Costa Rica Naturally offers custom guided family friendly eco trips and tours to tropical rain forest vacation resorts for bird and wildlife watching, golf, fishing and boating

P.O. Box G • 30 Pine Hill Ave.
Duxbury, MA 02331
Phone: (781) 934-5200
Toll Free: (800) 230-3826
Fax: (781) 934-8134
info@costaricanaturally.com

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COSTA RICA PHOTO EXPEDITION
FEBRUARY 18 - 26, 2012

Leaders of the Expedition:
Peggy Connors, APLD - Naturalist and Tour Designer
Rich Pomerantz - Photographer
Costa Rican Naturalist Guide, also local guides

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Day 01	SAT, FEB 18. ARRIVAL
	Meet and greet at the SAN JOSE airport. Airport shuttle to the hotel
19:00	Meet your local guide at the welcome dinner held at the hotel restaurant
	*Flight information:* Your own arrangements. Overnight at hotel with lush gardens located on the hills outside the main city. Dinner included
Day 02	SUN, FEB 19. SAN JOSE
	Breakfast at the hotel
8:00	Pick up at the hotel lobby for a scenic photo opportunity while scouting the city of San Jose. We will stop at the main landmark buildings and walk on the main pedestrian boulevard until we reach the National Theater - a beautiful opera house built in 1897. Lunch at a local restaurant.
15:00	INBioparque, conveniently located within minutes from the hotel, is our one-stop introduction to all of Costa Rica, offering an interactive experience through its ecological park and leading visitors along a series of trails with representations of different types of Costa Rican forest: Rainforest, Pre-Mountainous Forest, Wetlands and Dry Forest. From a safe distance, observe its residents including poison dart frogs, butterflies, iguanas, sloths, caimans, birds, turtles and snakes, among many others. Other interesting and popular stops along the tour are the stations with orchids, heliconias, bromeliads, a small working farm and the medicinal and herbal gardens. Overnight at hotel with lush gardens located on the hills outside the main city. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own.
Day 03	MON, FEB 20. DOTA
	Breakfast with the group and your guides.
7:45	Pick up at the hotel lobby for a land transfer to the Dota Valley, one of the highest elevations in the country. We will make a one-hour stop at the Central Market in San Jose downtown for unique chances to photograph the colorful vegetables and fruits.
12:00	Lunch and short hike in the afternoon in the search of the magnificent and rare Resplendent Quetzal. Bird watching is one of our main attractions. More than 170 species are regularly seen here, and many migratory species arrive throughout the year, creating a shifting paradise of colors for visiting bird and photo enthusiasts. The list is crowned by the magnificent quetzal, which lives here year round. Driving time: 3.5 hrs. on paved road. Winding section through the mountains. Overnight at a family-run mountain hotel with tropical gardens attracting lots of hummingbirds. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 04	TUE, FEB 21. SAN VITO
	Breakfast with the group and your guides.
8:00	Pick up at the hotel lobby for a land transfer to San Vito area Lunch and optional short hike in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful plants and birds. Driving time: 3 hrs. on paved road. Winding section through the mountains, orchards and small villages. Overnight at the facilities of a biological station famous for its botanical collection in gardens Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 05	WED, FEB 22. SAN VITO
	Breakfast with the group and your guides.
8:00	Morning local-guided hike into the trails of famous Wilson Botanical Gardens. There are several excellent walks through the gardens, and a river leading to a small waterfall. Whether you are just out for a stroll, or intent on learning the scientific names of every tree and flower you might encounter later in a National Park. Color-coded signs lead you along well maintained paths through plantings of related species on the Heliconia loop, the Bromeliad walk, the tree fern hill trail and fern gully, the bamboo forest, and the orchid garden loop. The jewel of the gardens is the collection of palms (over 700 species) from all over the world. Lunch and optional short hike in the afternoon in the search of tropical flowers, plants and bird life. Overnight at the facilities of a biological station famous for its botanical collection in gardens Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 06	THU, FEB 23. GOLFITO
	Breakfast with the group and your guides.
9:00	Pick up for a land transfer to Golfito, a seaside area surrounded by thousands of acres of untouched wilderness. It is a retreat for nature lovers wishing to experience the sounds and sights of a tropical rainforest in a tranquil, undisturbed atmosphere. Lunch and optional short hike in the afternoon into the rainforest, or simply enjoy the swimming pool. Driving time: 2 hrs. on paved road. Winding section through the mountains, coffee and banana plantations. Overnight at a rainforest lodge located inside a national park. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 07	FRI, FEB 24. GOLFITO
	Breakfast with the group and your guides.
8:00	We drive through the rainforest to the town of Golfito. The motorboat ride up the beautiful coast of Golfo Dulce is an unforgettable experience, passing by uninhabited beaches surrounded by pristine rainforest. Dolphins are often seen in these waters. In an hour we reach isolated Casa Orquideas. The Macallisters have lived here since the 1970's and created a botanical garden full of colourful tropical trees and exotic plants including many species of orchids. After the visit, we have ample time for a swim and a picnic lunch on the sandy beach before returning to Golfito and the lodge. Overnight at a rainforest lodge located inside a national park Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 08	SAT, FEB 25. SAN JOSE
	Breakfast with the group and your guides.
8:00	Pick up at the lodge lobby to go back to San Jose by land making a stop en route at the Manuel Antonio National Park for a short hike to enjoy the squirrels monkeys, coatis, birds, sloth, agoutis, reptiles and common mammals on their easy-to-walk trails. Lunch at a local restaurant.
19:00	Farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight at a pleasant Costarican hacienda-style airport resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 09	SUN, FEB 26. ADIOS COSTA RICA!
	Breakfast at the hotel. Shuttle back to the SAN JOSE international airport to catch the flight back home, or join the extension to Tortuguero. *Flight information:* Your own arrangements Breakfast included.

