La Mariposa
Colorful Costa Rica
March 1 – 9, 2003

INTRODUCTION

Imagine for a moment that you are taking a magical journey, strolling through an emerald forest of lush, exotic plants and extraordinary flowers. A flash of the most dazzling red, green and golden feathers crosses your path! It’s a flock of tropical birds, rare, mysterious and beautiful.
     These dreams often become reality when one visits Costa Rica, a place that has become known for its indescribable beauty and magic. This tropical paradise straddles a range of mountains with peaks higher than 12,000 feet. Active volcanoes climb sharply from lush jungles. The fertile heartland produces wonderful coffee, and vast banana plantations cover the eastern plains. It is a place also known for its peace and tranquility, and the warmth of its people.
     Visitors can be so blinded by all the visual stimuli that they seem to forget what is perhaps Costa Rica’s most attractive feature. The sheer diversity of its landscape makes Costa Rica a veritable playground, with a wide range of activities to suit every taste. Whether you want non-stop action or quiet reflection, Costa Rica is a place you just have to experience.
     In the past decade, Toto Tours has escorted hundreds of gay men on tours to every region of this beautiful country. We are always developing new experiences in Costa Rica, and this year we have created an entirely new trip. Beginning and ending in the capital city of San José, you will travel to the Guanacaste region for hiking to waterfalls, horseback riding to natural sulphur springs, riding inner tubes down a jungle river, and seeing the rainforest at treetop level on a canopy tour. Enjoy three full days at the Pacific Ocean in Playa Langosta, with countless optional activities to keep you busy.
     Toto Tours provides your passport to the very best that Costa Rica has to offer. If you’ve never been, then experience it with Toto Tours, the Costa Rica experts. If you haven’t been back in a while, return with us to see what’s new. You’ll discover why we return, year after year, to this very popular gay destination!

ITINERARY

Saturday, March 1, 2003
Arrival in San Jose

Arrange your international flight to arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica by 6pm today if possible. Call to inquire about discounted airfare! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our downtown hotel. Tonight we host a get-acquainted party, followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then we’re off to La Avispa, a local gay disco where you won’t believe the dancing!     (Dinner Included)

Sunday, March 2, 2003
Rincon de la Vieja

After breakfast, transfer to Rincon (volcano) de la Vieja, stopping in Caños to visit an amazing Wildcat Refuge. The drive up to the lodge takes you through an area where the walls of the canyon are white chalk, which gives the appearance that it has snowed.  Upon arrival at Hacienda Guachipilin, lunch will be served.  After lunch, hike to a waterfall canyon for a refreshing swim in the cool waters.  Hike back to the Hacienda. This evening we enjoy entertainment by local musicians. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Guachipilin.     (All Meals)

Monday, March 3, 2003
Sulphur Springs

Horseback riding to Las Pilas Sulpher Springs. This is an incredible treat to be able to soak in the hot water pools and then to immerse yourself into the cold water which runs along the edge of the sulpher springs.  A box lunch will be provided. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Guachipilin.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, March 4, 2003
River Tubing

This morning’s adventure will be tubing down the river with some small rapids. In the afternoon there is a real high-adrenaline activity—the Kazm Canyon Canopy Tour. This canopy tour is probably the very best in all of Costa Rica. Overnight at Hacienda Guachipilin.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Life’s A Beach

After breakfast, depart for the beach. On the drive out we stop at Las Lilas to take a look at recently discovered petroglyphs that have yet to be studied. This drive offers incredible scenery which take us over huge log bridges with spectacular waterfalls below. Arrive in time for lunch at our all inclusive hotel...Barcelo Playa Langosta.  Afternoon free to relax and enjoy the beach. Overnight Barcelo Playa Langosta.     (All Meals)

Thursday, March 6, 2003
Beach Day

Today is free to enjoy the facilities of the resort, or just relax at beach. One can walk along the beach, into the village of Tamarindo, where there are many shops.  There are also several optional tours that can be taken such as deep-sea fishing, diving, sailboat tours to secluded beaches, canopy tours, horseback riding.  Overnight Barcelo Playa Langosta. This is a wonderful, gay-friendly place to kick back, forget all your cares, and truly feel like you are on vacation.     (All Meals)

Friday, March 7, 2003
Free Day

Another free day to enjoy the facilities of the resort, relax at beach, or take another optional tour. Do as much or as little as you would like! Overnight Barcelo Playa Langosta.     (All Meals)

Saturday, March 8, 2003
Return to San José / Farewell Dinner

Transfer back to San Jose, stopping in the artesian town of Sarchi for shopping. Farewell dinner this night is at El Pueblo. Overnight Hotel Del Rey.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, March 9, 2003
Departure

Tour ends after breakfast. Shuttle service provided to the airport.     (Breakfast)