Costa Rica - Nature's Museum with California State University, Fresno

Costa Rica - Nature's Museum

Presented By: California State University, Fresno

Day 1: Monday, February 08, 2010 San Jose, Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica, a land of rich natural wonders. During your timeless journey, explore an outstanding variety of flora and fauna in three nature reserves: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Upon your arrival today in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, San Jose, relax and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, soaking up your new surroundings.

Day 2: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 San Jose - Poas Volcano - Coffee Plantation
View the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, as you travel to the mammoth Poas Volcano. Walk to the edge of the crater for a magnificent view of this amazing landscape. Next, attend a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation that highlights the importance of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Tonight, gather for a special reception and dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Tortuguero National Park
Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park which offers one of the richest rain forest canopies in the world. Stop at a local banana plantation, learning about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Board your transport to cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park, as your guide explains the rain forest eco-system and points out sites of interest. Tortuguero National Park protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species such as tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. Enjoy a memorable two-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings by visiting the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Thursday, February 11, 2010 Tortuguero National Park Canal Cruise
During an early morning bird-watching excursion, learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, aquatic birds and exotic flora. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Friday, February 12, 2010 Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí - San Carlos
A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiquí region. At an organic pineapple plantation learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rica’s are among the world’s best. Continue to San Carlos where you will spend three nights in a sprawling rain forest resort nestled in 35 acres of magnificent gardens and tropical fruit trees overlooking the San Carlos River. Enjoy a tour of the botanical and butterfly gardens upon arrival. (B, D)

Day 6: Saturday, February 13, 2010 San Carlos - Rain Forest Walk - Arenal Volcano
Explore the nearby rain forest's diversity of flora and fauna during a morning walk. Experience the beauty of the geothermal region surrounding the impressive Arenal Volcano when you arrive at Ecothermales Hot Springs, a family-owned hot springs oasis. Stroll its beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing, hot mineral-rich waters, or take advantage of the first rate spa services. Enjoy a wonderful dinner overlooking Arenal Volcano. (B, D)

Day 7: Sunday, February 14, 2010 San Carlos - Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a remote 20,000-acre jungle refuge with an amazing variety of birds and indigenous wildlife, including spider and howler monkeys and two-toed sloths. Embark on a guided riverboat trip down the Rio Frio to observe this exotic wildlife. (B, D)

Day 8: Monday, February 15, 2010 San Carlos - San Jose
Returning to San Jose, tour the colorful Plaza de Cultural; the National Museum, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and other exhibits detailing the history of Costa Rica; and the National Theater, a magnificent building of post-baroque splendor. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 9: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 San Jose - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. (B)

February 08 - February 16, 2010

9 Days • 17 Meals

8 Breakfasts • 2 Lunches • 7 Dinners

Highlights: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Poas Volcano, Coffee Plantation, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Rain Forest, Arenal Volcano, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Rates Per Person

Double: $2699, Single: $3299, Triple: $2669
*^Included in Price:** Round Trip Air from Fresno Air Terminal, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $180 (subject to increase until paid in full), Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150 per person, Hotel Transfers.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 - 2	Quality Hotel Real, San Jose
Day 3 - 4	Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero
	or Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero
Day 5 - 7	Tilajari Resort, San Carlos
Day 8	Quality Hotel Real, San Jose
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

For more information call
Susan Hawksworth
California State University, Fresno
(559) 278-0423
susanhaw@csufresno.edu

Included Meals Key

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Please Note:

Book Now rates valid until , valid on air inclusive packages only.
Passport is required.
The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time. This tour will visit Poas Volcano which has an elevation of 9,000 feet. We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore, it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have selected small, comfortable hotels for their locations and they may be considered rustic. Air Conditioning is available in San Jose. However, air conditioning and elevators are not available in all properties used on this tour. Most Hotels typically have ceiling fans only. Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes. This level is moderately active. Participants may expect more walking tours blended with leisure time. Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.
Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $27 USD.
To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing airfare with your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the two night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Your main luggage stays in San Jose and joins you upon your return to the mainland.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:

No options exist for this tour.

CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancelation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $150 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:

Costa Rica - Nature's Museum

Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.

Clothing & Packing Tips

For all Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tours we recommend casual, comfortable clothing which can be layered for all activities and changing temperatures. Dress throughout Costa Rica is casual and shorts are acceptable. However, you will want to bring slightly dressy attire for the welcome and farewell dinners. Women may want to bring a dress or pantsuit and men a sport coat and possibly a tie. You should definitely pack comfortable walking shoes, preferably with crepe or rubber soles for added traction, as well as a hat for sun protection and rainwear. In addition to your usual clothing and personal toiletries, be sure to bring the following items: Security pouch to carry valuables on your person Photocopies of passports and visa (if applicable) and extra photos, if available Photocopies of traveler's checks, credit card account numbers, and phone numbers (in case of loss) Long sleeves and pants for those individuals who are sensitive to both sun and insects Rain gear, especially a poncho or raincoat and a sturdy pair of shoes that you won't mind getting wet. Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and lip balm Adequate supply of prescription medication (enough for entire trip and a few additional days) in original prescription containers; a list of generic names for the medication; and an extra prescription Insect repellent Common medications including aspirin or other analgesic, antacid, eyewash, decongestants, cough syrup, throat lozenges, motion sickness medication (if you are prone to sickness on winding roads or open seas), and simple bandages and topical antibiotics Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses Travel alarm clock (battery operated) The following items are not essential, but have been found helpful by fellow travelers: Lightweight backpack or tote bag Pocket calculator Camera, film, extra batteries; extra battery and recharging equipment for video camera Plastic water bottle Lightweight flashlight Binoculars (compact size) Packets of instant decaffeinated coffee and sweetener Electric adapter plug Ear plugs for light sleepers Hair dryer Shower cap; plastic bags; tissues; pre-moistened towelettes Small sewing kit; liquid soap for hand laundry Wash cloth or body sponge Extra carry-on bag for bringing gifts home

Luggage

Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) are allowed. Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Wheeled carry-ons are not suitable for coach tours. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive "No Worries Travel Protection") to cover these eventualities.

Miscellaneous

If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.

If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord & adapter plug to ensure proper function.

Name Badges

Name Badges Your name badge identifies you as a member of a Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour. Wearing it daily while on the tour is helpful to fellow travelers and tour staff. It is especially important to wear it on arrival at your destination so your tour representative can identify you at the airport (for those participants who purchase a transfer through us). Please print your name clearly with a permanent marker in the space provided.

Reading List

Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? Collette has pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.collettevacations.com/travel-books.cfm

Shopping

If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that it is compatible with your PC or other home equipment.

Time Zone

Costa Rica is two hours behind U.S Eastern Time when the U.S honors daylight savings time and one hour behind Eastern Time when the U.S. honors standard time.