Program Itinerary (Tentative)
May 20, 2008
Departure on a regularly scheduled flight to Costa Rica. Arrival in San Jose, where you are met by your CSA/ Instituto Monteverde on-site coordinator, a qualified instructor in the life sciences, and check in to your hotel. Later a visit of San Jose includes the National Gold Museum and the National Theater. Time permitting, you will visit the impressive Central Market. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at Nuestra Tierra, a restaurant specializing in local Costa Rican cuisine.
May 21, 2008
After breakfast drive to the Pacific coast and the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. En-route stop in Tarcoles to see the local population of crocodiles and a discussion on crocodile ecology. Also visit the African Oil Plantation for a discussion on palm oil and the biodiesel controversy. Upon arrival in Manuel Antonio, a boat tour focuses on marine ecology and mangrove ecology. Lunch on the boat. There will be time for snorkeling. Dinner at the hotel.
May 22, 2008
Today a guided hike will introduce the topics of squirrel monkey conservation, the beach ecosystem, and other themes. A packed lunch is included. Later enjoy free time to enjoy the beach. Dinner at the hotel.
May 23, 2008
Morning transfer to Monteverde. Lunch at the Instituto Monteverde and introduction to the Institute and its facilities. Afternoon lecture on the environmental and social history of Monteverde. Accommodation is in dorm-style rooms. Dinner at the Institute.
The Monteverde zone is a rural highland where the main industries of dairy farming, coffee production, and eco-tourism co-exist adjacent to pristine, primary cloud forest reserves. In the last two decades, it has experienced rapid growth due to eco-tourism. Monteverde is world-famous for its role in creating the Monteverde Reserve complex, a collection of private and public preserves protecting more than 100,000 acres of endangered tropical forest. The largest reserves are the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, managed by the Tropical Science Center, and Bosque Eterno de los Niños (Children's Eternal Rainforest), managed by the Monteverde Conservation League.
May 24, 2008
This morning a guided walk introduces you to the Cloud Forest Preserve. In the afternoon visit the Monteverde Cheese Factory and the CASEM Coffee Cooperative. After dinner at the Institute discover the Bat Jungle through a guided walk.
May 25, 2008
Free morning for class time or computer access. After lunch a guided hike brings you to the San Gerardo Field Station where you have a talk on the Monteverde Conservation League. After dinner you have a guided night hike. Overnight in San Gerardo (dorms).
May 26, 2008
This morning you have a short guided hike and then exit San Gerardo. A packed lunch is included. After dinner optional activities (not included in the program fees) include horseback riding, a canopy walk, and the zip lines. Dinner at the Institute.
May 27, 2008 - May 30, 2008
In Monteverde. Access to a wet lab and computer facilities is included. Accommodation in dorm style rooms. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Institute.
May 31, 2008
This morning the Institute staff conducts field experiments and re-forestation projects. This evening a special Traditional Dinner celebrates your last evening at the Institute.
June 1, 2008
Today journey by jeep and boat to La Fortuna on Lake Arenal, the second largest lake in Central America. You have lunch en-route. After dinner at the hotel you have a lecture on Costa Rican history and geology.
June 2, 2008
This morning a guided walk through Arenal National Park introduces you to one of the world's most active volcanoes. A packed lunch is included. Later enjoy the nearby hot springs.
June 3, 2008
Depart for Poas Volcano. Continue to San Jose/Alajuela. Farewell Dinner
June 4, 2008
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.
Program includes:
· Round trip trans-Atlantic airfare on regularly scheduled flights
· All programming as listed above
· Services of a full-time CSA on-site coordinator and/or Instituto Monteverde staff
· Accommodation in multi-bedded rooms. Professor is accommodated in a single room
· All meals from dinner on May 20 through breakfast on June 4
· All transportation as listed above
· Accident and sickness insurance
· Liability insurance
Program does not include:
· Passport and visa fees when applicable
· Airline fuel surcharges if applicable
· Drinks with dinners
· Additional meals
· Personal expenses including laundry, mini-bar charges, and telephone calls
· Any other item not listed above