Terra Incognita ECOTOURS promotes unique ecotours and travel experiences that make a difference to you and the places we visit. Visit unknown areas, in search of wildlife and adventure. Gorilla/chimp treks, horseback riding, white water rafting, safari camps, eco-lodges and more, supporting community-based ecotourism.

Boat anchored in Bay with rainforest spilling down to beach

Cloud Forests, Rainforests, Volcanoes and Beaches of Costa Rica
Meet Debra Hamilton De Roser, Costa Rican Conservation Foundation
9 days and 8 nights

Resplendent Quetzals, Howler monkeys, Toucans, and the unmistakable call of the Bellbird, the sights and sounds of this trip will not soon be forgotten. Included is a white-water rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui, during two days in the lowland rainforest. Enjoy a dip in the thermal pools near the fiery-topped Arenal Volcano and enjoy cocktails as we watch fiery lava tumble down the slopes of the volcano. Travel on horseback from the Arenal area, through the rainforest and up to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. A highlight is sure to be our time at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with Debra Hamilton De Roser of the Costa Rican Conservation Foundation. Debra devotes her life to studying the bird species of this rare and mystical Cloud Forest habitat and will share with us her insights into the unique and various creatures found here, especially the Three-wattled bellbird. We end our adventure in the exclusive Villa Caletas overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Nicoya Peninsula.

Group size is restricted to 16 individuals.
You choose your departure dates!
Cost per person is from $2,999 (£1,749) - single supplement is $750 (£449)

For each participant a donation will be made to the Costa Rican Conservation Foundation to support acquisition of habitat to help protect the Three-wattled bellbird and the Resplendent Quetzal.
See detailed itinerary below.

This is an Ecotour that will make a difference to you, and to the areas we visit.
We will make a contribution to the Fundacion Conservacionista Costaricense to buy critical habitat.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.

Day 1: Saturday. Home to San Jose, Costa Rica
We arrive into San Jose. We will be met at the Juan Santamaria International airport and transferred to our lodge on the banks of the Rio Sarapiqui. During the scenic drive we visit the spectacular La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and tonight we enjoy a candlelit Welcome Orientation dinner.
Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (D)

Day 2: Sunday. Selva Verde
Sounds of the forest abound - parrots, toucans, monkeys, macaws and more, as this morning we head out for our first hike in the rainforest. After lunch at the lodge we head out for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Class III and Class IV Rio Sarapiqui. Along the way all manner of wildlife can be spotted and we will make a stop (planned or otherwise!) for a quick swim in the refreshing waters.
Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday. Selva Verde to Arenal Volcano
Early morning (optional) bird walk and after breakfast we depart our lodge for a scenic drive to the slopes of the still active Arenal volcano. The forested slopes of this National Park abound with wildlife, and we will have a chance for a walk this afternoon. This evening we plan to enjoy the spectacle of the volcano erupting as we eat under the stars at the Mirador Kioro Restaurant.
Overnight Arenal Paraíso or Tilajari Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tuesday. Arenal Volcano
A relaxed day of exploration, nature walks, relaxing in the thermal pools, canopy walks, and more are all possible. Or, of course, we can just relax in the lush tropical grounds of our lodge, enjoying the hummingbirds and other wildlife that come to feed in the tropical flowers and feeders. Tonight we will visit the Ecotermales Hot Springs, where you can relax in the soothing waters and be caressed by the cool night air while observing the stars and the incredible night sky above the volcano. At a convenient time after your arrival, we will be treated to a splendid dinner.
Overnight Arenal Paraíso or Tilajari Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday. Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Today we venture higher up in these spectacular mountains, to the famed cloudforest reserve of Monteverde. To get there we will take a boat ride across Arenal Lake and then horseback ride through the forest, and up to our lodge for the next two nights. We will settle in this afternoon and enjoy the sunset over the distant (and sometimes visible) Pacific Ocean.
Overnight Belmar Hotel, Trapp Family Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
We devote the whole day to exploration of the Monteverde cloud forest as we search for the famous Resplendent Quetzal. Here we also hope to see Three-wattled Bellbirds, Howler Monkeys and more, including the dazzling hummingbirds that are found in abundance at the Hummingbird gallery at the entrance to the reserve! We may also choose to visit the suspended bridges and walkways of the Canopy Tour, or zoom through the treetops on the Zip-line. Tonight we will hear about the work of the Fundacion Conservacionista Costaricense and their efforts to protect this mystical and special area. Before we enjoy dinner this evening at the colorful and festive local restaurant, Johnny's Pizza.
Overnight Belmar Hotel, Trapp Family Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (B,L,D)

