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The Republic of Costa Rica (literally ‘rich coast’) lies between Nicaragua and Panama and is a complete coast-to-coast segment of the Central American isthmus (a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses).
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Its width ranges from 119km to 282km. A low thin line of hills that rises in Nicaragua broadens and rises as it enters northern Costa Rica. The hills eventually form the high, rugged volcanic mountains in the centre and south. The highest peak is Chirripó Grande, which reaches 3820m. There are lowlands on both coastlines with grassland savannah on the Pacific side merging into mangrove towards the south and deep clear rivers cutting through the mountains flowing down to both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
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Columbus landed in what is now Costa Rica in 1502 and the country gained its independence from Spain in 1821. Throughout the 20th century Costa Rica has enjoyed peace and a steady growth in prosperity. In recent times one of the most prominent political figures has been President Oscar Arias Sanchez who won the Presidential elections held in February 2006. He was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts in bringing warring parties elsewhere in Central America to the negotiating table.
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| Costa Rica’s national parks are its greatest glory. Partly in order to continue to encourage ecotourism, the Costa Rican authorities have set aside over 25% of the total land area as national parks and protected areas which are well kept and guarded. The country has a stunning variety of landscapes, micro-climates, flora and fauna and exciting activities from trekking to white water rafting ensuring that nature lovers and adventurers alike will not be disappointed. |
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Example Itinerary*
- Climb Mount Chirripo (3820m)
Cerro Chirripó is the highest mountain in Costa Rica, with an altitude of 3,820m. It is located in the Chirripó National Park and due to its height is home to many endemic species of plant and animal that have adapted to these conditions.
- Diving on Caño Island
Caño Island Biological Reserve is a 740 acre refuge located 16km off the western coast in the Pacific Ocean. With regular sightings of Hammerhead sharks, Manta rays and sea turtles, it has become a popular spot for scuba diving.
- Community & Environmental projects
Working with a local community you’ll be amazed at what you can learn from each other. Past projects have included construction of a school classroom, painting classrooms with teaching aids such as the alphabet and turtle conservation work.
- Rafting on the Sarapiquí River
The Sarapiquí River runs through farms and virgin forests and is well known for the purity and clearness of its waters. The river is classed grade III and is a fun and exhilarating half day excursion.
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Take part in an environmental project. Board a boat and glide through the many rivers and channels and spot some of the amazing wildlife that can be found in the refuge. You may see a Bull shark’s fin slice the surface as the area is the end of their annual trip up the Río Nicaragua from the sea, but most people come to see the abundance of bird life.
- Buena Vista Beach
Help out with a local team on a project working towards the protection and preservation of sea turtles. This could include collecting and planting eggs in the hatchery and night beach patrols.
- Arenal Volcano (1657m), Arenal Volcano National Park
Presumed extinct until July 29 1968 when an earthquake caused it to erupt after approximately 400 years of dormancy, Arenal has been active ever since and is reported to have minor eruptions every 5-10 minutes. These frequent but moderate eruptions can be viewed without danger from behind the safety perimeter and make Arenal a popular tourist destination.
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Cost:
Expedition costs vary depending on numbers departing and on final itinerary contents.
Please call us for more information. Prices will be based on the following:
Included:
Return international flights from UK, in-country costs: accommodation, transport, food and
local guides, Exploration Co leader(s), travel insurance for each expedition member, UK training programme: 1 day team building at the school and a two day residential, and a presentation to the students and parents
Excluded:
Visas & vaccinations (where applicable), personal equipment, transport in the UK, optional activities, tips and gratuities (for example for mountain guides and porters), project funds
(if applicable) and spending money.
*We reserve the right to change, alter or amend the itinerary in the best interests of our clients. |
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Capital
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San José |
| Population |
4.25 million (2004) |
| Area |
51,100 sq km |
| Flight Times |
London to San José direct 11 hours |
| Time Difference |
GMT - 6 |
| Currency |
Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
| Language |
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken. |
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Compass House