge. Return to San José by boat/bus via Braulio Carrillo National Park. Transfer to San José hotel. We reserve the right to schedule tours in reverse order as late as the day before. Includes: Same as above plus one extra meal.
Extra Day: Includes one nights lodging at Tortuga Lodge (Standard Rooms) 3 meals.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
1. Due to the ever-changing conditions of the canal systems throughout the year, we often must change the point at which passengers meet the boat/van in the Limón area. We reserve the right to choose the most viable route.
2. Costa Rica Expeditions is not responsible for loss of life, personal injury, cancellations, delays, over-bookings, loss or damage of baggage, and/or any loss of services as a result of the same caused by any domestic flights within Cost Rica.
3. When traveling on light aircraft (charter or Travelair) or by boat, due to weight limitations you will need to restrict what you are taking with you to 25 lbs per person including cameras, clothing, etc. Your San José hotel will usually be glad to store extra baggage for your return or it can be left in our office in San José.
4. Costa Rica Expeditions reserves the right to change the order of the trip as late as the day before, and to choose which light aircraft will be used (normally Travelair or charter).
5. Passengers leaving Costa Rica on the same day they leave Tortuguero should be made aware of the fact that due to ever-changing climatic conditions in the Tortuguero area, if weather does not permit an early departure out of Tortuguero, passengers may miss their international flights depending on departure times.
6. Check-out time for hotels in Costa Rica is 2:00 p.m. Therefore, guests may have to wait a short while before they can actually check into their rooms, depending on departure time of previous guests.
Fixed Departure Dates
Shortened Tortuguero Jungle Odyssey (NTJO): 1D/1N
Dec 15 - Apr 15: Departs daily at minimum 4 pax price.
Apr 16 - Dec 14: Departs every Tuesday at minimum 4 pax price.
Tortuguero Jungle Odyssey (TJO): 2D/2N
Dec 15 - Apr 15: Departs daily at minimum 4 pax price.
Apr 16 - Dec 14: Departs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday at minimum 4 pax price.
DESCRIPTIONS
Tortuga Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 25 rooms with twin or double beds, private hot water baths, fans and electricity 24 hrs, with backup generator system. Bar and restaurant service are first-rate and meals are served family style. A unique attraction of the Lodge is its beautifully maintained grounds with many ornamental plants and orchids and an adjoining rain forest nature trail. Located 10 mins by boat from the Tortuguero National Park. Tel: 710-6861 (hot climate).
Deluxe or Standard?: The difference between standard and deluxe rooms at Tortuga Lodge is like the difference between a 1968 VW bug and a 1990 BMW. The deluxe rooms are much larger, lighter, and airier while the standard rooms are small but functional. Most guests are more than happy to pay the difference for the deluxe rooms.
Tortuga Lodge Skiffs: Flat bottom open aluminum skiffs with padded seats for 4 or 5 passengers, or larger versions (for 12 and 20 passengers) with removable canvas roofs (2 of the 15 small skiffs also have removable canvas roofs.) Roofs are used for long trips and are taken off for wildlife viewing.
Tortuguero Guide (TG): Natives of Tortuguero hired by Tortuga Lodge to drive the boats and help guests spot wildlife and/or fish. While bilingual, and trained in guiding techniques, many are not overly talkative and may lack the polish of, for example, a naturalist guide. Guests should take the initiative to ask questions. It is often amazing how much they do know. Keep in mind that when it comes to spotting local wildlife or taking you to where the fish are biting, virtually no one can out do them. One Tortuguero guide, Luis Torres, has now "graduated" to naturalist guide.
Service Guide (SG): Bilingual guides who perform airport transfers in San José for our guests and also accompany our guests on itineraries that do not include a naturalist accompaniment (Costa Rica Explorer, Costa Rica Odyssey). Often these are naturalists-in-training and have considerable knowledge of plants and animals. All have a general knowledge about Costa Rica.
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Tortuguero Overnight Fishing: 1D/1N--shared room and boat No. of Guests
2 3 4 5+ Sgl Sup
1 Fishing on the 4-person Bull Shark 583 502 438 -- 24
Extra Day Fishing on the Bull Shark--Add to line 1 367 312 265 -- 24
2 Fishing in 2-person flat bottom skiffs 390 --- 295 --- 24
Extra Day Fishing by skiff--Add to line 2 229 --- 229 --- 24
Private skiff, per day--Add to line 2 160 160 160 160 ---
Deluxe Room Upgrade--Add to line 1 or 2 16 16 16 16 32
Tarpon and Snook Fishing on the Bull Shark
The sweetest little ship in Tortuguero, our 22 foot launch is 8 feet wide and is fully equipped for 4 people plus crew, for river and ocean fishing. Rigged with double 85hp Yamaha engines, outrigger, radio, fish/depth finder, fiberglass T-top and 2 swivel seats, it's the best for battling the big ones.
Tortuguero Overnight Fishing: 1D/1N. Pick-up at San José hotel for early morning direct flight to Tortuga Lodge. Fly over Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Atlantic lowlands (35 minute flight). After breakfast board the Bull Shark or your skiff for fishing. Return to Tortuga Lodge for lunch, in the afternoon continue fishing. Next morning, after breakfast, return flight to San José. Includes: Round trip local airport/hotel transfers, round trip flights San José--Tortuguero, lodging at Tortuga Lodge (standard rooms), 4 meals, 8 hrs fishing (2 fishermen per skiff, 4 fishermen in the Bull Shark), fishing license, rod and reel (lures extra), services of a Tortuguero guide. One angler per skiff available at additional cost. Flight time San José--Tortuguero: 35 min.
Extra Day Fishing--shared room and boat: Includes: 1 night lodging at Tortuga Lodge (standard room), 3 meals, 8 hrs of fishing (2 anglers per skiff, 4 anglers in the Bull Shark), fishing license, rod and reel (lures extra), services of a local fishing guide.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
1. Costa Rica Expeditions is not responsible for loss of life, personal injury, cancellations, delays, over-bookings, loss or damage of baggage, and/or any loss of services as a result of the same caused by any domestic flights within Cost Rica.
2. When traveling on light aircraft (charter or Travelair) or by boat, due to weight limitations you will need to restrict what you are taking with you to 25 lbs per person including cameras, clothing, etc. Your San José hotel will usually be glad to store extra baggage for your return or it can be left in our office in San José.
3. Please remember that lures are not included. Prices for lures range from $5-15.
4. Costa Rica Expeditions reserves the right to choose which light aircraft will be used (normally Travelair or charter).
5. Passengers leaving Costa Rica on the same day they leave Tortuguero should be made aware of the fact that due to ever-changing climatic conditions in the Tortuguero area, if weather does not permit an early departure out of Tortuguero, passengers may miss their international flights depending on departure times.
6. Check-out time for hotels in Costa Rica is 2:00 p.m. Therefore, guests may have to wait a short while before they can actually check into their rooms, depending on departure time of previous guests.
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability.
EXPECTATIONS
Costa Rica's north Atlantic coast is still considered one of the worlds best Tarpon and Snook fishing spots. Unfortunately, due to sedimentation and contamination by agro-chemicals, motor pressure in the rivers, and perhaps other factors, it's not as good as it used to be. When weather and ocean conditions permit, and our boats (the 22 ft Bull Shark and our 14 ft flat bottom skiffs) can get out through the mouth of the Tortuguero River and into the ocean, the fishing is much better. Our skiffs are able to get out into the ocean approximately 25% of the year, and the Bull Shark can get out into the ocean about 75% of the year.
No refunds for getting skunked. If fishing were easy, they'd call it catching--and it wouldn't be fun.
DESCRIPTIONS
Tortuga Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 25 rooms with twin or double beds, private hot water baths, fans and electricity 24 hrs, with backup generator system. Bar and restaurant service are first-rate and meals are served family style. A unique attraction of the Lodge is its beautifully maintained grounds with many ornamental plants and orchids and an adjoining rain forest nature trail. Located 10 mins by boat from the Tortuguero National Park. Tel: 710-6861 (hot climate).
Deluxe or Standard?: The difference between standard and deluxe rooms at Tortuga Lodge is like the difference between a 1968 VW bug and a 1990 BMW. The deluxe rooms are much larger, lighter, and airier while the standard rooms are small but functional. Most guests are more than happy to pay the difference for the deluxe rooms.
Tortuga Lodge Skiffs: Flat bottom open aluminum skiffs with padded seats for up to 2 fishermen. Removable canvas roofs are used for long trips and are taken off for wildlife viewing and fishing.
Tortuguero Guide (TG): Natives of Tortuguero hired by Tortuga Lodge to drive the boats and help guests spot wildlife and/or fish. While bilingual, and trained in guiding techniques, many are not overly talkative and may lack the polish of, for example, a naturalist guide. Guests should take the initiative to ask questions. It is often amazing how much they do know. Keep in mind that when it comes to spotting local wildlife or taking you to where the fish are biting, virtually no one can out do them.
For a detailed description of the Tortuguero National Park experience, see the Costa Rica Explorer section of this manual.
"For the third year in a row, I want to
congratulate you on your wonderful, friendly and efficient company! We had a fabulous
vacation, thanks to everyone's efforts including Charlie Gómez, Miguel and the rafting crew, Eddie at Tortuga Lodge and Luz Elena in your office. We'll be back in Costa Rica as soon as we can and, of course, your staff (with whom I am beginning to feel like old friends) will be the first to know."
Alison and Michael Olivieri, Fairfield, Connecticut
"This is a long overdue thank you to let you know how much we all enjoyed our March visit to CostaRica.
Costa Rica Expeditions staff were delightful, professional hosts at every turn of our travels. Eddie and his crew were special favorites. . . They made us feel at home in the beautiful comfort of Tortuga Lodge."
Deborah R. Meadows
Evansville, Indiana
Legendary Service
Unforgettable Memories
"Dear Eduardo:
I wanted to thank you, Alonso and Roberto for making our recent trip so much fun. I'll never forget Alonso carrying on a conversation with the Howler Monkey or my 16 year old son catching a 70 lb Tarpon."
Hugh Miller
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Monteverde Cloud Forest Odyssey No. of Guests
(Color brochures available upon request.) 2 3 4 5+ Sgl Sup
1 Monteverde Cloud Forest Odyssey: 3D/2N 359 299 269 249 56
Extra Day Reserve & Butterfly Garden--Add to line 1 196 154 134 121 28
Extra Day without Tour of Reserve--Add to line 1 74 74 74 74 28
Monteverde Cloud Forest Odyssey--Monteverde Lodge or alternative: 3D/2 N (Suggested stay is 2-3 nights). Morning pick-up by service guide at your hotel for a 4-1/2 hour drive to Monteverde. The first 2-1/2 hours on the Pan American Highway and the last 2 hrs on a winding gravel road to Monteverde (no guide provided for this portion). Arrive at Monteverde hotel in time for lunch on your own. Dinner and overnight at Monteverde Lodge or alternative. Following day join morning excursion to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve accompanied by Monteverde guide from the Reserve. Return to Monteverde Lodge or alternative at mid-day. Afternoon transportation is provided to explore the Reserve or the Monteverde community on your own. After lunch on the third day, drive approximately 4-1/2 hours back to San José. Includes: Round trip transportation San José--Monteverde, 2 nights lodging at Monteverde Lodge or alternative, 6 meals, Reserve entrance fee and Monteverde guide from the Reserve the a.m. of day 2, hotel transfers.
Extra Day with Tour of Reserve & Butterfly Garden: 1 night at Monteverde Lodge or alternative, morning visit with local novice naturalist guide to Monteverde Reserve including entrances and transportation to/from Reserve. Afternoon visit to Butterfly Garden. Includes: 3 meals, 1 night lodging at Monteverde Lodge or alternative, morning guided tour of the Reserve, afternoon tour of Butterfly Garden, transportation Monteverde--San José next day.
Extra Day without Tour of Reserve or Butterfly Garden: Includes: 1 night at Monteverde Lodge or alternative, 3 meals. (Please note that transportation back to San José is not included on this option.)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
For the Monteverde Reserve Tour, you will form part of a group made up of a maximum of 10 guests.
Check-out time for hotels in Costa Rica is 2:00 p.m. Therefore, guests may have to wait a short while before they can actually check into their rooms, depending on departure time of previous guests.
Fixed Departure Dates
Dec 15 - Apr 15: Departs daily at minimum 4 pax price.
Apr 16 - Dec 14: Departs every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at minimum 4 pax price.
DESCRIPTIONS
Monteverde Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 27 large rooms with private hot water bath and forest view. Jacuzzi in an indoor forest full of tropical plants. Fireplace. Excellent local and international cuisine. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5057 or 645-5214 (cool climate).
Belmar Hotel: 36 rooms with private hot water bath; chalet-style construction; bar, and restaurant with meals served family style. Located 3 km from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5201 (cool climate).
Hotel Sapo Dorado: 10 deluxe mountain suites with private hot water baths and views of the Gulf of Nicoya; outstanding restaurant; bar. Private nature reserve. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5010. (cool climate)
Hotel Fonda Vela: 21 spacious rooms with private hot water baths; restaurant with home style and international cuisine; a 10 minute uphill walk to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5125 (cool climate)
Service Guide (SG): Bilingual guides who perform airport transfers in San José for our guests and also accompany our guests on itineraries that do not include a naturalist accompaniment (Costa Rica Explorer, Costa Rica Odyssey). Often these are naturalists-in-training and have considerable knowledge of plants and animals. All have training in guiding techniques, a general knowledge about Costa Rica, and a sincere desire to share and meet their guests' needs.
Monteverde Guide (MG): These are bilingual or English speaking naturalists who live in Monteverde and are not hired nor trained directly by Costa Rica Expeditions, but rather the Monteverde Reserve.
For a detailed description of the Monteverde Cloud Forest experience, see the Costa Rica Explorer section of this manual.
"Just wanted to thank you for all your help during our stay in Costa Rica. Your planning and organization was first class. You should be proud of your staff and the professionalism they demonstrated."
Mike Zimmer
Operations Manager
WTVJ, Miami, Florida
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Monteverde Reserve: 2D/1N No. of Guests
2 3 4 5+ Sgl Sup
1 Without Guide 285 225 195 175 28
2 With Naturalist Guide 376 322 256 226 28
Extra Day without Reserve Tour & Guide-Add to line 1 74 74 74 74 28
Extra Day with Reserve Tour & Guide-Add to line 2 262 199 175 160 28
Monteverde Reserve without Guide: 2D/1N. Early morning hotel pick-up for a 4-1/2 hr drive to Monteverde. The first 2-1/2 hrs on the Pan American Highway then continue on a winding gravel road to Monteverde (approximately 21 miles). Arrive in time for lunch at Monteverde and spend the afternoon at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own. Following day, morning at the Reserve. After lunch return to San José. Includes: Round trip transportation San José--Monteverde (driving time: approx 4-1/2 hrs one way), 2 park entrances, lodging at Monteverde Lodge or alternative, 4 meals.