Keel-billed toucan in Costa Rica rainforest

Day 7: Friday. Monteverde Cloud Forest to Villa Caletas
We head down the mountains this morning, by bus, so we can spend and enjoy some well deserved rest, sun and relaxation or "beach time", as we spend the next two nights in luxury at the Villa Caletas. Perched atop a headland that spills down to the Pacific Ocean, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Ocean each evening.
Overnight Villa Caletas (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday. Villa Caletas and Carara National Park
Today is left free to allow you to relax. Of course we can also venture off property to visit nearby Parks or wildlife preserves, or go sport fishing from Los Suenos marina, or perhaps try surfing at nearby Jaco Beach. But our last day is also a chance to relax and reflect on the remarkable achievements of Costa Rica in protecting so much biodiversity. Farewell dinner tonight will be overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight Villa Caletas (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sunday. San Jose and home
After breakfast drive back to the Juan Santamaría International Airport and our flights home.
(B)

Cost per person is from $2,999 (U.K.£1,749)
Group size is limited to 16 guests.
(single supplement is $750 (£449) / International Airfare is NOT included)
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

Thanks for choosing Costa Rica with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.

Heliconia flower in Costa Rica rainforest

Passport: If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.

It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.

Visas: If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please consult the Costa Rica consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Costa Rica. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.

Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child's surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child's birth certificate.

Currency: The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. The exchange rate as of April 2006 was 1 USD = 505 CRC. Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger stores. U.S. dollars are accepted in Costa Rica, so we suggest you carry U.S. currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as taxis, refreshments or other miscellaneous expenses.

Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.

Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.

At the present time, no immunizations are required for this ecotour, although the CDC recommends that the normal "childhood" vaccines should be up to date: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Perturssia (DTP Vaccine) and Polio vaccine.

Swimming & Snorkeling: There are several opportunities to swim during the ecotour, and you could choose to snorkel in the Pacific Ocean towards the end of your ecotour. You should bring a couple of swimsuits, and we advise you to bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, fins, and snorkel) to ensure a comfortable fit, especially if you require prescription eyewear as prescription lenses will not be available locally.

We advocate the buddy system for everyone, at all times, and children less than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while snorkeling.

Since you will have ample time to swim, for added protection from the sun you may wish to wear a T-shirt while swimming.

Time Difference: Costa Rica is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time. During U.S. Daylight Savings Time (March through October), Costa Rica is two hours behind Eastern Time.

Weather: Costa Rica is located in the Tropics so of course the weather on this ecotour can be expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures slightly cooler at night, indeed the average temperature for most of the country lies between 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However in the mountains (at Monteverde especially) you can get much cooler temperatures, so a jacket or sweatshirt may be useful. Please remember that the sun's rays are more vertical than you may be used to, so you can sunburn more easily. Be careful of the midday sun.

There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica; the rainy (mid/late May to November), and the dry (December thru April). Typically in the rainy season it rains in the afternoons and the mornings are bright and sunny. Although one can almost depend on clear, sunny weather, there are occasional unseasonable storms, and brief but intense rain showers occur regularly in the tropical rainforest regions during any season.

Your travel wardrobe should be informal, comfortable and carefree. Clothing which can be layered is the most suitable, for example, a T-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, and windbreaker or jacket. The emphasis is on casual attire.

Good binoculars and their proper use can add immeasurably to enjoying wildlife. Each traveler with Terra Incognita Ecotours should decide well before a trip begins whether the binoculars you own are adequate and, if not, what kind of binoculars should be acquired.

Recommendation
Binoculars are rated with two numbers, e.g. 7 x 35. The first number is the magnification and the second is the diameter of the objective (the larger ones) lenses in millimeters. The first tells how much an object is enlarged and the second number is a measure of how much light-gathering power a lens has. As the second number increases so usually does the weight of a pair of binoculars. If one divides the first number into the second, the closer the result is to 5 the better the balance between weight, magnification and resolution.

Binoculars that are rated at 7x35, 8x40 or 10x40, are among the best for wildlife viewing. Binoculars with a center focus are much preferable over ones in which you have to focus each eyepiece separately. For some, image stabilized binoculars are an asset. Now it is a matter to decide on price and style.

The following is a checklist of things to do to make sure that you have the best binoculars and know how to use them.

