Costa Rica Adventure with Pressel Field Explorers

Depart Jacksonville this morning. On arrival to San Jose transfer to La Cusinga Lodge, situated on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. En route stop at the Tárcoles River, view the giant American crocodiles that reside here. Have a typical "Ticos" lunch nearby then continue to La Cusinga Lodge. Dinner and program orientation this evening.

This morning take a kayaking excursion. Explore the mangroves, collect water samples and observe human effects on this important ecosystem. After a boxed lunch, have the afternoon to cool off swimming in the waterfalls at La Cusinga and explore the sea caves at a nearby beach. After dinner this evening enjoy a night hike with your guide.

Early morning wildlife walk, or more time to explore the area around La Cusinga. Lunch at the lodge. Depending on the tide today, hike out to the "Whale's Tail" to explore its unique tidepools. After dinner this evening enjoy a night hike with your guide.

After breakfast depart for Cerro de la Muerte and the high páramo, a different climatic zone. Continue to Savegre, then this afternoon visit the Quetzal Education Research Center and view their work in the Chacón family private reserve. Here you may observe current Resplendent Quetzal research and conservation applications. Dinner this evening at Savegre Lodge.

This morning after breakfast visit the bountiful waterfalls and travel by truck to the upper reserve. Your day’s activities will orient you with the cloud forest ecosystem. The high elevation habitat of mostly oak and highland cloud forest attracts a huge variety of avifauna. The large centennial oaks that cover the forest are laden with lichens and mosses that contrast with the colorful bromeliads. Hike back to the lodge for lunch. Talk this evening with a member of the Chacón family about the history of settlement in this region.

This morning depart for San Jose. En route stop for hiking at Irazú Volcano National Park. Irazú is Costa Rica's most active volcano. Its summit has several craters, one of which contains Diego de la Haya, a green crater lake. Explore this geological wonder before continuing on to the hotel. This evening a farewell dinner and talk by local expert.

This morning transfer to airport for flight home.