| JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY Costa Rica Tour Itinerary |
Fri April 8th (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and board your private bus to begin exploring Costa Rica as you depart for the Arenal Volcano area
where you will stay for 4 nights. Upon arrival you’ll have time to take a walk and explore the beautiful grounds and vegetable gardens before
lunch. After lunch you’ll have your first introduction to the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature at the hanging bridges.
Arenal Hanging Bridges, located in front of the Arenal Volcano and within the corridor followed by
migratory birds between North and South America, is one of the most beautiful environmentally-friendly projects in
Costa Rica. The easy walking trails lead you into the middle of a beautiful forest where you can observe the birds,
flowers, and lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. The imposing yet completely safe, hanging bridges take you
into the treetops, where it feels like you have become one with the dense canopy of flora and fauna, birds, insects
and other tree top inhabitants that exist high above the forest floor. The canopy harbors a world of its own not visible
from the walking trails below. The scenery is spectacular with volcano views looming in the background. Return to
the hotel late afternoon and enjoy some leisure time before the group meets for dinner.
Evening group discussion time with Janet as she shares insights about the true Nature of Your Soul
and how to connect with that personal sacred space within.
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and board your private bus to begin exploring Costa Rica as you depart for the Arenal Volcano area
where you will stay for 4 nights. Upon arrival you’ll have time to take a walk and explore the beautiful grounds and vegetable gardens before
lunch. After lunch you’ll have your first introduction to the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature at the hanging bridges.
Arenal Hanging Bridges, located in front of the Arenal Volcano and within the corridor followed by
migratory birds between North and South America, is one of the most beautiful environmentally-friendly projects in
Costa Rica. The easy walking trails lead you into the middle of a beautiful forest where you can observe the birds,
flowers, and lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. The imposing yet completely safe, hanging bridges take you
into the treetops, where it feels like you have become one with the dense canopy of flora and fauna, birds, insects
and other tree top inhabitants that exist high above the forest floor. The canopy harbors a world of its own not visible
from the walking trails below. The scenery is spectacular with volcano views looming in the background. Return to
the hotel late afternoon and enjoy some leisure time before the group meets for dinner.
Evening group discussion time with Janet as she shares insights about the true Nature of Your Soul
and how to connect with that personal sacred space within.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Thursday April 7th
Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. A group transfer time to the hotel will be arranged that
accommodates the majority of the group’s flight arrival times. If your flight does not coincide with the group transfer a private transfer will be
arranged at a minimal additional cost. Your adventure begins as you meet the other group participants at a welcome orientation get-together with
Gayle and Janet at 8pm in the hotel meeting room. Meals on own
Thursday April 7th
Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. A group transfer time to the hotel will be arranged that
accommodates the majority of the group’s flight arrival times. If your flight does not coincide with the group transfer a private transfer will be
arranged at a minimal additional cost. Your adventure begins as you meet the other group participants at a welcome orientation get-together with
Gayle and Janet at 8pm in the hotel meeting room. Meals on own
| http://www.arenalspringshotel.com Arenal Springs Resorts individual colonial style cabins offer spectacular volcano views from your private front porch. Its lush tropical gardens and quiet location off the main road makes it a wonderful retreat yet it is not far from the famous Tabacon Hot Springs and the village of La Fortuna, where you have a great choice of restaurants and shops. All cabins have unique garden showers and amenities expected of a hotel of this caliber: a/c, cable TV, coffee maker, refrigerator, security box and hair dryer. There will be plenty of leisure time to enjoy the full service spa and beautiful pools. |
Sun April 10th (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we’ll depart for another fascinating experience within the local community. Today will be a
relaxing, peaceful way of going behind the scenes and being in direct contact with some of the promising
cultural and rescue projects happening in the area. Our day begins at the Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Shelter.
Named “Asis” for the patron saint of nature, the shelter was founded by a locally-famous veterinarian to house
the orphaned and injured animals brought to his practice such as wild boars, birds, crocodiles, kinkajous &
monkeys. We'll learn how injured and abandoned animals are rehabilitated and if possible, released back into their
natural environment. Asis also has educational programs underway to help prevent hunting and poaching of
animals in the surrounding Children’s Rainforest.
