DAY 1: Flight from Denver to San Jose, Costa Rica. Following your Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, outside of San José, you will be met by our Costa Rica Field Course Staff (after immigration and customs) and transferred to San José City. Following dinner, there will be an orientation session to our Costa Rica Field Course. Overnight. D

DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ ARENAL VOLCANO-BALDI HOT SPRINGS.
Early this morning the group will depart to Arenal Volcano (about 3 hours). One of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere, Arenal has been in a constant state of activity since it last erupted in 1968. Located on the southern shores of the Lake Arenal, it is a spectacular site, with its perfect conical shape rising from the surrounding hills. On the way we will take a brief look at Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica. A hydroelectric dam at one end produces 75% of the electricity used in Costa Rica. It is also well known for its windsurfing and freshwater fishing. Following lunch, our group will also hike to the beautiful La Fortuna waterfalls then we will visit Baldi Hot Springs, located at the base of Arenal. Steaming waters from the Río Tabacón form waterfalls and therapeutic pools that we can soak and relax in. The hot springs found here are surrounded by brilliant vegetation, while Arenal serves as a stunning backdrop. After the sun sets, we will with some luck, observe the activity of Arenal. On a clear night, one can see bursts of fire and red-hot molten lava shooting hundreds of feet into the sky, whereas during the day only smoke and the volcano's roar are apparent. Explosions could occur at any moment, so open your eyes and watch out. Following our evening observations of Arenal, we will overnight in a lodge near Lake Arenal. B L D

DAY 3: HIKING on ARENAL VOLCANO LAVA FLOWS- CANALS OF TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK-JOHN H. PHIPPS BIOLOGICAL STATION.
Following breakfast today, we will spend the part of the morning hiking on the hardened lava flows that make up Arenal's lower slopes. We will observe the remains of the volcano's more active past.. Our group will then travel by van 3 hours to take the boat (2 hours) that will take us through the inland waterway to Tortuguero National Park and John H. Phipps Biological Station. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by Research Staff and given an orientation session about the Station, its' history and work that is being done here by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC). After dinner, we will observe the CCC Staff and Volunteers in their sea turtle conservation efforts. Five of the world's eight species of sea turtles species breed offshore and nest on the beaches of Tortuguero. Participants will have the opportunity to observe tagging and measuring of turtles, as females come ashore to lay eggs. Some nests are created below the high tide line and eggs laid here have little or no chance to develop and hatch. In an effort to increase survivorship, some of these nests are relocated to higher ground. Our presence on the beach, especially at night, is also a great deterrent to poachers, who collect and eat or sell the eggs. Dinner and overnight near by John H. Phipps Biological Station in a rustic lodge B L D (Turtle activities are available just in certain seasons)

DAY 4: CANALS OF TORTUGUERO-JOHN H. PHIPPS BIOLOGICAL STATION.
After breakfast, we will learn about daily activities of CCC Research Staff and Volunteers. These include a beach clean-up, which helps to remove debris that may hamper female turtles from coming ashore or hatchlings from making their way to the ocean. Debris includes plastic goods, aluminum cans or logs brought ashore by sea currents. While walking the beach, we will also be on the look out for hatchlings attempting to make an early departure. These will be brought back into a hatchery and released just before sunset to increase their chances of survival. During the day participants will also have the opportunity to travel through the canals of Tortuguero National Park and observe some of the lush surrounding rainforest. Some call this "Costa Rica's Amazon", as eleven different life zones have been identified within the Park. Wildlife found here include three species of monkeys, river otters, three-toed sloths, caimans, iguanas, freshwater turtles and more than 320 species of birds, including all 6 species of kingfishers found in the New World, 3 species of toucans and 8 species of parrots. Aside from its' diverse flora and fauna, Tortuguero is a beautiful and tranquil spot, with palm-lined beaches stretching off as far as the eye can see in both directions. Dinner and overnight John H. Phipps Biological Station in a rustic lodge B L D (Turtle activities are available just in certain seasons. Activities related with CCC depend of the availability of the staff of the organization)

DAY 5: TORTUGUERO BANANA PLANTATION AND CAHUITA
Early this morning, we will say farewells to CCC Staff and depart for a boat and bus ride to Cahuita area, on the way we will stop at a nearby banana plantation. Here, our group will learn how bananas are raised and processed in Costa Rica. The history, economic importance and ecological impact of the banana industry will also be considered. Our group will also pass through the Caribbean port city of Limón. It was here that Christopher Columbus first landed in 1502. Following lunch, we will drive on to the village of Cahuita, access point to Costa Rica's only Marine Reserve, famous for its' coral reef and adjacent rainforest. Following our arrival, we will settle into our hotel and have dinner. Overnight Cahuita B L D

DAY 6: SNORKELING CAHUITA NATIONAL MARINE RESERVE-RAINFOREST HIKE.
Following breakfast this morning, our group will have an introduction to snorkeling. The remainder of the morning will be spent snorkeling in the Cahuita National Marine Reserve. We will return to the mainland for a guided hike into the rainforest of Cahuita National Park and lunch. In the afternoon, our group will have some time free to rest and explore the surroundings.

