Ecoadventures Central American Travel Brochure Third Edition

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Ecoadventures Central American Travel Brochure Third Edition to Costa Rica… Welcome National Parks, Biological & Wildlife Reserves and Protected Areas Highlands: 1 Braulio Carrillo National Park 2 Arenal National Park 3 Monteverde Biological Reserve Caribbean Coast: 4 Tortugero National Park 5 Cahuita National Park Pacific Coast: 6 Guanacaste National Park 7 Rincon de la Vieja National Park 8 Las Baulas Protected Area (turtle nesting beach) 9 Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge 10 Carara Biological Reserve 11 Manuel Antonio National Park 12 Corcovado National Park COSTA RICA COSTA PAGE San Jose Hotels & Activities 6 F riendly, peaceful Costa Rica has an immense range of climates, Xandari Plantation & Peace Lodge 7 flora and fauna of particular interest to naturalists from around La Selva Verde & Pacuare Lodge 8, 9 the world. In 1948 Costa Rica voted to abolish its army and today proudly spends 60% of its budget on social services. It boasts a Caribbean Coast high level of sanitation and education, and is one of the most Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo/Punta Cocles 9, 10 literate nations on earth. Highlands of Costa Rica Deeply committed to ecology, Costa Rica has set aside nearly 30% Arenal 11-13 of its land as national parks or as private reserves. It has long, Monteverde 14, 15 sandy beaches on both coasts which are ideal for an active or relaxing vacation. Costa Rica is an excellent family destination. Pacific Coast Once you have savored the misty mountains, tropical rainforests, Northern Pacific: Tamarindo & Papagayo 16, 17 and warm, friendly “Ticos,” you will wonder why you stayed away Central Pacific: Jaco, Esterillos, Herradura 18 so long! Southern Pacific: Quepos/Manuel Antonio 19, 20 Osa Peninsula: Lapa Rios & Casa Corcovado 21 Suggested Itineraries 22-25 4.
Recommended publications
  • Costa Rica: National Parks & Tropical Forests January 19 - 31, 2019 (13 Days) with Hamilton Professor of Biology Emeritus Dr
    Costa Rica: National Parks & Tropical Forests January 19 - 31, 2019 (13 Days) with Hamilton Professor of Biology Emeritus Dr. Ernest H. Williams An exclusive Hamilton Global Adventure for 16 alumni, parents, and friends. © by Don Mezzi © T R Shankar Raman © by Steve © by Lars0001 3 San Carlos Rio Frio Costa Rica Altamira Village Dear Hamilton Alumni, Parents, and Friends, Lake Arenal I am delighted to invite you to join me in January 2019 for Monteverde Tortuguero 3 Cloud Forest National Park a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. As we travel from volcanic Reserve Doka Estate mountain ranges to misty cloud forests and bountiful jungles, San José our small group of no more than sixteen travelers, plus an Hacienda 2 Nosavar Santa Ana expert local Trip Leader and me, will explore these habitats up- close. Quepos San Gerardo 2 The biodiversity found in Costa Rica is astonishing for a country with Manuel de Dota 2 Antonio an area of just 20,000 square miles (approximately four times the size of National Park Finca don Connecticut): more than 12,000 species of plants, including a dazzling variety Tavo of trees and orchids; 237 species of mammals, including jaguars and four Main Tour species of monkeys; more species of birds (800!) than in all of North America; Optional Extensions more species of butterflies than on the entire continent of Africa; and five # of Hotel Nights genera of sea turtles as well as the endangered American crocodile. Corcovado Airport Arrival/ National Park Our travels will merge daily nature observations with visits to Costa Rican Departure national parks, farms, villages, beaches, cloud forest, and the capital city, San Jose.