Monteverde Reserve with Naturalist Guide: 2D/1N (Suggested stay is 2-3 nights). Same as above, but with the services of a bilingual Naturalist Guide throughout.
Extra Day Monteverde without Tour of Reserve nor Guide: 1 night lodging at Monteverde Lodge or alternative, 3 meals. (Please note that transportation back to San José is not included on this option.)
Extra Day Monteverde Reserve with Guide: 1 night at Monteverde Lodge or alternative, services of a naturalist guide, 3 meals, transportation to/from Reserve, entrances to Reserve, transportation Monteverde--San José on the next day.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS
Check-out time for hotels in Costa Rica is 2:00 p.m. Therefore, guests may have to wait a short while before they can actually check into their rooms, depending on departure time of previous guests.
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability.
DESCRIPTIONS
Monteverde Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 27 large rooms with private hot water bath and forest view. Jacuzzi in an indoor forest full of tropical plants. Fireplace. Excellent local and international cuisine. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5057 or 645-5214
Belmar Hotel: 36 rooms with private hot water bath; chalet-style construction; bar, and restaurant with meals served family style. Located 3 km from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5201
Hotel Sapo Dorado: 10 deluxe mountain suites with private hot water baths and views of the Gulf of Nicoya; outstanding restaurant; bar. Private nature reserve. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5010.
Hotel Fonda Vela: 21 spacious rooms with private hot water baths; restaurant with home style and international cuisine; a 10 minute uphill walk to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5125 (cool climate)
Naturalist guide: Highly experienced bilingual naturalists and biologists that accompany our natural history tours. These guides often have developed an area of specialization such as birds, botany, herpetology, etc.
For a detailed description of the Monteverde Cloud Forest experience, see the Costa Rica Explorer section of this manual.
"To the staff at Geostar:
Thank you for arranging our trip to CostaRica... we had the best time!! Costa Rica Expeditions have the greatest staff of any tour company we have ever experienced! We will recommend this trip
to everyone we know.
We liked the pace of our itinerary, the amount of area that we covered, the
duration of time at each location
the food... The weather was beautiful,
but the very best experience had to be
the people of Costa Rica. Everyone treated us warmly, courteously. We felt welcomed.
We will return, but for a longer time and less coverage, to let it all sink in slower.
The very best to all at Geostar and have a happy spring!
We'll keep in touch."
Rosane Gee
client of Geostar Expeditions
Santa Rosa, California
"I just want to say that it is a pleasure to work with staff such as those you have . . . --dedicated,
professional, courteous--and with the Costa Rica Expedition guides whom I have met here in Monteverde. I want to express my appreciation and that of the [Monteverde Conservation] League to you and to them for including us in activities of the travelers you bring here. We are grateful for the opportunity you give us to talk about the League's projects."
Ree Strange Sheck
author of Costa Rica, a Natural Destination and member of the
Monteverde Conservation League
Legendary Service
Unforgettable Memories
"Our family wants to thank you and
Costa Rica Expeditions for a wonderful Christmas vacation. Your agency was the most efficient one we have ever been involved with. From the time we arrived. . . everyone was so warm and wonderful to us. We will certainly recommend your agency to everyone. Thank you again for a great experience."
Carol Coleman
Nashville, Tennessee
JAVIER SALAZAR, DIRECTOR OF HOTELS & WHITE WATER. WHEN WE FIRST CAME TO COSTA RICA WE USED HIS FATHER'S HOTEL IN SAN JOSE. THEN HIS FATHER SOLD THE HOTEL. THEN WE HIRED JAVIER.
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
Bus Transportation to Monteverde No. of Guests
2 3 4 5+
Bus Transportation to Monteverde 35 35 35 35
Bus Transportation to Monteverde--one way: 1 seat in a tour bus (not air conditioned) with Spanish speaking driver. Up to 30 people per bus.
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability.
From L-R, standing: Alex Herrera, Asst to CEO; Roberto Morales, Dir Marketing; Elmo Dellanoce, General Services Mgr; Rolando Casal, Accounts Receivable; Eduardo Alvarado, Messenger; Alberto Barrios, Asst Cashier; Donna Boyer, Exec Asst; Ralph Volandi, CFO; Ligia Fernández, Consultant. Back row, sitting: Oscar Avila, Accountant; Giselle Hernández, Internal Services; Luis Salazar, Accountant; Jorge Sevilla, Accountant; Ana Lucrecia Quirós, Operations; Adriana Carballo, Operations; Richie Barrantes, Group Sales Rep; Ronny Sánchez, Individual Sales; Silvia Rioja, Dir Guides & Conservation; Robyn Beattie, Group Sales Rep; Poétt Ryan, Group Sales Mgr. Row 3; Eduardo Moya, Hotel Purchasing; Alvaro Córdoba, Accountant; Luis Paulino Vargas, Head Accountant; Marcela Solano, Group Sales Rep; Hazel Coto, Reservations; Xinia Bolivar, Group Sales; Paulina Calderón, Fax/Copying; Allan Ortega, Individual Sales Rep; Grettel Calderon, Individual Sales Rep; Arturo González, Individual Sales Rep. Row 2: Sandra Leitón, Individual Sales Mgr; Geovanny Salas, Accounting Mgr; José Eduardo Alvarado, Accountant; Martha Timpson, Fax/Copying; Howard Solomon, COO; Michael Kaye, CEO; Marielos Jiménez, Receptionist; Diana Vargas, Reservations; Jacqueline Aguilar, Individual Sales Rep; Mario Gamboa, Operations; Annie Simpson, Asst to VP Marketing. Row 1: Daubrin Montero, Messenger; Ana Luz Contreras, Local Sales Rep; Judith Kirkland, Reception & General Services; Natalie Ewing, VP Marketing; Marienela Fernández, Individual Sales; Javier Salazar, Dir Hotels & White Water; Martha Thomas, Secr to CEO & General Services. Not pictured: Isabel Garbanzo, Dir Human Resources; Betty López, Human Resources; Nadya Shaw, Reception & Filing; Antonio Picado, Cashier; Selena Solís, Group Sales Rep; Luz Elena Alpizar, Operations; Javier Sawyers, Communications; Daisy Amaya, Travelers Store Mgr; Ruth Beckford, Travelers Store; Jim Lewis, VP Natural History; Laura Montero, Reservations Mgr; Iván Escamilla, Communications; Leonel Arias, Transportation Mgr; Marco Madrigal, Individual Sales Rep; Jacqueline Hernández, Reservations; guides; drivers; hotel personnel.
COVER ART OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF COSTA RICA BY DIEDRE HYDE,
COMMISSIONED BY COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS IN 1991.
BACK COVER PHOTOS: JUAN CARLOS CRESPO, MAYRA BONILLA, CARROLL HENDERSON
INSIDE FRONT COVER PHOTOS: CARROLL HENDERSON, LANA WEDMORE, OIKAWA TETSUYA
INSIDE BACK COVER AND B/W PHOTOS: JOHN SKIFFINGTON, LANA WEDMORE, JONATHAN SEQUIERA, ROY LEON, TERESA WOOD
ONE DAY ADVENTURES
Operated by Costa Rica Expeditions
NAME OF TOUR: PRICE US$
Private Naturalist Guide Service Per Day 149
Private Naturalist Guide Service & Transportation Per Day 299
Private Transportation Per Day 159
NAME OF NATURAL HISTORY & ADVENTURE TOUR OR SERVICE PRICE PER
PERSON US$
Tropical Forest Adventure 69
Tropical Forest Adventure & Butterfly Farm 78
One Way San José Airport Transfer (two passengers) 22
One Way San José Airport Transfer (three passengers) 15
One Way San José Airport Transfer (four passengers) 11
One Way San José Airport Transfer (five or more passengers) 9
Reventazón Tucurrique River 69
Pacuare River 89
Sarapiquí River 69
Corobicí River 69
Reventazón Powerhouse River 80
Reventazón Pascua River 85
Reventazón Guayabo River 85
Private Naturalist Guide Service: A private naturalist guide for a full day. Important note: Maximum of 8 people per guide. To assure availability, we suggest request be made well in advance. Guide's meals and expenses to be paid by guests.
Private Naturalist Guide & Transportation Services: The services of one of our naturalist guides and a private vehicle, with Spanish speaking driver, for a full day. Guide and driver's meals to be paid by guest. Important note: Includes 100 miles, additional miles will be charged at $1.25 per mile.
Private Transportation: Spanish speaking driver. Eight passenger bus. Hours: from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Includes driver's meals and 100 miles, additional miles will be charged at $1.25 per mile.
"Bobby Coto's love of his work is evident. Not only can he identify all the birds by sight but also by the sound of their call. He is also totally familiar with the plant and animal life of Costa Rica. Thanks to Bobby I definitely gained a new respect and appreciation for the natural world. He was flexible in rearranging plans when people requested a change
in the schedule and extremely patient with our innumerable questions some of which were repeated many times during the day."
Marjorie Naughton
address unknown
TROPICAL FOREST ADVENTURE Includes: Transportation, lunch, entrances to parks, services of a professional bilingual naturalist guide. Duration: approximately 8 hrs. Full descriptive color flyers are available.
PLEASE NOTE: Destinations visited by the Tropical Forest Adventure are all tropical rain forests. Bring your umbrella or other rain gear. Choose from the following destinations:
Orchid Appreciation (minimum 2): Tapantí Wildlife Refuge is a mid-elevation forest in a valley with waterfalls, a rushing river (cool but swimmable), abundant birds, animals, and flowers including tree hibiscus and many orchid species. At any time of the year, there are orchid to be found at this diverse site. Sometimes miniatures with blossoms the size of a grain of wheat may be discovered attached to some mossy trunk. This trip passes through the scenic Orosí Valley and in season may also stop en route at Lankester Orchid Gardens, operated by the University of Costa Rica. Driving time San José--Tapantí: 90 min.
Rain Forest Ecology for Beginners (minimum 2): Adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park in the Atlantic lowlands, Bosque Lluvioso Reserve offers the opportunity to look for wildlife such as Great Curassow, White Hawk, Spider Monkey and Coatimundi. Well-maintained trails, bathrooms, and picnic facilities. Driving time San José--El Tapir: 45 min.
Walk Your Socks Off (minimum 2): Barva Volcano is a good trekking destination with many orchids and other epiphytes. Superb scenery overlooking the Central Valley, tropical flowers, and birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal (February to July). This trip requires somewhat difficult hiking. Trails can be muddy. Driving time San José--Sacramento: 1 hr, Hiking Sacramento--Barva Lake: 8 kms. uphill.
Medicine Man (minimum 2): Poás Volcano National Park is famous for its huge active crater with smoking fumaroles, beautiful tree-fringed crater lake and birds such as the Sooty Robin and Fiery-throated Hummingbird, as well as myriad bromeliads, ferns and mistletoes. But did you know that the acidic water from the active crater's lake was once sold as a toothache remedy? Also learn about common home health cures derived from tropical plants. Driving time San José--Poás Volcano: 90 min.
Butterflies, birds & bugs ( minimum 2): This trip takes you past waterfalls, breathtaking views, rock-strewn rivers and lush forests. Many butterflies, orchids and ferns of limited distribution are found at La Virgen del Socorro. Birds like American Dipper, Torrent Tyrannulet and flocks of tanagers highlight this site. La Virgen is primarily for birding, and is suspected to have the most diverse population of butterfly species in the new world tropics (best seen on sunny days). Driving time San José--La Virgen: 2 hrs.
Crocodiles and Macaws (minimum 4): Near the Pacific Coast, Carara Biological Reserve's streams and forested ridges are haven to such wildlife as American Crocodiles, Howler Monkeys and Scarlet Macaws. This trip may sometimes include a visit to Herradura Beach to swim in the Pacific Ocean. Driving time San José--Carara: 2 hr 30 min.
Quetzals and Paramo (minimum 4): The highest point on the Pan-American Highway, Cerro de la Muerte is of great interest for its paramo (tropical alpine vegetation) and endemic birds like the Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher or Volcano Junco, and offers a good opportunity to see Quetzals. Driving time San José--Cerro de la Muerte: 2 hrs.
Culture & History the Non-conventional Way (minimum 4): As well as being an archaeological site with 800+ year old still-functioning aqueducts, Guayabo National Monument abounds with natural wonders with magnificent scenery and birds such as Chestnut-headed Oropendola and Scarlet-rumped Cacique. This trip is subject to park schedules. Driving time San José--Guayabo: 2 hr 30 min.
Follow the Ancient Oxcart Trail (minimum 2): Hundreds of years ago, before the narrow gauge railroad to Limón was completed, the Central Valley's coffee crop was carried by oxcart along this route, now only a faint track through the woods that your guide will share with you. Driving time San José--Braulio Carrillo: 25 min.
Tropical Forest Adventure to Poás Volcano & Butterfly Farm (minimum 2): Famous for its huge active crater with fumaroles, beautiful tree-fringed crater lake and birds such as the Black-billed Nightingale Thrush, Sooty Robin and Fiery-throated Hummingbird, as well as myriad bromeliads, ferns and mistletoes. An additional stop at the Butterfly Farm at La Guacima in Alajuela which raises these delicate creatures for export to European and American indoor gardens. Take advantage of opportunities for closeup photography of all the stages of the life cycle, and walk through enclosed gardens of the host plants with hundreds of butterflies flashing electric blue, bright red, orange, yellow, white and even green and purple wings. Includes: Transportation, lunch, entrances to Poás and Butterfly Farm, services of a professional bilingual naturalist guide. Duration: approximately 8 hrs. Driving time San José--Poás Volcano: 90 min. Driving time Poás--Butterfly Farm: 45 min, Butterfly Farm--San José: 45 min.
One Way San José Airport Transfer: Private bus transportation between International or Pavas (local flights) Airports and your local San José hotel. All buses have radio communication with our central office. Passengers arriving are assisted through Immigration and Customs. Driving time airports--San José is approximately 20 min.
WHITE WATER RAFTING: Please see page 72 of this manual for detailed itineraries & fixed departures for one day white water trips. Color brochures available.
