Tropical Tree Climbing Adventure (1)

 Tropical Tree Climbing Adventure (Session 1)

• Class Description:
Come climb with highly experienced tree climbers and naturalist guides to explore the forest canopy up close, learn about the environment, have fun and contribute to conservation and research.

Immerse yourself in the tropical forest where the largest part of life takes place in the canopy.

Although you will feel a rush from the heights and from the unique view point of the Rainforest, the heightened enthusiastic experience of Nature is calm!

Treewolf’s retreat includes 2 segments. Although both segments of this one-of-a-kind exploration are unbelievable experiences, you can sign up for one segment and/or both.

Session 1
CORDILLERA de TALAMANCA and SAVEGRE FOREST
high elevation cloud forest; a mountain range that contains the highest peaks of Costa Rica and Panama; a range of global importance as a centre of endemism for many large mammals (Baird’s Tapir, Puma, Jaguar) and birds now threatened in much of their range. Talamanca Mountain Range have been designated by UNESCO a World Heritage site. It is also the first binational biosphere reserve.

Activities include:
tree-climbing for all levels of experience; canopy zipline, horseback riding, fly fishing for trout and a visit to the spa.

Next stop: LAS CRUCES RESEARCH STATION
mid-elevation cloud forest where more than 300 hectares of Premontane Wet Forest habitat are protected! The station is also home to the most famous botanical garden in Central America – the Wilson Botanical Garden – featuring diverse plantings of tropical and subtropical ornamentals, unusual plant families, rare and endangered plants, and boasts the second largest collection of palms in the world!

Activities include:
more awesome climbing, interacting with researchers, intermingling with the indigenous Ngobe People; a coffee tour, river rafting, a cave tour; and a café with live music.

To see Session 2 (Jan 31-Feb 8)

• Cost/Accommodations:
$1400
Both sessions one-of-a-kind 16 day experience $2700

Detailed Itinerary

• Notes or Comments:
Learning
On this trip there will be lots of opportunities to learn and have your questions answered. Our Costa Rican guide, Carlos Chavarria is a very knowledgeable naturalist, he has a degree in forestry and is experienced in managing eco-tourism. Jonathon at Guaria is an expert on local natural history with a specialty in medicinal plants. You can expect to learn to identify a limited number of tropical trees, birds and mammals including common bats and the four species of monkeys native to Costa Rica. You will learn some about conservation policies and eco-tourism. The learning is as casual or involved as you desire, for example the presentations at Savegre Lodge will be in the lounge.

Climbing
There will be lots of tree climbing but also plenty opportunity for other activities and relaxation. This group is for adult responsible climbers of all levels who come together to enjoy nature and share new experiences with friends. You will decide your own activities and level of involvements within some general guidelines subject to the instructions of the guides. The large old forest trees generally have no lower branches, the canopy structure is high. The “first ascent” of the wild trees requires experienced climbers with guides. Beginners can start with guided climbing of “tamer” trees with a lower branch structure. The trip will have a ratio of 4 guests to one climbing guide. Please consult with a guide before the trip regarding your experience, climbing methods and equipment as well as guidelines to follow.

Contribution to Conservation.
We will stay at places that actively work for conservation and research. Savegre Lodge is undertaking forest and habitat restoration and a major focus of the research at Las Cruces is best practices in restoration. Guaria has a successful ongoing turtle conservation project. The amazing large ancient turtles travel extensively through the world’s ocean and return to their beach of origin to lay eggs in the sand. Prior to Jonathon’s arrival and creation of Guaria it was common for people to collect the turtle eggs for human or even pig consumption. Through education and work with the local community and school this practice has been stopped. In addition the local turtle project protects the nest from predation by dogs and releases the newly hatched baby turtles to head for the ocean and begin their epic journeys. Our visit coincides with the turtle season and there is a good chance we can take part in releases.

Beginning tree climbers are welcome. We provide gear and experienced guides (see link below for guide info). Our method of climbing is not strenuous. You will be secure, move at your own pace and can rest any time.

• Directions:
Talamanca Mountain Range

Hotel Savegre is 89 km. (55.3 miles) south-east of San José on the flanks of the Cerro de la Muerte, in the village of San Gerardo de Dota at an elevation of 2200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level in a valley deep in tropical cloud forest.