RMC Travel & NAHN's NY Chapter present …
COSTA RICA
August 15 - 20, 2010
Experience the natural beauty and spirituality of this natural wonderland on a special “Voluntourism” holiday!
Enjoy this unique “Vacation with a Reward”
Most of us look forward to our vacations and take a traditional holiday.
But how much better would it be if you could combine great destinations, sightseeing, local cuisine and atmosphere with an opportunity to
"give back"?
We are privileged to partner with Fundacion Humanitaria to create a combination of traditional touring with participating in Fundacion Humanitaria’s renowned “A Bed for Every Child” program that assists children and their families who live in poverty in Costa Rica.
Fundacion Humanitaria is an organization serving children and their families living in severe poverty. The renowned service program you will be participating in is called "A Bed for Every Child." The children, typically sleeping on the floors of tiny dwellings made of tin and concrete blocks, are susceptible to all sorts of parasites and illness. Fundacion Humanitaria treats them with medicines to purge the parasites and then gives them a bed of their own so they will not be infected again. Fundacion Humanitaria has a standard, simple design for the sturdy bunk beds that often have to be broken down and then reassembled on-site inside the tiny homes. The children and their families participate with us in these projects and the joy touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns.
Plus, a program with the The Clinca Biblica, one of Costa Rica’s
finest hospitals that provides medical, deontological and psychological attention to lower-income families. In 1968, the Board of Directors, Councils and Commissions created a non-profit institution whose mission is to use the economic resources generated by The Clínica Bíblica for social aid actions to benefit different sectors of those most in need. Their Integral Health Program aims to provide health care services with a modern approach to low-income people, not based on the concept of health as “absence of disease” but as a vision of health from an integral bio-psycho-social perspective. It relies on an interdisciplinary team, with social workers, doctors, dental assistants and dentists, many of whom work free of charge. The work is done by the Department of Social Action at the facilities of The Clínica Bíblica, with emphasis on the child population. Low-income patients are treated in the facilities of the The Clínica Bíblica Hospital, as well as people referred by several institutions.
Please join me on this very special journey.
Regards, Dan Suarez
Tour Includes:
•Round-trip jet flights to Costa Rica
•Round-trip transfers between airport and hotels
•Accommodations in First Class Hotels and Lodges as indicated
•Airline and hotel taxes
•Service charges at hotels
•Portage at hotels and airports
•6 Daily breakfasts
•4 lunches
•4 Dinners
•Sightseeing tour as per itinerary including entrance fees
Added Features:
•Full day Catamaran cruise including lunch
•Relaxing massage
•Fundacion Humanitaria “Bed for Every Child” program
•Special Sarapiqui Rain Forest Tour and Sarapiqui River Cruise
•“Dream Pillow” program
•A visit with meetings & discussions at the Clínica Bíblica Hospital
Your Tour Itinerary:
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Day 1, Sunday, August 15: TO SAN JOSE (D)
Depart on your flights for San Jose, Costa Rica. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Juan Santamara International Airport. Transfer to your reserved accommodations and some free time to relax by the pool before your welcome dinner.
Day 2, Monday, August 16: IN SAN JOSE: Fundacion Humanitaria/Bed Program/Dream Pillow Program (B/L/D)
Breakfast will be followed by the start of the Fundacion Humanitaria’s Program features beds that are a standard, simple design for building sturdy bunk beds that after constructing will be personally delivered to the children and their families. Experience the joy that touches the hearts of all involved. The bed is typically the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns. Box lunch. Also today, start of the “Dream Pillow” project, which will be an opportunity to teach the children the value of dreaming: how important it is to have dreams, to wish for things, to have goals in our lives, and how to visualize their dreams. Using fabric paints and markers, the children can create designs and affirmations, as well as put their names on cloth (in Spanish of course). Each child will leave with two pillows and a decoration that they can hang in their homes. So, bring your loving and creative self and let’s give these children an experience that can affect them very positively for years to come. After completion of the beds, they will be delivered to the homes, where they will typically be the best piece of furniture the proud family now owns. Lunch provided again today. After completion of the bed deliveries you will return to the hotel for free time. Dinner at your hotel. Overnight San Jose.