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¡¡¡ BUEN VIAJE !!!
(Please remember that Airport departure tax is $28.00 per person)

While this itinerary presents the trip as planned, actual details may vary due to weather, special events, unforeseen circumstances, or new and better options that become available. We always strive to optimize the tour and your vacation experience.

Important notes:

Pick up times are approximate. Confirmed pickup time to be determined later.
Luggage restriction of 40 lbs per person on the domestic flights, and boat rides.
Price based on a private departure with 6 people traveling at the same time. If number of people changes, price will be re quoted.
Airport shuttles quoted as if everyone takes different inbound/outbound flights.
Price includes A/C motor coach and driver expenses from day 1 to day 8.
Price includes the expenses and salary of a naturalist guide, sharing facilities with a driver, from day 1 to day 8. Also 2 tour leaders, Rich Pomerantz, Photographer and Peggy Connors, Tour Designer.
Local guides will guide us at each destination.
Radio communication with the motor coach and full operational support services by Horizontes.
First aid kit, cooler with ice, water and refreshments in the motor coach.
Meals included as per itinerary.

Price does not include:

Personal expenses such as laundry service, liquor, phone calls.
Alcoholic beverages of any kind.
Airport departure tax (currently US$ 28.00 per person).
Meals, snacks and others not specified.
Tips or gratuities for maids, bellboys, and all local guides while in the program.
International airfare.

Following prices are in USD $ per person:

	Paying Participants
Occupancy	6-7	8-9	10-12	Comments For All
Double Room	$2520	$2330	$2190	Price per person in USD $
Single Room	$2900	$2710	$2560	All non-smoking rooms w/1-2 beds

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TORTUGUERO EXTENSION
FEB 26-29, 2012

Tortuguero is an island located on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica and also one of the 27 National parks. There are no cars on this peaceful Island and all transportation is by boat. Our small boat trips, with local naturalist guides, will take us out on the lagoons and mangroves to discover many beautiful shore birds, plant life and crocodiles. Here we can experiment with our new photographic skills acquired in the earlier part of the adventure. (Rich Pomerantz will not accompany us on this part of the trip.) Come if you can...this is totally different from the Costa Rica you experienced on the mainland.

Day 01	SUN, FEB 26. TORTUGUERO
6:00	Shuttle to a San Jose downtown hotel to meet your local guide for these days.
6:30	Pick up at the hotel lobby for a shuttle land transfer to Cano Blanco and boat tour to Tortuguero.
13:00	Check-in and lunch followed by a short hike to the small village and the turtle museum. Overnight at a jungle lodge next to a lagoon. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 02	MON, FEB 27. TORTUGUERO
	Early morning and late afternoon boat tours into the canals to get a closer view of the wildlife, including crocodiles and shore birds (some of which migrate to the Northeast parts of the US). Rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities or exploring the trails on your own. Overnight at a jungle lodge next to a lagoon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 03	TUE, FEB 28. SAN JOSE
6:15	Pick up at the lobby for the boat ride to the local airstrip.
7:00	Domestic flight Tortuguero - San Jose.
8:00	Shuttle from the San Jose domestic terminal to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities or simply taking optional tours at an additional cost. Overnight at a pleasant Costarican hacienda-style airport resort. Breakfast included.
Day 04	WED, FEB 29. ADIOS COSTA RICA!
	Breakfast at the hotel. Shuttle back to the SAN JOSE international airport to catch the flight back home. Breakfast included.

Following is the price in USD $ per person in twin occupancy: USD $ 890.00
Following is the price in USD $ per person in single occupancy: USD $ 990.00

Click here to register

Important notes:

Meals included as per itinerary.
MINIMUM of traveling pax: 4 people going to Tortuguero. If number of people changes, price will be re quoted. If less people, service charge fee for tour leader will be considered instead.
40 lbs. only of luggage. Extra can be stored safely at Horizontes office.

