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DAY 1
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Welcome to Costa Rica!!! We'll arrive in San
Jose and drive straight away to Monte
Campana Hotel where we stayed last year. This
relaxing locale is perched among the green coffee fields which surround
the capital. Your guide (T.J.) and private
driver will be at the airport to meet and greet all of you and escort you
safely to our mountain retreat. We will take a dip in the pool, eat
dinner together & prepare for our upcoming adventure! |
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DAY 2 |
Today we enjoy a relaxing drive to the port town of Puntarenas and catch the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. The ferry ride is very enjoyable and passes by several beautiful islands, one of which is the biological reserve called Isla Guayabo. It is an important nesting site for Boobies, Frigate Birds & Brown Pelicans, all of which can be seen circling the island as we pass by on the ferry. Bring your binoculars! Once we reach the small town of Paquera, we’ll hop back on the bus and continue on to the charming beach town of Montezuma. Famous for its beautiful beaches, good surfing, friendly locals and great food, Montezuma & its surrounding tropical forests are the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature at its best. You will be treated to a fabulous Italian meal at the L’Angolo Allegro restaurant, where the proprietor, Marcelo, charms all his patrons with his exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality. Relax at your hotel Amor de Mar, and after dinner watch the sun sink into the turquoise waters of the Gulfo de Nicoya! Overnight:
Montezuma |
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DAY 3 |
After a tasty breakfast, for those who are interested, there will be an optional boating and snorkeling tour to one of the world’s most picturesque tropical islands. We’ll enjoy a beautiful boat ride up the coast, eventually arriving at the tropical paradise, Isla Tortuga. Visitors can snorkel, relax on the beach, enjoy some local music, and feast on fresh fish grilled right on the beach. We’ll return to Montezuma before sunset and enjoy another fabulous dinner out on the town. Overnight: Montezuma |
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DAY 4 |
Today is a free day which is wide open for any type of activity which suits your fancy. Travelers can take a short walk along a jungle path and explore Playa Grande, hike to a nearby waterfall to look for monkeys, or visit Cabo Blanco National Park which is just a short bus ride away. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner by yourselves or eat with the group. Flexibility is the name of the game & everything is at your leisure. Overnight: Montezuma |
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DAY 5 |
After a last morning swim in the ocean, we’ll travel back across the gulf and drive up to the misty cloud forest town of Santa Elena. Monteverde and the town of Santa Elena are ripe with wildlife, great restaurants, cool refreshing air and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet in your life. Originally settled in the 50’s by 9 Quaker families who worked with the World Wildlife Fund to protect the area, Monteverde oozes peaceful vibes and attracts nature lovers from around the world. After settling in to our hotel, Finca Valverde, we’ll explore the town and enjoy a scrumptious Valentine’s Day dinner at a local restaurant. The night is yours to enjoy. Overnight: Monteverde |
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DAY 6 |
Today we’ll begin the day with a visit to a local butterfly garden. Enjoy the magical experience of seeing the iridescent blue morpho butterfly up close and personal. Dozens of local species are on hand which leave the visitor reveling in the wondrous diversity of nature. Afterwards, for those who are interested, we can visit an amazing wildlife and eco-adventure center called Selvatura. Travelers can fly through the canopy on an exciting aerial zip line and observe the cloud forest from an entirely unique perspective. Or for those looking for something a bit less daring, enjoy the canopy by walking through a series of hanging bridges. Selvatura also boasts a mind blowing insect collection (3rd largest in the Americas), a snake and reptile exhibit, and a hummingbird gallery. There is literally something here for everyone. Overnight: Monteverde |
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DAY 7 |
