“the nature of change”, sharon johnston …...in costa rica 704.461.4514 |...

“The Nature of Change”

JOIN AUTHOR OF “THE NATURE OF CHANGE”, SHARON JOHNSTON

“Adventure is a catalyst and training ground for change.”

Author of“The Nature of Change”

Sharon Johnston

JULY 24-30 2016+ WELLNESS TOUR INFORMATION PACKET +

ORGANIC, GLUTEN-FREE CUISINEVEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY costaricatoursltd.com

Wellness Adventure Tour in Costa Rica

704.461.4514 | [email protected] | costaricatoursltd.com

Eco-lodges renowned and ranked for their sustainabilityA small group, with never more than 16 passengersA private bilingual naturalist guide and driver with A/C vanFull-time Wellness Tour Leader

Tour HighlightsADVENTURE IN THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF COSTA RICA

EXPERIENCE PURA VIDA WELLNESS

ECO ACTIVITIES

OUR LAND TOUR FEATURES

Bird watching and animal spotting including whales if in seasonWaterfall exploring; natural pool bathingKayakingSnorkelingFishingHiking in the rain forest and mountainsNaturalist guidesBoat ride to remote beachfront lodgeOptional zip-lining canopy tour

Organically grown foodFreshly caught fishFruits harvested straight from the jungleFreshly squeezed juicesYoga classesRelaxing massageOptional spa treatmentsRiver and beach-side meditationWellness session

Enjoy beaches, jungle and mountains all in one tripBoat ride to remote beachfront lodgeSustainability tour at highest ranked eco-lodgeLearn to dance with the local peopleOptional community activities: coffee tour, organic chocolate tour, cheese tour, cooking lesson, botanical garden tour


DAY 1 | Dinner

- Arrival in San José, Costa Rica.- Greet & private guided transfer San Jose Interna-tional Airport / Trapp Family Country Inn- 4:00pm Welcome juice and gentle yoga/meditation- 7:00pm Welcome dinner & overnight at Trapp Country InnHOTEL: Trapp Family Country Inn

DAY 2 | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

- Breakfast at Trapp Family Country Inn- Transfer to Rio Chirripo with guide orientation during journey- Lunch at Rio Chirripo Lodge- Afternoon at leisure relaxing by the pool and/or enjoying a massage or optional spa treatment - Dinner and overnight at Rio Chirripo Lodge+ Latin Dance lessonHOTEL: Rio Chirripo Lodge


- Morning yoga class- Breakfast at Rio Chirripo Lodge+ Guided walk in Cloudbridge Reserve- Lunch included at the lodge- Afternoon at leisure: pool, hot-tub or + optional community engagement food tours – Cheese, Chocolate or Coffee- Dinner and overnight at Rio Chirripo Lodge- Evening around the fire pitHOTEL: Rio Chirripo Lodge


- Morning yoga class- Breakfast- Transfer to Golfito Dock- Boat transfer to Playa Nicuesa (Approximately 30 minutes)- Lunch included at the lodge- Afternoon at leisure: Beach, snorkeling, kayaking or hikes

- 6:30pm Dinner & overnight at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge- Wellness sessionHOTEL: Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge


- 7:00am Guided birdwatching/nature hike- Breakfast- Activities around lodge on own or optional activi-ties of+ Canopy/zipline or + Botanical Garden Tour- Lunch included at the lodge- Afternoon at leisure enjoying the pristine beach and jungle surroundings- Sustainability tour of lodge+ Optional: Cooking Class- 6.30pm Dinner and overnight at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest LodgeHOTEL: Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge


- Morning yoga- Breakfast- Boat transfer to Golfito Dock (approximately 30 minutes)- Flight to San Jose- Lunch in a local restaurant- Shopping at Sr. y Sra Ese for handicrafts and local art- Dinner and overnight at Trapp Family Country InnHOTEL: Trapp Family Country Inn

DAY 7 | Breakfast

- Breakfast at Trapp Family Country Inn- Transfer to San Jose International Airport for your flight home


Activity DescriptionsWELLNESS | wellness activities

Yoga: Yoga classes per itineraryMeals: All meals which consist of organic foods prepared in a healthy way and served with fresh fruit juices. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options. Massage: 1 massage at either Playa Nicuesa or Rio ChirripoSpa Treatments: Optional spa treatments

Wellness PresentationNature, your prescription to wellness: presented by your Wellness Tour Leader, Sharon Johnston.

