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The Trip

The December holidays are a great time for an active adventure to two fascinating countries: Costa Rica and Nicaragua. These two countries share a border, and both have active volcanoes, exotic plants, and fascinating wildlife. These two countries, however, have very different histories and have taken different approaches to protecting the environment and development. On this adventure, we will explore exquisite natural areas and national parks, as well as colonial cities and quaint villages and markets, comparing and contrasting different methods of preservation.

Costa Rica and Nicaragua are at the crossroads of the Americas. Birds and plants from north, south, east, and west all mingle here. Costa Rica has a world-famous national park system to protect habitat and the environment, while Nicaragua endeavors to create a similar system. Northwestern Costa Rica and southeastern Nicaragua vary from dry forests and coastlines to cloud forests and mountain tops. This is a land of incredible biodiversity and on this trip we will see birds, monkey and other mammals, beautiful forests, tranquil rivers, remote beaches, and local people who take pride in their environment.

The city of Granada in Nicaragua is an historic gem of Spanish colonialism that was founded in 1524. Several volcanoes and the largest lake in Central America are nearby, along with abundant bird life, beautiful islands, and undeveloped Pacific beaches. We experience both the cultural beauty and majesty of the natural environment during our time in this charming area.

As we venture through national parks and reserves, colonial towns, indigenous markets and villages, dry forests, Pacific beaches, volcanic landscapes, cloud forest and the serene lake areas, we meet local friendly people who understand the value of protecting the environment. The birds, mammals, and plants of the various ecological zones we travel will surprise you with their beauty and natural history. Costa Rica and Nicaragua are full of color and vitality and are destinations for travelers seeking an adventure rather than an arm-chair tour. It is possible that you may fall in love with the spirit of Central America on this trip!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica. After landing at the international airport, our hotel shuttle takes you to our lovely accommodations overlooking the San Jose valley. In the evening we all meet for a welcome dinner and orientation. This will be the official start of the trip.

Day 2: Today we travel to Arenal National Park, home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world. We board our comfortable bus and travel through the beautiful countryside and coffee plantations toward Arenal volcano. We stop along the way for lunch and an engaging tour at an organic, sustainable farm operation. After lunch we travel to the Hanging Bridges where we will see monkeys, a wide variety of birds, dense vegetation, and waterfalls as we walk high above the canyons. With luck we might also spot a pit viper. We retire to our lovely lodge for a swim and dinner.

Day 3: After breakfast we hike the fresh lava flows of Arenal National Park, enjoying fabulous views of the volcano high above us, and Lake Arenal far below. We will enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the area. The afternoon includes some free time in the quaint town of La Fortuna. In the evening we soak in lava-heated hot springs, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation -- a great way to end the day!

Day 4: This morning we cross Lake Arenal by boat to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a rich ecosystem supporting many species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, flowering plants, and trees. With a bit of luck, we may be rewarded with the sighting of the resplendent quetzal. Later in the day we enjoy a hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with our naturalist guide who will help us add new bird species to our list! On the way to our accommodations we will stop by the famous Monteverde Cheese Factory for some homemade ice cream. A serene lodge surrounded by the cloud forest is our home base for the next two nights, and we enjoy a night walk this evening.

Day 5: This morning we visit Selvatura Park where we can enjoy one of two optional activities -- a canopy skywalk to view the treetop world, or the famous zip line in Monteverde. In the afternoon, we plan to visit the Bat Jungle Exhibition to learn about the intricacies of tropical forest ecology and conservation efforts in Costa Rica.

Day 6: Today we travel to Palo Verde National Park, a remote wetland sanctuary that has one of the largest concentrations of aquatic birds in Central America and is the most important migratory bird site on the Pacific side of Central America. The surrounding region is mostly tropical dry forests, and the Park concentrates on conserving vital floodplain, marshes, limestone ridges, and seasonal pools from the encroachment of development. In the afternoon we float on the nearby Corobici River and enjoy birding and nature from our rafts. Maybe we will be lucky to see an otter! We retire to our lodge, which is also a ranch, dairy farm, research center, and low-impact resort.

Day 7: This will be a special day when we hike in a private reserve and take a boat ride on the Tempisque River in Palo Verde National Park. We see a variety of habitats: freshwater and saltwater lagoons, marshes, grasslands with black mangroves, mangrove swamps, grasslands, and different forests and savannahs. We hope to see thousands of herons, storks, egrets, grebes, ibis and ducks that flock to the lagoons and surrounding areas to feed and mate. Crocodiles over 15-feet long have been seen in this river. We enjoy our resort for another night.

Day 8: After an early-morning walk on the ranch, we depart for Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This entire area has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, protecting one the largest areas of dry forest in Central America. This is also one of Costa Rica's finest birdwatching, historical, and wilderness areas. Toucans, parrots, magpie jays, and collared aracaris are common. Dozens of species of bats (including the vampire bat) are found in the park. We enjoy a hike and add some new species to our bird list. This evening we stay at a lodge in the gorge on the Colorado River near Rincon de la Vieja. It is a great place to enjoy and relax.

Day 9: We have another day to enjoy this UNESCO biosphere reserve area. On our visit at Santa Rosa National Park, we hike to the historical Hacienda Santa Rosa (La Casona) where the volunteer army of Costa Rica defeated the mercenary forces of William Walker in 1856 and the invasion forces of Nicaraguan dictator Somoza in 1955. In the afternoon we visit a remote northern beach on the Pacific for a swim and walk on the sand. Our evening is again spent at our lodge along the Colorado River.