Reventazón Tucurrique--1 Day (Class II-III) Year Round (minimum age 9 yrs) Length: 9 miles. The trip for first time rafters. Exciting but forgiving rapids in a tropical setting.
Pacuare--1 Day (Class III-IV) Year Round (water level and level of difficulty can vary significantly throughout the year) (minimum age 12 yrs) Length: 18 miles. The adventuresome beginner and the experienced rafter alike will be bewitched by the most beautiful river canyon in the tropics. The Pacuare river cuts through one of the rare pockets of wilderness left on the planet.
Sarapiquí--1 Day (Class II-III) May to November (minimum age 9 yrs) River time: approximately 3 hrs.
Corobicí--1 Day (Easy Class I-II) Year Round Wildlife Float Trip. (no minimum age) The Howler Monkeys that populate the banks of the Corobicí River are one of the surest opportunities to see monkeys in the wild. River time: approximately 3-4 hrs.
Reventazón Power House Run--1 Day (Very Fast Class III-IV) Year Round (min age 14 yrs) Length: 6 miles + 9 miles of Reventazón regular. We put in literally at the spillway of a hydroelectric powerhouse and the action never stops for the next 3 miles. This is one constant rapid. Experience required.
Reventazón Pascua Run--1 Day (Class III-IV+) Year Round (minimum age 15 yrs)
Length: 13 miles. When you reach the take-out, you will have had enough white water for one day. Pascua will challenge your skills and cleanse your spirit. Experienced paddlers only. Written statement of experience may be required.
Guayabo--Reventazón--1 Day (Class IV-V) Year Round (minimum age 18 yrs)
Length: 8 miles. Costa Rica's wildest river trip, this section of the Reventazón river has to be experienced to be believed. A written statement of experience or previous experience with Costa Rica Expeditions is required on the Guayabo Run.
Sightseeing Tours
NAME OF SIGHTSEEING TOUR: PRICE
P/P US$
BRITT COFFEE TOUR 19
ORGANIC BRITT COFFEE TOUR 50
PACIFIC ISLAND CRUISE 70
HIGHLAND HORSEBACK RIDE 70
SAN JOSé CITY TOUR 22
IRAZú VOLCANO Half Day Tour 29
IRAZú VOLCANO & OROSí VALLEY With lunch 49
IRAZú VOLCANO & OROSí VALLEY Without lunch 42
POáS VOLCANO Half Day Tour 29
POáS VOLCANO & SARCHí With lunch 49
POáS VOLCANO & SARCHí Without lunch 42
ARENAL VOLCANO NIGHT TOUR 70
PLEASE NOTE: The following tours are only available subject to the schedule of the agencies operating them.
Britt Coffee Tour: A multimedia presentation operated by the Britt Coffee company, using actors to describe coffee production from farming of the trees to the beverage we all know. The tour begins in a actual coffee plantation. Afterwards visitors are invited to a theater performance which informs the tour members about the history and processing of coffee preparation prior to packing for home consumption. Visitors participate in a coffee cupping (tasting session) with experienced coffee cuppers. This session enables the audience to better understand the different qualities that make a good cup of coffee. Afterwards, tour members can purchase packaged gourmet coffee at factory prices or have their purchases mailed to any location in the U.S.A. or Canada. Half day tour; includes round trip transportation from your San José hotel.
Organic Britt Coffee Tour: Same as the Britt Coffee Tour, but starts with a visit to an organic coffee plantation in San Rafael de Heredia. Agronomist guide. Duration: all day. Hiking boots are recommended. Minimum 5 participants.
Pacific Island Cruise: Duration:12 hrs. We subcontract this departure. Sun, sea and super fun on a cruise in the Gulf of Nicoya. Includes: round trip transportation San José--Puntarenas, juice and roll in the bus, cruise to and lunch at Punta Cuchillo or Isla Tortuga, tropical fruits and complimentary beverages, services of bilingual guide. Departs every Wed. &Sun., other days on demand. Driving time San José--Puntarenas: 2 1/2 hrs. Full descriptive color flyers are available.
Highland Horseback Ride: Duration: 8 hrs (approx. 4 hrs riding). Ride through mountain trails of giant trees bedecked with bromeliads, ferns, moss and wild orchids. Includes: round trip transportation San José--Sacramento, or San Ramón--San José, coffee and rolls, Costa Rican style lunch, service of a bilingual naturalist guide. Available any day. Weight limit 220 lbs. Children under 10 need riding experience and adult accompaniment. Driving time San José--Sacramento: 1 hr. Driving time San josé--San Ramón: 1 hr. 30 mins. Full descriptive color flyers and multi-day tours also available.
San José City Tour: Duration: 3 hrs. We usually subcontract this tour to either Valle Dorado or Cielo Azul. Includes: a visit to the National Theater, National Museum, 18-karat Jewelry Factory, University of Costa Rica, the city of Moravia (which is famous for leather souvenirs), the Metropolitan Park La Sabana, and passes through residential zones such as Los Yoses and Rohrmoser; and other spots of general interest, such as the Central Park, Metropolitan Cathedral, Casa Amarilla, Francisco Morazán Park, National Library, National Park, and the Legislative Assembly. This trip may be either morning or afternoon, and does not usually operate on Mondays because many museums are closed.
Irazú Volcano, Half Day Tour: Duration: 5 hrs. We usually subcontract this tour to either Valle Dorado or Cielo Azul. This tour leaves San José, passing through Montes de Oca, Lomas de Ayarco, Tres Ríos, Ochomogo, Ciudad de Taras, and Cartago (where there will be a visit to the ruins of an old church and to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels). Leaves Cartago through San Rafael, going up by Potrero Cerrado until reaching the craters of the volcano. On the way back to San José, stop for lunch at the Linda Vista Restaurant (lunch is not included in the tour price). Driving time San José--Cartago: 35 min, Cartago--Irazú:1 hr, Irazú--San José: 90 min.
Irazú Volcano & Orosí Valley (with lunch): Duration: 8 hrs. We usually subcontract this tour to either Valle Dorado or Cielo Azul. After visiting Irazú Volcano, the group continues on to scenic Orosí Valley, with panoramic views of the Reventazón River and Cachí dam. The group has lunch at Motel Río Palomo (lunch is included in the price). Driving time San José--Cartago: 35 min, Cartago--Irazú: 1 hr, Irazú--Orosí: 1 hr, Orosí--San José: 2 hrs.
Irazú Volcano & Orosí Valley (without lunch): Same as above, but lunch is not included in tour price.
Poás Volcano (half day tour): Duration: 5 hrs. We usually subcontract this tour to either Valle Dorado or Cielo Azul. Group will pass through Alajuela, by the Statue of Juan Santamaría, the Central Park of Alajuela or Los Mangos Park, the Justice Building, continuing on past Lake Fraijanes and Poasito until arriving at the volcano. On the way back to San José, group will stop for a lunch on their own at El Recreo Restaurant (lunch is not included in the tour price). Driving time San José--Poás: 90 min.
Poás Volcano & Sarchí (with lunch): Duration: 8 hrs. We usually subcontract this tour to either Valle Dorado or Cielo Azul. After visiting the volcano, continue on to Sarchí and the Chaverri Oxcart Factory. Sarchí is known for its wood working and brightly painted oxcarts. Group has lunch in a typical restaurant in Sarchí (included in the tour price). Driving time San José --Poás: 90 min, Poás--Sarchí: 45 min, Sarchí--San José: 90 min.
Poás Volcano & Sarchí (without lunch): Same as above, but lunch is not included in the price.
Arenal Volcano (night tour): Duration: 11 hrs. We usually subcontract this tour to either Valle Dorado or Cielo Azul. Afternoon pick-up at your San José hotel. Drive through Alajuela, Ciudad Quesada, and to Arenal Volcano, with its steaming, rumbling cone and spewing lava. Beautiful view of Lake Arenal. Arrive in Arenal in time to see the sunset. Includes: Transportation, dinner and beverages, the services of a bilingual guide. Driving time San José--Arenal: 4 hrs.
"Special compliments must be made to one marvelous guide, Arturo Jarquín. Arturo made us feel that it was his special pleasure to show us the wonders of nature in Costa Rica. His wide knowledge of birds and plants was generously shared with us city slickers and everything he did was leavened with a delightful sense of humor. Arturo's reverence for the world of nature was palpable. You are lucky indeed to have him on your staff."
Florence Siegel
Birmingham, Alabama
Legendary Service
Unforgettable Memories
WHAT KIND OF GROUPS TO BOOK
THROUGH COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS
Costa Rica Expeditions is a Wilderness and Adventure travel company focusing on travelers who are interested in "getting off the beaten track." Our services most frequently include visits to Costa Rica's National Parks, wilderness lodges, and/or white water rivers in order to fulfill our guests' expectations. This specialized service was the mandate of the company when we started in 1978 and continues to be the case today. Costa Rica Expeditions is the undisputed top supplier of Wilderness and Adventure travel in Costa Rica and since this is the area in which we feel we most excel, we prefer to maintain our focus on serving the needs of these kinds of clients.
We are the most experienced in Costa Rica. On a yearly basis we operate a large number of groups with interests varying from ornithology, to photography, to general rain forest ecology. We have a well-versed staff of guides with extensive field and research experience. Our guides are all highly qualified in their fields, which allows us to assign someone to lead each group who shares the group's interests.
Group Travel Special Opportunities
When the price is a deciding factor, consider booking your trip during the months of May, June, September or October, when we can offer discounts of up to 40%. The lower demand for guides, hotel space and services in general allows us to offer the same high quality services at better prices. What the traveller will need to be sure to understand is that there is more chance of heavy rains during this time, the volcanos are even more likely to be clouded in, and there are differences in the flower and bird species commonly seen during this part of the year. The pluses to a visit during the rainy season include slightly cooler temperatures in the lowlands (but still warm), excellent chances to see arribadas (marine turtles laying eggs en masse), and the presence of greener vegetation in Guanacaste and the Central Valley.
Specialty Trips
Tropical Biology Courses--From elementary school to post-graduate levels, dozens of classes come to learn about the tropical rain forest through a hands on experience.
Rain Forest Workshops--Educating the educators, science teachers from all over the U.S. learn and share their ideas on rain forest ecology, mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, etc. Workshops are also available for non-educators.
Participatory Research--Be an active member of a scientific field research team. Observe marine turtles, squirrel monkey troops, butterfly populations; collect seeds, count predators. Learn how to collect valuable scientific data and do tropical field research.
Family Trips--Rug rats welcome! Special rates for the younger set, activities geared for developing intellects of all ages, fun family activities. Visit the Children's Rain Forest in Monteverde, created by donations from school children from all over the world.
What we need to know to make group booking easier:
When you make your trip's initial request, it will mutually save us both time and fax costs if you could include the answers to these questions:
What are the approximate (or exact) dates of
travel?
How many nights in Costa Rica?
What is the expected group size
(minimum/maximum)?
Will there be tour escort(s)? If so, are they
traveling free or at a reduced rate?
What class of hotels are desired (first class,
tourist, economy; private or shared baths)?
How much physical activity (hiking, etc.)
should be programmed?
Are there any specific sites that are requested?
Do you know what wholesale price range you
are aiming for in ground costs?
Do you have a request for a special type of guide
(horticulture, birding, etc.)?
Write us one paragraph about what market you are offering this trip to and what you believe your clients' expectations to be.
If you can include as much of this information as possible with your original request (and any other information you feel pertinent), we will be able to avoid false starts and get back to you promptly with a firm offer backed up by hotel reservations. Early reservations are very important because, especially from mid-December to mid-April, space is often limited in hotels near parks and reserves.
"The initial
planning stages for our
expedition were expertly
orchestrated by Poett Ryan and Richie Barrantes. Their attention to detail and follow through on requests earned my total
confidence in the overall
operation."
Martin C. Dodge, Professor of Conservation, Canandaigua
New York
~
"...Costa Rica as an ecology conscious country would and does have great appeal to those folks traveling out of the U.S., practicing responsible tourism.
...Costa Rica Expeditions does an excellent job, focusing on ecotourism and Costa Rica specifically."
Debby Baratta, Adventure Express Travel,
San Francisco
California
"Marcos Soto commands a rare talent as an individual. His knowledge of natural history and his enthusiasm for that which is Costa Rica run well off the top end of any evaluative scale. He represents the essence of the professional naturalist yet at the same time was a warm and caring human being. He shared an enthusiasm for learning and life that cast an indelible impression on every individual present. His ability to project beyond the immediate beauty of a situation to the economic, social and political ramifications of natural history issues enriched the experience of all participants. His knowledge and respect of local residents allowed our group to enter into communications with individuals who were able to relate to us an authentic understanding of Costa Rica. He was perceptive of individual needs and extremely flexible in adjusting the program and activities to best suit the group as a whole."
Martin C. Dodge, Professor of Conservation, Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, New York
GUACAMAYA BOAT; OFF FOR A DAY AT SIRENA.
"I LOVE this boat."
Michael Kaye
CORCOVADO LODGE TENT CAMP
A WORLD CLASS WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
FOR THE HARDY NATURE ENTHUSIAST
CORCOVADO LODGE TENT CAMP is an absolutely unique experience. There is nothing like it anywhere in the world. Located right on the beach on the southern border of Corcovado National Park, it is the only facility that provides relatively comfortable accommodations along with access to the famous southern half of Corcovado National Park. While by no means easy or probable, here the visitor will have the best chance in Costa Rica to actually see the large mammals--Jaguar, Tapir, Ocelot, Collared and White-lipped Peccaries, Giant Anteaters--which have come to symbolize the tropical rain forest. At the least the visitor will have the thrill of seeing recent sign and knowing that they are in the habitat of these almost mythical creatures. Most of our guides consider it their favorite place and most guests consider it the highlight of their trip. It is where you are also most likely to meet Costa Rica Expeditions president, Michael Kaye, who has become addicted to the place. (This also may be considered why not to choose Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp.)
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp has 20 comfortable wall tents, 10 ft high and 10 ft square; a screened, thatched-roof dining room and kitchen; two common bath houses, each with 4 showers, 4 toilets and 4 hand basins. The tents, pitched on wooden platforms, are ventilated to make for comfortable sleeping and have 2 single beds each. Electricity, for the moment supplied by a small generator, is at a premium. Guests should bring flashlights for illuminating paths and tents after dark.
