Cornucopia
Thanksgiving Bounty in Costa Rica
and Nicaragua
November 17 - 26, 2006
NATURE’S BOUNTY
For the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock, the Horn of Plenty became
a symbol of prosperity, overflowing with the fruit, 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 eye 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 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.
Some Spanish missionaries who came over
in Columbus’ wake never made it as far as Costa Rica, and stopped
just north of the border. Named after the ruling native chief when the
Spanish conquered the country, Nicaragua was equally prized for its
wealth of natural beauty and dramatic geography marked by lakes and
volcanoes. The thorny spine of volcanoes run from the northwestern-most
point to the great Lake Nicaragua, punctuated by more than 500 volcanic
islands that support unique wildlife and hide ancient indigenous relics.
Nicaragua has suffered bad press from
decades of civil war, but the country is slowly emerging from underneath
this shadow as one of Central America’s most remarkable undiscovered
treasures. In addition to the faded elegance of the many Spanish colonial
building still standing in Granada, the country boasts volcanoes, lush
tropical jungles, and pristine beaches all relatively undisturbed by
tourists.
For more than a decade, Toto Tours has
enticed hundreds of people on more than 25 tours to Costa Rica. This
tour marks the first time we have included a visit to neighboring Nicaragua.
Beginning in San José, Costa Rica, travel to one of the world’s
most active volcanoes, Arenal, and plunge deep into the tropical rainforests
of Rincon de la Vieja. Then cross the border into Nicaragua to bask
in the sun of a Pacific coast resort, tour colonial Grenada, and marvel
at the volcanic peaks that dot the landscape. Finally, top your adventure
off with a Thanksgiving feast unlike any you’ve previously experienced.
End in Managua, where we’ll have the opportunity to check out
the gay nightlife in the capital city.
If you’ve never been to Costa Rica,
now is the time to experience it with Toto Tours, the Costa Rica experts.
If you have already taken the trip with us once, now is your opportunity
to experience it in a new way, with all upgraded hotels, plus to discover
something new in Nicaragua. You will understand why we return, year
after year, to this incredibly beautiful region of the world!
ITINERARY
Friday, November 17, 2006
Arrive in San José
Arrange your international flight to arrive in San José, the
capital of Costa Rica, by 6:00pm 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! (Dinner
Included)
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Arenal Volcano
After breakfast this morning, we check out of our hotel and transfer
to Arenal Volcano, one of the world’s most active. Spend the afternoon
at Tabacon Hot Springs Resort at the foot of volcano. This is a gorgeous
playground of pools and waterfalls thermally heated by the volcano.
There is plenty of free time to enjoy the hot springs and a sumptuous
buffet dinner at the resort. After dinner, we transfer to our hotel
for overnight. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Free Day At Arenal
Today is a free day for optional tours in the Arenal Volcano and Lake
area. Options include a mountain biking tour around Lake Arenal, whitewater
rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui, horseback riding to Fortuna waterfall,
hiking in the Volcano National Park, or viewing animals in the Cano
Negro Wildlife Reserve. Overnight again at Arenal. (Breakfast)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Rincon de la Vieja
After breakfast enjoy a canopy tour through the rainforest at tree-top
level. This exciting adventure will make you think you've become Tarzan!
Afterwards, transfer to Rincon de la Vieja, a National Park on Costa
Rica’s best volcano for viewing active geologic features such
as boiling streams, fumaroles, sulfur deposits, bubbling mud pits, and
hot springs. Upon arrival, the afternoon is free to luxuriate at our
resort and perhaps take a mud bath. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Free Day at Rincon
Today is a complexly free day to take advantage of the many optional
activities at our resort. You may consider an all-terrain vehicle tour
of this volcanic region, horseback riding, a canopy excursion, hiking,
hanging out at the pool or taking advantage of the resort’s spa
facilities. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Nicaragua
After breakfast, check out of our hotel and transfer via motorcoach
into Nicaragua. The border crossing is part of the adventure, and we
will have our guide with us to smooth the way. We drive on to the Pacific
coast and the beachfront ecological resort that serves as our home for
the next three nights. The afternoon and evening are free to relax at
the beach, lounge by the pool, and enjoy this amazing resort’s
many amenities. (All Meals)
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Granada / Thanksgiving
After breakfast we drive up to the summit of the Massaya Volcano to
look directly into the smoking caldera. We continue on to the city of
Granada, the oldest colonial center in all of Central America, with
many original buildings still standing. Enjoy a walking tour of the
city center and a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua. We return to our resort
in the late afternoon, and enjoy a very special Thanksgiving dinner
together. (All Meals)
Friday, November 24, 2006
Free Day
This morning, sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast. The day is entirely
free to enjoy the resort, its locations, amenities and optional activities.
Among the things you might find to occupy your day are mountain biking,
kayaking, hiking, ecological tours, fishing, birdwatching, or horseback
riding. Overnight again at the resort (Breakfast)
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Managua / Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, we check out of the resort and drive the short distance
to the capital city of Managua. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city’s
excellent examples of colonial architecture and lakefront. After hotel
check-in, the afternoon is free for last minute souvenir shopping. Our
group gathers again in the early evening for a Farewell Dinner. Later,
those who wish can venture out to the city's hotspots. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Homeward Bound
The tour officially ends after breakfast, so you may arrange your
return flight home for any convenient time today. We provide your transfer
to the airport. (Breakfast)
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