|
|
|
 |
El Espiritu del Mar
A Yoga and Kayak Adventure in Costa Rica
March 14 - 22, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
Detailed Itinerary |
|
|
|
Day 1 Sat, Mar 14 |
|
Arrive in San Jose, where you will be met at the airport by a friendly face,
meet some of the others in our group, and be escorted by air conditioned
microbus to our overnight accommodation. |
|
|
|
Day 2 Sun, Mar 15 (B) |
|
Transfer by microbus from San Jose to the Nicoya Peninsula (a five hour
trip including a ferry ride) and our hotel accommodation for the evening. After
checking in, relax, have a swim, and freshen up for our evening orientation. We
will provide an introduction to the paddling experience followed by a gentle
evening yoga practice |
|
|
|
Day 3 Mon, Mar 16 (B, L, D) |
 The
first paddling day is usually a short one, allowing you to acclimatize to
the tropical heat and gradually work your way into the daily routine. To get
prepared, an early morning yoga session will focus on spine mobility and
balance, shoulder openers, and sun salutations. We then travel by microbus to
Curú Wildlife Refuge, 20 minutes from the village of Tambor. Curú is
a small park and working farm on the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula known
as an ecological gem for its incredible wildlife and well
 developed
system of hiking trails. Here we load the kayaks with food and camping gear and
experience a comprehensive orientation to paddling technique and sea kayak
safety. Our destination is Playa Quesera, a beautiful white-sand beach
located approximately one hour from our launching area. After we land and set up
camp, the afternoon is spent working on wet exits and rescues. Our evening yoga
practice will allow us a chance to unwind from the busy day. |
|
|
|
Day 4 Tue, Mar 17 (B, L, D) |
 Our
early morning yoga session will focus on hip openers and sun salutations. Today
we will have an array of paddling possibilities to explore around our base on
Playa Quesera: learning basic kayaking surfing in protected conditions at
Playa Organo, visiting the dramatic cliffs of Las Islas Tortugas and
Los Arcos, and discovering several mangrove estuaries. When we return to
base camp, you may wish to try snorkelling in the crystal clear waters or
hiking inland on one of the trails to further explore the flora and
fauna. As we unwind, our gentle evening yoga practice tonight will include a
candle meditation. |
|
|
|
Day 5 Wed, Mar 18 (B, L, D) |
 Early
morning yoga session will focus on wrists and sun salutations. At this point in
our journey, depending upon the weather and paddling level of the group, we may
choose to stay in the area of the Tortugas and continue to camp on Playa
Quesera, in which case we’ll do more exploring here, with an increased focus
on paddling technique and endurance, with ample time for swimming, snorkelling,
hiking and relaxing. The other option is to begin traveling northeast, through
gentle rolling swell past Playa Organo. If we do so, we’ll enter a tight
passage between the mainland and Las Negritos, leaving the open Pacific
behind and enjoying the protected waters of the Gulf of Nicoya. Our
camping spot can be selected from a number of options. Tonight’s gentle evening
yoga practice emphasizes unwinding with yoga nidra. |
|
|
|
Day 6 Thu, Mar 19 (B, L, D) |
 Early
morning yoga today expands the focus on sun salutation series with variations.
Either we will explore estuaries and cliffs near the Tortugas, or continue to
follow the coast northwards. The coastal mountain range along the Nicoya
Peninsula provides a beautiful backdrop for our journey through the Islas
del Golfo. Crossing Bahia Paquera, we will stop to have lunch and
swim at Pt. Lorena. We wind our way through a series of small islands and
islets and take another break to rest, swim and snorkel off Isla Gitana.
The cliffs of Punta Gigante mark the last leg of the journey to Playa
Blanquita, our final camp. The white sand beach is lined with Pochote and
Tamarind trees, which provide excellent shade. Don’t be surprised if local
children ask you to join in an impromptu soccer game on the beach. You can also
expect to practice your Spanish with fishermen from a nearby village. This is
wonderful location for the last evening of the trip. Once again, our gentle
evening yoga practice will help us unwind after the long paddling day. |
|
|
|
Day 7 Fri, Mar 20 (B, L) |
 Our
last day on the water will be marked by a special early morning yoga session.
After loading our gear, we paddle the short distance to the beach where we will
unpack the boats and prepare for the return journey. Showers and washroom
facilities are available and lunch will be served before we are transported to
our accommodation for the evening. After checking in, unpack, swim and enjoy the
comforts of the hotel. Laundry services are available. This evening we enjoy a
last gentle yoga practice. |
|
|
|
Day 8 Sat, Mar 21 (B) |
|
Today we transfer back to San Jose and to our accommodation there, where we’ll
have time to relax and enjoy the city and visit a local market to pick up some
last minute gifts and souvenirs. |
|
|
|
Day 9 Sun, Mar 22 (B) |
|
Departure. |
|
|
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
NOTE: This itinerary subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. |
|
|
|
Tour Inclusions
& Price |
|
 |
|
Tour Includes: |
 |
2 nights Hotel in San Jose, 2 nights Hotel in Tambor, and 4 nights Camping |
|
Private A/C Microbus Transportation to and from San Jose plus Ferry Ride |
|
Certified Expert Guides |
|
Daily Breakfast, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners |
|
Kayaking, Snorkelling & Camping Equipment: Kayaks, paddles, PFD’s, tents,
cooking supplies. |
|
Safety Equipment: First aid, safety technology (cell phone and VHF marine
radio), repair kit. |
|
Park Entrance Fees |
Tour does not include: |
|
Airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica |
|
Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if you are Canadian) |
|
Meals and drinks not included, as indicated in the itinerary |
|
Cost to obtain valid passport |
|
Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any
item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final trip
itinerary |
|
Exit Fee: Each traveler is required to pay a departure tax of around $30 U.S.
prior to leaving Costa Rica payable in U.S. dollars, colones or by credit card |
| Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
|
|
USD $2000.00 |
Please Enquire |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Photography by
Seascape Kayak Tours Inc
|
© 2003 - 2010 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
|
|
Tour Description