As we develop the Lodge, we will make every effort to use appropriate technologies and renewable sources of energy. Drinking water comes from a crystal clear stream which runs pure and uncontaminated from its source high up in the forest in Corcovado National Park. This same stream will provide electricity in the future by the application of the latest low head hydrotechnology. Solar energy is also being investigated. We are creating a private 400 acre reserve, where we will be studying non-intrusive methods to enhance wildlife observation.
A priceless opportunity was presented to us to develop a world class nature tourism project on the perfect spot in one of the most remote, richest wildlife areas on the planet. It was too good to resist. For the moment we have created a very low impact lodging facility which we can use as a pilot project. Based on what we learn from the first phase and your feedback, we will go on to design and build what we hope will be a state of the art model for a 1990's environmentally sensitive wilderness tourism project. As we gather more experience and feedback, we become increasingly convinced that the tents are extremely low impact and the way to go. Your input would be appreciated.
Who should go: Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp is a primitive facility on the edge of a lowland tropical rain forest. Temperatures will sometimes be in the mid 90's and humidity will be high. Electricity is supplied by a small generator and is limited to certain hours in the dining area and bath house. Although a surprising number of even older guests tell us that Corcovado Lodge is the highlight of their trip, it is not for everybody. Potential guests are expected to make themselves aware of the nature and demands of the Corcovado Tent Camp Experience and prudently judge whether or not they are suited for this experience. Emotional balance, maturity, and a spirit of adventure are essential qualifications.
CORCOVADO LODGE TENT CAMP'S
GUACAMAYA BOAT EXPERIENCE
In cooperation with notable inflatable boat designer, Dave Demaree, we have developed a 20 passenger craft capable of safely negotiating the surf of the open Pacific beaches of Corcovado National Park, loading and unloading passengers on dry land.
We've put it through sea (and surf!) trials and it has surpassed our wildest expectations. It's more than a boat; it's a work of art. And it's more than a means of transportation and access; it's an unforgettable experience in and of itself. It is fast, agile, maneuverable, and unbelievably stable. Whether coming through the crashing ocean surf like a hot knife through butter; riding the back of a wave and surfing smoothly into the beach; flying over ocean swells or gliding effortlessly on a calm glassy sea; the most appropriate word for the experience of riding in Guacamaya is thrilling. The boat's performance brings to mind world class athletes or dancers at the height of their powers.
Here are some hard facts:
* Length: 32 ft
* Beam: 9 ft
* Power: 2 O.M.C. outboard motors, 150-200 hp each
* Design: 2-32 ft 36" diameter, 60 oz. Mil spec c-14505 on Neoprene inflatable tubes connected by welded aluminum basket frame.
* Number of Flotation Compartments: 12
* Minimum compartments necessary for positive flotation: 2
* Minimum crew for open water operation: 1
* Minimum Crew for Surf Operation: 2
* Ideal Crew: 3
* Weight without motors: 1,370 lbs
* Weight with motors: 2,400 lbs
* Design working load: 12,500 lbs
* Maximum buoyancy: 26,000 lbs
* Capacity: 20 guests + 3 crew
* Safety Equipment: U.S. Coast Guard approved life vests (must be worn at all times when in boat). Throw ropes, compass, flares, marine radio, marine running lights.
* Cruising Speed with 20 pax: 30 mph
* Top speed empty: 52 mph
* Top speed with one motor: 20 mph
Who Should Go: Like Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp, the Guacamaya experience isn't for everybody. The fact that Guacamaya effortlessly masters surf that would be daunting to virtually any other craft does not mean that the passengers will not have to be capable of holding on as the craft charges through the powerful Pacific surf. Given its speed, it's the smoothest craft that any of us has ever experienced. (Much smoother than the boats presently being used between Drake and Caño.) But this does not mean that the passengers will not have to be prepared to take a hard bounce or two depending on sea conditions.
One thing that Guacamaya does not do is run dry. Spray varies with speed, wind and sea conditions. At 30 miles per hour under ideal conditions, it's a refreshing mist that counteracts the hot tropical sun. Under certain conditions passengers will be drenched. Strong spray at 30 miles/hr is certainly bearable but it can sting.
The combination of direct tropical sun, reflected sun, wind and salt spray makes severe burns a very likely possibility. Extreme precautions should be taken even if you "never burn" or think you already have a tan.
As with Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp, potential participants should make themselves aware of the conditions before experiencing Guacamaya and prudently judge their own qualifications. Minimum age for passengers is 10 yrs old.
There is no doubt in our minds that the Guacamaya and Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp are one of the most exciting things that we have ever done. For qualified participants, it will be the highlight of their trip to Costa Rica. We are proud to make it available to you.
"From the fantasy beach, to the
pristine forest, to the crashing surf on the Guacamaya, Corcovado Lodge was an incredible experience, and I will never forget it."
Craig Dinsmore
Audubon Zoological Garden
New Orleans, Louisiana
CORCOVADO LODGE TENT CAMP
PRICING FOR 1995
What follows is a breakdown of our retail rates at Corcovado Lodge. They do not vary with the
season.
A SEASON B SEASON
(Dec 15 - Apr 30) (May 1 - Dec 14)
MAP *Retail **Retail *Retail **Retail
Single (B,D) price p/p 42.72 38.24 42.72 38.24
Double (B,D) price p/p 34.23 30.74 34.23 30.74
FAP
Single (B,L,D) price p/p 54.61 49.05 54.61 49.05
Double (B,L,D) price p/p 46.12 41.55 46.12 41.55
* Includes all taxes.
** Without tax.
Prices go into effect December 15, 1994
"Felipe [Arias] served as guide and scout for my group of 12 persons during our seven days in the area of Corcovado National Park this past January. Based upon my own very extensive
experience leading groups and with forest lore in Northeastern United States, I am able to say that Felipe possesses an extremely rare level of talent as a spokesman for the Rain Forests of Costa Rica. His grasp of natural history, the habits of the rain forest creatures and his detailed knowledge of plants and their uses is not short of phenomenal. His enthusiasm, love and
sensitivity for all that the rain forest represents offered my group its most strongly positive
single impression from the entire 16 day expedition . . . Few individuals could have a greater impact in transmitting the very values Costa Rica reveres to the many English speaking
individuals who might visit the Osa Peninsula."
Martin C. Dodge, Professor of Conservation, Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, New York
CORCOVADO OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
The tropical rain forest is an excitingly different experience for most of our visitors. At the same time some of these differences can be dangerous: long, sharp spines on palms, poisonous snakes, and unexpectedly strong-stinging insects, to name just a few. Rain forest trails often become quickly overgrown and someone unfamiliar with the area may be easily lost. For these reasons, to do our best to assure the safety of our guests, various of the hikes into the jungle are offered only with guide accompaniment.
Terrain descriptions:
I--Flat and even; for everyone.
II--Uneven gradients; watch your footing; for most everyone.
III--Has some long hills; strenuous.
IV--Long hills and tricky footing; requires special agility.
V--Steep ascents & descents; requires use of hands; you must be fit.
Prices will vary depending on the number of participants. Per person retail prices for 2 & 4 are quoted here.
Sirena: duration all day, terrain I, I-III or I-IV (different trails), by boat, with guide
A 30 minute ride each way in the Guacamaya, Sirena Field Station is located in the middle of Corcovado National Park, about a half mile from the beach at the end of its grass airstrip. There is a complex trail system with either flat or steeper walking available to choose from, and excellent possibilities of observing all 4 species of monkeys as well as myriad birds, butterflies, mammals and lizards. For wildlife observation, Sirena is a highlight in Costa Rica. Includes: round trip in the Guacamaya boat, Corcovado guide, box lunch, refreshments and snack, park entrance fees.
Based on 4 $97.50 Based on 2 $183.00
Sirena Overnight: 2 days, terrain I-IV, one way boat, with guide
Same as Sirena trip, but staying overnight at Sirena Field Station and returning the next day to Corcovado Lodge by foot, an approximately 6 hour walk. This hike is long and hot. For some it is the highlight of their stay, for others a mistake. Includes: one way in the Guacamaya boat, Corcovado guide, box lunch, tent, bedding, backpack, dinner, breakfast, lunch, snacks, park entrance fees.
Based on 4 $144.00 Based on 2 $250.50
Caño Island: duration all day, terrain I-III, by boat, with guide
A biological reserve and part of Corcovado National Park, this 300 hectare island's shore provides rocky areas with patches of coral and sometimes excellent snorkeling. Inland there is a pre-Columbian burial ground and indigenous artifacts. Visitation is limited. Includes: round trip in the Guacamaya boat, local guide, box lunch, refreshments and snack, park entrance fees.
Based on 4 $97.50 Based on 2 $183.00
Loop Trail: 2-3 hours, terrain I-IV (short stretches), with or with
out guide.
An enticing sampler of the different types of lowland tropical rain forest, the Loop Trail wends its way entirely through Corcovado Lodge property. Different parts are made of abandoned overgrown pasture, second growth forest, and lowland primary rain forest (virgin jungle, if you will). There are views of the Pacific Ocean through vegetation that has never felt a frost. Possible wildlife encounters include coatimundis (a relative of the raccoon), tayras (a dark, bushy-tailed weasel), amazon parrots, parrotlets, poison arrow frogs, scarlet-rumped tanagers, several species of snakes, agoutis (which looks like a large long-legged guinea pig), and hermit hummingbirds, to name a few.
Because this piece of land adjoins the larger protected Corcovado National Park, occasionally you may encounter sign from some of the larger mammals: tapir, peccaries, or felines such as jaguar, ocelot, or cougar. Occasionally you'll come face to face with the monkeys common to the Osa Peninsula: spider, white-face, howler, and squirrel monkeys. Includes: Corcovado guide
Based on 4 $6.50 Based on 2 $10.50
Leona Station: 3 1/2 hours, terrain I-IV & V (short stretches), with guide
Accessible from the Loop Trail, the trail system behind Leona Station in Corcovado National Park offers a hike through primary forest in some places with a high closed canopy. Look closely between the large buttresses of the towering tropical hardwoods and you may discover a tinamou nest, with bright enamel sky blue duck-sized eggs. The term "nest" is used somewhat loosely, for the mother tinamou simply deposits her eggs on the forest floor and depends on her cryptic coloration and the buttress walls to hide the presence of her clutch.
The terrain is somewhat rough and undulating, and among Crysophyla palms and woody vines you may also discover wildlife such as the large turkey-like Crested Guan. Males have a black crest, a large yellow bulb on top of their beak and are black with a soft looking white breast. Females are a warm mottled brown. Includes: Corcovado guide, snack, park entrance fees.
Based on 4 $15.00 Based on 2 $22.00
Madrigal: duration 4 hours, terrain I-II, with guide
A flat walk along the beach northwest of the Lodge occasionally entering primary and secondary forest above the high tide mark, walking slowly it takes about 2 hours to reach the Madrigal River. Relax and take a refreshing dip in the pool near the mouth of the river, watch the minnows jump and listen to the cicadas drone during the heat of the day. Monkeys may peer out at you as you loll in the shallows. Upon your return to the Lodge, keep your eyes open for coatis hunting for fairy crabs along the sand or watch for pelicans fishing like kamikaze pilots, dive bombing into the water in such a way that makes you sure they've fractured their skull, but no, up they come, tossing back another small fish. Includes: Corcovado guide, snack, and park entrance fee.
Based on 4 $15.00 Based on 2 $22.00
Paradise Trail: duration all day, terrain I-III, with guide
A continuation of the Madrigal trip, the Paradise Trail passes through primary rain forest inside of Corcovado National Park and brings you back to Madrigal River for lunch and a leisurely swim. Mid afternoon return to the Lodge. Includes: Corcovado guide, snack, lunch served along the river, park entrance fees.
Based on 4 $30.00 Based on 2 $41.00
Sunset Ride: 3 1/2 hours, terrain I (horseback), with guide
Departing from the Lodge on horseback about 3 pm, this ride goes southeast along the beach to Río Oro (Gold River), a small outpost near the tip of the Osa Peninsula. Large flocks of scarlet macaws are often seen feeding on native almond trees above the high tide mark, or flying in raucous groups overhead. Macaws mate for life, and occasionally one may see three individuals flying together, which could be either mates with their young or a widow(er) socializing with neighbors.
After a rest near the Río Oro general store, return by horseback the way you came, stopping to search out large avian flocks returning to their roosts along the edges of the Río Oro Lagoon--egrets, herons, perhaps even spoon-bills.
As you approach the Lodge along the beach with your guide, weather permitting, the heavens turn first gold then bright orange, deepen to scarlet. Look for the green flash just as the sun drops below the horizon--there's nowhere better for a sunset than Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp. Return to the Lodge 6-6:30 pm, in time to freshen up for dinner. Includes: horse rental, snack, Corcovado guide.
Based on 4 $32.00 Based on 2 $40.00
Carate 1/2 Day: duration 3 1/2 hours, terrain I-II, with guide
Walk along the beach as you did to get to the Lodge, returning to Carate where you follow the riverbank upstream for about half a mile. Take a dip in the Carate River and enjoy your snack before returning along the same path to the Lodge.
A hike through secondary forest and the river edge, this trip is especially good for spotting bird life due to the abundant "bird baths" along the way. Search for hummingbirds, manakins, warblers and tanagers, among others. Includes: guide and snack.
Based on 4 $11.50 Based on 2 $20.00
Gold Rush: duration 5 hours, terrain I-III, with guide
An extension to the Carate 1/2 day trip, you'll continue along the Carate River's bank for about an hour upstream in search of "Coligalleros" who pan for gold along this river. Watch them, or perhaps even participate, as they sieve through quantities of earth searching for the elusive "pepita" (gold nugget) that will make hours and days of this soaking wet, back straining labor worth its while. Includes: guide, snack, box lunch.
Based on 4 $20.00 Based on 2 $27.00
Pedro's Farm: all day, terrain I-IV (short stretches), with guide
A further extension to the Gold Rush trip, travel another 1 1/2 hours by foot to a farm (finca) with the flavor of the true rural setting of Costa Rica. In the middle of the rain forest with views of the surrounding hills and the Pacific Ocean, enjoy your box lunch and "cafecito" (coffee) at the finca, then return along the same trails to the Lodge. Includes: Corcovado guide, snack, box lunch, entrance to Finca Pedro.