    [Show full text]
  • COSTA RICA JAGUAR CONSERVATION PROJECT a 21-Day Wildlife Conservation Program
    COSTA RICA JAGUAR CONSERVATION PROJECT A 21-Day Wildlife Conservation Program PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Assist Scientists with Jaguar Research in the Rainforests • Zipline Through the Monteverde Cloud Forest • Work Alongside Biologists Patrolling Beaches During a Sea Turtle Conservation Project • Hike to the Active Poás Volcano, the Second Largest Volcanic Crater in the World • Snorkel Through Vibrant Coral Reefs and Watch for Humpback Whales at Isla del Caño • Look For Rarely-Seen Nocturnal Animals During a Guided Rainforest Night Hike • 30 Hours of Community Service SPOTLIGHT PROJECT: JAGUAR RESEARCH IN CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK Costa Rica is home to many beautiful national parks, but Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula is one of the country’s most pristine. Barely disturbed by human presence, Cocorvado is home to many endangered animals, including jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. Here we work on a wildlife monitoring project led by local researchers who are committed to protecting jaguars and their rainforest home. We meet with a former hunter who shows us the tracking skills he now uses to find rare animals for conservation purposes instead of for food. During our time here we learn how to monitor and estimate jaguar populations and we help biologists set up and check motion-sensing cameras for footage of these iconic jungle felines. The data we collect will help scientists better understand the behavior of these secretive cats, and create more impactful conservation and management practices that benefit not just the jaguars, but all the unique animals that call the rainforest home. SAMPLE ITINERARY DAY 1 TRAVEL DAY AND POAS VOLCANO Participants are met by their leaders in either Miami or San Jose, Costa Rica on the first day of the program (students have an option to take a group flight out of Miami).
    [Show full text]
  • Integrity and Isolation of Costa Rica's National Parks and Biological Reserves
    Biological Conservation 109 (2003) 123–135 www.elsevier.com/locate/biocon Integrity and isolation of Costa Rica’s national parks and biological reserves: examining the dynamics of land-cover change G. Arturo Sa´ nchez-Azofeifaa,*, Gretchen C. Dailyb, Alexander S.P. Pfaffc, Christopher Buschd aDepartment of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Earth Observation Systems Laboratory, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E3 bDepartment of Biological Sciences, Center for Conservation Biology, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5020 USA cDepartment of International and Public Affairs, Department of Economics, and Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, Columbia University, 420 W, 118th Streeet, Room 1306, New York, NY 10027 USA dDepartment of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Received 26 August 2001; received in revised form 11 February 2002; accepted 25 April 2002 Abstract The transformation and degradation of tropical forest is thought to be the primary driving force in the loss of biodiversity worldwide. Developing countries are trying to counter act this massive lost of biodiversity by implementing national parks and biological reserves. Costa Rica is no exception to this rule. National development strategies in Costa Rica, since the early 1970s, have involved the creation of several National Parks and Biological Reserves. This has led to monitoring the integrity of and interactions between these protected areas. Key questions include: ‘‘Are these areas’ boundaries respected?’’; ‘‘Do they create a functioning network?’’; and ‘‘Are they effective conservation tools?’’. This paper quantifies deforestation and secondary growth trends within and around protected areas between 1960 and 1997. We find that inside of national parks and biological reserves, deforestation rates were negligible.
    [Show full text]
  • New Records of Benthic Marine Algae and Cyanobacteria for Costa Rica, and a Comparison with Other Central American Countries
    Helgol Mar Res (2009) 63:219–229 DOI 10.1007/s10152-009-0151-1 ORIGINAL ARTICLE New records of benthic marine algae and Cyanobacteria for Costa Rica, and a comparison with other Central American countries Andrea Bernecker Æ Ingo S. Wehrtmann Received: 27 August 2008 / Revised: 19 February 2009 / Accepted: 20 February 2009 / Published online: 11 March 2009 Ó Springer-Verlag and AWI 2009 Abstract We present the results of an intensive sampling Rica; we discuss this result in relation to the emergence of program carried out from 2000 to 2007 along both coasts of the Central American Isthmus. Costa Rica, Central America. The presence of 44 species of benthic marine algae is reported for the first time for Costa Keywords Marine macroalgae Á Cyanobacteria Á Rica. Most of the new records are Rhodophyta (27 spp.), Costa Rica Á Central America followed by Chlorophyta (15 spp.), and Heterokontophyta, Phaeophycea (2 spp.). Overall, the currently known marine flora of Costa Rica is comprised of 446 benthic marine Introduction algae and 24 Cyanobacteria. This species number is an under estimation, and will increase when species of benthic The marine benthic flora plays an important role in the marine algae from taxonomic groups where only limited marine environment. It forms the basis of many marine information is available (e.g., microfilamentous benthic food chains and harbors an impressive variety of organ- marine algae, Cyanobacteria) are included. The Caribbean isms. Fish, decapods and mollusks are among the most coast harbors considerably more benthic marine algae (318 prominent species associated with the marine flora, which spp.) than the Pacific coast (190 spp.); such a trend has serves these animals as a refuge and for alimentation (Hay been observed in all neighboring countries.
