TGIAF thank god it’s almost friday
Greetings from Costa Rica Deanna!
Thank you for your request. We have an attractive package among the Caribbean Coast. This will be a tour just for both of you. We are not offering private transportation but we will give you all transportation by air-conditioned van from one place to the other and all the services detailed below. Thank you for your request and I hope you will visit Costa Rica with us.
Day 2 B. L. D.
Aerial Tram
Almonds and Corals Lodge
Get ready for a day of exploration as you set off after breakfast to visit one of the world’s most unique attractions –the Aerial Tram-. Begin with a nature walk along the trails of the rain forest then board the Aerial Tram to glide through the jungle canopy and float above this flourishing jungle. This area is filled with lush tropical vegetation and gives visitors an up-close look at this dramatic, indispensable part of the Earth. This afternoon you’ll head towards the Caribbean Ocean and the one of a kind Almonds and Corals Lodge Tented Camp. Lunch and dinner are included at Almonds & Corals.
Day 3 B.L.D
Natura Park
Of the estimated Indigenous people in Costa Rica, 65-75% live in Talamanca, the most rugged area of the country. This were always their domains, but they used to inhabit the lower lands also, although they were pushed to what today is their Indigenous Reserve. In Talamanca we have the Bribris, the Cabecar and the Guaymies indigenous groups. They all speak different languages and they do not mix to much in between.
Just 30 mts from Almonds & Corals a trail –like a secret passage- will take you into the forest, surrounded by the singing of the crested –mandibled toucan or the mealy parrot and the bay wrens and many other signs of dozens of tropical birds, here the frog’s land, awaits you. Just in the middle of the forest, we have created special conditions so that you can see the poison frogs, which live in this area. Surrounded by beautiful bromeliad and water as complement for their habitat, you will be able to see three different frog species, among them the green frog of Dendrobates aurats and the red frog of Dendrobates pumilio.
While immersed in the forest, suddenly you will find the Indigenous Village… a conic thatch big hut all the way to the floor, “the USURE”, where the chief of the clan used to live, now it is used as ceremonial place. Our tour guide will give us an explanation of the meaning of the different constructions, and he will tell us about their traditions. A little bit further you will find the Resting House. This building does not have walls, just a palm roof and hammocks hanging from the columns. This is an OROWE. Lay down and breathe the humid air of the jungle. After this you will see “ El rancho de piso” that means the floored hut, where the families live. Here you will be able to see the materials they use for pieces and handcrafts including furniture made of wood with animal forms, unique of this culture, and finally, the House of Handcrafts where you can purchase these very original souvenirs.
To end this interesting tour, the Medicinal Botanic Garden. During our human life, Mother Nature has provided us with the necessary elements for dressing, food and medicines. Indigenous people have inherited a lot of experience in medicinal plants and we have a botanical garden, which will let you learn about some of the plants used as medicine at the Talamanca high lands. The Afro Caribbean people also use these plants. You will find the lemon grass tea, which is used as a stimulant. It has essential oil. Properties: appetite and digestion stimulant.
It will be an unforgettable experience for you, don’t lose this visit.
Day 4 B.L.D.
Dolphins and Kayaking
Almonds & Corals Lodge Tented Camp
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out to Manzanillo where you’ll spend an exciting morning searching for dolphins!! You will be leaving in a wooden canoe. Patience is the name of the game as you observe the ocean and wait the chance for a dolphin encounter.
Guides will point out the various dolphin species as you remain within a couple of meters of them. After lunch at the Tented Camp you’ll head to Punta Uva Creek where you’ll have the opportunity for bird watching, observation of reptiles and plants on a river kayaking or snorkeling observation. This evening is free for relaxing at the Tented Camp.
Day 5 B.L.D
Crazy Monkey Canopy Ride
La Quinta de Sarapiqui
Come to Almonds & Corals and feel your adrenaline rising up in your body, come and get on “The Crazy Monkey Canopy Ride”. Experience watching the jungle from the top of the trees in our canopy cable system of ten platforms and ride amongst the forest till you get your feet on the golden sand beach!! Here is where the jungle meets the ocean.
Our guides will take care of you and they will keep you safe all the time. This is a great place for magnificent views from the tree tops while you are on the platform and also walking in our bridges in some of the tracks. This is an opportunity to see the jungle from another perspective and surely you will have the chance to watch some wildlife from above and your guide can tell you about the different species that might appear, but even more amazing it will be to see the Natura Park from above where an aborigine family lives in a very traditional way with the typical thatch buildings.