Based on 4 $26.50 Based on 2 $32.00
Piedra La Chancha: 6 hrs, terrain I-III, with guide
Although some guests take this walk without a guide, due to the changes in tides, we suggest guide accompaniment to assure that you are not caught by the incoming tide before returning to the Lodge. For people who like to hike and don't mind stretches of soft sand underfoot, this is an ideal trip. Departing along the beach to the northwest to the Park, you are led through secondary and primary forest, a small stretch of mangrove, as well as sandy and rocky stretches of beach with open Pacific surf. This stretch of beach is especially known for its large flocks of scarlet macaws feeding in almond trees, sometimes 20 or more individuals. Sea birds and occasionally sharks can be seen, as can an occasional tiny brilliant blue fish darting among the sea anemones in tidal pools. Small relatives of the pup fish can survive out of the water, using their sucker like mouths to eat the algae on the rocks. The high temperatures of the seas make the tidal pools a difficult place for ocean life to thrive, but a very pleasant place for humans to soak away sore muscles if the tide is very low. Includes: Corcovado guide, snack, box lunch, park entrance fees.
Based on 4 $22.50 Based on 2 $30.00
Tortuga Lodge
Rustic Elegance in the Rain Forest
Tortuga Lodge is one of Costa Rica's extraordinary experiences. Located on the Northeast coast of Costa Rica, the Lodge occupies an elegant setting on 50 acres of private land across the river form Dr. Archie Carr's famous Green Turtle research station. Tortuga Lodge offers rustic elegance in the rain forest, with 25 rooms, 15 of which are deluxe for the traveller who prefers an upgrade and 10 standard rooms for those who have to watch their budget more carefully.
The difference between standard and deluxe rooms at Tortuga Lodge is like the difference between a 1968 VW bug and a 1990 BMW. The deluxe rooms are much larger, lighter, and airier while the standard rooms are small but functional.
Regardless of what type of rooms guests choose, they will enjoy the pleasing mix of national and international cuisine created by our chef Perla and his assistant Conchita. Among our favorite dishes are the seafood salad, and the filet mignon.
Here escorted by the best Tortuguero guides available, the visitor will have the opportunity to experience a major nesting beach for the Atlantic Green Turtle. Tortuguero National Park preserves about 50,000 acres of tropical rain forest. To date, 11 habitats have been identified in the park. Three species of monkeys ( Spider, Howler and White-faced), Three-toed Sloths, and River Otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, river turtles, Jesus Christ lizards, and poison-dart frogs inhabit the area along with more than 320 species of birds, including 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrots, the Slaty-tailed Trogon, White-collared Manakin, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, and White-fronted nunbird, among other neotropical species.
Tortuga Lodge was the pioneer facility with access to Tortuguero National Park. After Costa Rica Expeditions purchased the property in 1986, we have made every effort to introduce environmentally appropriate technologies in our operations. A very important milestone toward that goal was the design and implementation of a Biodigestor for organic waste treatment. On the same line, we are investigating the possibility of incorporating electrical outboard motors in our fleet.
Our commitment to the environment would never let us leave the local people and their culture out of the picture. Over 80% of Tortuga Lodge's personnel are from Tortuguero, starting with Eddie Brown, the manager. Eddie was born in Tortuguero and was fishing for Tarpon almost from the start. He built most of Tortuga Lodge and was one of the first fishing guides in the area. Active in community charity projects as well as in protecting the marine turtle nesting area of his birth, Eddie thinks the environmental education of young children is of key importance to the future of Tortuguero.
Since most of the available activities are done by boat, Tortuga Lodge represents a unique combination of pristine rain forest experience and exuberant tropical gardens.With little physical exertion required, it offers the magical formula which allows small children, the elderly and the handicapped to get acquainted with such a diverse ecosystem.
Just What Is a Biodigester?
As a derivation from wastes produced by the hotel, it is possible to extract by means of an anaerobic process two products: bio-gas rich in methane (CH4) which can be used in gas ranges, heaters, dryers, and for illumination; and an organic effluent which may be used as fertilizer, in the cultivation of algae, or to feed fish.
The organic wastes that are introduced into the biodigester, and which are estimated to amount to 120 kilograms per day, come from the kitchen area and sewage output, as well as from other organic wastes produced externally, such as plant cuttings and animal excrement.
These organic wastes are held within the biodigester for a minimum of 22 days, to assure their complete digestion and maximum production of methane gas. Their retention is accompanied by frequent shaking, which eliminates the majority of the sediments formed that would impede the digestion process and the contact of the the methane-producing bacteria with the biomass.
The design of the biodigester consists of a reinforced concrete semi-sphere which will provide an airtight container for the biomass and gases produced. The cover may be either a flexible polymer that inflates with gas production, or a rigid fiberglass shell; the total volume of the core and shell is approximately 15 cubic meters. The system has two alternating and/or simultaneous forms of waste input: one connected directly to the main drainage of the hotel; and the other in the form of a basin by which the external wastes may be introduced. A garbage disposal which finely grinds the kitchen wastes has been installed in the kitchen area.
The biodigester has four transverse screw-shaped agitators which are manually operated from the outside, and a channel of water which acts as a seal to prevent the escape of methane gas. The gas has two escape routes, one to the kitchen with filters to purify the methane for use in cooking, etc., and one as an escape valve in case of excess gas pressure.
The liquid effluent produced exits the biodigester through a window to a basin covered with fine screening to prevent breeding mosquitoes. The housing for the biodigester is greenhouse style, built of wood and plastic panels in order to retain solar heat and to protect the digester from the elements.
This system guarantees the 100% elimination of the organic waste produced by the hotel, thanks to its complete degradation inside the biodigester. However, due to the size of the digester and the amount of waste expected to be produced, the gas production will cover only about 15% of the estimated gas to be consumed by the hotel annually.
"Certainly birding with Carlos Gómez was the high point of a glorious trip. He is absolutely THE BEST, as you know. We had 100+ species of birds in one morning, enjoyed a downpour after lunch and then got a few more species! We were impressed by Carlos' knowledge but even more so by his wonderful way with people. I think Carlos should be elected president of Costa Rica or, at the very least, the Minister of Tourism!"
Alison and Michael Olivieri
Fairfield, Connecticut
"The food at Tortuguero was incredibly good, I asked to be taken to the kitchen to thank the chef. He could make a fortune in any restaurant in the world."
Mark A. Varnau
Indianapolis, Indiana
"Luis Torres completely captured us all with his personal attention to all of us and with his knowledge and love for his home and the turtles on the beach."
Thomas E. Fletcher, Jr. Sarasota, Florida
TORTUGA LODGE PRICING FOR 1995
What follows is a breakdown of our retail rates at Tortuga Lodge.
A SEASON B SEASON
(Dec 15 - Apr 30) (May 1 - Dec 14)
Lodging Standard *Retail **Retail *Retail **Retail
Single per room $65.15 $57.50 $56.65 $50.00
Double per room 77.04 68.00 66.85 59.00
Triple per room 91.21 80.50 79.31 70.00
Lodging Deluxe
Single per room 92.91 82.00 80.44 71.00
Double per room 112.17 99.00 97.44 86.00
Triple per room 129.16 114.00 112.17 99.00
Extra Person 15.86 14.00 13.60 12.00
Meals
Breakfast per person 8.17 7.43 8.17 7.43
Lunch per person 13.13 11.94 13.13 11.94
Dinner per person 13.13 11.94 13.13 11.94
MAP/Standard
Single (B,D) Price p/p 86.45 76.87 77.95 69.37
Double (B,D) Price p/p 59.82 53.37 54.73 48.87
Triple (B,D) Price p/p 51.70 46.20 47.74 42.70
MAP/Deluxe
Single (B,D) Price p/p 114.21 101.37 101.74 90.37
Double (B,D) Price p/p 77.39 68.87 70.02 62.37
Triple (B,D) Price p/p 64.35 57.37 58.69 52.37
FAP/Standard
Single (B,L,D) Price p/p 99.58 88.81 91.08 81.31
Double (B,L,D) Price p/p 72.95 65.31 67.86 60.81
Triple (B,L,D) Price p/p 64.83 58.14 60.87 54.64
FAP/Deluxe
Single (B,L,D) Price p/p 127.34 113.31 114.87 102.31
Double (B,L,D) Price p/p 90.52 80.81 83.15 74.31
Triple (B,L,D) Price p/p 77.48 69.31 71.82 64.31
* Includes all taxes. ** Without tax.
Prices go into effect December 15, 1994
TORTUGA LODGE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Retail Prices
Boat Rental for Natural History Tours $35/hr
(local boatman guide included)
Boat Rental for Fishing (includes guide and tackle*)
On flat-bottom skiffs (maximum 2 anglers, minimum 2 hrs) $40/hr
On the Bull Shark (maximum 4 anglers, minimum 4 hrs) $75/hr
The Night Tour (includes guide) $27.50 p/p
Minimum 2 persons
Cerro Tortuguero Tour. An exhilarating, strenuous walk up 380 ft $11 p/p
Tortuguero Mountain. Great vista. Includes short boat ride to base of
mountain and guide. Minimum 2 persons (2-3 hrs)
Turtle Walks. Season is June to October. See turtles up close laying $11 p/p
their eggs on the beach. Leaves approximately 8:00 p.m. and
lasts 2-4 hrs. Includes boat crossing to beach and guide.
Transportation by boat to Limón
(minimum 2 persons) $75 p/p
(3-5 persons booking together) $50 p/p
22 ft. flat bottom skiff for up to 12 people $350/boat
(Approximately 4 hrs).
Boat to Tortuguero Village
(up to 3 persons) $8 one way
(4-5 persons) $12 one way
Night trips double
Boat to Barra del Colorado (minimum 3 persons) $30 p/p
Flights to/from San José
(Usually single engine planes, capacity 5 guests. Approx 30 min). $95/seat
Baggage limit for non-anglers 25 lbs/person.
Airport transfers not included, but available upon $22 p/p
request for one way (minimum 2 passengers).
Seats on Flights already scheduled (subject to space) $45/seat
Please note: "subject to space" is defined as space which cannot be
confirmed until the point of departure of the aircraft.
Extra Day Fishing -
By skiff; dbl occ (incl lodging, meals, rod*, guide, 8 hrs boat) $229 p/p for 2
On the Bull Shark; dbl occ (incl lodging, meals, rod*, guide, 8 hrs boat) $265 p/p for 4
*Please note: Replacement charge of $50 for lost or broken rods and $50 for lost or broken reels
POLICY FOR CHILDREN UNDER 10 YEARS:
Child 0-2 years: staying in room with parents. No charge for child's lodging & meals.
Child 2-10 years: staying with 1 adult. 50% of child's meals & lodging is charged.
Child 2-10 years: staying with 2 adults. 50% of child's meals and full triple occupancy is charged.
Children are charged 75% of the price of fishing packages.
MONTEVERDE LODGE
The Most Comfortable in Monteverde
Monteverde Lodge is the expression of our desire to provide a distinguished hostelry for the discerning nature traveler while maintaining the intimacy of a 27 room Lodge.
Located in the Tilarán Mountain Range, at 4500 ft above sea level in the "Land of the Rainbows and Resplendent Quetzal," Monteverde Lodge is a deluxe hotel for the naturalist who wants something extra. All 27 rooms are spacious with a forest view and hot water private baths. After a hard wet day in the Reserve, immerse yourself in a 15 person jacuzzi. Excellent local and international cuisine; fireplace. Only 3 miles from the Reserve.
Rooms are designed to put you "in the forest" while protecting you from the mist and wind so characteristic of the cloud forest.
Monteverde is a peaceful dairy community that has become famous throughout the world because of the joint human effort that has gone into the protection of the environment. Home of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children's Eternal Rain Forest, new conservation efforts focusing on education as well as forest preservation are coming on strong.
The Reserve protects an area of approximately 20,000 acres (and is growing, thanks in large part to generous private donations) in which six different habitats are to be found. This allows one to enjoy an extremely rich diversity of species with relatively little walking, although some trails are fairly steep and can sometimes be muddy.
Over 2,000 plant species are native to the area, including a host of wild orchids. Also, more than 315 species of birds and 100 species of mammals have been observed. Outstanding species are: Baird's Tapir, Jaguar, Ocelot, Resplendent Quetzal, Black Guan, Three-wattled Bellbird, and Bare-necked Umbrellabird. You will see giant pipers, beautiful strangler figs, roadside Spanish Flag orchids, and superabundant epiphytic vegetation beyond description.
In keeping with our desire to play an important role in contributing to a sound environment, Monteverde Lodge was the pioneer hotel in garbage separation for recycling. This is an attitude that has extended to most inhabitants of the community to the point that the local organization 2020 sells garbage bags, collects and delivers the separated material to the respective recycling plants.
Given the current conservation efforts taking place, Monteverde is becoming even more interesting from an educational point of view, and is a rewarding place for almost anyone interested in nature. Given the great variety of activities available--young and old, fit and unfit, active and not so active--most people will find activities and entertainment to their liking.
MONTEVERDE LODGE
PRICING FOR 1995
What follows is a breakdown of our retail rates at Monteverde Lodge:
HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON
(Dec 15 - Apr 30) (May 1 - Dec 14)
LODGING *Retail **Retail *Retail **Retail
Single per room $75.91 $67.00 $65.71 $58.00
Double per room 88.37 78.00 77.04 68.00
Triple per room 101.97 90.00 88.37 78.00
Extra person 15.86 14.00 13.60 12.00
MEALS
Breakfast per person 8.10 6.75 8.10 6.75
Lunch per person 13.20 11.00 13.20 11.00
Dinner per person 13.20 11.00 13.20 11.00
MAP
Single (B,D) Price p/p 97.21 84.75 87.01 75.75
Double (B,D) Price p/p 65.49 56.75 59.82 51.75
Triple (B,D) Price p/p 55.29 47.75 50.76 43.75
FAP
Single (B,L,D)Price p/p 110.41 95.75 100.21 86.75
Double (B,L,D) Price p/p 78.69 67.75 73.02 62.75
Triple (B,L,D) Price p/p 68.49 58.75 63.96 54.75
* Includes all taxes.
** Without tax.
Prices go into effect December 15, 1994
Bus Transportation: In a non-air conditioned tour bus with Spanish speaking driver, to or from San José, is $35.00 per seat. Please check with us for scheduling.
Policy for Children Under 10 yrs:
Child 0-2 years: staying in room with parents. No charge for child's lodging & meals.
Child 2-10 years: staying with 1 adult. 50% of child's meals & lodging is charged.
Child 2-10 years: staying with 2 adults. 50% of child's meals and full triple occupancy is charged.
MONTEVERDE
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Per person
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Transportation (one way, minimum 2 persons): $4.00
Transportation to the Reserve is available from Monteverde Lodge.
It helps us to serve you better if you can tell us your transportation
needs as early as possible. A minimum of 1 hr notice is usually
necessary to arrange the transportation.
