Day 1: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls…rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines…Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colorful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings.

Day 2: Thursday, March 12, 2009
San Jose - Poas Volcano - La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Today you will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley. Travel past tropical landscapes and the ancient Poas Volcano, said to be the widest crater in the world. Later in the day you arrive in the charming town of La Fortuna. Here you will enjoy a two night stay at a typical lodge with breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, which has been generating constant lava for the last 30 years. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 3: Friday, March 13, 2009
La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) - Cano Negro - La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000-acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. During your visit, embark on a guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you. Crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies are all known to live in the area. After your adventure through the preserve, relax at a family-owned hot springs oasis in the geothermal region that surrounds the Arenal Volcano. Stroll through the beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing mineral waters, or take advantage of the first-class spa services. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Saturday, March 14, 2009
La Fortuna - Monteverde
You won’t believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Then you continue on to Selvatura Park*, a cloud forest preserve in the heart of Monteverde. Your visit includes an exciting opportunity to fly through the cloud forest on a zip line canopy tour or to take a guided walk among the treetops on a series of hanging bridges! After your activity of choice, participate in a reforestation effort by planting a tree in this spectacular nature preserve. Finally, you will learn about some of the region’s most beautiful wildlife with a visit to one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens. You’ll also see the hummingbird gallery containing more than 14 different species! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Sunday, March 15, 2009
Monteverde
A morning nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. It is an elusive bird but keep your eyes peeled and you may get lucky! This afternoon, visit a local coffee production facility to see how a potent Costa Rican coffee bean is transformed into your morning cup of joe. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Monday, March 16, 2009
Monteverde - Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
Fun in the sun is in store as you travel to the spectacular Guanacaste region on the northwest Pacific coast. En route, make a special stop at a small cooperative where locals showcase their colorful handmade products. This afternoon, arrive at Playa Hermosa, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
The day is yours to simply enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby marina and beaches or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of the amenities offered by your all-inclusive resort. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Playa Hermosa - Sarchi - San Jose
Take a leisurely ride through the countryside to Sarchi. This charming town is known for its authentic handicrafts. During your visit you will have the chance to tour the local oxcart factory, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs! Continue on to San Jose where you will enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Thursday, March 19, 2009
San Jose - Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica. Today breakfast will be included.

Extend Your Vacation with…
Optional 4 Days Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension
Rate: $399 USD per person, double, land and air included
8 Meals, 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 9: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park Enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Today lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Tortuguero National Park An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Today breakfast and lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Tortuguero National Park - San Jose Return to San Jose today for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 12: San Jose - Tour Ends Today breakfast will be included.

March 11 - 19, 2009

Highlights...
San Jose • Poas Volcano
Cano Negro Refuge
Arenal Volcano Hot Springs
Monteverde Cloud Forest • Guanacaste

9 Days • 17 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 2 Lunches • 7 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $2,309
Single $2,859 • Triple $2,279

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $380 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from San Francisco Intl Airport
Click Here for Details
Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150 per person

Click here for: Important Reservation Information, Registration Form and Available Options.

For more information call:
Community Ed
West Valley College
408-741-2096

Experience It!
Monteverde Cloud Forest

There are only four places in the world with an ecosystem so unique that it produces a cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is one. Situated high on a mountain, the cloud forest is created when the arid air from the forest below the mountain combines with the moist, hot air of the rainforest. The result is a blanket of misty, wispy clouds that linger low in the forest, making it feel as if it were raining. This rare environment breeds a diverse world of exotic flora and fauna. One of the cloud forest’s most famous residents is the endangered resplendent quetzal. A remarkably colorful bird, this creature sports a golden beak that protrudes from a green-hooded head. The breast is a vibrant scarlet and the tail feathers are gray, black and white. A highly-elusive bird, quetzal sightings are rare but absolutely unforgettable.