COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA Friends of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWRMarch 28 - April 3, 2015

Photo by Todd Gustafson, Gustafson Photo Safari

holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111

Experience the abundant tropical bird life of Costa Rica’s Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve and the cloud forests at Savegre. With the aid of your expert bilingual guide, you will be able to identify hundreds of bird species while learning about the natural history of Costa Rica and the latest conservation initiatives to protect its precious ecosystems.

• Explore the trails of Selva Verde Lodge’s 500-acre rainforest reserve under the guidance of a regional bird expert.

• Look for Great Tinamou, Spectacled Owl, Crested Guan, and others at the Organization for Tropical Studies, La Selva Biological Station.

• Bird the trails of Savegre Mountain Hotel’s 988-acre private reserve in search of highlight species such as the Emerald Toucanet, Elegant Euphonia, and the iconic Resplendent Quetzal.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Photo by Karen Straus

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL: Contact Debbie Sturdivant Jordan at 866-748-6146, email debbie@holbrooktravel.com, or visit holbrook.travel/loxahatcheenwr

PROGRAM PRICING

$1,325 (8 participants)$1,275 (10 participants)$1,225 (12 participants)

For a single room (limited availability) add $130.

Cost does not include international airfare estimated $350-500 from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami, $29 departure tax, or gratuities.

Cost is based on double occupancy rooms. To secure your space on the trip, a $200 deposit and enrollment form are due as soon as possible. This deposit is refundable until December 23, 2014 excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than December 23, 2014. Cancellations received after this date are not refundable. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

THE FINE PRINT

ITINERARY

MARCH 28 - SARAPIQUÍ Depart on the flight to San José. Flights need to arrive in the early afternoon. Holbrook is happy to assist you with air arrangements or you may book your own. Upon arrival in Costa Rica you will be met by your guide and transferred to Selva Verde Lodge in Chilamate. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (D)

MARCH 29 - SARAPIQUÍ For those who are interested, get started birding before breakfast on the bountiful grounds surrounding the lodge. Take a hike in the reserve with your guide. Protecting 500 acres of rainforest, Selva Verde offers many covered walks, birding trails, and lookout points. Selva Verde provides opportunities to see species such as the Keel-billed Toucan, Great Green Macaw, White-winged Becard, Sunbittern, Acadian Flycatcher, and Wood Thrush. Boots are available for use if the trails are muddy. In the afternoon visit Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a guided hike. The trails are designed to approach areas of high interest for wildlife watching and viewing highlights of rainforest biodiversity. The greater proportion of the life of a rainforest thrives in the forest canopy. Tirimbina visitors experience a view of the richness of treetop flora and fauna from a 100m suspended canopy walkway spanning one of the many stream valleys in the Reserve. After dinner at Tirimbina, there is an interesting bat program to learn about these fascinating mammals. Later take an optional night hike to discover nocturnal animals and insects. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)

MARCH 30 - SARAPIQUÍ After early morning birding around the lodge, enjoy breakfast and then set out to explore the reserve again on a different trail. The Selva Verde Reserve is home to one of the largest almond trees in all of Central America, which provides habitat for the endangered Great Green Macaw. Return in time for lunch and afterwards, have some time to relax in your hammock outside your room or enjoy optional activities. In the late afternoon, spot birds and wildlife on a two hour boat ride on the Sarapiquí River. Return to the lodge for evening refreshment at the Selvita Bar overlooking the Sarapiquí River before dinner. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)

MARCH 31 - SARAPIQUÍ This morning depart early for the Organization for Tropical Studies, La Selva Biological Station. La Selva is world renowned for scientific research on rainforest ecosystems and has been studying this forest for over 50 years. Be on the lookout for the Ornate Hawk Eagle, Crested Guan, Great Tinamou, Pied Puffbird and Spectacled Owl as possible sightings. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you are free to participate in optional activities such as river rafting or horseback riding (arranged at reception after your arrival and paid on site), spending time by the pool or looking for avian visitors in Selva Verde’s Botanical Garden area. Later this afternoon enjoy a guided birdwatching hike or take in the river views from the patio overlooking the Sarapiquí River. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. (BLD)

APRIL 1 - SAVEGRE This morning check out of the lodge and head to the Central Highlands. Visit the paramo ecosystem near Cerro de la Muerte and then continue the journey to San Gerardo de Dota. A small community in the Talamanca mountains, Savegre is at an elevation of 7,220 feet. The forest around the hotel is one of massive oaks, colorful plants, and an incredible variety of animal life. The forest is rich with insects, mammals, and amphibians, and the pristine valley is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 170 species of birds. The crown jewel is the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal, which lives in the region year round. Settle in and check out the hummingbird feeders situated in front of reception and also off the balcony of the lounge. The feeders are always active with resident Magnificent Hummingbird, Green Violetear with flared blue cheek tufts, Gray-tailed Mountain Gem, Volcano Hummingbird, and the tiny little Scintillant Hummingbird. Fiery-throated Hummingbird and Violet Sabrewing are seasonally present and even Flame-colored Tanager and Slaty Flowerpiercer come in to feed. Natural vegetation near the feeders offers great photographic opportunities. Overnight at Savegre Mountain Hotel. (BLD)

APRIL 2 - SAVEGRE Spend the full day exploring the upper trails at Savegre in search of Resplendent Quetzal and some of the reserve’s other 169 species. This forest is amazing to walk through. The large centennial oaks of the forest are laden with lichens and mosses that contrast with the colorful bromeliads. Explore the trails in search of such specialties as Spotted Wood Quail, Costa Rican Pygmy Owl, Resplendent Quetzal, Collared Trogon, Buffy Tufted-cheek, Ruddy Treerunner, Ochraceous Pewee, Barred Becard, Zeledonia, and Golden-browed Chlorophonia just to name a few. Overnight at Savegre Mountain Hotel. (BLD)

APRIL 3 - FAREWELL! Transfer to the airport to catch your afternoon flight home. (B)