    [Show full text]
  • Costa Rica Tour & Activity Suggestions
    Costa Rica Tour & Activity Suggestions Costa Rica Introduction Costa Rica is an incredible country with more activities and attractions than any single trip can contain. With Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, volcanoes, rainforests, wild rivers and 5% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is the perfect desti- nation for those who love active, outdoor experiences. No matter what part of Costa Rica you are visiting, there are many activity options that are great for families with children, and there are also adventurous options for those adults look- ing for an adrenaline rush that they may not find back home. This guide covers some of the highlights and suggestions for those staying in the main regions in Costa Rica. It is import- ant to note that there are many more options available, as shown by the map below. So let us know what you are inter- ested in, and we can try and customize the right experience for you. Map of Costa Rica Tours & Activities by Region © 2016 All Rights Reserved Guanacaste Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano If you enjoy hiking, nature and spectacular waterfalls, then we recommend that you visit Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park. We will take you on a hike where you will learn all about the local flora and fauna, see the boiling volcanic mud pots, and finally, the Rio Celeste Waterfall. This river has a magical blue color that occurs due to a unique chemical reaction in the water. You won’t want to miss it! Pacific Catamaran Cruise Set sail on the open seas in one of our catamarans.
    [Show full text]
  • A VISIT to OSA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Arrival in Costa Rica Navigating
    TRAVEL TIPS: A VISIT TO OSA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE Arrival in Costa Rica This document will help you plan your trip to Osa Mountain Village and has been developed from the experience of many individuals who have come here in the past. The goal is to make it easy and relaxing for you by knowing what to expect and how to plan your trip. Planning ahead will help but you also do not have to have every detail accounted for as flexibility in your itinerary will also lend itself to an enjoyable trip. Contact Information: To call these numbers from the states you must dial 011-506 and the number. Jim Gale 8832-4898 Sales Ricardo 8718-3878 Sales - On-site Eric J & Bill H 8760-2168 Guest Services Skip 8705-7168 Sales - San José liaison Toll free from the USA and Canada for Guest Services: 888-68Osa Mt (888-686-7268) Be sure to coordinate your visit with Jim Gale or one of the Osa Mountain Village sales staff in advance. Osa Mountain Village is located in the South Pacific zone near the west coast. From San Jose you have the option to take a bus from the MUSOC bus terminal ($5) in San José for a 3 hour ride to the city of San Isidro de El General. There you can meet up with Jim, where he can drive you from San Isidro to Osa Mountain Village for the tour. Or you can rent your own car, and drive down to Osa Mountain Village yourself – meeting at the Osa Mountain Village & Canopy Tour office.
    [Show full text]
  • The Factors for the Extinction of Jaguars and Cougars in El Salvador Michael Campbell* Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada
    ioprospe , B cti ity ng rs a e n iv d d D o i e Campbell, J Biodivers Biopros Dev 2016, 3:1 v B e f l Journal of Biodiversity, Bioprospecting o o l p DOI: 10.4172/2376-0214.1000154 a m n r e n u t o J ISSN: 2376-0214 and Development ResearchReview Article Article OpenOpen Access Access The Factors for the Extinction of Jaguars and Cougars in El Salvador Michael Campbell* Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada Abstract The jaguar (Panthera onca, Linnaeus 1758) and cougar (Puma concolor, Linnaeus 1771) are the largest cats in the Americas and are listed as uniquely extinct in El Salvador, Central America. The contributory factors for this event are little understood and/or ignored. This omission hampers conservation planning for declining big cat populations in other countries. A thorough review and analysis of the literature reveals important gaps that impede assessment of the factors for big cat extinction, and also possible meliorative efforts. The evidence questions the commonly blamed civil war and deforestation, and critically assesses a wider set of factors mostly not linked to big cat extinction; dense human population, small national territory, border porosity, cat adaptability to modified land cover and the actual importance of connecting forested corridors. The evidence from other countries shows possibilities of cat adaptability to all possible factors for extinction, but also hints at the possibility of the lack of connecting corridors as uniquely negative in El Salvador. Reintroductions of big cats in El Salvador must include internationalized assessments of their ecology and public tolerance of cat presence.
