“I like the look of frogs, and their outlook on life, and especially
the way they get together in wet places on warm nights and sing about sex.”
Archie Carr, The Windward Road



Join Space City Mixer for an eleven-day active adventure through a jungle paradise! In Costa Rica you’ll hike in lush jungles, stroll the shores of secluded starlit beaches, enjoy a white water raft trip and view an abundance of exotic wildlife while zooming through the cloud forest canopy attached to a zip line.


LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!

2 Nights San Jose (first and last night)
2 Nights Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
3 Nights Monteverde Cloud Forest
3 Nights Playa, Manual Antonio National Park


TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

 White water rafting through the jungles of Costa Rica Costa Rica’s most active volcano, Arenal Jungle hike to a waterfall Tabacon Hot Springs A hike in the Cloud Forest of Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery Sky Trek zip line through jungle canopy Butterfly Garden Plenty of beach time in Quepos Toucans, monkeys, iguanas and sloths! Opportunities to snorkel, scuba dive, kayak and learn to surf!


“I had never seen a forest so green. Vines spiraled
upward into the tops of huge trees draped with
hanging plants. Even the light was green.”
Jeremy Schmidt



IT'S INCLUDED!
An expert Earthbound Expeditions guide/naturalist.
Ten nights’ accommodations in comfortable cabins & lodges (All rooms with private baths and hot showers).
Guided hikes and raft trips.
All breakfasts and 11 additional meals.
Transportation from arrival to departure on board our private, spacious mini bus.
Complimentary airport transfers for upon arrival.
Entrances to all activities listed in journey highlights section above
All tips for your guide and driver.
Complimentary wine and cheese parties.
Pre- and post-tour planning assistance.
An informative Spanish phrase book.
A fun small group of soon-to-be friends!


TRIP FACTS
11 Days/10 Nights Adventure
$1,855.00 PP Dbl. Occupancy (land) based on 15 travelers.
Single Supplement: $215 (waived if you are willing to share)
Group Size: Limited to 20 fun travelers

Trip Dates: Begins in San Jose in Costa Rica on January 20, 2007. Ends in San Jose in Costa Rica on January 30, 2007

Solo Travelers: For those wanting roommates, the single supplement will be waived. Roommates will be assigned by Earthbound Expeditions (unless otherwise requested). Single accommodations are based on availability.

Deposit and Payments: A deposit of $300 is required to reserve your space. The deposit is refundable for 6 weeks from the date it is received or until 60 days prior to the trip - whichever comes first. Final payment is due on November 17, 2006.

Not Included: Airfare, alcoholic beverages. All advertised prices are based on a 3% cash discount.

YOUR JOURNEY-

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica and enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by your guides
Today the adventure begins when you arrive in San Jose. Tonight you'll enjoy a welcome reception, orientation and dinner hosted by your guide.
Sleep in San Jose

Day 2: San Jose to Arenal Volcano via a White Water Rafting Trip!
The Pacuare River is one of the top five rafting rivers in the world for its scenery and rapids. This quintessential tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, wildlife and exhilarating rapids. Over the course of this 14 mile raft trip you travel deep into the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica's most impressive primary rainforests. After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids you’ll enjoy a scenic ride across the continental divide. Our home for the next two nights will be at the base of Arenal Volcano. This volcano is known for its spectacular and frequent displays of volcanic fireworks. Over the course of the next two days, we’ll take advantage of Arenal’s rugged beauty, great nature trails and superb location.
Sleep in the shadows of Arenal Volcano

FACT: “Although Costa Rica lacks an army, it claims over 830 species of birds.”

Day 3: Spectacular Arenal Volcano area all day: hot springs and rushing waterfalls
After breakfast we spend a full day exploring this spectacular area. Our itinerary will include an early morning bird walk and then a hike down into the jungle to explore an amazing waterfall. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for the ultimate swimming experience! In the afternoon you'll spend your time relaxing in the warm thermal waters of Tabacon Hot Springs. Sleep in the shadows of Arenal Volcano

 Day 4: Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest via the windswept Lake of Arenal
Following breakfast, we’ll say adios to Arenal and make our way to the renowned Cloud Forest of Monteverde. Our scenic route will take us along the windswept shores of Lake Arenal before heading up over the continental divide once again. We will make a number of stops where the scenery is at its best and end our drive at Monteverde itself, where we’ll take a sunset bird-watching walk and spend the next three nights.
Sleep in Monteverde

FACT: Only 10 persons out of every 3 million in the world had the
opportunity to personally see a volcanic eruption in their lifetime.
What's more, only 4 of every 10 million had the chance
to actually see fluid lava flow.