Sharon is passionate about living in harmony with nature. Aside from being the tour company owner, is also a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and has written a book about using nature to transform your life called The Nature of Change.

RIO CHIRRIPO | included activities

Cloudbridge ReserveCloudbridge Reserve is a unique private nature reserve that is situated in a beautiful and remote cloud forest thirty minutes away from Rio Chirripo retreat. It was created to preserve and reforest an important gap in the cloud forest adjoining the Chirripó Pacifico river on the slopes of Mt. Chirripó. Cloudbridge is a sanctuary for the birds, insects, flora and fauna of the Chirripo area and has many beautiful waterfalls. http://www.cloud-bridge.org/

Latin Dance ClassHave some fun… dance with the locals… immerse in the Costa Rican culture. Let your body and our local dance teachers tell you how to move. An hour and a half of salsa, merengue and cumbia should be enough to catch the rhythm.


PLAYA NICUESA | included activities

Birdwatching TourJoin this early morning guided tour to observe birds and other wildlife. Among the wildlife frequently seen are White Faced monkeys, Howler monkeys, over 250 types of birds including toucans, trogons and parrots, numerous butterflies including the majestic blue morpho, and tropical mammals such as pizotes and tyras; reptiles such as Iguanas, lizards and amphibians such as the wondrous red-eyed tree frog. An easy walk that lasts 1 ½ hours.

Sustainability TourSustainability Tour of Playa Nicuesa lodge environ-mental operations (recycling area, composting area, Reforestation Center, passive solar drying room, solar system, construction efforts, etc.).

Hiking TrailsOn the 165-acre preserve there are numerous trails that wind through the rainforest canopy, fruit trees, and coastal lagoon areas. These trails are perfect for all levels of self-guided hikes. The trails offer a casual walk/hike as well as challenging climbs. The lodge has selective-ly sited view terraces to observe wildlife or just relax and enjoy the solitude of nature.

National Park Trails. The property abuts the Piedras Blancas National Park. Several private trails on the preserve connect with trails in the national park. Since access to the park is through private properties accessible by boat only, you can be guaranteed little to no encoun-ters with other people… making your experi-ence truly one-with-nature.

PLAYA NICUESAWATER ACTIVITIES | included activities

Kayaking: The Golfo Dulce is a special place to kayak. Travel along the blue/green waters with the dramatic rainforest canopy in the background. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and other marine life swimming by. There are also several nearby rivers where kayaking offers a great chance to paddle into the jungle and see a variety of sea and jungle birds that live in the area. This is a safe paddling area that is ideal for beginners to spend a relaxing hour paddling, or for the experi-enced and adventurous to spend a challenging day exploring the coastline and nearby man-groves. Ocean kayaks are available for all guests to use in the vicinity of the lodge at no charge.

Snorkeling: Snorkel right off the beach to see many beautiful tropical fish, or in minutes the lodge can whisk you to a beautiful rocky cove or one of the reefs of the Gulfo Dulce for a fun snor-keling trip (additional cost for boat trip). The lodge has a full supply of snorkels and fins for guests to use within the vicinity of the lodge at no charge.

Fishing: The staff can set you up with the proper equipment so you may throw in a line right off the dock or from a kayak.

Whale watching: If we are lucky the whales which typically arrive in August will arrive early. The tranquil blue waters of this Pacific gulf, between the Piedras Blancas National Park and the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, will receive the astounding phenomenon of the thou-sands-of-miles-long migration of Pacific humpback whales. Golfo Dulce is an important habitat for the endangered whales as this is a region where they breed and give birth. Maybe you will see one from the shore or while out kayaking.



Optional Activities

PLAYA NICUESA RAINFOREST LODGE | optional activities

Cooking ClassAssist the Chef as they gather ingredients and prepare the evening meal. Learn about organic farm to table cooking.Additional Cost: $25 (minimum 2 people).

Zip-lining TourExperience this uniquely Costa Rican invention of sailing across the canopy of the rainforest on cables connecting multiple platforms. This is a sport, not a nature activity! A Costa Rican Innovation, the canopy/zip line was developed in the 1970's and 80's. Scientists had built platforms in the tropical rain forest to observe nature at different heights. Then, someone had the idea of using zip lines to move between these platforms, and today it has become one of the most popular adventures in the country, and has been replicated throughout the world. Cost will be determined based on number of people interested to participate.

