Aula Global Bird Count and Rincon Volcano Hike Trip
10-day trips run from mid-March through May 15, including April school vacation trip(s)

Spring is a magic time at Aula Global reserve. With the arrival of the dry season, Aula Global is teaming with birds. If you are hoping to spot the elusive resplendent Quetzal, Three-wattled Bellbird and even sit among nesting humming birds, this is the trip for you. Our guides know all the secret spots to find these sought-after species, and many more. (partial bird list can be found on the Aula Global website)

Day 1: Arrive San Jose. Travel to Casa Ridgway Guest house where we will spend our first night. Short orientation of the city and trip, followed by a traditional Costa Rican dinner.

Day 2: Travel to the mountain town of Santa Elena/Monteverde. Santa Elena is a quaint little town that has several small attractions worth checking out. We will spend a day and a night here. Some free time will be available for those who would like to visit the butterfly farm, the serpentarium, hummingbird gallery, the orchid garden or one of the many other local attractions.

Days 3-5: Your first four nights are spent at Aula Global reserve in search of birds, monkeys and even our elusive cats. Our guides will take you on daily walks along our trails in search of mammals, orchids, butterflies and many other treasures of the forest. Trained as naturalists, animal trackers and adventure guides, our guides will be sure to share with you many secret aspects of the old growth forest of Aula Global.

Days 6-7: Leaving the cool damp forests of Aula Global behind, we will head north to the Rincon de le Vieja volcanic national park. Here you will enter an entirely different world, one of bubbling mud pools, boiling fumuroles and steaming vents. The ancient forests are full of sounds as Spider monkeys swing over head, toucans call and coatimundi's scurry about in search of insects and fruit. Rincon is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. For those ready for a more strenuous hike, we can take you to the summit high above tree-line for an amazing 360 degree view. To the north is Nicaragua with her giant lake and volcanic islands. To the west is the pacific ocean, and to the south the flat plains of Guanacaste province. You will travel through no less than 5 different ecological zones during the 3 hour hike to the summit.

Note: This section of the trip requires tent camping as there is no lodging within the Rincon de le Vieja reserve. If you would prefer to stay in a nearby guest house or hotel for this section of the trip we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Day 8: Leave Rincon and travel to San Jose.

Day 9: Free time to relax or explore San Jose. Visit local artisan's market, museums, national theater. Shop for souvenirs and gifts.

Day 10: Depart Costa Rica or continue on your adventure. (we can arrange for your flight to be scheduled for any length of stay. Advance notice is required. Additional fees may apply).