Wellness and Toga Tours

Classic COSTA RICA
A Unique Journey of Diversity, Beauty and Mystery
October 28 - November 6, 2004
Past Tour

Tropical rain forests, volcanoes and two oceans make Costa Rica world famous as the most remarkable single place to witness the biological diversity, beauty and mystery of our earth.

On this wonderful spiritual journey you will swim in pure pools of volcano-heated rivers, take an amazing ride gliding over a rain forest canopy, experience wildlife through inland waters ways, stay at a jungle lodge and visit the United Nations University of Peace.
.
You will also have the unique opportunity to take part in the Softly International "Beds & Meds" Program. Softly International is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization serving children living in severe poverty. Their mission is to reach out to poor and often orphaned Central American children with programs and missions that provide health, security, educational opportunities as simple acts of love. The name (SOFTLY) stands for: Securing Our Future Through Loving Youth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Your Tour Leader

You will be accompanied by a local professional tour guide, with years of experience in the field. By far, our guides make the difference, and as your host during the tour, they know where to stop along the way, where the little attractions are that tourists usually miss, and how to introduce you to the rich culture of their country.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Thursday, October 28: To San Jose
Fly from your home city to San Jose, Costa Rica. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Juan Santamara International Airport, and transfer to your hotel in San Jose. Costa Rica, with its resplendent rainforests, active volcanoes, and gorgeous beaches provides the perfect setting for an adventure in Central America. Free time to rest, relax and have dinner on your own.
Overnight: San Jose (3 nights)

Day 2 Friday, October 29: San Jose- Softly International Project
Today is devoted to our Softly International program. First we will have an Orientation breakfast to go over the program. Then the rest of the day we follow the program's theme lifting the children of this country physically and spiritually with this wonderful mission. The two-day "Beds and Meds" program will have one half of the group participating in the "Beds" program and the other on the Medical program that joins Doctors meeting with the children and parents. Dinner on your own. (B/L)

Day 3 Saturday, October 30: San Jose- Softly International Project
Today is also devoted to our Softly International program with those who worked on the "Bed" program switching with those who previously worked on the "Med" program. The evening and dinner are on your own. (B/L)

Day 4 Sunday, October 31: To Tortuguero National Park
After breakfast, we depart by boat for your journey to Tortuguero National Park. The two and half hour boat ride will take you through the canals sheltered within the dense protection of the rain forest. From your boat you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area. Free time after our arrival for rest and/or exploration. Dinner at our Lodge.
Overnight: Tortuguero National Park (2 nights) (B/L/D)

Day 5 Monday, November 1: Tortugeuro National Park
Optional Yoga and Meditation. Today you will explore the smaller canals of Tortuguero and experience first hand the rainforest surrounding you. From the areas only hill, you will present you with a complete view of the National Park. Then explore the little village of Tortuguero or take a relaxing afternoon on the beautiful beach. At times, you will also be able to take an optional turtle watching tour during the evening to admire one of the most impressive miracles of life. Dinner at our Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Tuesday, November 2: To Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs
This morning following breakfast, you will be transferred to the Arenal area and your selected hotel where you will enjoy a full day guided visit to the Arenal Volcano and the Tabacon Hot Springs (with dinner and entrance fee included). This active volcano well deserves a visit, not only for its constant activity, but also for its perfect cone and the exuberant vegetation in the surrounding areas, adorned by the majestic engineering masterpiece of the Arenal Lake. Enjoy the relaxing scenery and the refreshingly cool alpine region. While there, you may even witness an explosion of smoke and lava from the mighty Arenal. Later, enjoy dinner at our Lodge.
Overnight: Arenal (2 nights) (B/D)

Day 7 Wednesday, November 3: Arenal
Arenal is located about two hours from Nicaragua borders (Los Chiles), where we will have a guided boat tour on the Rio Frio to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, of interest especially to bird-watchers. It is also remarkable for its large population of endangered mammals, including jaguars, tapirs, and ocelots. There are always plenty of monkeys around. Crocodiles and caimans are easily seen. The Refuge is one of the most important biological areas of the country (and 4th on earth); it was declared Wild Life Area of International importance in 1991. Or take an optional tour instead of Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfalls, one of the most exciting ways to experience nature with a different perspective of one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. In the afternoon relax at our Lodge where you have a wonderful view to Arenal Volcano and where you can see the lava rolling down the hill (if mother nature permits). Take time to enjoy the hot springs. Dinner on your own. (B)

Day 8 Thursday, November 4: Arenal/Monteverde (B,D)
After an early breakfast, you will be transported to Monteverde and your selected hotel for the next 2 nights. At 600 feet above sea level, this world famous Cloud Forest will be your backdrop for observing one of the most diverse bird populations in Costa Rica. You will also admire prehistoric ferns and the trees full of epiphytes and moss. Dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Monteverde (1 night) (B/D)

Day 9 Friday, November 5: Monteverde - To San Jose
Today you will experience the Sky Walk. This tour will provide you with an insight into the rainforest not seen from the ground. Through a series of canopies and walkways, you will experience flora and fauna, which only exist at this level, and gain a new appreciation for the importance of conserving these natural areas. This Afternoon, you will return to San Jose. In the afternoon, we will have a short group discussion to review our program. Farewell Dinner this evening.
Overnight: San Jose (1 night) (B/D)

Day 10 Saturday, November 6: Return to Canada
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your return flight to Canada. (B)

(B= Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tour Includes:
" Round-trip transfers between airport and hotels
" Accommodations in First Class hotels and Lodges as indicated
" Hotel taxes/service charges at the hotel
" Porterage
" Tour Guide Throughout
" Daily breakfast and Additional Meals as indicated
" Sightseeing tours as per itinerary including entrance fees

Added Features:
" Softly International program with local children
" Optional Yoga and Meditation program in Tortuguero National Park
" Hike to the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs
" Sky Walk over the Monteverde rain forest
" Special visit to the La Fontuna Waterfalls
" Visit to the United Nations University of Peace
" Special Farewell dinner

Tour does not include:
" International Airfare/departure taxes
" Cancellation & Medical insurance
" Visa fees (if applicable)
" Meals/drinks not specified in the itinerary
" Gratuities to drivers/guides ($70 prepaid)
" Items of a personal nature or any items not specified as being included

Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) US $1595

 Single Supplement US $450

Prepaid Gratuities US $70

Please call us for a quote on airfare from your home city

NOTE: To avoid surcharges due to the volatility of the Canadian dollar, all tour prices listed are in US dollars. Payments may be made in either US dollars or the equivalent in CDN dollars.



 

Sacred Earth Journeys, Ste 220 - 133 E. 8th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1R8 Canada
Tel: (604) 874-7922, Toll Free 1-877-874-7922 www.sacredearthjourneys.ca