Midland College Travel Course to Costa Rica
A tour led by archaeologist Dr. Edwin Barnhart for the students of Dr. Margaret Wade at Midland College, Midland, Texas.
This week-long educational adventure will take its participants to Costa Rica in order to learn about its flora, fauna, ancient culture and modern people. Flying in and out of San Jose, the course will explore the eastern part of the country and the Pacific coast, visiting volcanoes, archaeological sites and nature perserves. From the Pacific coast, a day in the middle of the week will take to the ocean and wittness the whale migrations taking place in March. Moving on to Golfito, the final day will be spent exploring the Piedras Blancas National Park on a wildlife trek. A flight from Golfito back to San Jose will return the group to the Alajuela area where they will explore local craft villages and catch early morning flights back to the USA. Evening lectures during the week by Dr.'s Barnhart and Wade will further explain the archaeology, ecology, and geography of Costa Rica.
Volancoes, Rainforests, Whale Watching and Archaeology in Costa Rica | |||
Price | $2100 per participant (based on double lodging) ($400 extra for single lodging) $500 deposit due upon registration Half the balance due January 4th Remaining balance due February 4th |
||
Date | March 4-10, 2017 | ||
|
March 4, Saturday: Arrival Arrive in the evening to the San Jose International Airport. Private transport will meet and drive the group the short distance to their hotel in Alajuela (the community just west of San Jose) |
|
March 5, Sunday: Volcano Irazu Morning: Transport to and tour of the Irazu Volcano crater, Costa Rica's largest volcano, 11.2k ft asl Afternoon: Check in and lunch in Cartago Evening: Lecture - Costa Rican Archaeology Overnight in Cartago (Costa Rica's 1st capital) |
|
March 6, Monday: Guayabo and Basilica Morning: Guayabo National Monument - famous archaeological site Afternoon: Basilica de Nuestros Senoras de los Angeles - Location of the Black Madonna, Costa Rica's patron saint with miraculous healing powers Evening: Free time Overnight in Cartago |
|
March 7, Tuesday: Whale Watching Morning: Transport to Uvita Beach Afternoon: Humpback Whale watching boat trip Evening: Lecture - Rainforest Biodiversity in Costa Rica (Wade) Overnight at Uvita Beach |
|
March 8, Wednesday: Stone Balls Morning: Transport to and tour of Finca #6, archaeological site with stone balls Afternoon: Arrival to Golfito Evening: Free time in Golfito Overnight in Golfito |
|
March 9, Thursday: Piedras Blancas Morning: Wildlife trek through the Piedras Blancas National Park Afternoon: Flights back to San Jose Afternoon: Visiting artisan communities Evening: Final dinner and closing ceremonies Overnight in Alajuela |
|
March 10, Friday: Departure Early morning flights from the San Jose International Airport |
Includes:
- All Lodging (hotels TBD)
- Private transportation
- Domestic flight from Golfito to San Jose
- Breakfasts and lunches
- Archaeologist and Naturalist guides
- Evening Lectures
- Entry fees
- Optional comprehensive travel insurance (extra fee)
Does Not Include:
- Airfare to/from San Jose, Costa Rica
- Dinners
- Gratuities (maids, drivers, guides, etc..)
- Travel insurance
Proceeds from MEC Travel courses and tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.