COSTA RICA ADVENTURE 2010

NEWEST SHINIEST UPDATE:  Since this trip IS absolutely going (we have 9 and maybe 10) you can still sign up (disregard the "final" part in this event title).  If you're interested at all, email Kimery at kimery@expeditionschool.org.  - posted 4/15

Current list of HCO'er going:  Ted Christopher, John Dukes, Dave Mery, Karen Ford, Veena, Raul Escobar, Jennifer Trice, and Kim Sorenson.  Since this trip is being run by the Expedition School, this list is not always perfectly up do date and clicking on the RSVP list (the blue number next to the "Members" at the bottom of this page) isn't up to date at all since the trip is being run by the Expedition School). - posted 4/4

Bigger, newer note:  This trip IS going.  Email Kimery with questions and payment. posted 3/21

BIG NEW NOTE:  This trip is being coordinated by The Expedition School.  TO SIGN UP AND GO you MUST email Kimery Duda at kimery@expeditionschool.org.  Once you've paid, you can then sign up here so others know you're going. (posted 3/8 4:30pm)

When I think eight days in Costa Rica, I think volcanos and rainforest hikes.  But this trip is guided by the Expedition School - we''re talking zip lines, horseback riding, surfing, fishing for yellow-fin tuna, pina coladas in hot springs, white water rafting, and, oh yea, my rainforest and volcano hikes are in there as well.  Join us on May 15-22nd!!

Here is our schedule (costs NOT included in the trip are listed in parenthesis):

Day 1:   fly in to San Jose - anytime, any airline carrier.  The ExpeditionSchool will pick us up at the airport.  Overnight at hotel in city.  

Day 2:  Epic *Class IV/V Whitewater Rafting Trip to El Rio Pacuare - the most scenic whitewater river in country (4 hour drive roundtrip). Overnight in San Jose. (Rafting Trip:  $140 / person). 

Day 3: 3 hour drive to Volcan Arenal.  Hike in Volcan Arenal National Park – view howler monkeys and toucans in the rainforest. *Soak in natural hot springs under the stars sipping pina coladas!  Stay in cabanas with incredible volcano view.  The kids get their own cabanas! (Hot springs admission:  $35 / person.) Day 4 :  *Zip line canopy tour in Arenal – zip line includes 11 zips with spectacular views of a 50ft waterfall!  R&R at hotel in the afternoon.  Head to 4 star restaurant for evening supper and celebrate the new year in style!! (Zip line tour:  $95 / person. 4 Star Restaurant cost:  $17 - $50.)   Day 5  : 6 hour drive to Playa Hermosa – sunset cocktails at Villa Caletas. Check into cabanas – enjoy your night at the beach! horseback riding:  ($95 / person.) fishing trip for yellow fin tuna; ($1280 - 4 people) 7:15am – 4:30pm. surf lessons ($100 / person for 3 hours.) hiking in Carara Park – home to some of Costa Rica’s phenomenal birding! - free w/ purchase of trip! chill at the beach

Day 6: 2 hour (one way) Drive to Manuel Antonio.   Enjoy hiking in the Manuel Antonio National Park– flora and fauna identification.    R&R on the beach.  Free w/ trip purchase!  Or, (4 hour one way) Drive and take boat to Isla del Cano ($175 / person) to snorkel around island. 

Day 7: Beach R&R!!  Games and relaxing fun to celebrate our last night in Central America  Later in the day, return to San Jose. 

Day 8: Return to airport.  Head home.  Remember, $26 exit fee to all US citizens. 

Cost is $865 ($910 for non-members).  Meals and beverages are extra (plan on $200-300) and you can see the additional prices for the optional events.  Airfare to Costa Rica is not included will probably be $400-ish, depending on how early you jump on flight specials and whether you cash in miles or not.

The INITIAL deposit of $300 is DUE by 3/15.  The final payment of $565 is due on 4/15.  Rates go up $50 if your initial payment is received after 3/15 (that assumes there's even space!). Or pay for the whole trip at once by registering here.  

NOTE: YOU CAN MAKE YOUR PAYMENTS ANYTIME. But don't be a monkey and let someone else take your seat!