15/03/2011

Costa Rica Gap Year Adventure Trips and Tours

Travel to Central America & take a gap year tour in Costa Rica. 'Pura Vida' is every Costa Rican's favourite expression. It means 'Pure Life', and encompasses Costa Rica's appreciation for nature. In fact, nearly 25% of Costa Rica's land is protected with over 46 national parks, private reserves and wildlife refuges. And this natural paradise isn't short on adventure either, with options ranging from hiking to the top of smoking volcanoes to zip-lining through jungle canopies.

Soak in natural hot springs in the moonlight, photograph playful monkeys in the treetops, hike to hidden waterfalls or laze on the beautiful Caribbean and Pacific beaches. Just south of Costa Rica are Panama's secluded Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro. Here you'll find the peaceful beaches of the Bastimentos National Marine Park, home to turtle nesting grounds, tropical birds and excellent snorkelling.

Costa Rica Gap Year Tour Highlights:

- San Jose is the Capital of Costa Rica and the hub of the country. It is located in the Central Valley, just a few hours drive to nearby rainforests, volcanoes and pristine beaches. Founded in 1738, San Jose's population is nearly half of the entire countries and it contains many museums, cultural venues, markets and cafes, with some of the best coffee in the world! One must see is the Museo Oro Precolombino (Museum of Gold), with a collection consisting of some 1600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work.

- Arenal Volcano Costa Rica's Arenal National Park is home to the Arenal Volcano, one the most active volcanoes in the world. It was believed to be dormant until a major eruption in 1968 but now delivers incredible evening lightshows spewing glowing lava and rock high into the air. The park is covered in rainforest, which abounds with flora and fauna, plus innumerable rivers, waterfalls and thermal hot springs - perfect for refreshing your legs after a day of horse riding or hiking.

- Monteverde Cloud Forest straddles the Continental Divide at 1440 meters (4662 ft). A cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of its altitude, it is home to unsurpassed biodiversity with around 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds, including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants. Enjoy a bird's eye view on a zip-line canopy tour or horse ride amongst the forest and savour a hot cup of locally grown, organic coffee.

More Information / Book A Gap Year Trip:

Grand American Adventures offers a wider selection of gap year tours and more varied styles of travel than any other North American tour operator. Whether you're joining one of their classic camping, dedicated walking tours, more comfortable lodging tours or family friendly Discovery tours, you are guaranteed to experience the real Americas.

Telephone: UK: 0844 576 1370
E-mail: info@grandamericanadventures.com


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