La Mariposa
Costa Rica's Jungles & Beaches
January 1 - 9, 2005

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: It is a place to lose yourself, heart and soul! 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. Beginning and ending in the capital city of San José, travel to the Caribbean Lowlands region for hiking to waterfalls, and marvel at the dazzling “La Mariposa,” the Spanish term for butterflies which is also used to describe gay men. Thrill to a whitewater rafting adventure on a jungle river. At Arenal Volcano, keep a keen eye on the mountain to watch the flow of hot rocks as you enjoy soaking in natural sulphur springs. On the Pacific Coast, hike through a national park, go horseback riding through a palm plantation and enjoy time to frolic on sunny beaches.
     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 return, year after year, to this very popular gay destination!

ITINERARY

Saturday, January 1, 2005
Arrival in Costa Rica

Arrange your international flight to arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, by 6pm today if possible. 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 Villas Tournan.     (Dinner Included)

Sunday, January 2, 2005
Northern Caribbean Lowlands

This morning, transfer to Sarapiqui in the Northern Caribbean Lowlands. We will make a stop along the way at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a walk to see a beautiful butterfly garden, hummingbirds and the waterfalls. Our hotel is beautifully situated in the jungle, and is an ideal spot to commune with nature. Upon arrival at our hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Overnight at Hotel Selva Verde.     (All Meals)

Monday, January 3, 2005
Whitewater Rafting / Rio Sarapiqui

Flowing freely from two volcanic national parks, and running through primary rainforest, the Sarapiquí is one of the most pristine rivers in Costa Rica. Thrill to Class II & III whitewater rapids as you paddle a 12 km stretch through a magnificent forest setting with an array of tropical birds and other exotic wildlife. After lunch transfer to the Eco Thermales Hot Springs at the foot of Arenal Volcano, one of the world’s most active. Free time to enjoy the pools and dinner at the hot springs before transferring to our hotel. Overnight at Hotel Arenal Paraiso in a room facing the volcano.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, January 4, 2005
Transfer to Manuel Antonio

After breakfast transfer via motorcoach to the Pacific Coast. On our journey we stop at Tarcoles, where we have lunch upon arrival. Afterwards, take a relaxing Crocodile Safari on the nearby river to view the large reptiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks and swimming alongside the boat. You won’t believe your eyes.
     We arrive in the afternoon arrival at Manuel Antonio, the famous gay resort area on the Pacific Coast. After our hotel check-in, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax at our hotel pools, enjoy the beaches and the nearby gay bar. Overnight at Casitas Eclipse.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Wednesday, January 5, 2005
National Park Tour

Our naturalist guide escorts us on a morning tour through Manuel Antonio National Park. Here lives an amazing variety of wildlife, including: three-toed sloths, monkeys, toucans, and coatimundi to name a few. The tour ends just before noon, providing a free afternoon for independent adventures. An optional excursion might include a visit to the town of Quepos, renting a motor-scooter to explore the countryside, or taking a kayak out into a mangrove lagoon.     (Breakfast)

Thursday, January 6, 2005
Savagre Ranch 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. The rest of the day is free.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Friday, January 7, 2005
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 Casitas Eclipse.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Saturday, January 8, 2005
Beach / Return to San José

Free morning to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio. After lunch transfer back to San José for a night of fun in the nation’s Capital. Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Afterwards, enjoy the city’s gay nightlife. Overnight at Hotel Villas Tournon.     (All Meals)

Sunday, January 9, 2005
Departure

Tour officially ends after breakfast, so you may arrange your return flight home for any convenient time today. We provide a transfer to the airport. Let us know if you wish to extend your stay. We can help with excursions and accommodations.     (Breakfast)