After a hearty breakfast, we will take a nature walk through the pre-montane forest of the Bajo del Tigre reserve located within the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. This is Costa Rica’s largest private reserve which began as a school project for some Swedish children in 1987 to save the rain forest surrounding the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves. Since its inception, the private reserve has grown exponentially in size as children from around the world have contributed funds to preserve this unique area of unparalleled bio-diversity. We’ll enjoy the evening in town and another great dinner. If desired, one can even dine in the branches of a giant fig tree at the Tree-house Café! Overnight: Monteverde |
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DAY 8: |
Today we’ll leave the misty cloud forests behind and drive through the lovely rural town of Atenas, which is rumored to have the "world’s best climate"! We’ll be staying at an enchanting boutique hotel, El Cafetal, outside of town with a beautiful pool, several nature trails and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. As some of us remember, this is a perfect place to kick your feet up, take a dip in the pool and ease into a serene state of utter relaxation. We can either eat at the hotel or venture into town. Overnight: Atenas |
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DAY 9 |
Today is another open day where travelers can continue to relax at the hotel, explore the surrounding area, or venture into town to sight-see. Once again, there is plenty of flexibility for everyone to do as they please. Overnight: Atenas
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DAY 10 |
Today we begin an entirely different part of our adventure. We’ll drive to the Northeastern Caribbean coast, leave our bus behind, and enter a lush water-world of canals, raw jungle, monkeys, sloth, caiman, turtles, birds and countless other spectacular jewels of the rain-forest. During our visit to Tortuguero National Park, we’ll be staying at a lovely lodge called Evergreen Lodge situated in the heart of the rain-forest and we’ll travel everywhere by boat. This region is often referred to as Costa Rica’s "Amazon" and is a very unique experience. After arriving, we’ll take a wildlife boat tour and enjoy several fabulous meals at the lodge. Overnight: Tortuguero |
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DAY 11 |
We continue our
exploration of the canals of Tortuguero and relax at our lodge in the
rain-forest. All tours and meals are included during this portion of the
trip and you’re encouraged to enjoy yourself to the utmost!
Overnight: Tortuguero |
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DAY 12 |
Today we’ll
leave the humid rainforest behind and travel back towards the cool air
of the meseta central, eventually arriving at the foothills of
the beautiful Poas
volcano region. We’ll check into our hotel, Hotel
Buena Vista, and then engage in a meaningful cultural
exchange with a local school. We’ll be donating some much needed books
to the school library and participating in a story reading or two. This
will be a wonderful chance to give back to the community which we are
visiting and make many new friends.
Overnight: Alajuela |
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DAY 13 |
Today we’ll hope
for clear weather & make our way up to Poas National Park and take a
short nature walk to the edge of an active volcano! There is a beautiful
green lagoon within the crater and many opportunities to see wildlife as
well. Afterwards we’ll be treated to a magical walk through La
Paz Waterfall Gardens located near Poas. Several
kilometers of trails stretch through the cloud forest which is adorned
with stunning waterfalls, brilliant-colored hummingbirds, orchids,
lichens and wild lianas. There is also an awe inspiring aviary, reptile
& amphibian exhibit, butterfly garden & mammal exhibit which
provides an excellent opportunity to see many fascinating species of
wildlife without trekking through the jungle with a machete for 6
months! A day spent here will leave the traveler bedazzled with the
truly magnificent level of biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer. In
the evening we’ll enjoy our last meal together and reflect on all that
we have learned and experienced during our trip. Overnight: Alajuela |
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DAY 14
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Today we’ll
enjoy one last sunrise in paradise, eat breakfast together, then fly
home filled with a greater appreciation for the warmth of the Costa Rican
people and their fabled Pura Vida! (Pure Life)
Overnight: Your Home! |
