Information Articles for
Archaeologists,
Anthropologists,
Students, and the Public
Archaeology Tours
With some of the most beautiful
beaches and tropical forests in the world, as well
as stunning bio-diversity arising from several
distinct climatic niches, Costa Rica is a well-known
eco-tourist destination. The same natural forces
that lead to Costa Rica s natural diversity have
also contributed to its historic cultural diversity
as seen in the archaeological record. The best way
to come to experience Costa Rica s past is to
experience it through the guidance of tours led by a
qualified expert.
Michael J. Snarskis, Ph.D. Archaeologist
ArqueoCostaRica recommends and endorses the tours
led by Costa Rica's foremost archaeologist: Michael
J. Snarskis, Ph.D. (Columbia University). Dr.
Snarskis founded and directed the Department of
Archaeological Research at the National Museum for
10 years and was Professor of Archaeology at the
University of Costa Rica for 14 years. He has
published 55 books and articles on Costa Rica and
Central America, and was featured on the Discovery
Channel in a special on the enigmatic giant stone
spheres of southwest Costa Rica. Dr.
Snarskis is now actively involved with the
Tayutic Foundation, helping to
preserve and further explore the Costa Rican ancient
city of Guayabo
Don t settle for the superficial (and often
erroneous) coverage of Costa Rica's archaeological
museums offered by the usual city tours with their
too-large groups! Any aficionado, student, or simply
those interested in the fascinating facts revealed
by true scientific archaeology will appreciate these
tours guided by a real professional. Many of the
tombs and artifacts displayed in the National Museum
were personally excavated by Dr. Snarskis, and he
was the technical advisor for the original mounting
of the Jade and Gold Museums.
Call or e-mail to reserve your tours now! Fees
contingent on group size, 2-7 is best. Pertinent
literature with color photographs provided for all
tours. Lunch provided and all ages accommodated. You
may contact Dr. Snarskis at
snarskis@arqueocostarica.net or by telephone at
(506) 235-8824.
Guayabo Archaeological Park
A thriving city-state of some 8,000 people
strategically located in the mountainous rain
forest of the Turrialba Volcano 1300-600 years
ago, this important political-religious center
was also a key node in prehistoric trade between
different eco-zones. Its remarkable network of
cobble-paved roads, complex water control system
with underground aqueducts ensuring constantly
circulating fresh water as well as symbolically
restricting access to the elite precinct and its
round house mounds, foundations, terraces,
stairways, 5-ton stone slab bridges, huge tombs
and square enclosed ceremonial plaza, all attest
to the engineering sophistication of its
builders. Beautiful jungle trails, abundant bird
life, leaf-cutter ants and the extraordinary
Blue Morpho butterflies, always seen in the wild
on sunny days (Guaranteed!)
Pre-Columbian
City Of Guayabo
Guayabo 1976
Excavation
Underway Now
Guayabo Today!
Call or e-mail to reserve your tours now!
You
may contact Dr. Snarskis at
snarskis@arqueocostarica.net
or by telephone at
(506) 235-8824.
One-day tour leave at 7 a.m., transportation, lunch
and entry fees included, return 6 p.m.
The Jade Museum
- Museo del Jade
The largest collection of Costa Rican
pre-Columbian jade artifacts in the world, as
well as extensive and impressive displays of
stone sculpture and ceramic vessels and effigies
spanning 2500 years. Half-day tour.
Costa Rica's Museo de Jade
The Gold Museum
- Museo de Oro
The largest collection of pre-Columbian
jewelry from Costa Rica over the last 1000 years
before the Spanish arrival. Half-day tour.
Costa Rica's Museo de
Oro
The National Museum of Costa Rica
- Museo Nacional
The most didactic of the museums, with nature
dioramas and reconstructions of actual burials
excavated by the in-house team of professional
archaeologists, the best in Central America.
Displays cover 11,000-year-old chipped flint
spear points and pre-ceramic tools to European
glass trade beads of the early 16th century.
Superb ceramic, carved stone, jade and gold
artifacts, with informative bilingual
descriptions. Also reconstructed historic rooms
and artifacts and an entrancing butterfly
garden! Half-day tour
Costa Rica's Museo
Nacional
See our
websites for more
information about Guayabo, Jade,
Gold, and Costa
Rican's Pre-Columbian Heritage!
