Costa Rica, aboard the Wind Star

Mt. Holyoke College, Vassar College

January 28 - February 07, 2009

Starting at $4,995 per person

Registration Open - Please call us at (800) 451-4321 or email travel@siemerhand.com for more information

Study Leader - Jill Schneiderman

Jill Schneiderman is professor of earth science at Vassar College. She earned her Ph.D. in geology at Harvard University where for four years she worked for the late prominent paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould. From him she inherited a love of communicating science and its history. In 2003 she was a ...more

Study Leader - Jens Christiansen

Jens Christiansen is Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies at Mount Holyoke College, where he has taught since 1986. He is currently chair of the Economics Department and the Program in European Studies. Professor Christiansen has held faculty positions at Stanford University, the University of California at Santa Cruz, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Yale University. His major research interests are focused on the politics and economics of global climate change, with an more...

Summary

Costa Rica is an ideal winter get-away. It is easy to get to and is renowned for preserving its richly diverse natural habitat. Join alumnae and professors from Mount Holyoke and Vassar College and explore the highland cloud forest before settling into a relaxing cruise of discovery along the Pacific coast and offshore islands.

After one night in San Jose and two nights in a lovely lodge in the cloud forest of Monteverde National Reserve, we embark the WIND STAR, a motor-sail-yacht with billowing white sails and a private-yacht-like atmosphere. Teak decks, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff, and fine cuisine create an ideal environment to relax and to learn about this remarkable country.

Shore excursions are included in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park, as well as other secluded beaches and rainforests. Walk along a suspended catwalk in the rainforest canopy, snorkel amid colorful tropical fish, explore mangrove swamps in search of crocodiles and other wildlife, or just relax in a deck chair and learn from experts about the great biodiversity that Costa Rica offers.

Mount Holyoke's Professor of Economics, Jens Christiansen, and Vassar Professor of Earth Sciences Jill Schneiderman provide a series of lectures and informal discussions in keeping with our travelers' intellectual curiosity.