Entrance fee: $8.00
The Reserve is open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please note that visitation is limited to 100 people at a time.
You may have to wait until someone leaves to enter.
Guided tour: $15.00
To get the most out of your visit to the Reserve, we highly recommend
that you join a guided group. Groups leave from the Reserve entrance at
7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 am. Maximum group size is 10 participants.
Reservations are required one day in advance.
Santa Elena Reserve
Transportation (one way, minimum 2 persons): $4.00
Transportation to the Reserve is available from Monteverde Lodge.
It helps us to serve you better if you can tell us your transportation
needs as early as possible. A minimum of 1 hr notice is usually
necessary to arrange the transportation.
Entrance fee: $5.00
This reserve is newer and less crowded than the Monteverde Reserve.
On very clear days, you can see Arenal Volcano in the distance.
Open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Located 5 km northeast
of the town of Santa Elena.
Cheese Factory: Free
Usually open Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday
7:30 a.m. to 12:30 noon. Located on the way to the Reserve, the
Cheese Factory is famous throughout Costa Rica for quality cheeses,
which are available for sale at the factory store.
Hummingbird Gallery: Free
Gifts, photos. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Great photo opportunities
outside the Gallery where feeders attract a wide variety of hummingbirds.
Monteverde Butterfly Garden: $5.00
Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (includes a guided tour). Butterflies and other
insects are raised and displayed in screened enclosures with beautiful gardens.
Horseback Riding Tour: $25.00
Several small stables have well-cared for horses and equipment. High quality
natural history and equestrian experience, well-trained horses and English
speaking guides on a private trail. 2 hr ride. Advance notice is usually necessary;
some stables pick you up at the Lodge.
Horses alone: $7/hr
Please ask at the desk and we'll set you up with the ride of your choice.
MONTEVERDE
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Per person
Jacuzzi: Free
Open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the enjoyment of our guests. To have the
power jets turned on, ask at the desk. BE CAREFUL! Wet floors and feet
can add up to a nasty fall and a ruined vacation. Too much alcohol and
entering the jacuzzi alone add up to a drowned guest and bereft friends
and family. Please take a shower before entering the water. Children under
12 are allowed in the jacuzzi only under the close supervision of their parents.
Bus Transportation between San José & Monteverde: $35/seat
In a non-air conditioned tour bus with Spanish speaking driver.
To or from San José. Please check with us on scheduling.
Sendero Tranquilo guided tour: $15.00
Arrangements for the guided hike on this 200 acre private reserve are
made through the hotel Sapo Dorado. Open late December to
May. Hours are 5:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Richard LaVal's Natural History Slide Show: $5.00
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6:15 pm
at Monteverde Lodge.
El Trapiche (The Sugar Mill): $2.00
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Restaurant,
gift shop, and farm. A good place to taste Costa Rican style food.
Bajo del Tigre Trail: $3.00
A 3 km. trail system located in the heart of Monteverde. Part of the
Children's Rain Forest, it is managed by the Monteverde Conservation
League. Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily.
Ecological Farm: $5.00
Across a ravine from Monteverde Lodge, and accessible by a 10 min. walk on
a trail, this small private reserve is quiet and provides the chance to see
avifauna and a few mammals.
Serpentarium $3.00
Exhibits Costa Rican snakes. Open daily 9:00 am-5:00 pm. In Santa Elena,
a 15 min. walk from the Lodge.
CASEM Gift Shop (very worthwhile) free
An artisans' cooperative featuring hand made local work with nature themes.
Tree Canopy Tour $35
Rate depends on group size. Slide along a 50 meter cable to get to a platform
over 65 ft. high in a huge strangler fig. Tours daily at 10 am and 2 pm.
Night Tour in Monteverde Reserve $12.00
Guided trip that provides a chance to see mammals, especially bats, colorful
fungus, insects, and more. Daily at 7:30 pm, no reservation required.
CORCOVADO LODGE-MONTEVERDE LODGE-
TORTUGA LODGE
RESERVATION POLICY, TERMS, AND CANCELLATION POLICY
THIS POLICY HAS BEEN DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS WITH AN EYE TO GIVING YOU THE MOST FLEXIBILITY POSSIBLE, AND AT THE SAME TIME NOT INCREASE OUR COSTS/PRICES BECAUSE OF LOST REVENUE DUE TO LAST MINUTE CANCELATIONS.
Upon request of Party X, we are happy to make a "tentative" (undeposited) reservation to hold space at any one of our 3 lodges. We will hold this reservation for an indefinite period of time until one of two things occur:
1. Party Z will request space over that same period of time, and is willing to make a deposit in order to secure the room(s). Depending on the amount of time there is between the date of arrival and the date on which we are offered the deposit by Party Z, we apply the following policies:
* If the date of arrival is more than 30 days away, we give Party X 3 working days from the time of advisal to either deposit or release the space.
* Between 29-15 days, we give Party X 1 working day from the time of advisal to either deposit or release the space.
* Reservations which have not been paid by 15 days before the day of arrival, are subject to cancellation without notice.
ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
2. If you're lucky and not asked to make a deposit because someone else wants your room(s), our payment policy is the following:
* 60 days prior to arrival a 50% non-refundable deposit is required.
* Final payment is due in our offices 30 days prior to arrival.
* Reservations which have not been paid by 15 days before the day of arrival, are subject to cancellation without notice.
ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
POLICY FOR CHILDREN UNDER 10 YRS:
Child 0-2 years: staying in room with parents. No charge for child's lodging & meals.
Child 2-10 years: staying with 1 adult. 50% of child's meals & lodging is charged.
Child 2-10 years: staying with 2 adults. 50% of child's meals and full triple occupancy is charged.
Children are charged 75% of the price of fishing packages.
PLEASE NOTE that this policy only applies to Costa Rica Expeditions' owned and operated hotels. Other hotels in Costa Rica may have different policies.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica Expeditions was the first white water company in Costa Rica, performing the exploratory expedition on virtually all of Costa Rica's commercially run rivers. We operate with only the highest standard of safety and equipment: custom made Demaree inflatable self-bailing boats, US Coast Guard approved life jackets, helmets, and paddles.
Our White Water Rafting guides are the best in Costa Rica. Bilingual Costa Ricans and English speaking or bilingual foreign guides, they participate in continuous training to ensure safety above all else (even profit). That is not just P.R., but rather a driving force.
Our trips include round trip transportation to and from your San José hotel. Our flexible logistics make it easy to combine white water excursions with trips to other parts of the country such as Corcovado and Tortuguero. Since we don't offer just white water rafting, Costa Rica Expeditions can provide you with a complete itinerary for your entire stay in Costa Rica.
MULTI & ONE DAY RIVER EXCURSIONS
We offer these excursions as building blocks for those who wish to design their own travel package. Multi and one day river excursions can be used with each other and/or in conjunction with our land tours.
All of our river excursions include round trip transportation to and from your San Jose hotel, meals as specified in itinerary, all rafting equipment including US Coast Guard approved life jackets and helmets,and the services of a professional English speaking white water rafting guide.
Important note for kayakers: We do not provide helmet, spray skirt, paddle or life vest.
Letter codes: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
RG = River Guide
Full color brochures are available upon request.
WHITE WATER RAFTING ADVENTURES
LENGTH: 1 DAY
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person
Reventazón Tucurrique 69
Pacuare 89
Sarapiquí 69
Corobicí 69
Reventazón Powerhouse 80
Reventazón Pascua 85
Reventazón Guayabo 85
Included on white water trips:
Round trip transportation from San José, meals as indicated, all rafting equipment including U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and helmets, the services of a professional white water guide. On multiday trips, community camping equipment, sleeping pads and sheets are also provided.
Reventazón Tucurrique--1 Day (Class II-III) Year Round (minimum age 9 yrs) Length: 9 miles. The trip for first time rafters. Exciting but forgiving rapids in a tropical setting.
Early morning pickup by your river guide at your hotel in San José. Drive for 1 hr, and pass through Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue another 1-1/2 hrs to our put-in on the Tucurrique section of the Reventazón. Driving Time to the put-in: 2-1/2 hrs. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. River time: approximately 3 hrs depending on the water level. Mid-afternoon take-out and drive for 30 minutes to our lunch stop. Return to San José late afternoon. Driving time: 2 hrs. (BL) (RG)
Fixed Departure Dates: Departs every Thursday & Sunday with a minimum of 2 participants, any other day with a minimum of 4.
Pacuare--1 Day (Class III-IV) Year Round (water level and level of difficulty can vary significantly throughout the year) (minimum age 12 yrs) Length: 18 miles. The adventuresome beginner and the experienced rafter alike will be bewitched by the most beautiful river canyon in the tropics. The Pacuare river cuts through one of the rare pockets of wilderness left on the planet. For maximum appreciation we recommend a 2 day trip.
Early morning pickup by your river guide at your hotel in San José. Drive for 1 hr, and pass through Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to Tres Equis where you will switch to a 4x4 shuttle to take you down to the put-in. (Depending on the road conditions, you may be required to walk for no more than 1 mile.) Total driving time: 3-1/2 hrs. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. About half way down the river, stop for a picnic lunch on the river bank. River time: approximately 5 hrs depending on the water level. Afternoon take-out in Siquirres and drive back to San José via Braulio Carrillo National Park (2 hrs). Dinner on your own. (BL) (RG)
Fixed Departure Dates: Tuesday & Saturday with a minimum of 2, other days with a min. of 4.
Sarapiquí--1 Day (Class II-III) May to November (minimum age 9 yrs) Early morning pickup by your bilingual river guide at your hotel in San José. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast en-route. Continue to La Virgen de Sarapiquí. Total driving time to the put-in: 2 hrs 30 mins. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. About half way down the river, stop for a picnic lunch on the river bank. River time: approximately 3 hrs. Mid-afternoon take-out and drive 3 hrs 30 mins back to San José. (BL) (RG)
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability; minimum 6 participants.
Corobicí--1 Day (Easy Class I-II) Year Round Family Wildlife Float Trip Early morning pickup by your bilingual river guide at your hotel in San José. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast en-route. Continue to Cañas, Guanacaste. Total driving time to the put-in: 3 hrs. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. The Howler Monkeys that populate the banks of the Corobicí River are one of the best opportunities to see monkeys in the wild. About half way down the river, stop for a picnic lunch on the river bank. (Lunch may be after take-out depending on water level.) River time: approximately 3-4 hrs. Mid-afternoon take-out and drive 3 hrs 30 mins back to San José. (BL) RG
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability; minimum 6 participants. We normally subcontract this departure to Safaris Corobicí or CATA Tours.
Reventazón Power House Run--1 Day (Very Fast Class III-IV) Year Round (min age 14 yrs) Length: 6 miles + 9 miles of Reventazón regular. We put in literally at the spillway of a hydroelectric powerhouse and the action never stops for the next 3 miles. This is one constant rapid. Experience required.
Early morning pickup by your river guide at your hotel in San José. Drive for 1 hr, and pass through Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to the put-in on the Power House Run. Total driving time to the put-in: 1 hr 30 mins. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. River time: approximately 4 hrs depending on the water level. Mid-afternoon take-out and drive to our lunch stop. Return 2 hrs to San José. (BL) (RG)
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability; minimum 4 participants.
Reventazón Pascua Run--1 Day (Class III-IV+) Year Round (minimum age 15 yrs)
Length: 13 miles. When you reach the take-out, you will have had enough white water for one day. Pascua will challenge your skills and cleanse your spirit. Experienced paddlers only. Written statement of experience may be required.
Early morning pickup by your river guide at your hotel in San José. Drive for 1 hr, and pass through Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to the Pascua section of the Reventazón River and the put-in. Total driving time to the put-in: 3 hrs. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. Picnic lunch on the river bank. River time: approximately 4 hrs depending on the water level. Afternoon take-out. Return via Braulio Carrillo National Park (2 hrs) to San José. (BL) (RG)
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability; minimum 4 participants.
Guayabo--Reventazón--1 Day (Class IV-V) Year Round (minimum age 18 yrs)
Length: 8 miles. Costa Rica's wildest river trip, this section of the Reventazón river has to be experienced to be believed. A written statement of experience or previous experience with Costa Rica Expeditions is required on the Guayabo Run.
Depending on water levels and the ability of the group, the right is reserved for the head guide to decide to run another stretch of river. It should be noted that while this is a possibility on any white water trip, it is more likely to occur with the Guayabo Run than any other of our runs.
Early morning pickup by your river guide at your hotel in San José. Drive for 1 hr, and pass through Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to La Angostura in Turrialba where we put in. Total driving time: 2 hrs. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. Picnic lunch on the river bank. River time: approximately 4 hrs. Afternoon take-out. Return 3 hrs 30 mins to San José. (BL) (RG)
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability; minimum 4 participants.
WHITE WATER RAFTING ADVENTURES
LENGTH: 2, 3 & 4 DAYS
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
No. of Guests
2 3 4 5 6 7 8+
Pacuare--2 days 660 498 317 317 317 249 249
Pacuare--2 Days (Class III-IV) Year Round (minimum age 12 yrs) Length: 18 miles. More time to really enjoy the canyon and take some stunningly beautiful side hikes.
Day 1: Early morning pickup by your river guide at your hotel in San José. Drive for 1 hr, and pass through Cartago, the old capital of Costa Rica. Stop to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Continue to Tres Equis where you will switch to a 4x4 shuttle to take you down to the put-in. (Depending on the road conditions, you may be required to walk for no more than 1 mile.). Total driving time to put-in: 3-1/2 hrs. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. Picnic lunch on the river bank. River time: approximately 1-1/2 hrs. Mid-afternoon arrive at our campsite in time to relax and enjoy the rain forest. Enjoy camp dinner prepared by your guides. Over night camping on the river bank. (BLD) (RG)
Day 2: After an early breakfast, break camp, rig boats and proceed down river. Short walks and picture stops available. Picnic lunch on the river bank. River time approximately 4 hrs. Mid-afternoon take-out. Return to San José (2 hrs) or Pochotel (1 hr) if your rafting trip continues. (BL) (RG)
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability.
NAME OF TOUR Price In US $ Per Person (Includes all taxes)
No. of Guests
2 3 4 5 6 7 8+
Chirripó--3 days 1113 776 551 458 398 355 349
Chirripó--4 days 1311 921 773 632 562 485 436
Chirripó--3 Days (Big Volume--Class III-IV) (Mid June - Mid Dec only)
(minimum age 14 yrs) Length: 55 miles. Tumbling from its source on Mount Chirripó, the Río Chirripó offers exciting white water in a rich tropical environment.