    [Show full text]
  • ICCA-Submission 2-Marine Areas of Responsible Fishing: a Path Toward
    “Marine Areas of Responsible Fishing”: A Path Toward Small-Scale Fisheries 10 Co-Management in Costa Rica? Perspectives from Golfo Dulce Luc Fargier, Hans J. Hartmann and Helena Molina-Ureña Abstract This chapter analyzes participatory management processes of small-scale fisheries in two Pacific embayments of Costa Rica, a centralized state of Central America where fisher- ies management is traditionally “top-down”, data deficient, and poorly adapted to local biological and socio-economic conditions. We provide an historical overview of coastal activities governance and fisheries national context, and describe different participative approaches to small-scale fishery management. The Marine Area of Responsible Fishing (Área Marina de Pesca Responsable, or AMPR), created in 2008, is a management tool developed by the Costa Rican government to effectively involve fishers organizations in small-scale fisheries management. In this paper, we compare participative management initiatives associated with AMPRs in the Golfo Dulce and Golfo de Nicoya (Palito and Tár- coles), and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Cahuita and Marino Ballena National Parks. Based on our analysis, we recommend ten measures to improve the small-scale fisheries co- management process. Among these, five recommendations stand out: (1) increase the participation of artisanal fishers in the development of collective choice rules; (2) allocate costs and benefits of management measures among artisanal fishers; (3) improve local lead- ership; (4) improve understanding and transparency of the management process; and (5) formalize and implement strategic fisheries management plans. Keywords Small-scale fisheries · Marine area of responsible fishing · Co-management · Costa Rica · Tropical Eastern Pacific fisheries 10.1 Introduction There are no universal definitions of small- scale or artisanal L.
    [Show full text]
  • ASOCIACIÓN WIDECAST Sea Turtle Conservation Program of the South Eastern Caribbean, Costa Rica 2008 Nesting Season
    ASOCIACIÓN WIDECAST Sea Turtle Conservation Program of the South Eastern Caribbean, Costa Rica 2008 Nesting Season Working in Conservation and Sustainable Development Working in Conservation and Sustainable Development The Sea Turtle Conservation Program of the South Caribbean of Costa Rica is pleased[The Sea to announceTurtle Conservation that will join Program WIDECAST of the SouthCosta CaribbeanRica in August of Costa 2007. Rica After is manypleased great to announceyears working that will along join AsociationWIDECAST ANAI, Costa we Rica will in leaveAugust our 2007. friends After at ANAI,many andgreat become years working part of alongthe WIDECAST Asociation WIDECAST,network. WIDECAST we will leave is a our non-profit friends organizationat WIDECAST, that and supports become local part sea of theturtle WIDECAST conservation network. initiatives WIDECAST in most is states a andnon-profit countries organization of the Caribbean that supports region loca proml seaoting turtle cooperation conservation between initiatives all nations. in Formost over states two and decades countries WIDECAST of the Caribbean has counted region with promoting the support cooperation from National Coordinatorsbetween all nations.in more Forthan over 30 nations two decades and territories WIDECAST in the has Caribbean, counted with and theworked closesupport with from key National stakeholders Coordinators at a ingovernmental more than 30 and nations non-governmental and territories in levelthe (includingCaribbean, scientists, and worked conservationists, close with key stakeholdersresource managers, at a governmental educators, and etc.), non- to promotegovernmental regional level capacity (including and scientists, assist with conservationists, the design andresource implementation managers, of scientificallyeducators, etc.),sound to promotesea turtle regional manage capacityment andprograms assist withat local,the design national and and regionalimplementation (international) of scientifically levels.