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"That was our first guided trip for that length of time. T.J. [our guide] and Michi [our driver] did a fantastic job. The group was small enough to travel easily and still there was plenty of time to do your own thing. Actually visiting plantations would be a great addition. We loved the quaint accommodations. The presentations for dinner were always wonderful - well done (table cloths, flowers, clean, china, napkins). We would encourage others to enjoy the beautiful sights of Costa Rica." Larry and Barbara Wagner, Britton, MI - agriculturists "I can honestly say I have never had a more enjoyable trip. The people on the trip, the people of Costa Rica, Doug and Cathie, and our guide T.J. and driver, Michi, were all awesome. The variety of experiences, the quality of the food - everything just came together beautifully. I cannot image a better experience, but I will be trying, for I will certainly go again. If you like fun, adventure, and a well planned experience, this is the trip to consider." Rev. Bob Bidwell - pastor "The 2009 trip to Costa Rica - Coasta Coast was the best vacation I have been on. It is a beautiful country. The trip was full of fun things to do if you wanted but no pressure to do anything you didn't want to do. Great food and accommodations! I am really looking forward to the trip in February, 2010." Mary Case - retired book keeper, Hospice volunteer "Our trip Costa Rica Coasta Coast in Feb. 2009 was a 10plus on a scale of 1 to 10. Regarding the basics, group size of 12 compatible people was perfect for traveling from the Pacific to the Caribbean, we stayed in comfortable lodging in beautiful settings, food ranged from good to 'to die for', weather was perfect (oh to leave Michigan for Coasta Rica in Feb.!). Our guide TJ is the best guide I have ever traveled with. He took care of all aspects of travel, picking an excellent driver and arranging for excellent specialized guides for our day at the national park Manual Antonio, for our rafting trip, for the day on the water at Bocas del Toro in Panama. He really listened to us as he arranged the day's activities. The optional trips that he arranged for those interested, i.e. zip lining through the rain forest canopy and white water rafting on the Pacuare River, will always be included as favorites in my 'bucket list' memories." Lee W. - Medical Technician We would like to add our accolades about the Costa Rica Trip: Doug and Cathie put together a wonderful trip filled with opportunities for adventure, cultural contact, intense wilderness beauty, incredible food, unique and subtle Costa Rican experiences tailored for the small group. Their choice of a guide and driver, TJ and Michi, really made the trip one of a lifetime. If you are looking for a one-of-a kind experience and are open to building new relationships, call Three Bridges Travel. Julie and Kel Kohlhaas, author and retired teachers Warm
tropical breezes, breathtaking scenery, incredible food and a few
adventures contributed to making our trip to Costa Rica memorable.
The life style of the people is very different, but different in a good
way. The family is still primary and with a literacy rate of 95%,
education is very important. We'll never forget the sight of
children in school uniforms walking to school. They may not have cars or
electric washers and dryers but the children are well dressed and get to
school. Our guide T.J. , driver Michi, Cathie and Doug and
wonderful traveling companions made the trip exciting and fun. This was
our first trip of this kind and we are ready to go back!! Bob
and Pat Nesbit, pharmacist and pharmacy store manager
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TRIP SPACE LIMITED: 14 passengers (12 people necessary for trip to take place) TRIP PRICE: $2,250 per traveler, based on double occupancy. (Inquire for single rates, we will try to accommodate)TRIP PAYMENT: Check, cash or money order. If you desire to use a credit card, add 3% TRIP DATES: 14 Days, Feb. 10th - Feb. 23rd, 2010TRIP RESERVATION DEADLINE: November 15, 2009 TRIP DEPOSIT: $500 - Refunded if the the trip does not take place TRIP FINAL PAYMENT DUE: December 15th, 2009 TRIP INCLUDES: All accommodations! (Hotels, Cabins, Lodges, etc...) Full-time accompaniment of your own private naturalist guide (& musician!!!). Full-time accompaniment and services of your own private driver. All breakfasts, 5 dinners & several lunches (the rest of the meals are "order as you please") Bottled Water and Snacks Infinite Forest T-shirt TRIP ACTIVITIES SECTION (included): Butterfly Garden (Monteverde) All water taxis and boat tours in Tortuguerro. (Includes local guide) Entrance to Poas National Park La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Entrance fee & lunch) Trip does not include:
TRIP AIRFARE AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 - $300 (Continental or Delta Airlines) Contact Information: Cathie & Doug Case |
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Click here, or on the graphic at the right, to download a printable pdf copy of this information |
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