Students and faculty might do well phoning Council Travel (.800-226- 8624, www.counciltravel.com). Air-Tech, Ltd., ( 212/219-7000, www. airtech.com), is a ticket consolidator that offers great last-minute deals on charter flights from major cities in the US. We have flown with them on stand-by and saved a bundle.

Regional airlines connect to various small airports around the country from either Juan Santamaría, the main airport in San José, or Tobias Bolano in the Pavas suburb.

Any good US travel agent can make advance arrangements with a number of reputable tour wholesalers such as Tico-owned Nature Tours ( 800/444-3990), based in Louisiana, who have many years experience in Costa Rica. You might even try contacting them directly – ask for Carlos or Marinela. They’re very knowledgeable. In addition, several good tour companies in the States can make all or many of your arrangements for you. Expert Costa Rica tours can be made with Costa Rica Experts ( 800/827-9046, www.costaricaexperts.com); Holbrook Travel ( 800/451-7111, www.holbrooktravel.com), who owns several properties in Costa Rica so it claims a vested interest in tourism; Costa Rica Connection ( 800/345-7422, www.crconnect.com); Halintours ( 800/786-8207, halintours@aol.com), Tours by Joyce (. 888/264- 6604); Tropical Travel ( 800/451-8017, www.tropicaltravel.com); and Rico Tours ( 800/280-7426, www.ricotours.com). All specialize in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Trekking ( 506/771-4582, www.chirripo.com) has professional guides that run three organized treks in the Talamance Range, including one in Chirripó.

Also see the section on Local Adventures, Tours & Day-Trips in San José for local Costa Rican-based tour operators and agencies who can arrange your entire vacation or just day-trips and activities.