You'll meet Hercules, the spider monkey who was chained up as a tourist attraction at a hotel and Perla, a white-
lipped peccary (native wild pig) with a lot of personality! Perla was brought to Proyecto Asis after her mother
was killed by poachers. But the true star of the show is Benjamin, a very curious and absolutely adorable tame
kinkajou who fell from his nest in a tree as a baby.
After our morning with the animals we'll travel back to the town of La Fortuna and enjoy a delicious lunch at a
local restaurant. We should have some time to explore the many shops in La Fortuna before we head back to the
Arenal Springs resort in time for any optional afternoon tours that you may want to enjoy.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. After dinner, Janet will be available for a short group discussion. A time
for you to tell your stories and learn from one another about how the experiences of the past 2 days have
brought you closer to understanding the Nature of Your Soul.
After breakfast we’ll depart for another fascinating experience within the local community. Today will be a
relaxing, peaceful way of going behind the scenes and being in direct contact with some of the promising
cultural and rescue projects happening in the area. Our day begins at the Proyecto Asis Animal Rescue Shelter.
Named “Asis” for the patron saint of nature, the shelter was founded by a locally-famous veterinarian to house
the orphaned and injured animals brought to his practice such as wild boars, birds, crocodiles, kinkajous &
monkeys. We'll learn how injured and abandoned animals are rehabilitated and if possible, released back into their
natural environment. Asis also has educational programs underway to help prevent hunting and poaching of
animals in the surrounding Children’s Rainforest.
You'll meet Hercules, the spider monkey who was chained up as a tourist attraction at a hotel and Perla, a white-
lipped peccary (native wild pig) with a lot of personality! Perla was brought to Proyecto Asis after her mother
was killed by poachers. But the true star of the show is Benjamin, a very curious and absolutely adorable tame
kinkajou who fell from his nest in a tree as a baby.
After our morning with the animals we'll travel back to the town of La Fortuna and enjoy a delicious lunch at a
local restaurant. We should have some time to explore the many shops in La Fortuna before we head back to the
Arenal Springs resort in time for any optional afternoon tours that you may want to enjoy.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. After dinner, Janet will be available for a short group discussion. A time
for you to tell your stories and learn from one another about how the experiences of the past 2 days have
brought you closer to understanding the Nature of Your Soul.
Sat April 9th (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast the group will depart for the Maleku Indigenous Reserve at Margarita, located in the
Los Guatuzos lowlands to spend the day with one of the few indigenous tribes left in Costa Rica.
The malekus at Margarita have opened their hearts and their homes to outsiders and lovingly share
their culture, language and traditions with visitors to their community. In this way, they give us a
glimpse into the roots and heritage of the Costa Rica of the past. Upon arrival at the reserve we will
be greeted with a local drink of “chicha” and a short maleku history and language class. Afterward,
we’ll take a short walk with a maleku guide through a medicinal plant garden where we’ll learn about
maleku medicine and their relationship with the healing aspects of nature. Before our healthy maleku
lunch, we’ll have the chance to practice making some of their beautiful arts and crafts and also have a
bow and arrow class! Our visit will end as we enjoy a presentation depicting some of their ancient
customs and rituals such as their wedding ceremony or man duels. After a full day, we’ll enjoy dinner
at a local restaurant in La Fortuna before returning to the hotel. Evening free.
After breakfast the group will depart for the Maleku Indigenous Reserve at Margarita, located in the
Los Guatuzos lowlands to spend the day with one of the few indigenous tribes left in Costa Rica.