Day 10: We will drive by bus across the border to Nicaragua, getting our passports stamped on Christmas Day! In the afternoon, we will explore the historic downtown of Granada. This beautiful, well-preserved city is Central America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlement. Its colonial architecture, tile and cobblestone setting, and small scale are perfect for a walking tour. Christmas decorations will adorn the city and we will settle into a comfortable colonial hotel for the next three nights.

Day 11: We enjoy a morning tour of nearby Masaya Volcano National Park to see and learn about one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua. Lunch will be served at the delightful viewpoint over the Apoyo Lagoon in Santa Catarina, where we savor the local flavors and color. We return to Granada for a free afternoon and evening. There are many shops, restaurants, and cityscapes to enjoy on your own or with others in Granada.

Day 12: We adventure to another volcano at the nearby Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. From the base of this dormant volcano, the park eco-mobile carries us to the biological station where we have a choice of trails around the crater. Mombacho is home to hundreds of different bromeliads and orchids, as well as three kinds of monkeys and many species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. On the way back to Granada, we stop at the Mercado Viejo in Masaya, the premier market for handmade crafts in the country. If we are lucky, we may encounter music and dancing in this town known for its festivals.

Day 13: Today we travel back to Costa Rica. Lunch is in the quaint town of San Juan del Sur. Our last evening together once again at our mountain lodge on the Colorado River. We will enjoy a swim in the river or pool before our farewell dinner.

Day 14: Transfer to the Liberia airport or onward to San Jose. We say "Adios" until next time!

Getting There

The trip begins in San Jose, Costa Rica and ends in Liberia, Costa Rica with an optional bus ride back to San Jose. You must make your own travel arrangements to the starting point. Airport transfers are included, and will be arranged by the leader. You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the trip date. The leader will be happy to assist participants who wish to extend their stay.

Accommodations and Food

Our accommodations are mostly historic lodges, charming ecolodges, and small hotels that are clean, safe, and comfortable. Rooms are double occupancy with a roommate arranged for those who are traveling alone. For an additional cost, a single supplement may be available for solo travelers; please contact the leader for more information. All meals, from dinner on day one to breakfast on day 15 are included, except for one dinner as mentioned above. We sample traditional foods, local cuisines, and Western meals, and enjoy all the abundant fresh fruits and vegetables. We will attempt to accommodate vegetarians. Your taste buds are going to enjoy this adventure as well!

Trip Difficulty

This is an active leisure trip, though you'll have plenty of opportunities for more strenuous pursuits. The trip is suitable for all ages as long as you are in reasonably good health, enjoy nature, and have a good-humored and flexible approach to travel in Central America. Keep in mind that both Nicaragua and Costa Rica are developing countries -- things don't always go exactly as planned and no specifics in our itinerary can be guaranteed to happen exactly as presented in this brochure. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Americas and standards may not be what we would hope for. Health care facilities are minimal. A few of the bus rides will be long, but we will be mostly on good roads and the views will be great. It is likely to be warm and dry except when we are in the cloud forest, although in the tropics it can rain even during the dry season and you’ll need rain gear to be prepared for that.

Equipment and Clothing

A valid passport is required for travel to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Visas are not required. No specific vaccinations are required, but check with your doctor or HMO and the CDC for current conditions. You must have a current tetanus booster and a Hepatitis A vaccination is advised. A detailed packing list will be sent to each participant as the trip nears. Packing light is recommended because our bags will be carried on top of the bus.

References

• Lonely Planet guidebooks for Nicaragua, 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.
• Nicaragua map and Costa Rica map, International Travel Maps Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

Conservation

The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources, both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward environmentally understanding parallel concerns at home and abroad. In Costa Rica, we will get an up close look at conservation in action. The country has long been committed to protecting, rather than exploiting, its natural resources. Indeed, as Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Cahn puts it, the Costa Rican park system is "in some ways the most remarkable national park system in the world." All told, it contains 34 protected areas, including 28 national parks, and the entire system encompasses about 11 percent of Costa Rica's land area. When forest reserves and wildlife refuges are included, the country's federal lands total about 25 percent. By comparison, our national parks cover about one-thirtieth of our total land area.

There are, however, problems, regarding this protection. Outside of the national parks and preserves, many areas have been deforested. Traditional tourist development has impacted several areas, particularly the Pacific Coast. The present government (and the electorate) are challenged by the need for true and permanent protection of the environment while balancing economic development. We will have opportunities to see pristine and developed areas, and discuss the impact on communities and the country on this trip.

Nicaragua, on the other hand, has faced civil war, several major earthquakes, and Hurricane Mitch over the past 30 years. Decades of logging and monoculture farming have deforested much of the country and affected the ecology. Even so, natural beauty and abundant wildlife exists. Parks and reserves cover about 17 percent of the country, but unfortunately there is neither much money nor trained staff to protect these rich areas. Our visits and tourist dollars will demonstrate the value of these resources and may encourage Nicaraguans to continue to preserve the valuable ecosystems.

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

Kath Giel loves Latin America for its rich biological diversity and friendly people. She has been involved in the Sierra Club's outings program since 2000 and has led Sierra Club trips to a variety of destinations, including Costa Rica, Nepal, Bavaria, the Sierra Nevada, and the Southwest. Kath has a B.A. in botany and has traveled widely and independently to over 60 countries. When Kath is at home in Northern California, she's often gardening, hiking the local trails, or backpacking and botanizing in the High Sierra.

E-mail: sierrakath@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