Costa Rica: Hidden Archaeology and Nature's ParadiseWith Professor John Hoopes
March 17 - 25, 2012
Costa Rica is well-known for its still unspoiled rain forests, and flora and fauna. But it was also the land of little-known societies - Corobici, Cariari, Chorotega, Diquis, Caribe, Nicoya, Guayabo, to name a few – that left behind a wealth of remains - unique pottery, fascinating stone sculptures, mysterious giant stone balls, incredible gold objects, and jade (actually jadeite) - the most precious of all materials in the eyes of the Pre-Columbian peoples throughout Ancient America. This is a land rich in unique pre-Columbian history, of undiscovered cultures and lost cities, waiting to be explored.
Far Horizons proudly presents a 9-day adventure that includes the remains of former civilizations, the captivating volcanoes of the highlands, lush jungles filled with wildlife, and the spectacular Pacific Coast.
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Depart Miami for San José, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, transfer to the Fleur de Lys Hotel, a restored Victorian mansion and our home for the next two nights. Gather this evening for an opening presentation over cocktails with Professor Hoopes, followed by our welcome dinner together. (D)
Day 2: Spend today in the country’s capital viewing stunning artifacts in three outstanding museums. The Jade Museum contains the world’s largest collection of Pre-Columbian jade along with gold, ceramic, and stone objects. The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica is the country’s national museum. Housed within the Bellavista Fortress, originally a military barracks, the displays cover a variety of subjects – geological, colonial, religious, modern history as well as archaeological. The famous Gold Museum contains almost 2,000 pieces dating back to as early as 500 A.D. and ranging from simple round earrings to intricately worked figurines. A highlight is El Guerrero, a life-sized gold warrior figure adorned with gold ornaments. But seeing these magnificent pieces is not the only reason for visiting this museum. It is housed underground and extends down three stories connected by a long spiral staircase that is an architectural marvel. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Drive to Sarapiqui. Along the way, stop and board an aerial tram and travel for almost two miles through the lush rainforest 
canopy, home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna. Moving at a leisurely pace of just over one mile per hour, the open-air gondolas seat six passengers plus a naturalist guide. Continue to Nuevo Corinto, an ancient village where Dr. Hoopes has been developing an archaeological field project in collaboration with archaeologists at the University of Costa Rica. Then it’s on to Las Mercedes, one of the largest monumental sites in the country and the political center of an important realm. Two paved causeways link the central monumental compound to outlying settlements a mile away. Here, if onsite, the head of the archaeological project, Ricardo Vasques, will give us a private tour of the site. Overnight for two nights at Centro Neotropico Sarapiquis (CNS) where the architecture is inspired by indigenous pre-Columbia construction techniques. (B/L/D)
Day 4: CNS is a project owned and operated by an environmental and cultural non-profit association devoted to conservation, education and scientific research. Besides the eco-lodge where we are staying, there is a rainforest reserve, museum, botanical garden, archaeological park, library, and education center. Begin the day in the Alma Ata Archaeological Park displaying four different themes: Reconstruction of 15th century housing and village plan of the indigenous village, Pre-Columbian Stone Sculptures, a Pre-Columbian Burial Field with excavation in process, a reconstruction of a petroglyph landscape. Spend the morning at these four sites and then visit the onsite museum. After lunch, enjoy a tour of one of the world’s favorite foods: chocolate. Originally from Central America, this plant has an extraordinary history. It was one of the most important products for the Maya 
and Aztec cultures, and with the arrival of the Europeans, spread throughoutthe world. As we walk through the Tirimbina Forest to a former cacao growing plot, our naturalist guide will explain about the natural and cultural history of the chocolate tree. Bats represent almost 50% of the mammals in Costa Rica where there are 113 species. After a presentation and an opportunity to observe up close some of the bats that were captured during the evening for research projects, visit the site of a demonstration snare net where the method of capturing bats for study is explained. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Drive to the Turrialba area to visit the Guayuabo National Archaeological Monument. Displayed here are ancient stone carvings of alligator and jaguar gods, ingeniously engineered Pre-Columbia aqueducts where water still flows, and paved roads receding into the verdant rainforest. The city that existed here was home to over 10,000 people who mysteriously vanished just before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century and is Costa Rica’s most important archaeological site. Continue El Manatial Mountain Lodge, located high in the mountains and near Cerro de la Muerte, one of Costa Rica’s highest peaks. With luck, here we may see the Resplendent Quetzal, a brightly colored trogon that is well named as it is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world. (B/L/D)
