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Caribbean Delight
Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica
Columbus called Costa Rica "rich coast," when he discovered it in 1502. Located
between Nicaragua and Panama, with coastal beaches on both the Caribbean and the
North Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is widely acknowledged to be one of the most
beautiful countries in Central America. The South Caribbean area, with its wild
rainforests and lush landscapes, is a beach and nature’s lover dream. Distanced
from the rest of the country, this region of Costa Rica is home to some of the
most gorgeous coconut-tree-lined beaches in the world.
It is a region filled with untouched nature and it includes several of the
country’s most notable national parks - Braulio Carrillo, Cahuita, Chirripó,
Tortuguero, La Amistad. Home to more than 500 birds species, this particular
area is comprised of virgin natural habitat, guaranteeing a healthy bird
population. Abundant wildlife and countless species of butterflies can be seen
in the primary and secondary rain forest. This is a coast where the evergreen
mountains of the Alta Talamanca- populated by indigenous people- line the long
stretches of quiet, pristine sandy beaches. Tucuxi dolphins swim along these
shores, and four species of sea turtles are nesting between the months of March
and July on the beaches of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and of
Tortugero National Park.
It is an ideal for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, surfing, bird watching,
and hiking, and of course horseback riding. This new delightful riding getaway
is the perfect escape for those looking for an alternative escape - and escape
with delicious vegetarian meals, a holistic approach to life, yoga classes and
deep relaxation. The week includes a daily transfer to the beach, 4 fascinating
horseback riding excursions into the rain forest and along endless beaches.
Overnights will be at the Samasati Eco Lodge in one of the lodge rooms or one of
the private bungalows surrounded by nature and tranquility. The resort offers an
experience that is tropical in nature. Situated in the center of a pristine rain
forest, Samasati is a sustainably operated, ecologically sound oasis that offers
visitors an unparalleled opportunity to absorb the healing and rejuvenating
power of nature. On most mornings guests awake to the guttural cries of howler
monkeys in the not-so-distant distance. The secluded retreat perches atop a
verdant jungle plateau with a clear view of the Caribbean Sea.
One way to start the day is with "dynamic meditation" -- an ultra-physical
and cathartic exercise to get rid of baggage that may be weighing you down.
Enjoy a long morning horseback ride and then try a yoga class late in the day.
The lodge boasts a staff that is well-versed in holistic health. If relaxation
exercises aren't your style, the lodge has self-guided trails lined with wild
red and yellow hibiscus, heliconia, orchids and banana trees.
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Meeting:
Puerto Viejo
Airport:
San Jose
Transfer:
San Jose by reg public bus or private
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Accommodation for 6 night, three daily vegetarian meals, tea and coffee, 1 daily shuttle to the beac, 4 riding days (3-4 hrs each)
| A | 2009 | 7 day trip, AP deluxe guest house, 4 riding days | 7d / 6n | $895 |
| Single supplement | $190 |
| Upgrade to Bungalow with private bath pp (dbl) | $225 |
| Upgrade to Bungalow with private bath pp (Triple) | $105 |
| Upgrade to Bungalow with private bath Single | $595 |
| Downgrade to Standard guest room (shared bath) | ($70) |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from San Jose city hotel between 7 and 8 am - by shuttle bus pp one way
- to be paid locally
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$39
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2009
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Private transfer from San Jose per vehicle (up to 7) one way
- to be paid locally
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$180
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Arrival is available any time.
Well-trained horses and an expert guide will accompany you on our adventurous excursions either into the rain forest, to waterfalls or onto the wild beaches of Cahuita National Park.
At first, in order to get familiar with the horse, you will be taken on a brief horse's walk on the jungle’s trails. Then you will have opportunities for long relaxing trails at a walk, trot or a breathtaking canter. A stop for swimming and resting on the beach is usually included. Duration: as long as you can take it (usually 3 to 6 hrs). Even an evening ride along the shore and a romantic dinner by the ocean can be arranged (dinner extra).
Sample rides:
Beach ride
Pick up at 9 Am. First we ride over the very scenic Playa Negra (Black
Beach) then partway over the village road, towards Playa Grande (Long Beach).
