Costa Rica fundraiser back by popular demand

Of all the attractive tropical destinations in the world, Costa Rica is one of the most diverse and exciting. Its features range from tropical rainforests and palm-lined beaches to cool, high-elevation towns, active volcanoes to windswept mountaintops, culturally rich cities to remote retreats-all in a tiny country located on the Central American isthmus. With the highest standards of health care, literacy, and hygiene in Latin America, it is no wonder many American retirees have chosen to live here.

Photo by Steve Feld Sunset over Arenal volcano, where last year's participants witnessed car-sized boulders expelled during an eruption.

The Angeles Chapter will be offering its fourth trip to Costa Rica from Nov. 17 to Dec. 2. Each day offers new, exciting opportunities: river rafting with an overnight stay at a jungle lodge, exploring a coral reef, a jungle island or a limestone cave with colorless frogs and fish.

With only .03 percent of the world's landmass, this country contains 5 percent of all known plant and animal species worldwide. It has the most varied flora and fauna of any country on the planet, according to the World Resources Institute.

This extensive outing is a comprehensive tour from the Pacific through the central highlands to the Caribbean. Veteran outings leaders John Lajeuness and Hank Warzybok have taken more than 1500 participants on foreign trips thus far. Lajeuness and Warzybok designed this outing to be flexible so that participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the activities that most interest them.

Photo by Steve Feld The palm pit viper is one 15 venomous snake species that inhabit Costa Rica.

The tour passes through 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 trip down a tropical river, to Class IV white-water rapids. It's your vacation-you decide what you want to do!

The trip is open to all ages and most abilities. Mid-range to top-end hotel accommodations have been selected near the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Arenal Volcano.

We will stay in the capital city of San Jose, with opportunities to visit museums and other cultural sites, the island of Tortuguero, which faces the Caribbean Ocean, and the Caribbean seaside village of Cahuita. Between these locations, stops will be made to view significant natural/cultural sights.

This is not a typical 'tourist' trip. In the towns, our accommodations were selected so that participants will be able to interact with the local Ticos, as Costa Ricans are affectionately known, and their businesses. Participants will receive a list of activities for each location.

The cost of this fully escorted land package is $1195 (about $70 a day). Discounted group airfare (about $450) will be offered. The accommodations have been upgraded, with less packing and unpacking and more meals added. Included in the price are: all accommodations (double-occupancy), all transfers by private air-conditioned coach, leader/escort ratio of 1:10 participants, 13 meals/happy hours, some park/entrance fees, guides, taxes, and miscellaneous. All proceeds from this Chapter Fundraising Outings Committee trip will go toward funding Chapter development.

For an itinerary and application, e-mail > John Lajeuness with subject line "Nov. Costa Rica." Sign up now, trip will sell out quickly.