The malekus at Margarita have opened their hearts and their homes to outsiders and lovingly share
their culture, language and traditions with visitors to their community. In this way, they give us a
glimpse into the roots and heritage of the Costa Rica of the past. Upon arrival at the reserve we will
be greeted with a local drink of “chicha” and a short maleku history and language class. Afterward,
we’ll take a short walk with a maleku guide through a medicinal plant garden where we’ll learn about
maleku medicine and their relationship with the healing aspects of nature. Before our healthy maleku
lunch, we’ll have the chance to practice making some of their beautiful arts and crafts and also have a
bow and arrow class! Our visit will end as we enjoy a presentation depicting some of their ancient
customs and rituals such as their wedding ceremony or man duels. After a full day, we’ll enjoy dinner
at a local restaurant in La Fortuna before returning to the hotel. Evening free.
Mon April 11th (Breakfast)
Breakfast included at the hotel. This day is at leisure for you to do whatever you please! Sit back and relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or choose
from a variety of full day or half day tours encompassing a wide range of activities. Lunch and dinner on your own today.
Click on the link to see a list of optional tour activities and costs in the Arenal area.
http://www.arenalvolcanotours/index.htm
Breakfast included at the hotel. This day is at leisure for you to do whatever you please! Sit back and relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or choose
from a variety of full day or half day tours encompassing a wide range of activities. Lunch and dinner on your own today.
Click on the link to see a list of optional tour activities and costs in the Arenal area.
http://www.arenalvolcanotours/index.htm
Tue April 12th (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After an early breakfast we’ll board our bus and head for Monteverde Cloud Forest where we’ll stay for 4
nights. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and then visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, or
Mariposario. This is the area’s original and largest butterfly garden housing more than 50 species of
butterflies. Situated in Cerro Plano, between the town of Santa Elena and the Monteverde Reserve, the
Mariposario offers a biodiversity center, medicinal plant garden, live leaf cutter ant colony, in addition to
four climate-controlled butterfly gardens where visitors can observe some of the most beautiful and
fascinating insects in the Tropics. Visitors always find the leaf cutter ant colony exhibit truly fascinating!
We’ll also discover why cockroaches are actually great neighbors and how jewel scarab beetles can distort
light waves! Enjoy lunch at a local restaurnat and return to our hotel mid afternoon. Enjoy some R&R time
before dinner. Optional evening group discussion time with Janet after our butterfly encounters. We’ll
explore the stages of our own souls metamorphosis from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly!
After an early breakfast we’ll board our bus and head for Monteverde Cloud Forest where we’ll stay for 4
nights. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and then visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, or
Mariposario. This is the area’s original and largest butterfly garden housing more than 50 species of
butterflies. Situated in Cerro Plano, between the town of Santa Elena and the Monteverde Reserve, the
Mariposario offers a biodiversity center, medicinal plant garden, live leaf cutter ant colony, in addition to
four climate-controlled butterfly gardens where visitors can observe some of the most beautiful and
fascinating insects in the Tropics. Visitors always find the leaf cutter ant colony exhibit truly fascinating!
We’ll also discover why cockroaches are actually great neighbors and how jewel scarab beetles can distort
light waves! Enjoy lunch at a local restaurnat and return to our hotel mid afternoon. Enjoy some R&R time
before dinner. Optional evening group discussion time with Janet after our butterfly encounters. We’ll
explore the stages of our own souls metamorphosis from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly!
http://www.hotelsapodorado.com
Nestled on a peaceful mountain slope with views of the Pacific, Hotel Sapo Dorado offers
individual suites with private entrance and a front porch to sit and relax. Enjoy lush gardens
and plenty of walking trails, a bird-watcher's paradise! The trails are reserved for the
exclusive use of the guests and offer a quiet alternative to the trails at the larger reserves. El
Sapo Dorado means 'the Golden Frog' and you can spot the 'arty' frogs on the grounds.
Nestled on a peaceful mountain slope with views of the Pacific, Hotel Sapo Dorado offers
individual suites with private entrance and a front porch to sit and relax. Enjoy lush gardens
and plenty of walking trails, a bird-watcher's paradise! The trails are reserved for the
exclusive use of the guests and offer a quiet alternative to the trails at the larger reserves. El
Sapo Dorado means 'the Golden Frog' and you can spot the 'arty' frogs on the grounds.