This is a really wild, quiet and deserted Caribbean beach, excellent for
horseback riding and a nice brisk canter. We then enter into a beautiful
tropical forest, where you can see the magnificent toucans and other colorful
birds, sloth, howler monkeys and more. Your guide is very knowledgeable about
the flora and fauna, so you can learn a lot during the ride. After 1.5 hours of
riding we stop for a break. While the horses rest a while in the shade of a
tree, Raúl may chop open some coconuts with his impressing machete and everyone
gets one with delicious, refreshing coconut water inside to drink. On the
way back there are again several nice opportunities for stretched out
canters. After about 3 hours you arrive back at the riding center where you can
refresh with a cold drink. On the way back to the lodge you may stop to see some
nice boutiques and souvenirs shops there, and have an excellent Caribbean lunch
in one of the local restaurants (no included). You arrive back at the lodge
around 2 PM - just in time for a nice siesta.
Mountain and Waterfall Ride
A 6-hour ride starts at 9 Am or earlier (depending time of year). First we head
to the beach and then up the mountain and straight up to the beautiful farm of
Don Paco with his large herds of different animals. We leave our horses here and
hike for about 45 minutes on jungle trails to an enchanting and pristine
waterfall. Here we enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch and a refreshing swim. In the
afternoon we return via different trail to the riding center.
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Other optional activity excursions:
Rain Forest Canopy Tour
Eight aerial platforms joined by 1200 meters of cable are nestled into the jungle. Our professional guide will help you travel from one platform to the other securely attached to the cable. He will teach you the names of plants, animals, and how the local indigenous use some of the herbs you will see. You will enjoy the jungle from up above. Duration: 4 hours Departure time: 8:30 AM $ 55 per person (Minimum 2 people)
Surfing Lessons
You don't need to be a professional surfer to experience the thrill of riding a wave. Our instructor is experienced and the Caribbean Sea is gentle with first-time surfers. Don't miss the opportunity! We will provide you with a surf board for the time of your life.
Duration of the lesson: 2 hours $ 60 per person
Sea and River Kayaking
At Punta Uva ‘s beach, with the help of a guide, you will kayak in the ocean first and then slide towards the Punta Uva river that unwinds into the jungle. After the kayaking, the options are: exploring the Punta Uva’s promontory, snorkeling or sunbathing at the beach. Punta Uva (Spanish for Grape Point) has been described by Outside magazines “one of the best seven beaches of the world.”
Duration: 3 hours + beach time Departure time: 9:30 AM $ 80 per person
Biological Reserve Tour
The virgin rain forest harbors thousand of known life forms, many of them yet to be described. Filled with birds’ songs and howler monkeys calling at dawn, the rain forest is quiet in the heat of the day, its stillness punctuated by the whistle of poison dart frogs, the rasping of cicadas or the sound of wrens and ant-birds. The dark, cool interior of the primary forest is surprisingly free of entangling vegetation. Only where light manages to filter through the interlocking canopy can vegetation proliferate. Walking into the rain forest is like taking a step back in time.
Duration: 2 hours Departure: any time before 2:00 PM $ 10 per person
Cacao Trail Park Tour
Visit a corn plantation, a cacao plantation, a botanical garden, a medicinal garden and an iguana farm, all part of the Cacao Trail Park. The tour also includes exploring the Park’s canals in a canoe all the way up to the adjacent Cahuita National Park. After walking through the Cahuita National Park and visiting a turtle’s nesting beach, you will enjoy a Caribbean style buffet lunch.
Duration: 6:30 hours Departure: 9:00 am $ 52 per person
Bird Watching Guided Tour
Our experienced guide will take you through the Samasati Biological Reserve’s trail where you will have the opportunity to have a close look at the inhabitants of the forest floor, and of the middle and the upper canopies’ layers. Slaty-Tailed Togon, Violaceus Togon, Blue-Ray Tanager, White Hawks, Laughing Falcons, Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan, the Daring Collared Aracari and other parrots are some of the birds that you will have the opportunity to observe.
(See our BIRD WATCHING page for more information)
Duration: 5 hours Departure: 5:30 AM Minimum 2 people. $ 40 per person
Shaman's Tour
A 40-minute drive will take you to the heart of the Bribri Indigenous Reserve in Suretka. After crossing the Sixaola river on a small boat, a 30 minutes ride will bring you to the area where two shamans of the Bribri’s tribe live and practice their traditional medicine. You will be able to ask questions and visit the “healing house,” a sacred space where rituals and healing sessions take place.