DAY 7: SNORKELING CAHUITA NATIONAL MARINE RESERVE- BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK - SAN JOSÉ
Following breakfast this morning, our group will prepare to snorkel again. The remainder of the morning will be spent snorkeling in the Cahuita National Marine Reserve. After lunch we will leave the Caribbean slope and travel to the central Valley and San José City, on the way we will pass by Braulio Carrillo National Park one of the most biodiverse regions in Costa Rica. Six different life zones are present in the Park. Dinner and overnight at San José. B L D

DAY 8: SAN JOSÉ - SAVEGRE - CLOUDFOREST HIKE.
After an early breakfast, we will depart by bus and travel southeast, along the Pan American Highway. Our route will have us climb steadily to an elevation of 7,200 feet. About 50 miles from San José, we will come to the village of San Gerardo de Dota and then travel on to Savegre Lodge. Established in 1957 when Don Efraín Chacón, family members and several close friends bushwhacked their way through over 30 miles of forest to the site where the family farm now stands. Aside from the farm and cabins built for guests, the surrounding region is one of the finest examples of high elevation cloud forest in all of Latin America. In addition, the Savegre River runs through the property and is excellent for trout fishing. The farm itself has apple orchards and a small dairy operation. There are numerous trails here that provide an excellent opportunity for hiking. Horseback riding is also available. Savegre Lodge and the surrounding cloud forest, is considered by many to be the best place in the Latin America to see the resplendent quetzal year-round, one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas. Other high-elevation birds, that could be sited, include a variety of hummingbirds, the sooty robin, volcano junco and several species of silky flycatchers. Meals are home cooked and much of the wholesome food served is grown on the farm. Dinner and overnight at Savegre Lodge. B L D.

DAY 9: SAVEGRE LODGE.
Continued activities Cabañas Chacón and surrounding cloudforest. Dinner and overnight Cabañas Chacón. B L D

DAY 10: PUERTO JIMINÉZ-CARATE-CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK.
Following breakfast, we will say goodbye to Cabañas Chacón Staff and depart for the spectacular Osa Penisula and Corcovado National Park. Our route will again take us southeast along the Pan American Highway, where about 60 miles from San José, we will come to the highest point on the entire Pan American At an elevation of 10,000 feet, we will encounter the northermost limit of páramo or tropical tundra habitat, with highland shrub and tussock grass being the dominant vegetation. Our group will then descend into the Río General Valley, one of the major agricultural regions in Costa Rica, where coffee, pineapple and banana plantations dominate much of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, we will arrive in the village of Puerto Jiminéz, on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula. From here, we will then drive around the peninsula to the village of Carate and along the way stop to observe wildlife that may be encountered. Possibilities include all 4 species of monkeys found in Costa Rica, sloths and wide variety of birds found on the peninsula, including the spectacular scarlet macaw. Following our arrival in Carate, we will transfer to the nearby Luna Lodge for dinner and overnight. B L D (Because of weight limitation on the flight back to San José, you should repackage this day to take with you just 25 pounds. The extra luggage can be left at the van and it will be in San José when you will get back)

DAY 11: CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Early this morning, we will take a hike at Corcovado National Park. Located in the southwestern corner of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado protects 103,200 acres of shallow lagoons, marshes, mangrove swamps, rivers, lowland tropical rainforest and 29 miles of sandy coastline. This region has the greatest biodiversity of any protected area in Costa Rica, including more than 500 species of trees, 140 different kinds of mammals, 367 bird species, 40 types of freshwater fish, 117 species of amphibians/reptiles and an estimated 6,000 insect species. It is also home to large mammals, such as jaguar, tapir, ocelot, peccaries and Costa Rica's largest population of scarlet macaws. Its' great biodiversity and pristine condition have long attracted tropical ecologists and their research. Dinner and overnight on the Luna Lodge. B L D.

DAY 12: CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK.
Continued activities on Corcovado National Park area. Dinner and overnight at Luna Lodge. B L D.

DAY 13: CORCOVADO - SAN JOSÉ
After breakfast this morning, we will have the last hiking on Corcovado area, then we will be transferred to Puerto Jiminéz for our return flight to San José. During the afternoon the group will have the chance to do a quick city tour.

DAY 14: SAN JOSÉ-DEPARTURE. After an early breakfast and farewells to our Costa Rica Field Course Staff, you will be transferred to Juan Santamaría International Airport, outside San José for your return flight home. Those participants staying for the Language Program will be picked up by their host families

Note: Due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond the control of Field Course Staff, certain activities may be changed or done on different days in the best interest of the group.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Generally, our Study Abroad and Great Travels tours cannot be cancelled after the final registration date for a tour. International services and reservations must be arranged and prepaid well in advance; thus, very seldom are any cancellations allowed. CMC’s cancellation and refund policy is dependent upon the cancellation and refund of our suppliers. Again, cancellations and refunds are seldom allowed.

To protect students and the college, a standard travel insurance policy is included in each tour package. The insurance covers such things as an accident, injury, or family tragedy preventing travel, lost luggage, medical evacuation, etc. The insurance policy belongs to the student and any claims must be filed by the individual student; the college purchases these policies for students to effectuate substantial savings allowed through group purchasing.

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This page was created by Peter Jeschofnig and was last updated: 3/20/2003