Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation

9 DAYS FROM $5,495

• Explore cloud forests, rainforests, wetlands, and mangroves; and visit a local coffee farm. • Encounter wildlife with naturalists, from howler monkeys and sloths to caimans and toucans. • Meet scientists at three research stations for an inside look at conservation efforts.

Signature Land Light/Moderate

DAYS 1–4 I SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA/ SARAPIQUÍ/ARENAL Arrive in San José. Go hiking with scientists in the tropical forests of Sarapiquí and visit La Selva Biological Station & Reserve. Boat through the wetlands of Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, watching for roseate spoonbills, caimans, and sloths. Then explore Arenal Volcano National Park on a naturalist-led hike. Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen; Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa | Meals: 3B, 3L, 4D DAYS 5–6 I MONTEVERDE Cross Lake Arenal by private boat and visit a coffee farm for a tour and tasting. Then journey to the cloud forests of Monteverde. Learn about the fieldwork being done at the Monteverde Institute and its long relationship with National Geographic. Awaken early for a morning in the field with researchers from the institute. Tend native plants at the nursery, plant trees, and participate in bird mist netting and tagging. Then follow hanging bridges through the forest canopy. Fondavela Monteverde Hotel | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 7–9 I SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK/ TAMARINDO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Take a guided nature walk in the tropical dry forest of Santa Rosa National Park; then explore the mangroves of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge by boat, on the lookout for crocodiles, white- faced capuchin monkeys, and many bird species. Tour the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station with a researcher from the Leatherback Trust. Toast your wildlife adventure at a farewell dinner before your flight home the final morning. El Mangroove | Meals: 3B, 2L, 2D

A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Vanessa Bezy Marine Biologist Vanessa Bezy is a National Geographic Explorer focused on protecting sea turtles in Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. A Costa Rica resident, Vanessa established a non-profit dedicated to sea turtle and wildlife conservation in the area. She is also a 2019 National Geographic Early Career Leader. Find the departure(s) Vanessa will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered from January through March and in May. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.