    [Show full text]
  • Costa Rica Discovery
    COSTA RICA • WILDERNESS & WILDLIFE TOURS COSTA RICA Positioned between two continents, Costa Rica is home to more species of wildlife than any other place on earth: Scarlet Macaws, sea turtles, colourful fish, butterflies, monkeys and sloths to name a few. Active volcanoes tower above impenetrable jungle and the pristine seas are perfect for snorkelling. Keel Billed Toucan © Shutterstock Monteverde Sky Walk Hanging Bridge © Latin Trails Day 4 Arenal COSTA RICA Day at leisure to take advantage of the many DISCOVERY activities on offer. B Days 5/6 Monteverde 7 days/6 nights Travel by boat across the lake from Arenal to From $2896 per person twin share Monteverde. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure Departs daily ex San Jose to enjoy the many optional activates available. On day 6 enjoy a guided walk along the Sky Walk Price per person from:* Twin A Tortuga Lodge & Gardens/Arenal Nayara/ $4005 hanging bridges. Overnight in Monterverde. B Monteverde Lodge Day 7 Tour ends San Jose B Manatus Hotel/Tabacon Grand Spa/ $3140 Transfer by road to San Jose. Tour ends. B Nestled in Cloud Forest © El Establo Lodge Hotel Belmar C Mawamba Lodge/Lost Iguana/Hotel el Establo $2896 HOTEL EL ESTABLO *Min 2. Single travellers prices are available on request. Nestled in the misty Cloud Forest of Monteverde, this hotel combines adventure and relaxation. There INCLUSIONS Return scheduled road and boat transfers San Jose are plenty of unique experiences on offer, including to Tortuguero, private road transfer Tortuguero to the tree top canopy tour and exciting night walks Arenal/Monteverde, 6 nights accommodation, meals and in search of forest nightlife.
    [Show full text]
  • High Altitude Cloud Forest: a Suitable Habitat for Sloths?
    High altitude cloud forest: a suitable habitat for sloths? Wouter Meijboom Cloudbridge Nature Reserve October 3th, 2013 2 High altitude cloud forest: a suitable habitat for sloths? A field research on the suitability of a high altitude cloud forest in Costa Rica as a habitat for sloths. Student: Wouter Meijboom Organisation: Cloudbridge Nature Reserve External technical coach: Tom Gode University of applied science: Van Hall Larenstein Major coordinator and internal coach: Jaap de Vletter Date: October 3th, 2013 3 Abstract Protected areas play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity worldwide (Bruner, Gullison, Rice and da Fonseca 2000). Sloths (Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni) play a meaningful role in the ecosystems of the tropical forests of Costa Rica. This research focuses on Cloudbridge Nature Reserve (Cloudbridge NR), a protected area of 250 hectare tropical forest in South Central Costa Rica. The management of Cloudbridge NR wants to get back to the original state of the forest. Sloths used to live in and around Cloudbridge NR, but are not seen nowadays. That is why there is a wish to get sloths back in the area of Cloudbridge NR. This research is designed to investigate the possibilities for sloths to live again in Cloudbridge NR. The research question to investigate this is: Can Cloudbridge NR sustain an independent and healthy population of sloths? The methodology of this research consists of in depth interviews, literature reviews and a tree inventory using plots. Interviews and the literature study are used to identify the preferences of sloths and the possible threats to sloths. The interviews are also used to investigate the situation in the past, regarding to sloths in and around Cloudbridge NR.
    [Show full text]
  • The Caribbean Lowlands Destination Guide
    The Caribbean Lowlands Destination Guide Overview of The Caribbean Lowlands The Caribbean has a cultural diversity that is different from the rest of Costa Rica. With its beautiful beaches, great surfing conditions, and pristine national parks, it is becoming one of the top attractions for adventurers. Less developed than the Pacific side, it has fewer roads and smaller settlements. About half the area is set apart and protected in parks and wildlife refuges. The capital of the region is the seedy port of Limon, which is generally avoided by tourists and used only as a transport hub. However, it is regaining popularity as a cruise port. Cahuita is a relaxed village neighbouring the Cahuita National Park, and here the Creole culture is particularly evident in the food and music. Further south is the even more tranquil hamlet of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, popular for its surfing and splendid coastline. In the north, the coastal National Park of Tortuguero is one of the most important breeding and nesting sites of the green sea turtle. The villages are laidback with an unhurried atmosphere common throughout the region. The majority of the people are extremely friendly, live close to the coast, and speak a lively form of English. They delight in showing visitors the natural beauty of the area and are eager to share their culture with others. There is plenty to see and do, but things are relaxed so take time to experience this rewarding side of Costa Rica. Key Facts Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
    [Show full text]