La Mariposa
Costa Rica's Jungles & Beaches
March 12 - 20, 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, March 12, 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, March 13, 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, March 14, 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 Arenal
Volcano Lodge. (All Meals)
Tuesday, March 15, 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, March 16, 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, March 17, 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, March 18, 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, March 19, 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, March 20, 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)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sarapiqui: Selva
Verde Lodge. Located
on a private tract of virgin rainforest, the lodge has beautiful common
areas with hammocks and an open-air restaurant with river views. All
rooms are beautifully decorated with a rustic flavor, equipped with
private bath/shower, ceiling fans and large wooden balconies with nice
views.
Arenal Volcano: Arenal
Volcano Lodge. The lodge offers
restaurant & bar, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, and rooms in a lush tropical
setting. All have private bath, a/c, ceiling fan, and easy access to
the terrace with views of Arenal Volcano.
Manuel Antonio: Casitas
Eclipse. Villas
in a Mediterranean style close to a gay bar. The hotel has a bar, restaurant,
and swimming pool, and all rooms have private baths and double beds.
San José: Hotel
Villas Tournon,
a cozy hotel in a nice residential area just a 5-minute walk from the
central downtown. Each room has 2 double beds or 1 king size bed, private
bath, A/C, cable TV, and phone. Hotel has full service restaurant, bar,
and solar-heated pool with a large Jacuzzi.
PREPARING FOR THE TOUR
Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United
States and Canada no visas are necessary. With a valid passport, you’re
on your way.
Immunizations—No immunizations are required,
but it is wise to update your tetanus booster.
Exit Requirements—All tourists must pay a departure
tax of approximately $17 at the airport. You may pay in either dollars
or colones.
Activity Level: Moderate to High Energy. This
tour is designed so each participant can decide how active he wants
to be. Our accommodations are very nice and comfortable, included tours
and hikes can be challenging. Participants should be in good physical
condition.
WHAT TO BRING
Think tropics—hot and humid on the coast and rain likely in the
rainforest. Also be prepared for cool nights in San José. Pack
accordingly, but try to limit yourself to two small suitcases. Electric
current is 110 volts, same as in the U.S., with standard plugs and outlets.
Pack all medications in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ One dressy, casual outfit for Welcome & Farewell Dinners.
____ T-shirts (6 - 7).
____ Shorts (4 - 5 pairs).
____ Underwear & socks for 9 days.
____ Sneakers and beach sandals.
____ Long-sleeved shirts (2 - 3) for evenings / sun protection.
____ Lightweight long pants (1 - 2 pair).
____ Lightweight poncho for rain.
____ Jacket or sweatshirt for cool nights.
____ Swimsuits / beach towel / sun hat.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.
____ Moist towelettes.
____ Ziploc plastic bags. Small for documents & large for wet items.
____ Day-pack or fanny pack.
____ Plastic water bottle or canteen.
____ Anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.
____ Insect repellent / anti-itch ointment.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Binoculars / Camera & film.
____ Pocket calculator for money exchange.
____ A good book for the plane or beach.
MONEY MATTERS
The monetary unit is the colon (co-lone). Bills come in denominations
of 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 colones. Coins are 50 centimos, and 1,
2, 5, 10, and 20 colones. On August 29, 2004, the exchange rate was
453 colones to the US dollar. Exchange money only at banks or at your
hotel. It is easier at the hotel, but sometimes the cash drawer is low.
Never exchange currency with someone on the street. Credit cards are
widely accepted throughout the country.
Taxes and Tipping—A 10 percent service charge
is automatically added to restaurant bills, plus another 10 percent
tax. Tipping above the automatic charge is at your discretion. Taxi
drivers appreciate (but do not expect) tips. Guides and drivers do expect
tips. We will present a collective tip to both during our Farewell Dinner.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check.
The balance of $1,295 (double) or $1,795 (single) is due 80 days prior
to departure (by December 22, 2004). Tour registration is not complete
until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address
is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753.
Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to
these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept
or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make
whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed
departure with a minimum of eight participants. Toto Tours is not responsible
for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual
tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that
the tour is a confirmed departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages)
you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain
traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for
granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Come with us to this tropical paradise, so close to home yet so far
away from anything you’ve ever experienced before. If you have
any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $1,795 double occupancy
Private Room: $ 500 extra, if available. (Not required.
Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone
and prefer to share a room.)
Deposit: $500
Final Payment: $1,295 double / $1,795 single
Final Payment Due: December 22, 2004
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included: All ground transfers within Costa Rica;
fully guided and escorted tour; all guided excursions except those listed
as “optional”; meals and accommodations as listed in the
itinerary.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation to/from
San José, Costa Rica; meals and other items not specifically
covered in the itinerary; Costa Rican departure tax ($17, paid at the
airport upon departure); insurance; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks;
bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses
of a personal nature. Tips to drivers / guides are not included.
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