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This year's trip will examine four of Costa Rica's active volcanoes and the ecological zones that developed on the volcanoes and their eruptive products. To compare the volcanic areas with a distinctly non-volcanic area at the same latitude, two days will be spent examining the geology and ecology along the Caribbean coastline. |
| Trip leaders: Dr. James Reynolds, Dr. Margaret Brown, and Jeremy Campbell |
| In-country travel, lodging, and guide services are arranged
by International Adventures Unlimited.
Abusive airline service provided by American Airlines. |
| Itinerary |
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| 3/09 | Friday | Vans will take the group to Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta.
After flying to Miami, we catch a connecting flight to San José,
Costa Rica. IAU vehicles and guide meet group at airport. 20-minute
drive to the hotel, located in the historical district of downtown San
José. Welcome dinner and trip orientation with guide.
Meals included: D Lodging- Edelweiss Hotel |
| 3/10 | Saturday | After breakfast, drive to the crater of the Irazú Volcano National
Park (3400m). Afterwards, drive to lodge, located in the saddle between
Turrialba and Irazú Volcanoes.
Meals included: B-L-D Lodging- Turrialba Volcano Lodge |
| 3/11 | Sunday | Horseback to the top of the Turrialba Volcano, recently added to the
Costa Rican national park system. We will hike into the crater. Those who
wish can hike around the crater rim.
Meals included: B-L-D Lodging- Turrialba Volcano Lodge |
| 3/12 | Monday | Whitewater rafting down the world-famous Pacuare River. 17-mile
stretch of incredible jungle scenery and challenging class 3 and 4 rapids.
From the take-out (Siquirres) it is about a 1.5 hr. drive to hotel for
tonight, located along the banks of the Sarapiquí River (northern
slopes of Poás Volcano).
Meals included: B-L-D Lodging- Ara Ambigua Hotel |
| 3/13 | Tuesday | After breakfast, drive (1.5 hr.) to the Poás Volcano National
Park (2400 m), including stops along the way to visit the La Paz and Angel
Waterfalls. Afterwards, return back down the mountain slopes and
farther north towards La Fortuna (town near the Arenal Volcano).
Check into basic cabinas in town.
Meals included: B-L-D Lodging- Cabinas Sissy Notes- IAU vehicle and guides will be at disposition of the group this evening as well for those interested in visiting the famous *Tabacon Hot Springs Spa. We do recommend letting us know in advance if interested, as space is sometimes limited. Entrance costs about $18 /person. |
| 3/14 | Wednesday | Explore Arenal Volcano National Park, the most active volcano in Costa
Rica. We will also visit areas where wildlife are frequently found.
Free evening for guests to enjoy on their own.
Meals included: B-L-D Lodging- Cabinas Sissy |
| 3/15 | Thursday | Leisurely breakfast this morning, then head east towards south Caribbean
Coast (Cahuita National Park -6 hr. drive). On the way we will
stop at a place where large iguanas are frequently seen. Arrive at
Cahuita and meet up with other IAU guides at campsite. Enjoy delicious
dinner right on the beach!
Meals included: B-L-D Lodging- Campsite Notes- IAU guides will have camp all set up and waiting for you, including tents, tarps, lamps, tables, and all necessary camp equipment right on the beach. Campsite will be walking distance from structured toilets, showers, and ranger headquarters. |
| 3/16 | Friday | After breakfast, pack up vehicle and head farther down the coast to
visit other beach towns such as Puerto Viejo, Cocles, and Manzanillo/Gandoca
National Park and Beach. Eventually check in to cabinas near Puerto
Viejo. Tonight enjoy a nice dinner out on the town!
Meals included: B-D Lodging- Escape Caribeño |
| 3/17 | Saturday | After a leisurely morning we will drive southward along the coast to
Manzanillo where snorkeling equipment can be rented so that you can enjoy
the nearby reef.
Meals included: none Lodging- Escape Caribeño Notes- Once again, although this is a 'free' day, your IAU vehicle and guide will be at full disposition. |
| 3/18 | Sunday | Leisurely morning, then eventually head back to San José.
On the way back, we will stop in a local artisan town (Moravia) for those
who would like to pick up a gift or souvenir to take back home. Farewell
dinner and fiesta this evening!
Meals included: B-L-D Lodging – Edelweiss (B & B) |
| 3/19 | Monday | Shuttle to the airport for final departure back home.
Meals included: B Flight to Miami connecting to Atlanta where vans will take group back to Brevard. |
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Last updated May 8, 2007 |
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