Botanical Garden TourShort boat or kayak ride will land you at Casa Orquidias, a botanical garden where you will learn about the many indige-nous tropical fruits and plants while touring the grounds of a beautiful private reserve.Additional Cost: $22 Adult (Minimum required 3 adults); includes boat transfer and guided tour.

Waterfall HikeThis is a 2 hour guided hike (one way) that leads from the lodge to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim in a natural swimming hole tucked away in the jungle. This is a mostly flat trail that offers interesting and serious hiking but avoids steep elevation changes.Additional cost: $45 (minimum 2 people)


Optional ActivitiesRIO CHIRRIPO LODGE | optional activities

Organic Chocolate TourLearn about the process of cultivating, fermenting, and drying, peeling, toasting and grinding cacao seeds, as well as much you may not have known about the history of cacao in Costa Rica and its benefits to your health. You will have a chance to learn the art of tempering and molding, and making your own chocolate treats, and of course, you’ll get to sample the goodies! All of the cacao used is organic and many of the other ingredients are organic as well, and whenever possible, locally sourced. The variety of herbs, spices, fruits, nuts and seeds is seasonal.Additional cost: $33 per person includes making your own chocolate bar.

Cheese TourJoin the Mata family as they take you through the whole process of making this authentic Swiss cheese recipe. This hour and a half tour starts with an explanation of the farm. This farm is structured so all the waste from the cows is handled in a way that it is turned into usable energy, a good example of this is the bio-digester, a tank used to capture the methane gas released from cow manure. The next stage of the tour is to get the main source of the cheese: the milk. If you haven’t had the chance to milk a cow before, this is your chance. The friendly Rosita, or any of her friends, the cows, will let you get some of their fresh organic milk and drink it right on the spot. Of course, they will show you step by step the procedure that follows this recipe until it turns into the delicious Swiss cheese. Since it takes such a long process for the cheese to be ready, if you want to have the cheese that you prepared they can send it to the USA when ready.Additional cost: $25 - Includes Bilingual Guide, tasting.


Optional ActivitiesRIO CHIRRIPO LODGE | optional activities

Spa TreatmentsAt Rio Chirripo Lodge, you have a wide selection of spa treatments to choose from. Relax as you enjoy your treatments while hearing the sounds of the forest and the rushing of the water in the river below your spa room.

Organic Coffee TourIf you ever wondered where the coffee that you put on your cup comes from, this is the chance to take a look at the whole process. The tour starts with the history of the farm and its transition from conventional to organic agriculture. There is a gentle walk through the coffee plantation where you will see seedlings, one year old and full grown plants. Next is the solar drying sheds with beans in various stages of drying. In the processing area there are machines that peel the outer layer off the beans and separate the beans into two categories. The tour ends with coffee tasting.

If coffee drinking is not one of your daily activities but you enjoy organic agriculture, they can take you on a tour of the beautiful organic gardens they have on their farm.Additional cost: $20 per person includes Bilingual Guide & Tasting.

Horseback Riding TourThis tour takes through the village of Los Angeles and into the beautiful waters of the Talari River where you can swim and feel rejuvenated. Approximately 4 hours.Additional cost: $68


Hotel InformationTRAPP FAMILY COUNTRY INNThe Trapp Family Country Inn is located only 1 mile from Juan Santamaría International Airport making it an ideal place to start and end the tour. They offer comfortable accommodations along with genuine family service in a peaceful atmosphere.

This colonial style hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens with centenary fig trees. From the private balcony of your room, in the terrace or by the pool, you will enjoy nature and relax with the musical sound of the birds. A true oasis in the middle of the city.