Binocular cups
Binoculars usually are constructed so that you can raise and lower the cups that surround the eyepieces. If you are going to wear eyeglasses when using binoculars, roll or push the cups down. This will bring the lenses of the eyepiece the proper distance from your eye. If you do not use glasses then leave the cups unrolled or the eyepiece frames elevated.

Distance between eyepieces
All binoculars can be adjusted so that the distance between the eyepieces varies. You should move the eyepieces apart as far as they go, look through the eyepieces and gradually move the eyepieces together until you see a single image.

Adjusting each lens to your eyes
Binoculars usually have two focus adjustments, one that is a center focus that moves both lenses at the same time and one, called the diopter, that adjusts only one lens, usually the right one. To adjust the lenses to your eyes look through the binoculars with your right eye closed. With the center focus wheel, focus on an object 20-40 feet away. Then, with the left eye closed, focus the eyepiece on the right eye while looking at the same object. Now using the center focus make sure you see a sharp image. Most diopters have a numerical scale so that after you have made the adjustment it can be easily reset if it is accidentally altered.

Practice
When viewing wildlife it is helpful if when you raise your binoculars that they are pointed at what you are looking at with your naked eyes. If you cannot do that consistently a little practice would be helpful. Try looking at a flying bird, without taking your eyes off it, raise your binoculars and look through them. If you see the bird immediately, good, if not, bring your binoculars down and put them back up again after re-spotting the bird. Do this enough so that you can immediately see in your binoculars what you were seeing without them.

Wearing binoculars
If the weight of binoculars around your neck is bothersome, there are two things you might consider. One is to buy a neck strap, made of a spongy material at least an inch or more wide. The second is to buy a harness that fits over the shoulders and distributes the weight more evenly.

For many of us, photography is a natural and fun part of travel. No matter what your level of interest, or what kind of equipment you use, the following may help you prepare.

Equipment: Regardless of what camera you use - film or digital - be sure to check that it is working properly before you leave home. If you purchase a new camera, or have an old one that has not been used for a long time, try shooting some pictures and examine the results. Also, be sure read your camera manual and bring it with you to help address any unexpected problems you might encounter.

Batteries: Modern cameras will not operate without a functioning battery. For this reason, please bring extra camera batteries with you, even if the one in your camera is new. For digital cameras, and many film cameras as well, rechargeable batteries are a great option. Digital cameras can use up batteries fairly quickly, depending on the camera make and model and how often you review images in-camera. Bring at least one extra rechargeable battery - or battery set. Look for chargers with a fast recharge time.

Film: How much film should you bring? Consider bringing at least twice as much film as you expect to need, as stores are few and far between. And be forewarned - enthusiastic photographers sometimes shoot up to 5 rolls per day! Film speed (ASA or ISO) is also an important consideration - the higher the ISO the faster the film, meaning the more sensitive it is to light. For most situations, 200 ISO film is a good all-around choice. You may also want to bring along a supply of 400 ISO for overcast days and low-light situations. Professional photographers generally use 100 ISO because of its fine grain (good for making big enlargements and publishing), but the slow speed requires extra care and use of a tripod.

Digital Memory Cards: Memory cards are the digital equivalent of film and, like film, they come in different types (e.g., compact flash, smart media, memory stick) and sizes (e.g., 128MB, 256MB, 512MB). Be sure you know what kind of memory card your camera requires and bring as many memory cards as needed to hold all your images from your expedition. If you are new to digital, consult your camera manual to learn the different image resolution and JPEG compression settings on your camera. This will determine how many photos will fit on your memory cards and what quality of image is required for your end use (e.g., the higher the resolution the larger the print you can make). You might consider bringing a digital storage device for downloading images from your memory cards (see below).

Digital Storage Devices: Many digital photographers travel with a laptop computer or a specific type of portable digital storage device designed for downloading images from digital cameras. A laptop has the advantage of letting you view, edit, store, and share your images while you travel and many even have a built-in CD burner for backing up your image files. Options for smaller devices that do not require a laptop include portable digital storage hard drives, some available with viewing screens, and portable CD burners that work directly from the memory card. Whatever hardware you choose be sure to learn the workflow for downloading and storing your images before leaving home.

Digital Camera Cables: One of the greatest advantages of shooting digital is the ability to review and share your daily images with others. It is important to remember to bring along the cables that will allow your camera to connect with a computer (USB), or storage device.

Tripods: Many photographers use a tripod because they help keep the camera steady in low-light situations and when using long telephoto lenses.