A VOYAGE IN COSTARICA

COSTA RICA:-

January 17 – 20, 2010

Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity is legendary, especially given that the country is comparable in size to West Virginia. The numbers of plant and animal species make for staggering statistics: 35,000 species of insects; 9,000 species of plants, including 900 different types of trees; 750 species of birds; 200 mammal species, including four kinds of monkeys; 200 species of reptiles, including 14 turtle species; and 150 species of amphibians.

Our three night land extension is the perfect opportunity to witness this intense proliferation

of life as we travel through lush green rain forests, along magnificent rivers, and high into cloud forests. Highlights include the La Paz Waterfall Gardens where nine viewing platforms overlook five waterfalls and offer excellent views of the spectacular La Paz River.

The base for our explorations is the lovely Sueño Azul Resort, located in the small town of Horquetas de Sarapiquí. Perched atop a verdant hillside near the confluence of the Puerto Viejo and San Rafael Rivers, Sueño Azul is also in proximity to the Braulio Carrillo National Park and its resident wildlife. During the course of two days we go birding, explore the network of trails through the forest, and enjoy a boat ride along the Sarapiquí River to look for toucans, monkeys, sloths, and other rain forest inhabitants.

At La Selva Biological Station, owned by the Organization for Tropical Studies, we enjoy guided nature walks through old growth forest which is home to five of the six species of felines, a third of the country’s plant species, and more than half of Costa Rica’s bird species—including red-lored parrots and semiplumbeous hawks, the symbol of La Selva. A canopy walk through the treetops reveals views of birds such as violaceous trogons and golden-hooded tanagers.

EXPEDITION LEADERS

Lia Oprea (Expedition Leader) – Part Romanian, Lia gives credit to her Gypsy heritage for her peripatetic nature and love of exploration. This love led her to travel widely around the globe and, quite naturally, to a career in adventure travel, a trade she has plied for more than a dozen years. While with Zegrahm Expeditions Lia has spent much of her time leading expeditions throughout the Mediterranean, Central America, Eastern Europe, and the Indian Ocean.

Kevin Clement – Although his specialty is subarctic ecology, Kevin’s work as a naturalist and adventure travel guide has taken him from his home in Alaska to all seven continents. He has worked in several national parks and has guided groups in whitewater rafts, sea kayaks, and on

Thomas and Natalia Baechtold – Thomas and Natalia’s ceaseless passion for the outdoors, natural history, and photography has taken them on many expeditions around the globe. Thomas has worked on expedition ships and dive live-aboards, giving him the opportunity to explore all seven continents over the last twelve years.

Richard Cahill – Born and raised in Panama, Rich is one of the most experienced guides in that country, having led ecotravelers throughout the region for the past ten years. He is a veteran of four trans-Darién expeditions, more than 250 excursions to the Barro Colorado Nature Monument, and countless other adventures in the rain forests of the isthmus. Rich’s knowledge and enthusiasm make him popular with travelers. He is an experienced diver, and in addition to his work in Central America, has also traveled in the Galápagos.

Greg Homel – A birder-naturalist since early childhood, Greg now travels the world on a full-time basis in search of rare and little-known birds and wildlife, which he presents through digital lecture series, television, and publications in the wild.