10:00am Transfer to La Quinta de Sarapaiqui
After lunch at la Quinta de Sarapiqui, your destination is the Sarapiqui River for a thrilling afternoon of rafting on the Sarapiqui River. Be prepared to get wet!! Dinner and overnight.
Day 6 B.L.D.
La Quinta de Sarapiqui
La Selva Biological Station
After breakfast head out for a fascinating morning visit to La Selva Biological Station, set up by the Organization for Tropical Studies. Home to an abundance of birds, tree and reptile species, this research station is the perfect place to learn more about Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna. Then it’s back to La Quinta for lunch and an afternoon biking tour to the area. This evening you’ll feast at a BBQ by the swimming pool.
Day 7 B.L.D
Tabacon Hot Spring
Volcano Lodge or similar
Today you will visit the Tabacon Hot Spring nested at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Here you can relax and enjoy a relaxing swim in the warm thermal waters of the volcanic pools. This afternoon you’ll be transferred to your accommodation to spend the night. The evening is free at the Lodge.
Day 8 B
Return to San Jose
Today you are transferred back to San Jose. The hotel in San Jose is included in this package.
- Includes:
All transportation
All meals for 7 days (7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners)
2 nights at a San Jose hotel
Aerial Tram Tour
3 nights lodging at Almonds and Corals Lodge
Searching for dolphins tour
Canopy Tour
Visit to Natura Park
Kayaking in the Punta Uva Creek
2 nights at La Quinta de Sarapiqui
Visit to La Selva Biological Station
Sarapiqui River white water rafting
1 night at Volcano Lodge Arenal (or similar)
One day at El Tabacon Resort facilities
Wow! That sounds great. I’m definitely jealous. WHo are you going with?? Have a great time!! You deserve the fun in the sun. :0)
yes. I am getting more excited by the minute.
I am going with my boss…she’s super cool and mellow and we were talking about vacations a few months back and decided we would be cool travel buddies. She’s a year younger than me and although her liver is a bit stronger and more resilient than mine, she’s a fucking trip. We’re also both the same height so we are excited to see the local response (and hopefully some trepidation for safety’s sake) to our amazoniousness.
Have an awesome time, not that you need my encouragement with such a great trip planned. Don’t lose this visit!
ahhaha
I have to tell you the funniest thing about you highlighting that last line:
Our original outline said “don’t loose this visit” and I corrected it in the final copy. It was literally the only editing error on the whole thing, and one of my biggest pet peeves—right up there with definitely and people’s mis-spelling “definately”.
it will be awesome. I am very excited!!!
Re: ahhaha
actually no, I lied. it is certainly far and away NOT the only editing error, but the one that annoyed me the most.
Ah well. When I called their offices the first time I was speaking like an idiot because I don’t speak spanish and didn’t know what to say.
Shit that trip looks like it is gonna be amazing! You deserve it, Francis. I am really happy for you. XOXO
thanks friskine.
i am excited too. it’s amazing how fast it came up! this time next saturday i will be prepping to leave!!!
🙂
Ha.
This time next Saturday I’ll be working 60 hours a week (until June 30th) to make up all of the hours I owe for my Research Assistantship and Book Distribution jobs, plus teaching (2x a week), plus finishing 2 “Incompletes” from the past academic year.
At least one of us will be having fun.
oh no. does this mean i have to wait until july to see you?
that just stinks!!!! I’m sorry friskalina.
there’s only one grade posted for me yet on my thingy. and it’s an A. The other two will most likely be some form of a B.
YAY!
No, it means that you get to see me in June if you’re willing to come here, but if you want me to go there, then yes, it probably won’t be until at least July.
Congratulations on your A! Re: “The other two will most likely be some form of a B” —->
Don’t be so sure…maybe your other 2 grades will pleasantly surprise you. 😉 I know how hard you worked, and I am proud of you.
I am still waiting for my package, too, but I know you’re busy.
XO
bleh. I suspect the other two are B’s. But it’s hard to say. I would be unpleasantly surprised if one were a C+ (from that late film project) and a B in the other class, but you never know.
I’ll know by the 21st since that’s when they do graduation stuff.
I keel myself over the package. I am not going to tell you when I send it so you get surprised but it will either arrive while I am away or just before I leave.
ps
I told you I would come so I’m coming.