Wed April 13th (Breakfast & lunch)
This morning we’re off for a short drive to visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve which sits astride the
Continental Divide. A cloud forest is a special type of rain forest and as the name suggests, is usually engulfed in
clouds with relative high humidity. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is smaller and younger than the Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve and receives only a fraction of the number of people thus offering its visitors quiet trails and
a much more personal intimate experience of the cloud forest. Santa Elena is one of the first community managed
reserves in the country and opened in March 1992. The philosophy of the Reserve is unique in that long term
sustainability is not only a concern of the Reserve, but of the community as a whole. Proceeds from entrance
fees, guided tours and the souvenir shop are either reinvested in the management of the reserve or are channeled to
a local high school to help upgrade technology, and fund courses in environmental education, biology, agriculture,
languages and tourism.
The reserve teems with life, the trails will take you on an amazing journey of discovery through the hanging vines
and vegetation. Mosses, orchids, bromeliads and epiphytes flourish in the trees. Scientists have already recorded
800 tree species, 3000 vascular plant species, more than 400 bird species, 121 mammal species, 140 reptile and
amphibian species, and believe that many other species still await discovery.
A myriad of spectacular birds are found in the reserve and it is well known for its 30 hummingbird species. You
can spot toucans, great green macaws, three-wattled bellbird, the resplendent quetzal, black-faced solitaires and
many other unique bird species. Be on the lookout for howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, red brocket deer,
agoutis, coatimundis, and more plus sloths hanging in the trees. Costa Rica has 6 cat species; all on the
endangered list, ocelots and jaguars are the easiest to spot but are shy and rarely seen. But you can see tarantulas,
thousands of insect species, poison dart frogs, red eyed tree frogs and various other colorful amazing frog
species. This is nature at its finest and offers us the gift of personal renewal as we connect with nature and the
innate wisdom of the earth. If the weather is cooperative, the Arenal lake and volcano are visible off in the distance
to the northeast. We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. Afternoon is free
dinner on your own tonight.
This morning we’re off for a short drive to visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve which sits astride the
Continental Divide. A cloud forest is a special type of rain forest and as the name suggests, is usually engulfed in
clouds with relative high humidity. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is smaller and younger than the Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve and receives only a fraction of the number of people thus offering its visitors quiet trails and
a much more personal intimate experience of the cloud forest. Santa Elena is one of the first community managed
reserves in the country and opened in March 1992. The philosophy of the Reserve is unique in that long term
sustainability is not only a concern of the Reserve, but of the community as a whole. Proceeds from entrance
fees, guided tours and the souvenir shop are either reinvested in the management of the reserve or are channeled to
a local high school to help upgrade technology, and fund courses in environmental education, biology, agriculture,
languages and tourism.
The reserve teems with life, the trails will take you on an amazing journey of discovery through the hanging vines
and vegetation. Mosses, orchids, bromeliads and epiphytes flourish in the trees. Scientists have already recorded
800 tree species, 3000 vascular plant species, more than 400 bird species, 121 mammal species, 140 reptile and
amphibian species, and believe that many other species still await discovery.
A myriad of spectacular birds are found in the reserve and it is well known for its 30 hummingbird species. You
can spot toucans, great green macaws, three-wattled bellbird, the resplendent quetzal, black-faced solitaires and
many other unique bird species. Be on the lookout for howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, red brocket deer,
agoutis, coatimundis, and more plus sloths hanging in the trees. Costa Rica has 6 cat species; all on the
endangered list, ocelots and jaguars are the easiest to spot but are shy and rarely seen. But you can see tarantulas,
thousands of insect species, poison dart frogs, red eyed tree frogs and various other colorful amazing frog
species. This is nature at its finest and offers us the gift of personal renewal as we connect with nature and the
innate wisdom of the earth. If the weather is cooperative, the Arenal lake and volcano are visible off in the distance
to the northeast. We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. Afternoon is free
dinner on your own tonight.
Fri April 15th (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel. This day is yours to do as you please! Take optional tours, explore on your own or just enjoy a peaceful, relaxing day.
Lunch and dinner on your own
This evening Janet will facilitate a final group discussion time as this is our last night in Monteverde.