Day 1: Early morning pickup by your bilingual river guide at your hotel in San José. Drive south on the Pan American Highway stopping to enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast en-route. Arrive at San Isidro del General at late morning. Driving time: approximately 4 hrs. Lunch at the put-in. After an orientation and safety talk, proceed down the river. Afternoon arrival to camp on the river bank. Gourmet camp dinner prepared by your guides included. Over night camping on the river bank. (BLD) (RG)
Day 2: After breakfast, break camp and proceed down river. Lunch on the river bank. Hikes up side streams and picture stops en route. Afternoon arrival to camp on the river bank. (BLD) (RG)
Day 3: After an early breakfast, break camp and proceed down river. Lunch on river bank. Mid-afternoon take-out. Return to San José. Driving time: approximately 5 hrs 30 mins. (BL) (RG)
Chirripó -- 4 Days Same as 3 day trip described above, but with one more day on the river. If you have the time we recommend the more leisurely paced trip which allows a lot more time for side hikes.
Fixed Departure Dates: Please check with us for availability.
Hotels We Recommend
Price Range Code: Please keep in mind these are approximate values, based on the cost of a double room, without tax.
$$$=$90 and up $$=$40-89 $=under $40
ATLANTIC COAST (hot climate)
Tortuga Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 25 rooms with twin or double beds, private hot water baths, fans and electricity 24 hrs, with backup generator system. Bar and restaurant service are first-rate and meals are served family style. A unique attraction of the Lodge is its beautifully maintained grounds with many ornamental plants and orchids and an adjoining rain forest nature trail. Located 10 mins by boat from the Tortuguero National Park. Tel: 710-6861 $$
Maribú Caribe: A first class hotel, 27 bungalows with private hot water bath, air conditioning and telephone. Swimming pool, bar, restaurant. Spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. 10 minutes north of Limón. Tel: 758-4543 $$
Villas del Caribe: 12 villas, each 2 stories, that can accommodate up to 6 comfortably, with terrace, balcony, BBQ, fully equipped kitchen, hot water, ceiling fan, and ocean view. Private 100 acre reserve; horseback riding; snorkel, surf and bicycle rentals; oxcart rides; ox-driven sugar cane mill. Located on playa Chiquita just south of Puerto Viejo. Radio communication only. San José Tel: 233-2200 $$$
Cahuita Jaguar: 18 rooms with hot water baths and 27 rooms with cold water baths; all rooms have queen size beds and breakfast is included in the daily rate. Excellent restaurant; nature trails; optional tours available. Located across the road from the impressively black sand beach in Puerto Viejo. Tel: 758-1515, extn. 238 $$
ATLANTIC SLOPE & LOWLANDS
Hacienda Turire: 12 standard rooms with private balconies, remote control satellite TV, safety deposit boxes, ceiling fans and international direct dial telephones. Private bath with tub and shower. 3 junior suites and 1 master suite furnished with mini-fridges. Restaurant service and bar. Located in Turrialba. Tel: 531-1111 (hot climate). $$$
La Selva Biological Research Station (OTS): Dormitory rooms with 2 bunks and shared hot water bath, meals (included) served cafeteria style. Located near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, in the Atlantic lowlands. Tel: 710-6897 (hot climate) $$
Rara Avis Waterfall Lodge: 8 rooms with single & double & 2 loft beds per room, private baths with hot water, large private balconies; 500 feet from waterfall. Restaurant, bar; meals included. 10 miles from Las Horquetas, Sarapiquí (a 4 hr ride by tractor). Tel: 710-6872 (warm to cool climate) $$
Rara Avis El Plastico: 7 rooms, multiple occupancy, shared bathroom with hot water. Located 7 miles from Horquetas (a 2 1/2 hr ride by tractor) and 3 miles before the Waterfall Lodge. Family style meals included. Radio communication only. San José Tel: 253-0844 (warm to cool climate) $
"Tortuga Lodge is as charming as ever... Food, service, and general atmosphere at Tortuga Lodge
continue to be very nice. Alonso, our boatman, was outstanding."
Mark Garland
Audubon Naturalist Society
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Price Range Code: Please keep in mind these are approximate values, based on the cost of a double room, without tax.
$$$=$90 and up $$=$40-89 $=under $40
NORTHERN HIGHLANDS (cool climate)
ARENAL
Arenal Lodge: Overlooking Lake Arenal and with a breathtaking view of the active volcano, 13 rooms with private hot water baths, 7 of them with 2 beds, balcony and view of the volcano. Restaurant with meals served family style; fishing; nearby hot springs. Tel: 460-1881 $$$
Arenal Observatory: 5 rustic multiple occupancy rooms share 2 baths, and 10 rooms with private bath. Dining room; excellent view of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Horseback riding; fishing; walking tours; canoeing; boating tours. Tel: 695-5033 $$
MONTEVERDE
Monteverde Lodge: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions; 27 large rooms with private hot water bath and forest view. Jacuzzi in an indoor forest full of tropical plants. Fireplace. Excellent local and international cuisine. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5057 or 645-5214 (cool climate) $$
Belmar Hotel: 36 rooms with private hot water bath; chalet-style construction; bar, and restaurant with meals served family style. Located 3 km from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5201 (cool climate) $$
Hotel Sapo Dorado: 10 deluxe mountain suites with private hot water baths and views of the Gulf of Nicoya; outstanding restaurant; bar. Private nature reserve. 5 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5010. (cool climate) $$
Hotel Fonda Vela: 21 spacious rooms with private hot water baths; restaurant with home style and international cuisine; a 10 minute uphill walk to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Tel: 645-5125 (cool climate) $$
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (cool to cold climate)
Cabinas Chacón: Family farm in the mountains with 14 rustic cabins, hot water bath. Delicious home-cooked meals. Facilities for trout fishing and bird watching and especially for the Resplendent Quetzal. Altitude 7,000 ft. Located near the Cerro de la Muerte, in San Gerardo de Dota. Tel: 771-1732 $$
Las Cruces Field Station (OTS): 11 rooms with bunk beds, 9 of them with shared hot water bath, 2 with private hot water baths, generous family-style meals (included). Located on the grounds of Wilson Botanical Gardens near San Vito de Java. Tel: 773-3278 $$
NORTHERN LOWLANDS (hot climate)
INLAND
Espuelas: 44 rooms private hot water bath, air conditioning. Swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. International communication service. Fax and telex services. Located in Liberia. Tel: 666-0144 $$
Pacífica: 32 spacious, clean cabins with private hot water baths and ceiling fans. The complex includes a large swimming pool, very good restaurant & bar+3000 acres of farm land near Cañas. Trails through the farm and an old fashioned house to visit. Tel: 669-0050 $$
6Tilajari: 48 rooms with AC, private hot water bath, 2 double beds, swimming pool, tennis court, soccer field, restaurant, bar and snack bar. Located at Muelle San Carlos and 45 minutes away from the Arenal Volcano. Tel: 460-1083 $$$
BEACHES
Guanamar: Perched above Carrillo Beach on the west side of the Peninsula de Nicoya on the Pacific Coast. 28 deluxe rooms with AC, satellite TV, carpeting, telephone and ocean view. Private hot water baths. Spacious terraced pool, bar and restaurant overlooking the ocean. All facilities are offered for fishing, tourist excursions and a variety of water sports. Radio communication only. San José Tel: 239-4433 $$$
Punta Islita: 20 bungalows with AC and 2 single beds, private hot water bath; 4 junior suite with AC, double bed, private hot water bath, sitting room, TV; swimming pool with whirlpool and wet bar; restaurant; laundry service. North of Carrillo Beach in Guanacaste. Radio communication only. San José tel: 296-3817 $$
Tamarindo Diriá: 70 rooms with air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, private hot water bath. Swimming pools, tennis court, bar and restaurant, conference room and game room. On Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste. Tel: 680-0652 $$$
Tango Mar: 16 rooms with 2 double beds and private hot water bath, cable TV and fans; 6 luxury rooms with Jacuzzi; 5 cottages and 3 villas fully equipped with kitchenette. Hotel and villas are in front of the beach. Sailing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding, golf; swimming pool, gourmet cuisine and bar overlooking the sea. Located at Playa Tambor, on the Nicoya Península across from Puntarenas. Radio communication only. San José Tel: 223-1864 $$$
Villas Playa Samara: 20 rooms with ceiling fan, king size bed, private hot water bath, terrace; 38 villas with equipped kitchens; restaurant, swimming pools, bar; boogie board, jet ski and windsurf rental; minibike and mototrike rental; horseback riding. On Samara Beach in Guanacaste, 2 kms from Carrillo airstrip. Radio communication only, San José Tel: 233-0223 $$$
MID PACIFIC (hot climate)
Dundee Ranch: Located 35 miles west of San José and 20 minutes from Carara Park. 20 rooms with private bath, hot water, fans, air conditioned, T.V.; bar, restaurant and swimming pool. Tel: 428-8776 $$
Villa Caletas: 8 rooms and 10 villas with a spectacular ocean view and elegant decor, ceiling fan, private hot water bath; restaurant with exceptional international cuisine; swimming pool, bar, bike rental, horseback riding, boat and hiking trips. Located between Jaco Beach and Carara Biological Reserve, on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific. Tel: 288-2402 $$$
Villa Lapas: 28 rooms with private hot water bath, safety deposit box in each room, bar, restaurant, conference room, souvenir shop, parking lot and swimming pool. Adjoining Carara Biological Reserve. Tel: 293-4104 $$
Hacienda Barú: 6 new guest cabins ideally located with a view of the rain forest and only a 400 meter walk to the beach. 2 or 3 bedrooms (2 double and 1 single bed per cabin), kitchenette, private bath with hot water shower, fans in every room, refrigerator stocked with soft drinks & juice; ample yard and parking areas. In Dominical, 1 hr south of Manuel Antonio. Radio communication only. San Isidro tel: 710-1903 $$
MANUEL ANTONIO (hot climate)
Karahe: 32 cabins w/private bath & hot water showers, ceiling fan, kitchenette. Bar and restaurant, swimming pool. Located on a hillside 600 meters from Manuel Antonio National Park. Tel:777-0170 $$$
Makanda: 5 studio rooms and 2 villas, fully equipped with cooking facilities and dining room, private bathrooms with hot water. Panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. 700 meters from the main road, half way between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park (2.5 km from the Park). Tel: 777-0442 $$$
Villa Teca: 40 rooms with AC, 1 double or 2 single beds, balcony, private hot water bath; bar/restaurant, 2 swimming pools, naturalist guide service. 5 km from Manuel Antonio National Park. Tel: 777-1117 $$$
Villabosque: 10 rooms with one double and one single bed (5 rooms with AC and 5 with ceiling fans), private hot water bath; restaurant, parking lot, laundry service. 1 km from Manuel Antonio National Park. Tel: 777-0401 $$$
Villas del Parque: 34 rooms, 6 of them with AC and the rest with ceiling fans; rooms with balcony, hammock, private hot water bath; restaurant, 3 swimming pools. 1.5 km from Manuel Antonio National Park. Tel: 777-0538 $$
Villas Nicolás: 20 rooms of 3 different sizes with ceiling fan, private hot water bath and balcony; swimming pool; bar. 1.5 km from Manuel Antonio National Park. Tel: 777-0481 $$
SOUTH PACIFIC (hot climate)
Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp: A division of Costa Rica Expeditions. 20 comfortable wall tents, 10ft high at the peak and 10 ft square, a screened, thatched-roof dining room and kitchen serving delicious meals, 2 common bath houses consisting of 4 cold water showers, 4 toilets, and 4 hand basins each. The tents, pitched on wooden platforms, are ventilated to make for comfortable sleeping and have 2 single beds each. Guests should bring flashlights for illuminating paths and tents after dark. Radio communication only. Costa Rica Expeditions' office Tels: 257-0766,
222-0333 $
Aguila de Osa Inn: 14 cabins situated on a bluff overlooking magnificent Drake Bay (north of Corcovado National Park) and the Pacific coast. Distinctive cuisine created with a uniquely tropical flair (meals included). Fishing, hiking, diving, kayaking, horseback riding. Radio communication only. San José Tels: 296-2190, 232-7722. $$
Lapa Ríos: Upscale wilderness facility located on the south east corner of the Osa Península, 10 miles south of Puerto Jiménez. 14 palm thatched bungalows with queen size beds draped with mosquito nets, interior tiled shower bath, private deck, and patio garden with outdoor shower. Private 1000 acre forest reserve with a nature trail system. Swimming pool & sun deck overlooking the Golfo Dulce and the Pacific; patio bar; sandy beach with safe ocean swimming and nearby tidal pools. Tel: 735-5130 $$$
Tisquita Lodge: 18 rooms in rustic but comfortable cabins, with private cold water shower baths. A water powered Pelton wheel and a series of solar panels (with a back-up diesel powered generator) provide power. Home cooked meals are simple and good. An experimental field station where guests can taste the 100+ fruit varieties brought from all over the world. South of Golfito at Punta Blanco. Radio communication only. San José Tel: 233-6890 $$
SAN JOSE & CENTRAL VALLEY (warm to cool climate)
Amstel Amón: 90 deluxe rooms with AC, hot water bath, telephone, cable TV, hair dryer. Restaurant, bar, casino, coffee shop, conference center, underground parking. Just north of downtown. Tel. 257-0191 $$$
Bell's Home Hospitality: incorporates 70 homes in the central valley that act as a Bed and Breakfast with the plus of sharing with a Costa Rican family. Home stay with private room (private bath option also available) and breakfast in a residential neighborhood. $
Bougainvillea Santo Domingo: 44 rooms with double beds, private hot water bath, ceiling fans, balcony, satellite TV. Bar, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court, sauna. Reserve early. In Santo Domingo de Heredia (20 min north of downtown) Tel: 240-8822 $$
Britannia: 24 rooms in a Victorian House declared a National Heritage Site, each with phone, cable TV, private hot water bath with tub. Cafeteria, bar, restaurant, conference room for 25 people, souvenir shop. Downtown, between 11th Avenue and 3rd Street. Tel: 223-6667 $$$
Cariari: 220 fully carpeted luxury rooms with AC, hot water baths. Golf course, tennis courts, olympic swimming pool, gyms, sauna, whirlpools, bars, casino and restaurants. 20 minutes from downtown San José and 10 minutes from the airport. Tel: 239-0022 $$$
Grano de Oro: 36 unique & tastefully decorated rooms with private baths, phone, cable TV. Enjoy the charm and character of a stately mansion built at the turn of the century, with all the added comfort and amenities expected in a fine hotel. Courtyard with tropical plants, exotic birds, and a gentle waterfall. Breakfast, light meals & desserts served. Near Paseo Colón, it's an easy walk to the city's center. Tel: 255-3322 $$
Milvia: 9 comfortable deluxe rooms all equipped with color TV, mini-bar, fans, fire alarm, phone and bathroom with hot water. An old style mansion decorated and furnished with antiques of great artistic value without forgetting all the commodities of the modern era. Located in San Pedro. Tel: 225-5500 $$$
Rosa Blanca: Located in the Province of Heredia, 1.6 km from the town of Santa Barbara, 15 minute drive from the airport and a half hour from San José. 6 suites, 1 master suite, and a 3 bedroom colonial cottage; all designed and decorated to provide a comfortable atmosphere with murals, hand-made furniture, plus surrounding gardens and nature trails. Tel: 269-9392 $$$
"I just received a call from Mrs. Durell. She was delighted with her accommodations at the Tamarindo Diria and very pleased with your immediate response. In summary she had a wonderful trip and we wish to thank you for all your efforts.
