COSTA RICA

December 27, 2007 - January 6, 2008

Natural History and Writing for Women

COSTA RICA    11 Days
WILDLIFE OF THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST
December 27, 2007 - January 6, 2008

The spectacular birds and animals of Costa Rica and the magnificent tropical rainforest are the focus of this 11-day trip. The tropical rainforest is the most complex of all biomes and is host to more species than any other biological community in the world. Costa Rica has as many plant species as all of Europe, including 1400 species of orchids. We will learn about the biological diversity of the tropical rainforest, concentrating on the rich bird life that has adapted to the varied forest niches.  We will explore and deepen our experience through directed writing sessions and discussion.
 

We will walk and view wildlife at a pace that allows us to learn about the birds and animals we see and the habitats in which we find them. We will learn about ecosystems and the importance of preserving habitat.

Activity Level: Daily hiking on trails with moderate elevation gains.

Leaders: Colleen Rooney has a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies and extensive travel and birding experience in Costa Rica.  She has taught bird identification and conservation at the university level and is committed to introducing people to the adventure of ecotravel and tropical birding in an ecologically sensitive and socially responsible manner.

Eloise Klein Healy has an MFA in creative writing and was the founding chair of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program at Antioch University Los Angeles.
 

Local Guide: We will be accompanied by a local guide.

Limited to 12 participants
 
 

Wildlife Of The Tropical Rainforest 2007-08 Tentative Itinerary:

 

December 27        SAN JOSE--Arrival and transfer to our hotel

December 28-29    CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
We'll have great views on the road to the Central Highlands. Trogon Lodge, at about 7000 feet, is surrounded by primary and secondary cloud forest. The area is rich in birds and, with luck, we'll have many great views of the Resplendent Quetzal.  Hummingbirds are also abundant at the lodge. You can view them from the lodge's gazebo near the pond.

December 30 -31  CARIBBEAN LOWLANDS
Our next stop is Sueno Azul lodge where we'll explore the lush Northern Lowlands. We'll visit La Selva Biological Research Station where old-growth and second-growth forests are home to nearly half of the 850 species of birds in Costa Rica.  In additions to showy birds like Toucans, Parrots and Trogons, La Selva is home to 500 species of butterflies and 120 mammals.  A boat trip on the Sarapiqui River gives us the opportunity to see birds that make their living on the river, plus a chance to see howler monkeys, caimans and sloths.

January 1 Arenal Volcano
We begin the new year at Arenal Volcano. We hope to have great views of this active volcano from our lodge.

January 2 - 4 PACIFIC COAST
Transfer to Villa Lapas on the Pacific Coast.  At the mouth of the Rio Tarcoles river, we will see shorebirds and crocodiles on a boat trip in the mangroves, then spend time exploring Carara Biological Reserve, the northernmost tropical wet forest on the Pacific coast. We'll see the many species of birds that prefer this habitat, and also spider monkeys, blue morpho butterflies, bats, the poison-dart frog and many other creatures. A highlight of our stay here will be a canopy walk.

January 5   Drive back to San Jose via Waterfall Garden
Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens on our way back to San Jose and the Central Valley.

January 6 Departure from San Jose
 
 

Presentations: During the trip we will have natural history presentations and guided writing exercises to expand and to deepen our experience.

Cost: $2100 (based on double occupancy and at least 12 participants).
Cost will include double occupancy w/ private bath, all meals at the lodges outside of San Jose, land transportation, national park entrance fees at scheduled stops, canopy walk, boat trips, and guides. Airfare and guide tips are not included.

Please Note: Trip cannot accommodate children under 18.

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