Duration: 5 hours Departure time: 9 am $ 65 per person (2 person minimum)
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Meeting:
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Puerto Viejo
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Airport:
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San Jose
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Transfer:
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San Jose by reg public bus or private
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Level:
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Low Moderate
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Moderate with trots, canters, and some gallops. 3-4 riding hours per day.
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Participants:
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Min
1 participants
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Max
6 participants
(per group)
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Max Capacity
35
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Passport and Visa Requirements: Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater. Passport Note(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in S. more
The local temperature is a stable 80 degrees ( 28 C) year around. The climate has often been called a "micro-climate", implying that the variable factors affecting this region are independent from the rest of the neighboring areas. This region shares very little in common with the rest of the country's weather cycles and prognostication, as the rainy season is often blessed with several weeks of dry, hot and sunny days, while weeks of unstoppable tropical rains can be experienced during the summer season. The best, driest and most stable months of the year are September/October and February through April.
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The Guest House Deluxe is located between two huge Javillo trees. It
is 250 meters from the restaurant.
Three bedrooms with king or queen size beds on the second and third floor of the
house are sharing one bathroom (hot water) and 2 ample verandas allow you to
have a majestic view of the jungle and of the sea.
Nine Caribbean style Bungalows are nestled into lovely
tropical gardens (upgrade) . Built with precious woods exquisitely polished, all
have private bathrooms with hot water and spacious verandas overlooking the
jungle and the sea. Some have lofts, enabling use as a suite... with the bed
upstairs and living room downstairs... or to accommodate three to four people.
Beds have high quality single, queen or king size mattresses.
The Guest House Standard is
located in a sweet jungle valley favored by toucans, monkeys and dazzling
butterflies (downgrade). Five double rooms, each with two single beds, open onto
a spacious veranda with cozy, inviting hammocks. Shared bathrooms with hot water
are located at each end of the Guest House.
The Yucca House
Yucca's House is built on the top of a cliff with spectacular tree top views
of the rain forest. Six hundred meters from the restaurant alongside a
picturesque old trail, it has one floor with two bedrooms, one bathroom (hot
water), a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and large terrace
The water system is supplied by fresh springs on the property. Please note
that the ecologically sound gray disposal system requires the use of
environmental friendly biological products only. Costa Rica is a leading
manufacturer of natural beauty and hygiene products that can be purchased at the
lodge.
Meals
The restaurant is an impressive green wood and bamboo structure, open air, with
high vaulted ceilings and split level floors, overlooking a gorgeous view of
jungle and sea.
The bar serves a variety of fresh juices, tropical cocktails, wines, and beers.
Delicious and abundant vegetarian meals (occasionally fish, when there is fresh
catch!) are served-buffet style, three times a day. Homemade breads and
marmalades, fresh tropical fruits, yogurt, granola, juices, and eggsm ade to
order are offered in the morning.
Lunch is a varied display of the best Costa Rican typical food: rice, beans,
fresh salads, and all kinds of local organic roots and plantains.
The evening dinner is a real treat, always special with several courses, and
wonderful desserts!
The desserts include chocolate cake made from locally grown organic chocolate,
and fruit dessert made from home-grown pineapple, banana, mango, passion or star
fruit.
Let us know if you have special dietary needs, as we will try our best to
accommodate them.
The Shanti House
Shanti House is in the thick jungle, 150 meters from the Group Meditation Hall.
There are two spacious bedrooms on the second floor, and on the ground floor is
a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom (hot water), and dining room opening onto a
lovely terrace
Yoga Rooms
The Yoga rooms are two exquisitely designed, hexagonal buildings surrounded
by jungle and gardens. Screened and ventilated, the rooms are equipped with a
quality sound system, back jacks and foam mats. All kinds of yoga props
(mats, blocks, straps, back bending benches, cushions) are available upon
request. Let us know if you have special needs regarding group space,
supplies and equipment. We will do our best to accommodate you. In this 250
acres wildlife sanctuary, tranquility and privacy are key. It is the ideal place
for yoga, meditation, rituals, or group processes that require privacy.
Spa
The facilities include a large hot tub overlooking the ocean where you can
watch the toucans flying though the trees below. A wide variety of massage
sessions are offered in the massage-treatment house.