Breakfast at the hotel. This day is yours to do as you please! Take optional tours, explore on your own or just enjoy a peaceful, relaxing day.
Lunch and dinner on your own
This evening Janet will facilitate a final group discussion time as this is our last night in Monteverde.
| Click on this link for a list of optional tours and general info about Monteverde. http://www.monteverdetours.com/tours/index.htm |
Thurs April 14th (Breakfast & Lunch)
The locals say to learn about coffee is to learn about the history of Costa Rica! If you are a coffee lover this morning will be a highlight for you.
Mid morning we are off for a short tour of a coffee farm. Costa Rican coffee is some of the world’s best due to the rich volcanic soil, the
altitude of over 4,000 feet, and the ideal tropical climate of Costa Rica. The Don Juan Coffee Tour takes you to a working coffee farm and offers
an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and Costa Rican folklore. You will learn about the history, cultivation, and operation of a
functioning coffee “beneficio.” You’ll hand pick some coffee beans yourself and take a ride in the farm’s ox-drawn cart. There will be snacks to
sample. and of course, lots of delicious Costa Rican Don Juan Coffee. There is a gift shop with lots of coffee type gifts and you can purchase
Don Juan coffee to take home with you. We’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for you
to enjoy optional activities. Dinner on own.
The locals say to learn about coffee is to learn about the history of Costa Rica! If you are a coffee lover this morning will be a highlight for you.
Mid morning we are off for a short tour of a coffee farm. Costa Rican coffee is some of the world’s best due to the rich volcanic soil, the
altitude of over 4,000 feet, and the ideal tropical climate of Costa Rica. The Don Juan Coffee Tour takes you to a working coffee farm and offers
an interesting opportunity to learn about coffee and Costa Rican folklore. You will learn about the history, cultivation, and operation of a
functioning coffee “beneficio.” You’ll hand pick some coffee beans yourself and take a ride in the farm’s ox-drawn cart. There will be snacks to
sample. and of course, lots of delicious Costa Rican Don Juan Coffee. There is a gift shop with lots of coffee type gifts and you can purchase
Don Juan coffee to take home with you. We’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for you
to enjoy optional activities. Dinner on own.
Sun April 17th (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the Hotel. Private guide transfer to Juan Sta Maria Airport. Return to the USA and your home city after a magical adventure within
the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Taking with you wonderful memories, many new like-minded friends and a deeper connection to the divine place
within yourself that is The True Nature of Your Soul. Welcome Home!
Yes, I'm interested in the Costa Rica trip!
Breakfast at the Hotel. Private guide transfer to Juan Sta Maria Airport. Return to the USA and your home city after a magical adventure within
the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Taking with you wonderful memories, many new like-minded friends and a deeper connection to the divine place
within yourself that is The True Nature of Your Soul. Welcome Home!
Yes, I'm interested in the Costa Rica trip!
Sat April 16th (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. We’ll begin our drive back to San Jose to spend our final night in Costa
Rica. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch and have some time to stretch our legs and explore the colorful towns
of Grecia and Sarchi. The famous Sarchi Village, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO is known as the
center of Costa Rican handicrafts where they make the famous colorful oxcarts or carreta. The oxcarts even
became a status symbol and the tradition of painting and decorating them with a particular design would identify
which part of the country the driver was from. The metal church in the Grecia Village park was originally
imported from Belgium and was transported by oxcarts to its present day location.
This evening we’ll enjoy a private farewell group dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. We’ll begin our drive back to San Jose to spend our final night in Costa
Rica. Along the way we’ll stop for lunch and have some time to stretch our legs and explore the colorful towns
of Grecia and Sarchi. The famous Sarchi Village, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO is known as the
center of Costa Rican handicrafts where they make the famous colorful oxcarts or carreta. The oxcarts even
became a status symbol and the tradition of painting and decorating them with a particular design would identify
which part of the country the driver was from. The metal church in the Grecia Village park was originally
imported from Belgium and was transported by oxcarts to its present day location.
This evening we’ll enjoy a private farewell group dinner at the hotel.