Price does not include:

Personal expenses such as laundry service, liquor, phone calls.
Alcoholic beverages of any kind.
Airport departure tax (currently US $28.00 per person).
Meals, snacks and others not specified.
Tips or gratuities for maids, bellboys, and all local guides while in the program.

Note: If single person wants a roommate for Tortuguero Extension or Main Photo Expedition, every effort will be made to find one of the same sex. If not available, single supplement quoted above will be charged.

About our Tour Leaders

Peggy Connors APLD founded Costa Rica Naturally! in 1994 after visiting and falling in love with Costa Rica. She leads nature trips and designs custom eco trips for individuals and small groups to this biologically diverse country. Connors is president and founder of Connors Landscape Design, Inc, a landscape consulting and design firm. She is a graduate of Simmons College and The Landscape Institute of Boston Architectural College. Connors is co-founder and past president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), having more than 1500 members internationally. Connors says "Costa Rica is a tropical paradise of ecological diversity--- plants with lush foliage and colorful flowers abound with butterflies and 850 species of birds, which make this a photographers delight".

Rich Pomerantz's photography has appeared in many books and gardening, travel and shelter magazines, including National Geographic for Kids, Traditional Home, Horticulture and Organic Gardening as well as in White Flower Farm catalogues and in advertisements worldwide.

Rich looks for the essential elements to translate the view in front of him into beautiful, compelling imagery. Rich has taught garden photography at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the NY Botanical Gardens and the Berkshire Botanical Gardens, and portrait photography through many venues as well. He also offers workshops at his studio. His blog was named by Horticulture Magazine as one of 2011’s best gardening blogs.

Rich has three books: Great Gardens of the Berkshires, Hudson River Valley Farms and Wild Horses of the Dunes.

Rich works out of a studio he built next to his home in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

Rich Pomerantz's workshop participants typically rave about his teaching and his critiques. Rich explains the mechanics of photography, the art of photography and the emotional "why" of photography very clearly, and he loves to help his students understand all three. The result is clear vision and the ability to help your camera become a part of your brain; an essential step to improving your photography. Rich looks at your photographs and sees why you made them and helps you understand how to make them better, or different, or what you intended. He works one-on-one with you while you are shooting and isn't satisfied unless you are.

Visit Rich's website, email him or call him at (860)355-3356.

About the Weather:

Expect blue skies and temperatures in the seventies, warmer and more humid at the coast and cooler at night. February is the middle of the dry season, so rainfall is very rare at this time. But, bring a poncho and be prepared for rain, especially in the rain forest. Sun rises about 5:45AM and sets about 5:45PM.

Hotels:

Adding on Time:

If guests are interested in coming early or staying later, please contact Peggy Connors at 781-934-5200. She will give you suggestions and make your reservations for you.

We hope you can join us on this very special adventure to spectacular Costa Rica. We are sure it will be PURA VIDA! For more information, please call our office or email us.

Warm regards,
Peggy Connors, President
Costa Rica Naturally!

Additional Notes

PHYSICAL FITNESS: All participants should be in good physical condition and be able to walk on uneven terrain. All of the places we stay have comfortable places where one can relax instead of taking a scheduled hike. Please call our office if concerned about physical capabilities and/or consult your personal physician for a professional opinion.

WEATHER in March is sunny and dry, with temperatures in the seventies in the Central Valley, warmer and somewhat humid at the coast, and cooler at night.

ENGLISH is widely spoken by the people who are warm and hospitable in this safe democracy. All the guides speak fluent English (and most are college educated).

HIKES & ACTIVITIES are optional. If you feel like taking a siesta in the hammock or swimming in the pool, be our guest...this is your vacation. If you want more activity, you can take early morning or late day hikes.

SHOPPING for local treasures: All of our lodges and hotels have nice gift shops with an array of local crafts and hand made objects for presents and mementos. Jewelry, wooden pieces, painted folk art, banana paper products, coffee as well as tee shirts are readily available.

COMFORT is the operative word on our journey. From our roomy air conditioned van, driven by an experienced driver, to the spotless hotels and rooms all with hot running water, private baths, special amenities, to the total handling of your luggage. We want your journey to be as hassle-free and relaxing as possible.

ECO TOURISM: We consider ourselves eco tourists and environmentalists. We take our responsibilities to the planet and Costa Rica very seriously and plan sustainable travel. We stay at places that have good conservation values and are operated by Costa Ricans. As a respect for the land, we take small groups...never more than 12 people.

781-934-5200 800-230-3826 Email: info@costaricanaturally.com Fax: 781-934-8134
P.O. Box G, Duxbury, MA 02331

A Program of Connors Landscape Design, Inc.

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