Day 3, Tuesday, August 17: IN SAN JOSE: Community Bed Program and Project at Clinca Biblica (B/L/D)
This morning you will finish the bed program and after lunch, Today, visit to The Clinca Biblica to meet with Administrators, Doctors and Nurses as they provide services for Costa Rican lower-income families. Discussions will center on the Clinic’s Integral Health Program that aims to provide health care services with a modern approach to low-income people, not based on the concept of health as “absence of disease” but as a vision of health from an integral bio-psycho-social perspective. Return to the hotel for some well-deserved R & R. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 4, Wednesday, August 18: IN SAN JOSE: Sarapiqui Rain Forest Tour & Sarapiqui River Cruise (B/L) (B/L)
Meet in the lobby as it’s a day of FUN as you learn about the region’s environment. The journey affords an excellent opportunity to view Costa Rica’s ever-changing panorama. Arrive at the Hacienda Pozo Azul, to start your tour of the Sarapiqui rain forest. The tour will feature 12 cables (that you are hooked into) and 17 platforms that are build from 60 to 90 feet above group as you “fly” through a canyon and over the Sarapiqui River. Continue on your full-day excursion as you board your Rover boat and navigate through the Sarapiqui River, with its beautiful scenery surrounded by lowlands of tropical rain forests and quiet farmland. As the boat passes through green waters and lush vegetation, you will also see a variety of Costa Rican plants, animals and birds. Lunch will be served during the cruise. Afternoon return to the hotel where you will have some time to relax. Evening on your own to explore dining at one of the local San Jose restaurants.
Day 5, Thursday, August 19: TO MANUEL ANTONIO (B/L/D)
Early departure for Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful spots in Costa Rica. Along the way, you will have a special day of cruising onboard the Calypso's super catamaran Manta Raya. With its expansive deck area that includes 2 deck pools, you will enjoy a level of cruising luxury and comfort in 100% Calypso style. Sip cold wine in the shade of white umbrellas at tables covered with white linen and be served the midday feast. A sumptuous delight featured in Gourmet Magazine starts with a ceviche appetizer and followed by a medley of salads. The main dish is a delightful bar-b-qued breast of chicken covered in a mouthwatering tropical sauce accompanied with julienned vegetables all cooked fresh on the grill by Calypso's expert crew. Upon your return to the dock, you continue to your hotel after a day of sunbathing, swimming, eating drinking, optional tours and relaxing. Dinner and overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 6, Friday, August 20: IN MANUEL ANTONIO (B)
Today it’s a full day of relaxing, taking in the Spa or lounging by the pool. With the relaxing views of the tropical forest and the sense of the calm breeze rising up from the Ocean, the newly opened "Pacifica Spa" provides an atmosphere that insures total inner peace and relaxation. The elegant boutique Spa has been designed with tranquility in mind. You can swim in the pool or enjoy the fitness center. After your INCLUDED massage, enjoy an optional manicure & pedicure, steam room, Swiss shower, whirl pool, plunge pool, lockers, bathrobes and a relaxation and yoga area. Surrounding the spa, you can enjoy a relaxing walk on the trails that lead through the forest and along the cliff with spectacular views to the Manuel Antonio National park and beaches. Overnight in Manuel Antonio. Dinner on your own.
Day 7, Saturday, August 21: TO NEW YORK (B)
Transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport and our flight back home. Same day arrival.
Note: Itinerary subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Your Hotels
MANUEL ANTONIO: Parador Resort & Spa
The Parador Resort & Spa, is located on Punta Quepos in the most pristine and tranquil area of Manuel Antonio, yet within minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park, the small sport fishing town of Quepos. It’s elegant Mediterranean-style architecture, modeled after the Traditional Spanish Paradores and quaint European "boutique hotels", has made the resort one of a kind. With 129 rooms and suites, we offer all the expected amenities of a Deluxe Resort, with European refinement and a warm tropical touch! The entire Parador experience is limitless… wildlife, tropical gardens, four infinity pools, one pool and a Jacuzzi at the Spa, expansive views, excellent service, delicious meals, relaxing massages, romantic settings, exciting tours, and much more!
SAN JOSE: The Hotel Best Western Irazu
The 325 room Best Western Irazu is located only 10 minutes from Downtown San Jose. "The prestige of a great name and the experience of a hotel... to those who deserve nothing less than the very best" is the promise of quality, friendly service and value in lodging accommodations to all its visitors. All air-conditioned rooms offer 25" color TV, in-room ironing board, hair dryer and full-length mirror. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee served 24-hours a day in the lobby, Happy Hour from 5pm to 6pm at the "La Cantina Bar," free local calls and Internet access. The hotel’s facilities include: Denny's Restaurant, La Cantina Bar, Pizza Hut, and Burger King "touch button" for delivery service, lit tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, laundry service, room service, exercise room, landscaped gardens. The hotel also has a 24-hour casino. A shopping center is located next door to the hotel with souvenir shops, bank, grocery store, pharmacy and much more. All this and more from the most comfortable atmosphere of the happiest and entertaining hotel in San Jose.
TOUR PRICING:
Double room: $1,999
Triple room: $1,939
Children under 12 sharing room with parents: $1,199
PLUS
Airline taxes & Fuel Surcharge: $199
Prepaid Gratuities: $75 ($50 for children)
Single Room Price: $499
Notes:
a) Gratuities for Escorts, Guides, Drivers, wait staff and maids.
b) An airport tax of approximately $29 is due on departure and has to be paid locally in Costa Rica.
c) Current fuel and taxes are $199 but are subject to change by carrier.
