Costa Rica trip stages an encore

It's back by popular demand-the Angeles Chapter's trip to Costa Rica. The next trip is set for Nov. 4-19.

photo by Judy Hopkins

Of all the attractive tropical destinations in the world, Costa Rica is one of the most diverse and exciting. In Costa Rica, you can visit ecosystems as different from each other as the Amazon rainforest is from a Swiss alpine forest, simply by walking uphill. Imagine tropical rainforests; palm-tree-lined beaches; active volcanoes; windswept mountaintops; culturally rich cities; dry savanna; sugar cane, banana, and pineapple plantations; lagoons, estuaries, and swamps teeming with wildlife-all housed within one tiny country on the Central American isthmus.

Costa Rica has the most varied flora and fauna of any country on the planet, according to the World Resources Institute. You can find 5 percent of all known species in this country, despite the fact that it occupies only .03 percent of the world's landmass.

The trip leaders, mostly veterans of previous Costa Rica trips, have designed this trip to offer the participants the chance to plan their own activities and see the things that most interest them. The tour takes you to various towns, staying in each location for several days. You can select your own adventures from a leisurely walk in a cloud forest to a gentle float down a tropical river, or up to Class IV white-water rapids. It's your vacation, so you can decide what you want to do.

Mid-range hotel accommodations have been arranged in the following areas: Arenal Volcano, where last year's participants saw car-sized boulders ejected during eruptions; Monteverde Cloud Forest; Manuel Antonio National Park; capital city of San Jose; Tortuguero Island; Caribbean seaside village of Cahuita.

Between these locations, stops will be made to view significant natural and/or cultural sites. This is not a typical 'tourist' trip, Our accommodations were selected so that participants can interact with the local Ticos, as Costa Ricans are affectionately known. Participants will receive a list of possible activities for each location.

Our Costa Rica trip is sponsored by two entities: Angeles Chapter Fundraising, led by John Lajeuness and Steve Feld, and the 20's & 30's Singles Section, led by John Corcoran and Ron Domash. You can sign up with either entity; please see the Calendar section for details.

At $1195, or about $70 per day, plus $450 airfare, the cost of this fully escorted land package is far less than any commercial offering you'll find. The accommodations have been upgraded from the April trip, and now will include more meals and less packing and unpacking.

All proceeds from this trip will go toward funding Chapter development. Act now to sign up. This year's April trip sold out quickly.

Costa Rica Adventure
November 4-19
O: Angeles Chapter and 20's & 30's Singles Fundraiser: 16-day tour of Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Experience volcanoes, virgin rain forests, raging rivers, cloud forests, pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and friendly people. Your days are free to tour hot springs, river rafting, hiking, caves, rain forests, butterfly farms, botanical gardens, waterfalls, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, boat trips, snorkeling in coral reefs, dolphins, or enjoying local culture. Leaders/guides are natives/recent travelers to Costa Rica. $1195 includes up-graded accommodations, private air-conditioned coaches, 13 meals/happy hours, some park/entrance fees, and guides. Discounted group airfare offered. (Please see story on page 6 for lodging destinations.) 20s & 30s Singles: Send card with name, address, H&W phones, e-mail, plus $200 deposit check (payable to Sierra Club) and two SASEs to leader John Corcoran, 678 Olive St., Venice 90291. 818-497-8444. Asst: Ron Domash. Angeles Chapter: Send two SASEs (no checks) for itinerary and application to leader John Lajeuness, 3640 Virginia St., La Crescenta 91214. 818-248-5763. Asst: Steve Feld. Contact either group.