COSTA RICA
A Naturalist's Paradise
May 10 - 19, 2002
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Cloud Forest, Monte Verde
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This natural history tour will examine the spectacular rainforests and countryside
of Costa Rica. Natural preserves in this small conservation-minded country provide
unique opportunities for observing rainforest plants and wildlife. Most of the
tour wil l be spent at La Selva and Monte Verde. The high altitude cloud forest
at Monte Verde is home to the quetzal bird, an array of hummingbirds and other
rare wildlife. The lowland rainforest at La Selva is famous for its panorama of
butterflies, birds, bats, and primates. Parrots, toucans, aracari, poison dart
frogs, spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloth, jaguar, and tapir can be seen.
There will be forest walks at dawn and dusk to observe and hear wildlife such
as howler monkeys, tinamous, coatis, and agoutis. A boat trip down the Puerto
Viejo River will provide opportunities to observe caiman, iguana, bats and a
spectacular array of wildlife. Overnights in San Jose are also included in our itinerary.
San Jose provides a variety of museums and shopping markets which will suit a
variety of interests.
Naturalist guides will assist us in exploring forest trails. Each day
will have a different emphasis such as tropical flowering plants, birds, or
insects. There will be checklists available for participants to record some
of the flora and fauna that the y observe. In the evenings, we will relax, share
information, have slide presentations and discuss the issues of the day. Issues
surrounding ecology and eco-tourism will be discussed.
Rainforests are the most diverse ecosystems on earth and harbor more than one
half of the world's species. This tour will help you learn to appreciate and
understand these endangered regions that may soon disappear.
For information: Phone: (303) 444-2555, Fax: (303) 379-8390 or E-mail: eco@earthnet.net
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