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Tranquilo
Laid Back Costa Rica
January 24 – February 1, 2004

 

INTRODUCTION

Costa Rica is a Central American land of lush tropical rainforests, active volcanoes and some of the most colorful wildlife you could ever hope to encounter! It 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.
     For more than a decade, Toto Tours has enticed hundreds of people on 25 tours to this beautiful country. Many who have already traveled with us to this exotic destination have expressed an interest in going again, so we have created this entirely new trip for those eager to see and do new things but at a leisurely pace.
     Beginning and ending in the capital city of San José, you travel to Arenal Volcano (one of the world’s most active) to frolic in natural hot springs. At Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Ocean, hike through a national park, go horseback riding through a banana plantation to a double waterfall and sunbathe on a gay/clothing-optional beach.
     Toto Tours provides your passport to the very best that Costa Rica has to offer. If you’ve never been to Costa Rica, 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 have take so many groups, year after year, to this very popular gay destination!


ITINERARY

Saturday, January 24, 2004
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 Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then we’re off to La Avispa, a local gay disco where you won’t believe the dancing! Overnight at Hotel Palma Real.     (Dinner Included)

Sunday, January 25, 2004
Hot Springs

This morning transfer to Arenal Volcano, one of the world’s most active, stopping at the artisan towns of Sarchi and Zarcero along the way. Spend the afternoon at Tabacon Hot Springs Resort at the foot of volcano. This is the most beautiful playground of pools and waterfalls thermally heated by the volcano. Free time to enjoy the hot springs and a sumptuous buffet dinner at the resort. Overnight at nearby Hotel Arenal Paraiso.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Monday, January 26, 2004
Manuel Antonio

After breakfast transfer to Manuel Antonio, a gay-friendly resort area on the Pacific Coast with fabulous beaches. Upon arrival in the afternoon, the rest of the day is free to relax beside one of the hotel’s swimming pools or to swing in the hammock on your balcony overlooking the Pacific. Some will opt for taking an energetic hike down to the beaches. Overnight at Villas El Parque.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, January 27, 2004
National Park

An experienced naturalist guide escorts us on an early morning tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you can expect to see an amazing variety of wildlife, including three-toed tree sloths, monkeys, toucans, and coatimundi to name a few. The remainder of the day is free for relaxtion, beach time or independent adventures.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Life’s A Beach

Today is free to indulge in your fondest desires or pleasures. There are no planned activities, so you can relax to your heart’s content. Those wanting a little more active day have many optional adventures available in this area. Rent a horse for a gallop on the beach, explore marine life from the unique perspective of a sea kayak, cruise the mangrove swamps, or take a jaunt in the countryside on a motorscooter.     (Breakfast)

Thursday, January 29, 2004
Horseback Riding

A beautiful half-day horseback riding adventure takes you through a palm plantation, across fertile farmlands bordering a lovely river, and along miles of beautiful beaches where you can gallop with wild abandon through the surf. No horseback riding experience is necessary. Lunch and drinks are included.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Friday, January 30, 2004
Free Day

Today is another free day to enjoy the facilities of our hotel, or just relax at the beach. You might consider taking an optional sunset cruise this evening. Overnight at Villas El Parque.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, January 31, 2004
Return to San José / Farewell Dinner

After breakfast this morning, transfer back to San José. Upon arrival at our hotel, the afternoon is free for last-minute souvenir shopping. Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner tonight at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Palma Real.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, February 1, 2004
Departure

The tour ends officially after breakfast, so you may arrange your return flight home for any convenient time today. We provide your transfer to the airport. Let us know if you would like us to arrange a tour extension.     (Breakfast)