Day 5: A hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and an energetic Hummingbird Gallery
This morning we’ll depart for the overwhelming lushness of the Cloud Forest of Monteverde, which is home to numerous species of plants, birds and animals. Your guide will take you on a hiking journey through this abundant environment, pointing out the many exciting plants and animals, and keeping a keen eye out for Quetzals, considered by many as the most beautiful bird in the world. Having heightened our interest in birds, we will make a quick stop at the Hummingbird Gallery to enjoy their outstanding slide show about these tiny and beautiful members of the Cloud Forest community. The afternoon is yours to explore the area of Monteverde further, and your guides will be available to point out their favorite sites. Of course, you may just want to take a siesta, or relax at the hotel. Sleep in Monteverde

Day 6: Canopy zip line and Butterfly Garden
This morning we will enjoy the rare opportunity to visit the Cloud Forest canopy. Sky Trek is a series of ziplines that will allow you to access an area where jungle life is at its most complex. Eighty percent of all life in the Cloud Forest is to be found in its canopy. Hovering one hundred feet above the dark floor of the jungle, the sun-soaked canopy explodes with life. Having spent the morning getting a new perspective on this zone, we will come back down to earth for a visit to Jim Wolf’s amazing Butterfly Garden for a close look at these fragile creatures. The afternoon is free. Sleep in Monteverde

Day 7: Monteverde to Manual Antonio
After breakfast today we will drive south four hours to one of Costa Rica’s prettiest stretches of beach at Manual Antonio. Over the course of the next three nights you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the small beach town of Quepos, kayak, swim, snorkel or perhaps you’ll want to take surf lessons!
Sleep in Playa Manual Antonio on day 7, 8 and 9.

Day 10: Return to San Jose
After lunch we will make our way back to San Jose. This evening, let’s enjoy the farewell feast with our guide and host.

Day 11: Return to USA or…. Continue on with your journey.


-Itinerary Subject to Change-



RAVES AND REVIEWS

Read what former Earthbound guests are saying about this Latin American adventure!

“Now that I am home, I realize what an intense experience it was, part vacation, but part immersion into another culture and another perspective on the vastness of the natural world.”
Former guest, Vickie Shea

“Our guide’s enthusiasm was very contagious and his knowledge was unending on the countryside and its environment. You guys covered it all! Our guides were unflappable, keeping the mood up. Thoughtful attention to details at all times.”
Former guest, Jack and Ros Collins

Most memorable moment? “So many!!! The raft trip, plus the cloud forest, plus the entire wildlife etc. etc. Oh yes, seeing the people and their way of life and their homes.”
Former guest, Katharine Kirks

“Everything was superb!” “Most memorable moment? “Seeing all the monkeys! Boogie boarding at Playa Grande, raft trip, horseback riding, hikes in Monteverde and Los Inocentes.”
Former guest, Laurel Smetzer

“Our guide was so knowledgeable and eloquent, good attitude. Key to success of the trip.” “I liked the pace and exploring one area in detail.”
Former guest, Adrienne Hale

“The food throughout was delicious and plentiful. You found great places!
Our guide’s knowledge was very good, but what was really special was his enthusiastic pride and passion for his country.”
Former guest, Bill Schuler


FAQ's
Have some questions? Click here to see the FAQ's and learn more about what a "Group Adventure" is like!

CONTACT / MORE INFO
If you would like more information about the trip, please call Earthbound Expeditions. They are the talented and wonderful local Seattle adventure company that is arranging this fabulous trip!

Call Earthbound Expeditions at (206) 842-9775. Ask for the "Space City Mixer Trip to Costa Rica" Or send an email to: info@earthboundexpeditions.com

SIGN UP ME UP!
Know that you want to go? Confirm your spot now! Please contact the adventure company directly. A deposit is required to hold your spot. Call Earthbound Expeditions at (206) 842-9775 - they will walk you through the sign up process and answer all of your questions.


Join us in Costa Rica for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!