Page 262 - Discoveries Await in 2022 & 2023

Itinerary in Costa Rica with Berta, a mother of three who DAY 5 • Lake Arenal boat ride • Monteverde
emigrated from Nicaragua in the 1990s. Then, Enjoy a relaxing boat ride around Lake Arenal. We’ll
board a small boat to explore the Río Frío, a see the volcano in the distance and the lake shore—
DAY 1 • Depart U.S. complex inland waterway where we’ll likely see cruising along, we may spot some howler monkeys.
Our Trip Experience Leader or local representative regional wildlife. Continue to Monteverde, located on mountain slopes
greets us at the airport and accompanies us to our B,L,D — Tilajari Hotel & Resort or similar near the town of Santa Elena.
hotel, where we’re joined by our fellow travelers who B,L,D — El Establo Mountain Resort or similar
took the optional pre-trip extension to Costa Rica’s DAY 4 • Muelle • A Day in the Life of Santa
Pacific Coast: Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park. Esperanza village • GCF visit • Home- DAY 6 • Monteverde Cloud Forest •
Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel or similar Hosted Lunch • Controversial Topic: The Optional Forest Canopy Tour
impact of pineapple farming Walk through this 26,000-acre wildlife sanctuary
DAY 2 • Coffee plantation • Muelle Experience A Day in the Life of a Costa Rican village. that protects hundreds of species of animals—we
Visit a family-owned coffee finca (plantation) and Meet with one of the leaders of the Santa Esperanza could see white-faced Capuchin monkeys in the
learn why locals call the coffee bean the grano d’oro, village community before visiting a local school canopy. Later on, take an optional Forest Canopy
or “golden seed.” Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (when in session), which is supported in part by Ride, flying from tree to tree via zip-line.
B,L,D — Tilajari Hotel & Resort or similar Grand Circle Foundation—part of the World B,L — El Establo Mountain Resort or similar
Classroom initiative. Here, meet with the
DAY 3 • Muelle • Controversial Topic: students and faculty. Afterward, join a local family DAY 7 • Hanging Bridges • Quaker
Nicaraguan immigration • Cruise for a Home-Hosted Lunch. community lunch • Optional evening
the Río Frío B,L — Tilajari Hotel & Resort or similar nature walk
Travel to Costa Rica’s northern border, near the Take a Hanging Bridges tour and explore the
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Upon arrival, hear forest from a unique vantage point. Later, explore
the Controversial Topic of Nicaraguan immigration

Meet the people who
call Costa Rica home

Coffee Farmers : We will tour
a family-owned coffee farm,
or finca, in the Costa Rican
countryside just outside of San
José on Day 2 where we’ll meet
the farm staff and learn about
how they grow, harvest, process,
and package its coffee.

Costa Rican Villagers : We’ll
get unique insight into daily
life, education, and community dynamics during our A
Day in the Life of a Costa Rican village experience on Day 4. We’ll spend
time with students during our visit to a school supported by the Grand
Circle Foundation and share a traditional meal with the community
during a Home-Hosted Lunch.

Spice Farmers : The Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation is an organic spice
farm, producing flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon. During
our tour on Day 10, we’ll walk through the farm with plantation staff
and try pastries made on-site with spices grown there.

Seek the rare quetzal in San Gerardo de Dota on Day 11.

262 Costa Rica: Natural Parks & Tropical Forests www.oattravel.com/ bcr

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