Costa Rica 2015 Tropical Horticulture and Nature A Tour for Master Gardeners or anyone interested in nature January 29 - February 7, 2015 LAND ONLY PACKAGE PRICE: $2,995 per person Airfare is not included in package price; cost will vary depending on the departure airport and can be arranged independently or by the tour operator. For more information contact Mary Kroening at (573) 881-6316 or email mary@hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com $1,000 deposit per person holds your reservation. Final payment due by November 3, 2014. Maximum of 14 tour participants.
Costa Rica, rich coast in Spanish, has a wealth of natural diversity and wildlife over 10,000 plant species and more than 850 species of birds, including many endemics found nowhere else on earth. This 10-day study program will expose you to some of this stunning array of exotic tropical plants and animals, the ecology of the rainforest and other ecological habitats, and tropical horticultural production. Join Susan Mahr, Wisconsin MG Program Coordinator, on a special trip as we leave the typical tourist route to visit some of the most exclusive areas of this stunningly beautiful country to discover the vast array of endemic plants in the rainforest, learn about tropical horticulture and crops, see abundant wildlife monkeys, butterfl ies, birds, frogs and more in their natural habitat, and much more. The Itinerary Thursday, January 29 Travel to Costa Rica. Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport you will be met by your guide and transportation. For those who arrive early enough (many fl ights don t arrive until evening), enjoy the extensive gardens behind the hotel where you may be lucky enough to spot the blue-crowned mot mots or arrange your own optional excursion. Meals included: Welcome dinner Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea (www.hb.co.cr/) Friday, January 30 Today we visit the University of Costa Rica s Lankester Botanical Garden where you will enjoy over 3,000 species of beautiful orchids and other epiphytic plants in greenhouses and secondary forests. We then drive to the San Gerardo de Dota region where we visit a coffee plantation to learn about this important export crop. Then we continue on into the Cerro de la Muerte the foliage changes from the lush greens of a tropical jungle to forest characterized by massive oaks, tree ferns, poor man s umbrella (Gunnera spp.), and scandent bamboo (Chusquea sp.). Because we will be at an elevation of over 7,000 feet in the Talamanca mountains, it may be cool at night. Lodging: Trogon Lodge (www.trogonlodge.com/) Saturday, January 31 This morning we head south to the Osa Peninsula to a remote area near Golfo Dulce. There we will visit Casa Orquídeas, developed in the 1970 s by Ron and Trudy Macallister. This private botanical garden, surrounded on three sides by primary rainforest, includes tropical fruit trees, bromeliads, cycads, palms, heliconias, ornamental plants and more than 100 varieties of orchids. Lodging: Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge (www.nicuesalodge.com/) Your University of Wisconsin Extension host for the trip: Susan Mahr Wisconsin MG Program Coordinator (608) 265-4504 semahr@wisc.edu relax learn
Sunday, February 1 Today is free to hike the numerous trails winding through the rainforest canopy on the Lodge s 165-acre preserve, kayak in the warm blue-green waters of the Gulf or into several nearby rivers with the dramatic rainforest canopy in the background, do an optional activity (such as massage, zipline, or local tour at additional cost) or just relax and enjoy the solitude of nature. Lodging: Nicuesa Lodge explore rejuvenate experience Monday, February 2 Today we travel north, to our eco-friendly lodging for the next two nights situated on ten acres of protected rainforest overlooking the Pacifi c Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park, one of only two locations in Costa Rica where you can see all four types of monkey (spider, howler, white faced and the endangered squirrel monkey). Lodging: Si Como No (www.sicomono.com/) Tuesday, February 3 In the morning we hike well-maintained trails into Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the country s most scenic national parks, to observe the native fl ora and fauna in the primary and secondary forest. Later in the day we visit Villa Vanilla, a sustainable organic spice farm, to learn about vanilla production and other spices like Ceylon cinnamon, cacao, and black pepper. Meals included: Breakfast & dinner Lodging: Si Como No Wednesday, February 4 Today we drive to the San Ramón area, where we will visit Nectandra Cloud Forest Garden, a horticultural display garden showcasing mostly plants native to the private 320 acre preserve of primary and secondary cloud forest. Then it s on to our accomodations nestled on 75-acres of gentle rolling hills within the Los Angeles Private Biological Nature Reserve where you might enjoy walking the trails, visiting the adjacent dairy farm or taking a walk after dark to see the night creatures of the area. Meals included: Breakfast & dinner Lodging: Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel (www.villablanca-costarica.com/) Thursday, February 5 We return to San José, stopping along the way at Else Kientzler Botanical Garden to enjoy the vast array of orchids and other tropical plants there. This 17-acre garden at the foot of Volcano Póas in Costa Rica s Central Valley is part of Innovaplant of Costa Rica, an agricultural company that produces and exports ornamental plants. Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea
Friday, February 6 Today we visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens where you will enjoy beautiful orchid and hummingbird gardens and hike to magnificent waterfalls. Three kilometers of serpentine paved trails wind through both cloud and rainforest, allowing visitors to experience and photograph the forest. It also has the world s largest enclosed Butterfl y Observatory covering 18,000 ft 2 with many species of colorful Costa Rican butterfl ies, as well as many native plants and animals on display in other enclosures. In late afternoon, we will visit La Laguna, Ileana Terán s private house and enchanting garden fi lled with orchids and tropical plants. Ms. Terán is founder of SACRO (Save Costa Rica s Orchids), an organization dedicated to maintaining natural habitats where orchids grow wild. We enjoy a garden tour, presentation on SACRO and dinner with our gracious hostess in her home to wrap up our trip. Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea encounter Saturday, February 7 After breakfast, transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for the fl ight home, or begin an optional extension. Meals included: Breakfast OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS these can be arranged to be guided or independent, for as many days as you wish, either before or after the main trip; prices will vary. Possible destinations include Tortuguero in the lowland flooded forest for exploring the Caribbean rainforest by boat; the beach communities of the northwest; or the isolated Osa Peninsula for scuba diving, kayaking, and exploring remote, pristine Corcovado National Park; or just an extra day or two in the capitol city of San Jose for shopping and to see the museums. Please contact Mary Kroening (contact info next page) or Susan to discuss the possibilities. Other extensions can be arranged. PLEASE NOTE This trip is suitable for all ages as long as you are in good health, get regular exercise, enjoy the wilderness, and have a good-humored approach to traveling in Latin America where things might not go as predictably as they do at home. Our trip is not strenuous, and can be considered predominantly leisurely-to-moderate. Elevation gains and losses on most walks will be minimal, but there are some steep walkways at some resorts in the mountains. In order to fully enjoy this trip, you ll need to be willing to accept the many surprises this marvelous environment has in store for us! discover appreciate Although this trip is focused on botanical aspects, no prior knowledge about plants is necessary to enjoy this tour. And all aspects of the natural world and culture are included where appropriate. Our Costa Rican guide and driver have extensive knowledge of the plants, ecology, culture and history of Costa Rica they are also expert birders and speak excellent English.
Details This tour has been organized for Master Gardener Volunteers in Wisconsin and other Midwestern states, and other interested individuals, by Mary Kroening of Hidden Treasures Tours, L.L.C. Please note that changes to the itinerary may be necessary due to equipment, weather or other factors beyond our control. Participants must be able to do moderate physical exercise (2-4 hours of walking per day, 3-4 hour bus rides) and should be in good overall health! We need a minimum number of 10 tour participants to hold this tour. Please do not arrange airfare until you have been notified that the trip is fully viable! Tour price $2,995 per person (double occupancy) Single supplement add $700 Cost includes: 9 nights accommodations All meals as indicated Tips for maids, porters, and waiters Private transportation with driver and air-conditioning All admission fees or entrance fees as shown on itinerary Private driver and botanist guide and their trip related expenses All taxes (Because of limited number of rooms at Nicuesa we cannot guarantee single rooms there; singles may have to share at that location depending on group size.) $1,000 deposit holds your reservation Final payment due November 3, 2014 Please note: Maximum of 14 tour participants. A passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica. Passport must be valid for six months beyond return date. Allow several months to obtain a passport if you need one or a renewal! Tour price does NOT include: rountrip airfare from U.S. to San Jose, Costa Rica airport departure fee (USD$29 per person) alcoholic beverages optional excursions end of tour gratuity for local guide ($5-10/day) and bus driver ($5/day) items of a personal nature full coverage travel insurance for health, baggage and cancellation 3% fee for credit card payments Trip insurance is highly recommended. This can be booked individually or through Mary Kroening at Hidden Treasures Tours. Deposit is refundable minus a $250 processing fee for cancellations within 90 days of trip departure. For more information about the itinerary, or details of travel conditions, logistics, health and safety issues, etc., contact Mary Kroening or Susan Mahr Mail all tour forms and payments (make checks payable to Hidden Treasures Tours ) to: Mary Kroening (573) 881-6316 Hidden Treasures Tours e-mail: mary@hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com 2101 W Broadway, Ste 103-113 Columbia, MO 65203 PLEASE NOTE: **All credit card payments will be assessed a 3% fee** To reserve YOUR spot on this unique trip, send the registration form (next page) and a $1,000 deposit per person to Hidden Treasures Tours (address above). Final payment due November 3, 2014.
Passenger Information Registration Form MASTER GARDENER TOUR OF COSTA RICA January 29-February 7, 2015 Please record information exactly as it appears on your passport. Passport information may be sent later if you have yet to obtain a passport. Name as on passport Name as on passport Passport # Passport # Passport Exp. Date Passport Exp. Date Date of Birth Date of Birth Address City State Zip Phone (home and / or cell) Email Emergency Contact Name and Phone Please mark your preferred travel arrangements I will make my own airline reservation/arrangements I would like Hidden Treasures Tours to arrange airline reservations from this airport: Single Occupancy add $700 Double Occupancy (if not named above**) I would like to room with: ** (cannot be guaranteed, and if none available, you will be responsible for single supplement) Payment Information (deposit $1,000 per person) If paying by check: make payable to Hidden Treasures Tours amount $ check no. If paying by credit card (all credit card payments incur a 3% fee): Credit card type: VISA Mastercard American Express Discover Amount to be charged Credit Card Number Three digit security code from back of the card Exp. Date Signature Hidden Treasures Tours 2101 W Broadway, Ste 103-113 Columbia, MO 65203 573-881-6316 Email: mary@hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com www.hiddentreasuresbotanicaltours.com/ Direct Inquires and mail this form to: