Cornucopia
Thanksgiving in Costa Rica
November 22 – 30, 2003
PARADISE IN PLENTY
For the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth
Rock, the Horn of Plenty became a symbol of prosperity, overflowing
with the fruits, vegetables and other bounties of their new life
in America. Christopher Columbus, nearly a hundred years earlier
thought he had discovered a cornucopia of wealth when he first laid
eyes on a land so beautiful he imagined it held a fortune in precious
stones and metals. He even named it the “Rich Coast”—Costa Rica!
This tropical paradise has become known for its
indescribable beauty and magic. The country 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 beautiful and remote Osa Peninsula—one of Central America’s most important
biological reserves. Then it is off to the mountainous Guanacaste region in the
northwest. Here you will go hiking to waterfalls, horseback riding to natural
sulphur springs, riding inner tubes down a jungle river, and experience the thrill
of an adrenaline-pumping canopy tour.
Toto Tours provides your passport to the
very best that Costa Rica has to offer. Come with us to this tropical
paradise for an unforgettable Thanksgiving. You’ll discover why we return, year
after year, to this very popular gay destination!
ITINERARY
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Arrival in Costa Rica
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 the gay nightclub La Avispa. (Dinner)
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Flight to Osa Peninsula
After breakfast transfer to the airport
for our flight to Palmar Sur on the Osa Peninsula. From
there we take a car to Sierpe, where we board a one-hour
boat ride to our secluded beachfront hotel, our home for the next
three nights. Arriving in time for lunch, you will have the rest
of the afternoon to explore the area or to enjoy the beach. (All Meals)
Monday, November 24, 2003
Cano Island National Reserve
After breakfast board a boat for Cano
Island National Reserve, an archaeological site of major importance
having been a cemetery in Pre-Columbian times. It is still possible
to see some almost perfectly round stone spheres made by the Indians.
Return to our resort in late afternoon. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, November 25, 2006
Corcovado National Park
This area is one of the most important biological
regions in Central America, with its wide diversity of habitats and
large numbers of endemic, endangered animal species. Today we will
take a guided tour of Corcovado National Park, followed
by a free afternoon. (All Meals)
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Rincon de la Vieja
After breakfast, transfer to the Palmar
Sur airport for a flight back to San Jose, where we transfer to Rincon (volcano) de
la Vieja. 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. (All
Meals)
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Sulphur Springs / Thanksgiving
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 that runs along the edge of the sulpher springs. A box lunch
will be provided. This evening enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner Costa
Rican-style at Hacienda Guachipilin. (All
Meals)
Friday, November 28, 2003
River Tubing / Canopy Tour
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 the very best in all
of Costa Rica. Overnight again at Hacienda Guachipilin. (All
Meals)
Saturday, November 29, 2003
San José / Farewell Dinner
This morning transfer back to San José. On
the drive out visit Las Lilas to take a look at ancient petroglifs
that have yet to be studied. We stop in the artisan town of Sarchi for
lunch and souvenir shopping. After hotel check-in, the afternoon
is free. Tonight Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner to celebrate
the conclusion of our tropical holiday. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Departure
Tour ends after breakfast. Shuttle service
provided to the airport. (Breakfast)