Day 6: An optional, early morning bird-watching walk awaits! After breakfast drive to Farm 6 Archaeological site which had both monumental architecture and sculptures. The site is well-known for its mysterious stone spheres. Dating back to 300 A.D., this site is closed to the public and will be specially opened for our group. From here we head to the Whale Coast encompassing a vast stretch of gorgeous, rugged shoreline with beautiful beaches. Overnight for two nights in the Villas Rio Mar Hotel located in lush gardens near the Pacific Ocean coast. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Corcovado National Park encompasses the only remaining old growth wet forests on the Pacific coast of Central America, and 13 major ecosystems including lowland rain forest, highland cloud forest, jolillo palm forest, and mangrove swamps, as well as costal marine and beach habitats. Today’s all day experience will be a hike through this park where there is a good chance of spotting some of Costa Rica's shyest and most endangered inhabitants here; Baird's 
Tapirs, Jaguars, Scarlet Macaws, Harpy Eagles, Red-backed squirrel monkeys and White-lipped Peccaries. (As a note, Dr. Hoopes has seen a tapir here!). The hotel supplies optional day trips including snorkeling or you may choose to stay behind and enjoy the spa services. (B/L/D)
Day 8: After lunch, transfer back to San José and overnight at the Fleur de Lys Hotel with dinner free. (B/L)
Day 9: A very early morning departure for the airport in time to board our flight back to the USA.
Professor John Hoopes received is BA in archaeology at Yale University and his PhD from Harvard in anthropology with anemphasis on archaeology. His dissertation was on stylistic analysis of pottery from sites in Costa Rica. Dr. Hoopes is Associate Professor, Dept. ofAnthropology, University of Kansas and Courtesy Curator at the university’s museumwhere he advises the research and exhibitions of Pre-Columbian collections from Mexico, Central America, and South America. He is fluent in Spanish, has been working in Costa Rica since 1978, and has received grants for his projects from both the National Science Foundation and Fulbright. Professor Hoopes has published extensively, both in print and on the internet, and his new book (co-edited with Jeffrey Quilter), Gold and Power in Ancient Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombiais in press. His deep knowledge of the country of Costa Rica, both past and present, will make this trip memorable.
March 17 - 25, 2012
$4,895.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes round trip international airfare from Miami to San José, Costa Rica; all hotels; meals as listed in the itinerary; ground transportation; and entry fees.
Cost Does Not Include: A separate $150 donation check made out to a designated donation project; passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; gratuities to guides and drivers; alcoholic drinks; email, telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement: $365.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement will be charged.
Note on Donation: The cost of the trip does not include the separate donation check for $150.00. As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations. This has created a bond with the academic community that allows you to gain an ‘insider’s view’ of work being done in each country. We ask that each participant write a check to the noteworthy project 
we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person and is made by check directly to the donation project. The donation is required as part of your registration and a donation project for this trip will be assigned shortly.
Fuel Surcharges: Far Horizons must pass on price increases when additional fuel charges are levied.
A deposit of $500.00 is required along with your completed and signed registration form. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and tour bulletin containing travel information. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
A group flight will be designated. If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased.
Private Tours of Archaeological Sites
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments, or that the date or time of our visit to their project must be changed.
Because some of the sites we will visit are remote, we will occasionally have box lunches.
THIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR TO COSTA RICA IS LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS
