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The Trip

From lush rainforests to volcanic lava flows, Costa Rica's wildly diverse ecosystems provide a haven for tropical wildlife of all kinds. Forming the land bridge between North and South America, the country is a peaceful biological treasure, with more species of mammals and birds than the continental United States and Canada combined. The country also boasts exquisite flora, including more than 3,000 species of orchids, and a world-famous national park system.

On this trip, we'll explore Costa Rica's natural wonders, from tropical rain and cloud forests to hot springs, waterfalls, and dramatic valleys. We'll look for exotic plants and wildlife as we hike the trails of public and private reserves, and traverse the forest canopy on a series of interconnected skywalks. We'll hike the new lava flows of Volcan Arenal, search for exotic birds in the forest canopy, visit a butterfly garden, and learn about tropical bats at a research Bat Jungle. An English-speaking naturalist will accompany our trip, helping us understand the amazing relationships between tropical plants, animals, and their environment.

This is a land of extraordinary biodiversity, and conservation is a national priority. You're likely to see a variety of mammals, including the white-faced capuchin monkey, coatimundi, agouti, sloth, and anteater. There are hundreds of species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal, toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, blue and gold tanagers, motmots, and bellbirds. Then there's the incredible range of butterflies, insects, reptiles, and brilliantly colored amphibians. The flora includes innumerable kinds of flowering plants -- such as orchids, bromeliads, and ginger -- as well as the many forest tree giants, such as the strangler fig, cow tree, and cieba.

Our days will be filled with as much activity as you like -- hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the local area -- but you'll also have the freedom to just relax in this tropical wonderland. With its many options, this trip can make for either a very active or a relaxed vacation. It's your choice.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at San Jose's international airport and transfer to our nearby hotel to relax and meet everyone at the welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 2: After breakfast we drive north along the Pan-American Highway and begin our climb to Santa Elena, a rural village high in the Tilaran Mountains. This drive will require several hours, but the scenery along the way is spectacular. In the afternoon we will join local naturalist guides at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a rich ecosystem supporting many species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, flowering plants, and trees. The Monteverde area is our home base for the next three nights.

Day 3: Today we enjoy a canopy skywalk to view the unique life of the treetops. We will also visit a butterfly garden, and a herpetarium to learn about Costa Rican reptiles. In the evening, we may meet with local biologists to learn about the intricacies of tropical forest ecology and conservation efforts in Costa Rica.

Day 4: Today we hike to the gorgeous San Luis Valley for lunch with a local farm family, and then to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls. Those who prefer a less active day can explore the mountain villages of Santa Elena and Monteverde, visit wildlife exhibits, or tour the galleries of local artisans and sample the famous Monteverde coffee and ice cream.

Day 5: On the move again, we cross Lake Arenal by boat to the town of La Fortuna, nestled at the foot of Volcan Arenal. Arenal is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and we spend two nights here to enjoy some of the many opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and, of course, volcano watching!

Day 6: After breakfast we hike in Arenal National Park, through a forested area and onto the new lava flows. We hear the rumblings of the volcano's current activity, and learn about its history from our local guide. In the afternoon we soak in natural waters heated by the volcano, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Very relaxing after our morning's hike!

Day 7: This morning we visit an ecological center with botanical and butterfly gardens. We’ll share lunch with a local family and tour their small organic farm to learn about tropical crops. At midday we travel to our home for the next two nights, a stunning eco-lodge and environmental center built in harmony with the surrounding lowland rainforest. In the afternoon we can search for colorful poison dart frogs hidden in the jungle vegetation, or explore the banks of the scenic Sarapiqui River. We take a night hike to search for the creatures that come out after dark and perhaps catch a glimpse of the owl moth, who confuses its prey by spreading its wings and revealing huge owl-like "eyes."

Day 8: We wake to the calls of beautiful birds and the low roar of howler monkeys high in the treetops. Today's hike takes us to a biological research station located in lowland rainforest, home to numerous species of butterflies, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and, of course, birds -- including snowcap hummingbirds, toucans, blue and gold tanagers, and umbrella birds. We’ll cool off in the afternoon whitewater rafting on the scenic Sarapiqui River though a tropical wonderland.

Day 9: In the morning we visit the Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve to see how chocolate is grown and processed. After lunch, we drive through another of Costa Rica’s famous National Parks on our way back to San Jose to enjoy our farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 10: After breakfast at our tropical hotel we transfer to the airport.

Getting There

Book your flight into and out of Juan Santamaria International Airport near San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. San Jose is served by several airlines, including American, Continental, Delta, and US Airways.

Accommodations and Food

Although this is not a luxury trip, we will stay in charming, locally owned lodges and modern hotels. Rooms are double-occupancy; if you come alone we'll give you a roommate. We'll travel by comfortable, private minibus. The food will be delicious -- a mix of local and continental dishes, with a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians are welcome.

Trip Difficulty

This trip is suitable for people who are in good health, get regular exercise, enjoy nature, and have a good-humored approach to traveling in Latin America -- where things might not go as predictably as they do at home. Our trip is not strenuous, and can be considered leisurely-to-moderate most days. Elevation gains and losses on most hikes are minimal; however the trail to the San Luis waterfall has steep, muddy spots and uneven terrain.

Although we will be traveling in the dry season, rain can fall at any time in the tropics and will not restrict our movements or our enjoyment of the forests. The Monteverde area is noted for its spring-like weather. The lowland rainforest of Sarapiqui is likely to be warmer and more humid. Most days we drive only short distances and our longest drives will be on the first and last days.

Equipment and Clothing

No special equipment is needed. However, binoculars and a camera are highly recommended. Your leader will provide a comprehensive packing list well in advance of the trip.

References

Books:

• Lonely Planet, Costa Rica.
• Pariser, Harry S., Explore Costa Rica.
• Coates, Anthony G., Central America, a Natural and Cultural History.
• Foster, Lynn V., A Brief History of Central America.
• Kricher, John C., A Neotropical Companion.

Map:

• Costa Rica, International Travel Maps, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Conservation

The Sierra Club is an environmental organization concerned about conservation and sustainability, both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers, aided by a salaried staff, with grassroots involvement. On this trip, we'll have the opportunity to see the effects of real conservation in a country committed to protecting, rather than exploiting, its natural resources. We will learn about Costa Rican conservation issues, and how those issues are related to environmental concerns in our own neighborhood, region, and nation.

Trip Price

This trip requires a $200 per-person deposit. An additional payment of $300 per person is due six months prior to trip departure. International trip prices are subject to change and are based on double-occupancy or group accommodations as described above. Single rooms may not be available or may cost more than the listed price. If you have any questions regarding double occupancy, please contact the trip leader.

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

The Sierra Club accurately and fairly budgets and prices our trips. However, unforeseen costs such as devaluation of the dollar compared to other currencies and fuel surcharges assessed by our international providers may necessitate adjustment in trip price. We will make every effort to mitigate and absorb these fees. If a price increase is necessary, however, you will have 14 days after announcement to cancel without penalty.

Staff

Angela lives in Truckee, just North of Lake Tahoe, with Les, her significant other. She has led, assisted, or cooked on Sierra Club service, lodge, backpack, Hawaii, and International trips. She has led many trips to Costa Rica and regards the country as her second home. She is excited to share this beautiful location with you and her motto is "Pura Vida!"

E-mail: tahoesnowbirds1@gmail.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback