Rescheduled For Late Summer -Costa Rica

History, Ecology and Adventure March 8 - 16 2008 http://www.govisitcostarica.com/images/photos/full_drakeBayRiver.jpg Covering only 0.01 percent of the Earth?s landmass, Costa Rica is believed to host approximately 5 percent of its biodiversity. You may see jaguar or other wild cats, but most probably you will be able to enjoy over 13.000 plant species, including 1,300 varieties of orchids and more than 850 species of birds, 209 mammal species, 220 species of reptiles, and 163 species of amphibians. Civilization existed in Costa Rica for thousands of years before the arrival of Columbus, and evidence of human occupation in the region dates back 10,000 years. Among the cultural mysteries left behind by the area's pre-Columbian inhabitants are thousands of perfectly spherical granite bolas that have been found near the west coast. The sizes of these relics range from that of a baseball to that of a bus. Ruins of a large, ancient city complete with aqueducts were recently found east of San Jose, and some sophisticated gold and jade work was being wrought in the southwest as far back as 1,000 years ago. Archeological sites in the central highlands and Nicoya peninsula have shown evidence of influence from the Mexican Olmec and Nahuatl civilizations. By the time Columbus arrived, there were four major indigenous tribes living in Costa Rica. The east coast was the realm of the Caribs, while the Borucas, Chibchas, and Diquis resided in the southwest. Only a few hundred thousand strong to begin with, none of these peoples lasted long after the dawn of Spanish colonialism. Some fled, while many others perished from the deadly smallpox brought by the Spaniards. Having decimated the indigenous labor force, the Spanish followed a common policy and brought in African slaves to work the land. Seventy thousand of their descendants live in Costa Rica today, and the country is known for good relations among races. Regrettably, only 1 percent of Costa's Rica's 3 million people are of indigenous heritage. An overwhelming 98 percent of the country is white, and those of Spanish descent call themselves Ticos. Of all the Spanish colonies, Costa Rica enjoyed the least influence as a colony. It was initially a tough and unpopular place to settle, with few valuable or easily exploited resources. The Spanish were far more interested in developing their holdings in Mexico and Peru, where vast amounts of silver and gold were being obtained. The early hapless settlers who came to Costa Rica were left largely to their own devices, and the first successful establishment of a colonial city was not until 1562, when Juan Vasquez de Coronado founded Cartago. When Mexico rebelled against Spain in 1821, Costa Rica and the rest of Central America followed suit. Two years later, a faction in Costa Rica even opted to become part of Mexico, sparking a civil war in the country's center between four neighboring cities. After the republican cities of San Jose and Alajuela soundly defeated the pro-Mexican Heredia and Cartago, sovereignty was established. So what's on the tentative agenda? Walk the crater of Irazú Volcano, splash in the wild Pacuare River, bike through primary rainforest en route to the Pacific Coast, sea kayak and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Experience Arenal's volcanic activity with the best tropical beach ride in the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way we will visit active Arenal Volcano, deserted beaches in Nicoya, cascading waterfalls and the enchanting waters of the Northern Pacific Coast The wild Pacuare is a world renown river because of its scenic beauty and exciting rapids. We'll raft through primary rainforest, by indigenous homeland and down to the Caribbean lowlands. Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes and Manuel Antonio beach. We may mountain bike near the Central Valley. Whitewater adventures in the Pacuare, Pejibaye, Toro, Arenal and Sarapiquí rivers. Plus visits to the Turrialba and Poas Volcanoes as well as Tapanti National Park and La Marta Private Reserve. Oh, yes, and ziplining... The dates are firm so plan your vacation schedule accordingly Lastly costing: You buy your own airline ticket - should be ~ $200 Lodging - we'll focus on low cost yet clean and safe accomodations - 1,2,3 4 or more per room - that's your choice... As we've done on previous adventures, this is not a 5 star / linen napkin event. Our goal is to provide the most adventure for the least amount of money... Jim