We really appreciate your excellent services."
Nancy Koch
Special Interest Tours & Travel
Tucson, Arizona
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RESPONSIBILITY:
Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., (its owners, associates, agents and employees) give notice that they assume no responsibility for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, discrepancies or change in transit or hotel service over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the tour participants. With advance deposit to Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., or any of its agents, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH: We have a 24 hour medical service.
Guests with medical problems should make them known to Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., well before arrival in Costa Rica, given that guests will be, at some time during their trip, in some of the most remote places in Costa Rica. Under certain circumstances, evacuation could be prolonged, difficult, expensive or impossible. Guests should take special care. If they feel sick, they should tell us so we can start making arrangements for evacuation if it should become necessary.
Leaders on all of our wilderness trips carry a fully-stocked first aid kit. Hospital facilities for serious problems are excellent in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., assumes no liability for costs of evacuation or provision of medical care.
Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., and its designated representatives have the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if it is felt that the individual is physically, mentally or dispositionally incapable and/or if that the individual's continued participation will jeopardize the safety of the group or handicap the normal functioning or scheduling of the trip. Refunds are normally not given under such circumstances.
We strongly recommend that trip participants purchase short-term traveler's insurance, covering baggage, accident/life and trip cancellation. This insurance coverage is widely available in the U.S. and other countries. Ask you travel agent. It is not available in Costa Rica.
Group Sales
PAYMENT:
Hotel deposits are required upon request and a $400 deposit for the guide is required 90 days prior to arrival. 50% payment, less deposits, is required 60 days prior to the scheduled trip, with the balance due 30 days prior to the trip.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If cancellation is made 60 days or more prior to the scheduled trip, a full refund (less deposit guarantees at hotels and guide deposit, less a US$100.00 handling fee) is made. The entire 50% deposit is forfeited if cancellation is received in our offices 30 days prior to the trip. If cancellation is received 14 days or less prior to the trip, the full value is forfeited. We strongly recommend cancellation insurance.
Individual Sales
PAYMENT:
A deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is required to guarantee your reservation. The balance is due 30 days prior to the scheduled trip.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
A full refund, minus hotel deposits, will be made on cancellations 30 days or more prior to the scheduled trip. In case of cancellation received in our office from 20 to 15 days prior to the trip, a 50% refund, less hotel deposits, will be made. There will be no refund for cancellations made 14 or fewer days prior to the trip. This policy does not apply to hotels or tours in which Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., acts only as an intermediary.
CANCELLED TRIPS:
Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient sign-ups. In the event of such cancellation, those with reservations shall be notified as soon as possible and a full refund of payments on land costs will be given. Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., and participating agents are not responsible for any expenses incurred for non-refundable air tickets, equipment, medical costs, etc.
REFUNDS:
No refunds will be given for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or tours, for any reason whatsoever. Land cost is quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used.
CONDUCT:
Costa Rica Expeditions, S.A., reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as member of any trip or tour, should such person's actions or general deportment impede the operation of the trip or the rights or welfare or enjoyment of other members of the trip. Refunds are not usually given under these circumstances. In such extraordinary instances when a refund is granted, it is agreed that a refund based on the actual cost of the unused land services is the limit of Costa Rica Expeditions' responsibility.
List of Organizers
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE ALREADY REPRESENTING US, WE THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT GOOD COMPANY YOU'RE IN. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE CONSIDERING OUR SERVICES, WE WANTED TO SHOW YOU WHAT GOOD COMPANY YOU'D BE IN.
THOUGH WE MAKE IT A POINT NOT TO PROMOTE DIRECTLY TO THE CONSUMER, AS A RESULT OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND EXTENSIVE MEDIA COVERAGE THOUGHOUT THE YEARS, WE GET A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION. OUR STANDARD REPLY INCLUDES THIS LIST, WITH DETAILED CONTACT INFORMATION.
ABERCROMBIE & KENT INT'L
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
ADVENTURE EXPRESS
ALPIN TRAVEL
AUDUBON NATURALIST SOCIETY
AVENTURE
BIG FIVE TOURS & EXPEDITIONS
CARLSON TRAVEL NETWORK
CHERRY CREEK TRAVEL
COSTA RICA EXPERTS
DANCING WATER EXPEDITIONS
DRAGAN DIVERSIFIED INC.
EARTHQUEST
ECHO: The Wilderness Co.
FINGERLAKES COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
FISHING INTERNATIONAL
FUGAZI TRAVEL
GEO EXPEDITIONS
GEOSTAR TRAVEL
GREAT EXPEDITIONS
IMAGINE TRAVEL ALTERNATIVES
INDIGO TOURS & TRAVEL
INNER ASIA EXPEDITIONS, INC.
INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS
JAMES F. GOODWIN TRAVEL
JOURNEY LATIN AMERICAN
MADURO & SON - ARUBA
MADURO TRAVEL CURACAO
MARIAH WILDERNESS
EXPEDITIONS
MARION STEPHAN TOURISTIK
MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL
SOCIETY
MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON
SOCIETY
MYTHS & MOUNTAINS, INC.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
OCEANIC SOCIETY
OLGA CLARKE-BEST OF COSTA
RICA BIRDING & WILDLIFE
PANANGLING TRAVEL SERVICE
PASSAGES
PERUVIAN ADVENTURES
PALMETTO TRAVEL SERVICE
PREFERRED ADVENTURES
QUESTERS TOURS AND TRAVEL
ROUSE COMPANY, INC
SAFARICENTRE
SAGA INT'L HOLIDAYS, LTD.
SHERI GRIFFITH RIVER
EXPEDITIONS
SIEMER & HAND TRAVEL
SIERRA CLUB
SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS & TVL
TOURTECH INTERNATIONAL
TRAVEL PLANS INTERNATIONAL
TWICKERS WORLD
WILDERNESS TRAVEL
WILDWATER EXPEDITIONS
WOODSTAR TOURS INC.
WORLDWIDE HOLIDAYS
ABOUT
COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS
COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS was established in 1978 with the mandate to provide "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories" to the traveller exploring Costa Rica. We offer an alternative to those who want to get off the beaten path and experience the true wilderness. With our multi- and one day rain forest tours and river expeditions, our clients have the option of designing their own, unique itinerary, or they may choose from our popular collection of prepackaged excursions.
In our 15 years of business, COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS has maintained a superior level of service that you will find refreshingly personal and convenient. Our office is staffed 365 days a year from 5:30 AM TO 9:00 PM, and through our answering service, staff personnel are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once a request for a tour is received, we will respond to you within 2 business days.
The same high standards are extended to our travellers. With central radio communication between COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS' offices, our buses and hotels, local and international airports, and the airplanes on which we book our flights, we are continuously in touch to ensure the smooth operation of your clients trips.
At COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS, we feel that our staff has made us what we are today. Our team of over 175 employees is dedicated to the fulfillment of our mission to provide "Legendary Service - Unforgettable Memories." We have the largest staff of the most prominent biologists, naturalists, and ornithologists of any ground operator in Costa Rica. Many of our guides have over five years of experience with us and, together with our drivers, have pioneered new sites. It is this kind of initiative, along with on-the-job training, refresher mini-courses, and a yearly guides' retreat to identify and act upon areas for improvement, that makes our service exemplary.
As the tourism market has grown in Costa Rica, we have committed ourselves not only to our clients, but also to our surroundings that make such exhilarating vacations possible. We practice only environmentally and ethically responsible tourism as we strive to maintain our goal of playing an active role in preserving a sound Costa Rican environment. This includes activities like low impact construction, financial aid to the National Park Guards, recycling, and the leadership role in advocating environmentally beneficial governmental tourism policies (see Costa Rica at the Crossroads on page 1).
Specialized service was the mandate of the company when we started in 1978 and continues to be the case today. Costa Rica Expeditions is the undisputed top supplier of Wilderness and Adventure travel in Costa Rica. Since this is the area in which we feel we most excel, we prefer to maintain our focus on clients who want these kinds of services.
We are the most experienced in Costa Rica. On a yearly basis we operate a large number of groups with interests varying from bat ecology to ornithology, from photography to general rain forest ecology. We have a well-versed staff of guides with extensive field and research experience. Our guides are all highly qualified in their fields, which allows us to assign someone to lead each group who shares the group's interests. For those of you who are not marketing highly specialized natural history discipline interest groups, but rather trips that emphasize general ecosystems and conservation, we offer special fixed monthly departures called Costa Rica Explorer and Costa Rica Odyssey which serve as an eye-opening introduction to the world of the American Tropics.
We are the operator most often asked to supply services to the media for news and locational support, advertising and film shoots.
If you are not necessarily looking for a focus on natural history, but something more along the lines of an adventure, we've done it all. The word "adventure" tends to put a twinkle in a person's eye, and we at Costa Rica Expeditions are no exception. For years, we've led groups camping under the stars in Corcovado National Park, walking the beaches of Tortuguero in the middle of the night hoping for a glimpse of the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle, keeping our eyes open for illegal poachers. We have offered boating adventures that range from our open-ocean pontoon boat, the Guacamaya, to tarpon fishing on our 4 person launch, the Bull Shark, to white water rafting on Class II-V+ rivers.
Costa Rica's great white water rivers have become famous throughout the world, and a quality white water experience means COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS, pioneers of white water in Costa Rica. Every one of our rafting guides has been trained to the highest standards of quality and safety. They take pride not only in their river skills, but also in preparing gourmet river meals. Our equipment is the best available anywhere: Demaree self-bailing rafts, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets, helmets and paddles. We take the extra effort to provide the highest quality and safest white water experience possible, not only because we were the first, but also because the rivers deserve our very best.
". . .what a wonderful time we had in Costa Rica, thanks in large part to the efforts of Costa Rica Expeditions. The accommodations were outstanding, the guides were incredible, the drivers and logistics folks that work behind the scenes were flawless, and the subsequent memories are indeed, unforgettable." Candy Cox, Seattle, Washington
"We have several friends who told us a lot about Costa Rica so our expectations were high. Both Costa Rica and you team of excellent people exceeded all our expectations. We have traveled with a number of tour companies over the years and we have visited over 40 countries. We can assure you that the quality of your people and the level of service that we received is first rate by comparison to our other
traveling experience."
Thomas E. Fletcher, Jr.
Sarasota, Florida
HISTORY OF COSTA RICA
In 1502 Columbus landed in what is now Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, on his 4th and final voyage to the New World. He named his discovery Costa Rica (Rich Coast). Some say he chose the name because of the natural beauty he found there. Others say it was because he'd heard rumors of gold. Be that as it may, he would have been right in the first instance and wrong in the second. Columbus did, however, leave the best for last: although it was quickly discovered that there was comparatively little gold, the natural beauty of Costa Rica has been attracting settlers ever since.
Costa Rica was settled by those relatively few Spanish immigrants who valued natural beauty and independence more than riches. Since the rugged, mountainous land was not suitable for large plantations, Costa Rica developed into a country of independent family farmers. Even today, they are the backbone of the nation. This, more than anything else, explains the fact that from its independence (1821) on, Costa Rica has been the most stable, democratic country in Latin America; a nation of peace and tranquility, without tanks or even an army.
For nearly 50 years, Costa Ricans have lived under a constitution that prohibits the establishment of an army and assures free elections every four years. A 90% voter turnout was achieved in the most recent presidential election, and the nation takes considerable pride in pointing out that Costa Rica has a literacy rate of 93%, which is one of the highest in the world. A program of socialized medicine is recognized as the best in Latin America, and the country has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world (13.8 per 1000 in 1991).
Through the annals of its proud history, Costa Rica, like the United States, has at various times attracted migrations of peoples from throughout the world. The nation's population of 3,165,000 includes many English, French, German, Asian, Italian and Afro-Caribbean descendants, as well as Spaniards and indigenous peoples. In recent years, the nation has become a favorite retirement haven for foreigners, and over 20,000 U.S. citizens now make their homes in Costa Rica.
In recognition of Costa Rica's achievement in the fields of peace and social services as well as his efforts for peace in Central America, in 1987 the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to then President Oscar Arias.
Above all, Costa Rica is safe and friendly. Beyond its political stability and pacifism, the nation is internally peaceful. While there is a certain amount of petty crime and visitors must naturally beware of pickpockets in crowded areas, the rate of violent crime is very low. It is safer to walk the streets of San José, Costa Rica (pop. 903,000), than the streets of San José, California, or any other city of comparable size in the United States.
It is also cultured and clean, boasting a disproportionate number of fine universities, theaters, museums and art galleries for a nation of its size, along with hundreds of local parks and athletic facilities.
CLIMATE: Temperatures in Costa Rica vary from below freezing at night at high altitudes to the high 80's to low 90's at sea level. They do not vary appreciably according to time of year. In the cloud and rain forests, humidity often hovers around 100%. The Central Valley (altitude 3,000 to 5,000 feet), which includes the capital city of San José, is noted for its eternal spring-like weather, with an average yearly temperature of about 70 degrees. In general, the rainy season is mid-May through mid-December, although rain is always a possibility, especially in the Atlantic and South Pacific Lowlands.
"Yes, Costa Rica is special...not because it stands at the heights of achievement, but because it resolutely pursues them. Neither rich nor poor, large nor tiny, warlike nor pacifist, perfect nor fatally flawed, Costa Rica is indeed, the land of the happy medium."
"Costa Rica Steers a Middle Course" Kent Britt, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, July 1981