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September 11 - 19, 2008

Caribbean Wonders integrates the things we love most: personal health, environmental sustainability, natural wonders and cultural exploration of Costa Rica. Featuring daily yoga**, two indigenous reserve visits, several natural adventures by foot and by water, and a stay at our own Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education, this innovative tour provides an excellent balance between action and immersion, with enough rest to send you home feeling invigorated.

**Yoga and activity sessions are always optional and there will always be a beautiful setting to enjoy if you're not in the mood for a stretch.

Announcing Our NEW Caribbean Wonders Tour

Who joins this group?
How do I get to Costa Rica?
What is the cost?


	September 11-19, 2008 Register for this tour

Caribbean Sunset

Caribbean Wonders Tour Itinerary

Land Cost: $1800

Day 1:
An early flight gets you into Costa Rica by mid-day with time to head directly to the beautiful Caribbean coast. The drive takes us through Costa Rica’s largest national park: Braulio Carillo National Park. Enjoy our first exposure to the rainforest as we pass giant elephant ear plants and waterfalls along the road. Near the coast we drive through a veritable ocean of banana plantations before we reach the port city of Limon. From Limon we head directly south to the Puerto Viejo area – our home base for the next several days.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Day 2:
Start the day with an early yoga session at our lodge. Then we go to the nearby Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve where a native guide shares with us the culture and customs of the Bribri People. We learn of the many ways that the BriBri utilize and protect the resources of this secondary rainforest, beginning with a visit to their Iguana Farm. After a fascinating two-hour walk, we return to the village community center and learn from our hosts about some of their history and current day projects. A delicious native lunch is served in typical style with many ingredients harvested from their understory gardens. In the afternoon we relax at Punta Uva, one of Costa Rica's most breathtaking beaches, where the rainforest practically pours into the sea.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Day 3:
Early morning yoga takes place at the lodge. Then we prepare for our two day adventure at Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education. A local guide will take us through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge where the path travels from the beach into the jungle. Our guide will show us the wonders of his ‘backyard’ while explaining the medicinal and edible uses of many of the trees, fruits and plants along the way. We arrive at Punta Mona where we experience firsthand an exercise in sustainable living. Most food is harvested from our extensive organic gardens with more than 150 varieties of fruit trees. Energy comes from solar panels and the buildings are built with wood from nearby fallen trees. After dinner, meet with members of the community to learn more about the current and future projects of Punta Mona. After nightfall, walk the beach in total darkness in search of nesting leatherback turtles, some of which weigh over one thousand pounds! (March-June)
Overnight: Punta Mona Center for Sustainable Living and Education

Day 4:
Spend the day enjoying the incredible beauty of Punta Mona: practice yoga, swim, relax, and gather local fruits and vegetables for our night's feast. Tour the gardens and learn about permaculture -- the philosophy and methodology that inspired the design of the farm. A variety of workshops will be offered throughout the day; possibilities include music, dance, yoga, Spanish, gardening, and Caribbean cooking. are available for private beachside sessions. Option to return to Puerto Viejo by boat in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Punta Mona or Puerto Viejo

Punta Uva Beach

Day 5:
Enjoy another leisurely day of yoga, hammocks, surf and fun at Punta Mona or Puerto Viejo. On the boat returning from Punta Mona, look for some of the three species of dolphins that live right off shore. Later visit an organic chocolate 'factory' hidden away on a jungle trail and learn (and taste!) more about the production of this rainforest treat. Enjoy a delicious dinner in Puerto Viejo and check out the reggae and salsa clubs if you like.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Day 6:
Today's tour takes us to an indigenous community where we get to know community members and learn about the issues that they face. Highland communities were devastated by flooding this winter and are still recovering. They also recently won a battle to protect their lands from oil exploration. We can participate in a community service project to assist our new friends. Return to Puerto Viejo in the evening for our last night on the Caribbean.
Overnight: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Day 7:
Early in the morning we go to the banks of the nearby Pacuare River for an unforgettable day of white water rafting on class III and IV rapids. This scenic and famous river runs through lush jungle and majestic gorges; beautiful waterfalls cascade into the river alongside the rafts. We stop on the riverside for an excellent lunch and appreciate the fact that this is still a thriving ecosystem thanks to strong local advocates who stopped a dam project here in 2004. After a thrilling day of rafting, we drive to the Northern lowlands where we spend the night in a family-run spa with natural hot springs. Unwind in the luxuriously warm waters after an action-packed day.
Overnight: Ciudad Quesada area

Day 8:
Enjoy the morning at the hot springs and watch the many colorful birds hop from tree to tree. Stretch near the water with a gentle yoga class. Relax after an exhilarating week of adventure, and return to the San Jose area in the afternoon. Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum, or shopping for souvenirs in the open air markets. We will gather for a special farewell dinner at a typical Costa Rican restaurant with a spectacular view of the San Jose area.
Overnight: San Jose

Day 9:
Individuals will depart throughout the day.

Board your plane with warm memories of your Costa Rican adventures that will surely last a lifetime!

Caribbean Wonders FAQs

Q. Who joins this group?
A. Caribbean Wonders is open to interested people of all ages. This trip is perfect for anyone who is looking for an active adventure in Costa Rica while traveling in a community setting. Travelers should be in reasonably good shape, and should anticipate a mild to moderately challenging outdoor experience. Each trip will accept no more than 20 travelers.

Q. How do I get to Costa Rica?
A. You will need to book your flights to arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) by 12:00 noon on the first day of the tour. Most people plan to arrive the day or two beforehand. If you do this, we would be happy to make a reservation for you at the Hotel Don Carlos with the rest of the early arrivals. The cost of the hotel is not included in the price of the tour. You can depart anytime on the last day of the tour. Regardless of when you arrive, we will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Transfers back to the airport are also included.

Q. What is the cost?
A. The all-inclusive land package cost is $1800. This includes all accommodations, meals, ground transportation, yoga classes, activities, guides. It does not include alcoholic beverages, incidentals, souvenirs, tips and gratuities and the $26 airport departure tax.