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May 6 -
13, 2006
Highlights and Guest Itinerary
May 6: Pura Vida – Costa Rica!!!
Arrival at San Jose International Airport where you will be
warmly greeted by your transfer guide. No special activities
have been planned for today so that you can travel at a time
most convenient for you. Overnight Hotel
Bougainvillea. (TG)
May 7: A Special Place!
After an orientation breakfast with Mary Palenica your Walking
Connection host and Jorge Jara your Naturalist Guide, depart
for a morning’s drive to Monteverde. Monteverde is a
peaceful community made up of dairy farmers, naturalists and
tourism service providers who have joined together to create
a model for sustainable development and protection of the
environment that is becoming known throughout the world.
Founded in 1954 by a group of Quakers searching
for a peaceful place to live, it is the home of Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve, the Children's Eternal Rain Forest,
and the Santa Elena Reserve. We arrive in time for lunch at
our new home for the next two days, Monteverde Lodge and Gardens,
nestled high in the Tilaran Mt. Range, in the Cloud Forest.
After dining, we will take a short walk to the Ecological
Farm, accessible by a trail across a ravine from the Lodge.
This small private reserve provides the chance
to see flora, birds and mammals. Return for an evening Stretch
Class before dinner. The evening is yours to enjoy a stroll
through the beautiful Gardens, sit by the fire, or relax in
the Jacuzzi. The choice is yours, it’s your time.
Overnight at Monteverde
Lodge. (BLD) (NG)
May 8: We’re off to the Cloud Forest!
Optional reflective time in the garden before breakfast. Followed
by a morning walk on a trail in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Reserve accompanied by your Costa Rican guide. Originally
just 4,000 acres, the Monteverde Reserve now protects an area
of approximately 25,000 acres, comprising six different life
zones. So many habitats in such a small area, along with extensive
trail improvements, allow visitors to enjoy a rich diversity
of flora and fauna.
Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon
we will visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden with time to
see some of the local galleries. Return for an evening Stretch
Class before dinner and a night all your own.
Overnight at Monteverde
Lodge. (BLD)(NG)
May 9: From the Mountains to the Beach!
After breakfast, depart from Monteverde to the Central Pacific
Coast area. Arrive at the exclusive Villa
Caletas, whose design is influenced by the charm of
French-colonial architecture and Victorian homes still found
in San José. Your every comfort has been considered
while you are surrounded by the authentic and nostalgic atmosphere
of the hotel. VILLA CALETAS combines the truly unique concept
of both mountain and seaside resort. Its location and design
offer seaside breezes along with the mountains’ air
freshness.
We will enjoy lunch on the terrace located
on a jungle hilltop, overlooking a beautiful coastline, while
the breathtaking views bring the country to life. From each
side of the mountain, rain forests spread to the sandy, quiet
beaches below. The dark, emerald green of this wild, native
vegetation contrasts with the blues of the Pacific Ocean.
Afternoon visit to the Villa Lapas Sky Way,
a series of natural trails and hanging bridges throughout
a rain forest of hundred year old trees. On our return there
will be time to enjoy a Spa Treatment followed by one of the
most magnificent sunsets as Mary leads you through gentle
stretches.
Overnight at Villa
Caletas. (BLD) (NG)
May 10: In Search of Scarlet Macaws!
Morning visit to Carara National Reserve a region of mountain
ranges, marshes, meanders, forests, swamps, rivers and ravines.
Despite the fact that the reserve is small, remote and frequently
visited by poachers, it houses a very diverse wildlife. Over
100 pairs of scarlet macaws, perhaps the most beautiful birds
on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, live and nest in the forests.
The reserve also provides shelter for howler and white-faced
capuchin monkeys which play in the branches overhead.
Afternoon will be “you time”. At
the bottom of the mountain, our accommodations offer its own
private beach to enjoy. Or relax where serenity reigns at
the deep-blue pool with an "infinity" edge that
creates the illusion of being one with the ocean. Then of
course there is the spa…Overnight at Villa Caletas.
(BLD) (NG)
May 11: Do you know the way to San Jose?
After breakfast, depart for the outskirts of San Jose. Arrive
at Xandari
Plantation with spacious private villas on a 40 acre
coffee and fruit plantation overlooking Costa Rica's Central
Valley. The natural beauty of Costa Rica combines with stunning
and original architecture. This combination is the perfect
setting for your rejuvenation.
Xandari's palm-roofed Spa Village is reminiscent of an indigenous
pueblo set amidst waterfalls and gardens. The highlight of
Xandari Spa Village: Treatments and relaxation in your own
private jalapa (palm-roofed pavilion), each with its own jacuzzi
perched on the rim of this tropical paradise with an inspiring
view of the Central Valley of Costa Rica below.
Overnight at Xandari
Plantation. (BLD) (NG)
May 12: One More Day for You!
Another day to enjoy the plantation. Over 4-kilometers of
scenic trails through coffee and fruit orchards lead into
a lush natural tropical setting with a year-round river and
five beautiful waterfalls. Fruits, vegetables and herbs from
the plantation's gardens complement Xandari's health-conscious
specialty dishes. Add to this the warm personal attention
of a dedicated staff... and it's simply paradise. You won’t
want to leave! Evening Farewell Dinner.
Overnight at Xandari
Plantation. (BLD)
May 13: ‘Til Next Time!
Transfer to international airport at least three hours prior
to the departure time for your flight out of the country.
(B) (TG)
Extend Your Stay! We know you are not going
to want to leave this beautiful country. Ask us about an optional
extension to Tortuguero on the Caribbean side!
Our
Itinerary is TENTATIVE! - You are on a tentative
itinerary that is subject to change. We are all at the mercy
of Mother Nature and varying weather conditions that affect
roads, flights, rivers, etc. not to mention the human factor.
Be patient and calm. Slow down! Learn! Enjoy!
Letter
Codes: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (LG) Local Guide
(NG) Naturalist Guide (TG) Transfer Guide
On-line
Reservations
Print Reservation Form
The Walking
Connection is proud of our association with Costa Rica
Expeditions, Costaricaexpeditions.com, Jorje Jara, Michael
Kaye, Selena Solis, Natalie Ewing, Monteverde Lodge, Montana
del Feugo Hotel, Xandari Plantation, and Villa Coletas
along with Walking Connection hosts Jo Ann Taylor and
Mary Palenica to bring you this exciting Costa Rican luxury
spa vacation, walking tour and hiking adventure.
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