Maya Exploration Center: Education Through Exploration
STUDY
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
REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE LINK TO PAYMENT PAGE


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.

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» September 2024 - Machu Picchu Tour

» October 2024 - Peten Maya Tour

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Suggested reading books can be bought at Amazon.com JungleCasts with Dr. Barnhart