PLAYA NICUESA RAINFOREST LODGE (5-LEAF SUSTAINABILITY RANKING)

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is an environmentally sensi-tive lodge set on a 165-acre private preserve in the undevel-oped Pacific Coast Osa Peninsula/Golfo Dulce region of Southern Costa Rica. The lodge embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment and caters to travelers interested in ecotourism, nature, adventure and sports. Playa Nicuesa is located within the lush rainforest of the Piedras Blancas National Park, and fronts the pristine coastline of the Golfo Dulce. Guests will be staying in The Mango Guest House, which is a 2 story accommodation that has 4 private rooms. It is set in a beautiful jungle garden area with mango trees on all sides and open views of the surrounding rainfor-est. Each room has private entrance, beautiful hardwood floors, private bathroom, private terrace, louver doors and windows that wrap around the room to afford panoramic views. Rooms have queen beds (or twin beds upon request) with mosquito netting and ceiling fans. Meals are designed using local cuisine and fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegeta-bles. The 165 acre preserve abounds with tropical fruit trees bearing mangoes, pineapple, starfruit, oranges, lemons, papayas, water apples, bananas, and of course, coconuts. http://www.nicuesalodge.com/


Hotel InformationRIO CHIRRIPO LODGERio Chirripo Lodge in San Gerardo Costa Rica is situated in the Chirripo Valley on the banks of the Chirripo river with views of tropical forest and lush green hillsides. It is the gateway to the cloud forest, with its waterfalls and hot springs, and breathtaking range of bird life, butterflies and orchids. Each guest room offers 100% cotton sheets and towels, pool towels, high quality biodegradable soaps, private bathrooms and balconies with great views of the forest. Other amenities include a free form swimming pool and hot tub, a full-service riverside spa and inviting commu-nal areas. Meals are consciously prepared using home-grown organic vegetables lovingly propagated by the extended family community. www.riochirripo.com

RIO CHIRRIPO LODGE | optional activities

Organic Chocolate TourLearn about the process of cultivating, fermenting, and drying, peeling, toasting and grinding cacao seeds, as well as much you may not have known about the history of cacao in Costa Rica and its benefits to your health. You will have a chance to learn the art of tempering and molding, and making your own chocolate treats, and of course, you’ll get to sample the goodies! All of the cacao used is organic and many of the other ingredients are organic as well, and whenever possible, locally sourced. The variety of herbs, spices, fruits, nuts and seeds is seasonal.Additional cost: $33 per person includes making your own chocolate bar.

Cheese TourJoin the Mata family as they take you through the whole process of making this authentic Swiss cheese recipe. This hour and a half tour starts with an explanation of the farm. This farm is structured so all the waste from the cows is handled in a way that it is turned into usable energy, a good example of this is the bio-digester, a tank used to capture the methane gas released from cow manure. The next stage of the tour is to get the main source of the cheese: the milk. If you haven’t had the chance to milk a cow before, this is your chance. The friendly Rosita, or any of her friends, the cows, will let you get some of their fresh organic milk and drink it right on the spot. Of course, they will show you step by step the procedure that follows this recipe until it turns into the delicious Swiss cheese. Since it takes such a long process for the cheese to be ready, if you want to have the cheese that you prepared they can send it to the USA when ready.Additional cost: $25 - Includes Bilingual Guide, tasting.


ACCOMMODATION• Total of two (2) Nights at Trapp Family Country Inn.• Total of Two (2) Nights at Rio Chirripo• Total of two (2) Nights at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

TRANSPORTATION PRIVATE MOTOR COACH• Private arrival and departure transfers, apply for the whole group arriving and departing together.• Private guided transportation within Costa RicaMeals, transfers and tours as specified in the itinerary• Your own private naturalist guide for Days 1-4 and guided services as specified in the itinerary.• Wellness Tour Leader for full duration of the tour• Regular domestic flight from Golfito to San José• Maximum of 2 pieces of luggage per person

MEALS (17) AS SPECIFIEDBreakfast: 6 / Lunches:5 / Dinners: 6

OTHER• Newsletter and resource packet to assist you in trip preparations prior to departure

Information kit and 24-hour emergency service by our ground operator in Costa Rica• Porter Tips at San Jose International Airport for arrival.• Maximum Luggage Allowance 40 Pounds [18 Kgs] Per Person in a domestic flight San José – Golfito.

NOT INCLUDED• Passport fees• International Airfare to and from San José Airport (SJO), Costa Rica• Optional Tours (prices as listed in the activity descriptions)• Airport Departure Taxes ($29 per person)• Tips for Costa Rica private driver• Tips for private naturalist guide and local guides• Gratuities for maids and bellboys• Other meals and beverages not included in the itinerary• Alcoholic beverages

COST$2,397 (double)$2,692 (single)

REGISTER: costaricatoursltd.com

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“the nature of change”, sharon johnston …...in costa rica 704.461.4514 |...

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