Jenima is a Spanish therapist trained in Deep Tissue and Holistic Massage,
Bio-energetic as well as Ayurvedic Massage and Treatments.
Kelsey Ale has dedicated her life to finding wellness through bodywork and
lifestyle. She studied at the Core Institute for Massage Therapy and Bodywork in
Tallahassee, Florida and has practiced both at home and internationally for the
past four years. Kelsey is interested in collecting different healing techniques
from around the world to add to her repertoire. Originally from Florida, she has
had the opportunity to work, travel and learn in countries such as New Zealand,
Australia and Costa Rica.
Deep Tissue Massage
A combination of muscle-specific and myofascial techniques are applied to
stretch connective tissue surrounding muscles and bones while working into tight
muscles. Provides relief from chronic injury related pain and uncomfortable
postural patterns.
Swedish Massage
This gentle massage works to increase both circulation and a sense of well
being. Light, soothing techniques are used over the entire body as you drift
into a calm state of relaxation.
Therapeutic Relaxation
Deep tissue techniques are used in combination with Swedish to work out
muscle tension in the most relaxing way possible. Pressure used is deeper than
traditional relaxation massage.
Aromatherapy
Heighten your experience with uplifting, detoxifying, or relaxing aromatherapy
oil combinations. Used with relaxing Swedish massage techniques.
Abhyangam Massage
It's a gentle but firm whole-body massage, from head to toe, using warm,
100% pure and medicated oils. Oils are chosen according to the person’s
constitution.T he massage is done in a soft, rhythmic way. It is a deeply
relaxing, rejuvenating experience that eliminates energetic blockages. It
relieves stress, anxiety, exhaustion. It nourishes the body, improves skin
texture, vision and sleep.
Ayurveda- Yoga Massage
This technique combines the excellent benefits of yoga and massage through
deep manipulations and yoga stretches in order to relieve tensions and detoxify
the body. The massage energizes the body and helps to remove toxins. The yoga
stretches facilitate better alignment and easier breathing. The breathing can go
deep and be profound, which also helps to release many emotional holdings and
blockages. 1 and 1/2 : $ 130
Holistic Massage
Gentle but firm whole-body massage. Improves skin’s tone, encourages better
circulation, deeper breathing and better lymph drainage. It reduces muscle
fatigue, softens stiff joints. Very beneficial for people who suffers from
arthritis.
Thai Massage
Thai Massage was developed centuries ago as a dynamic bodywork therapy based
on yoga and Ayurveda. It was born in the temples of Thailand. In this unique
healing system of Thai Massage, the practitioner guides the recipient through a
series of yoga postures while palming and thumbing along the body's energy "Sen"
lines and pressures points. Together these actions result in a comprehensive
full body treatment that relieves muscular tension, improves circulation, boosts
the immune system, and balances the body energetically. Thai Massage is
performed on a mat on the floor both client and practitioner are dressed in
comfortable clothing allowing ease of movement and flexibility. No oils or
creams are used.
Honey &Papaya Scrub
Enzymes contained in the papaya fruit will remove dead epithelial cells and will
deep cleanse the skin. The honey will nourish the skin, giving toit a soft and
glowing appearance.
Cooling Wrap
Cucumber, avocado, and terramin clay are combined for the ultimate wrap
experience. these fresh ingredients come together to cool, moisturize, and
detoxify the entire body. Perfect for after sun skin care or simply to escape
the heat. Followed by a lavender-calendula coconut oil moisturizer to promote
healing of burns and relaxation.
Hot Stone Massage
Let the penetrating heat of warm basalt stones melt away your cares. Heated
stones are both specifically placed and used to massage away muscle tension with
this ancient relaxing massage technique.
Full Body Exfoliation
Hibiscus petals enhance the gentle exfoliating properties of this sugar
scrub, followed by a full moisturizing body aromatherapy massage
This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Central American (Western style)
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Horses:
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Criollos mix , Pasos
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots, canters, and some gallops. 3-4 riding hours per day.
| Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5 to 5 out of 5)
Low Intermediate+
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Riders:
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Min 1 |
Max 6
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Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater.
Passport Note
(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA for stays over 90 days;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria and Ireland for stays over 30 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/1 |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/1 |
| USA |
No/1 |
| Other EU |
No/1/2 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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