Explore
costa rica
volcanoes, rivers and rainforests
with Ginger Earley,,,,,
Education Instructor and Volunteer Coordinator
at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Costa Rica Program for Teens
July 6-14, 2015
Ginger Earley, the Columbus Zoo and
Aquarium’s Education Instructor and Volunteer
Coodinator, looks forward to joining you on
this exciting exploration that will certainly afford
you memories that will last a lifetime. A 1995
graduate of Otterbein College, Ginger specializes
in environmental education and had led many
tours for the Zoo’s younger audience.
F
rom the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean coast to mistshrouded mountains cloaked in cloud forest, Costa Rica is a
paradise for the naturalist. This peaceful little country, located at a natural
bridge between North and South America, contains a phenomenally diverse
concentration of wildlife. With over 25% of the country set aside for
national parks and reserves, it’s easy to understand how Costa Rica has
earned its reputation as the wildlife sanctuary of the Americas.
Within these rainforests and cloud forests there is an impressive array
of flora and fauna. In the lowland jungles, monkeys create a commotion
in the canopy, in the company of toucans and macaws. In the central
highlands of Costa Rica, luxuriant cloud forests blanket mountains, valleys
and active volcanoes. In this emerald kingdom, giant tree ferns, orchids,
bromeliads and other epiphytes add an air of enchantment.
In addition to wildlife explorations accompanied by expert Naturalists, our
itinerary features comfortable accommodations and opportunities to relax,
enjoy the local culture and take in the most beautiful tropical beaches in
the country.
Destination Highlights
• Our guides are the best in Costa Rica,
trained in both universities and in the field.
• Look for spider, capuchin, howler and
squirrel monkeys, sloths, hummingbirds,
resplendent quetzals and more in the
country’s pristine parks and reserves.
• Enjoy hiking, boating, canopy tours
and more.
• Naturalist-led night excursions to view
nesting green sea turtles.
• Specially arranged opportunities to
volunteer at a local village school and
at a ranch, as well as a conservation
opportunity with the El Silencio Project.
9-Day Costa Rica Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 San José Board independent
flights to San José. We are met and
assisted at the airport and transferred
to our hotel, the Wyndham San José
Herradura or similar. (D)
Day 2 San José / Tortuguero Early this morning, set out for
Tortuguero National Park. En route
we cross through Braulio Carrillo
National Park, glimpsing our first
view of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest.
Stop for a typical breakfast, before
we get to Caño Blanco or Pavona
Dock. Board a boat and continue
through the marvelous canals
of Tortuguero. After lunch, visit
the small village of Tortuguero,
bordered by crashing ocean,
lagoons and jungle. Learn about
the Atlantic green sea turtle before
joining our naturalist for a nighttime
excursion to the beach, where we
see the nesting sea turtles. Spend
two nights at Pachira Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Tortuguero Explore the
flooded forests of Tortuguero,
established to protect the largest
nesting ground of green sea
turtles in the Caribbean and the
surrounding lowland rainforest,
home to jaguars, manatees and the
endangered great green macaw.
Glide along the black waters
surrounded by towering trees,
looking for keel-billed toucans,
colorful parrots and the basilisk
lizard, also called the “Jesus Christ
lizard” because it runs across the
water! As we explore the park’s
canals, look for all six species of
New World kingfishers, as many as
eight species of parrots, toucans,
oropendolas and more, as well as
the raphia palm, which has the
largest leaves of any plant. Capuchin
and spider monkeys may be seen
crossing the river in daring leaps.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 Tortuguero / Monteverde Return to the dock and board a
bus for a scenic drive across the
countryside of San Carlos Valley to
La Fortuna. Spend the afternoon
on the trails at Arenal Volcano
National Park before continuing to
Monteverde. Spend two nights at El
Establo. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Monteverde We explore
the renowned Monteverde Reserve,
looking for tropical birds including
parrots, motmots, hummingbirds,
toucans and the star attraction:
the stunning resplendent quetzal.
Monteverde features tumbling
waterfalls, giant tree ferns and a lush
blanket of mosses and epiphytes,
and encompasses six different
ecological zones. Our small group
truly leaves our mark on Costa
Rica as we plant a tree at Heliconia
Ranch. Cap-off our day at Selvatura
Park, where we enjoy a canopy tour.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 Monteverde / Manuel
Antonio After breakfast, depart
for Manuel Antonio and spend our
afternoon exploring Manuel Antonio
National Park. The park is known
for the white sands and wildlife.
We share the park and its beaches
with sea turtles, parrots, three-toed
sloths, tapirs, howler monkeys and
iguanas. A word to the wise, be
careful of the sneaky white face
capuchin monkeys! The park boasts
an estuary, mangroves, a lagoon
and paths, one which leads to an
observation tower for a 360° view.
Spend three nights at Costa Verde
Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Manuel Antonio Participate in a community project.
This volunteer program depends
on the schedule and needs of the
community at the time of your visit,
but we plan to participate in the El
Silencio Project. Our duties include
helping with trail maintenance, cages
and surroundings. After working with
the local farmers on the Project, our
guide leads dances to highlight our
culture and share with local farmers.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 Manuel Antonio Visit
a local school, teaching English,
painting and sharing games with
children. Our guides will bring along
paint, tools and school supplies to
donate. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Manuel Antonio / San
José Return to the San José
International Airport, where we
board our flights home. (B)
J u ly 6 -1 4 , 2 0 1 5
Double Occupancy������������������������ $3,290
Single Occupancy ���������������������������$3,795
Age Requirement: Ages 13-18
what’s included
Private ground
transportation
throughout the
program
Professional local
bilingual naturalist
guide
Soft drink, water,
tea or coffee with
all included meals
Gratuities for guide
and driver.
Gratuities for
services staff at
hotels.
Airport porterage.
All meals as stated
in the itinerary.
All group transfers.
Excursions as
stated in the
itinerary including
the turtle-nest tour.
Foreign Departure
Tax from San Jose
Tree planting at
Heliconia Ranch,
visit to a local school
and participation
in the El Silencio
Project
Expedition Price Does Not Include:
• Air to/from San Jose, Costa Rica
• Travel Insurance
Great Guides
Leading your group
will be local expert
naturalists like
Jonathan Sequeira,
a Master Naturalist
who did his Ph.D work in medicinal
plants of the rainforest. Each of our
guides has studied science, nature
and wildlife at the university level
and in the field, and Jonathan, Luis
and Miguel ensure you have the most
fulfilling journey possible!
• Extras at hotels (Phone calls, room service,
porterage, laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
Deposit: $600 due at time of reservation
Cancellation Fees:
$175 from time of booking until 90 days prior
$350 from 89 – 61 days prior
Full penalty 60 – 0 days prior
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute
approval by the State of California. CST 2045230-20
During our Costa Rica adventure, one day will be set aside to work in a local community near Manuel Antonio National Park.
Based on the needs of the community when we visit, our community service day may have us singing songs and teaching
English at an elementary school.
Experience the Full Beauty of
Nature’s Rich Coast
No less dramatic than a volcano or an
elegant orchid, the easy tranquility of
Costa Rica’s people is often a surprise
to first-time visitors. But at International Expeditions we discovered
decades ago that beauty in Costa Rica
goes beyond nature.
Arenal Volcano
Magenta-throated woodstar with an orchid
For more information contact:
Patti H. Cattey
Community Engagement
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
(614) 724-3558