BOW Costa Rica Adventure 2015 February 21– March 1 (9 days, 8 nights)

Looking for a new adventure? Want to see a rainforest up close and personal? Like doing a variety of activities while traveling? This is the trip for you, and it’s in Costa Rica to boot.

Escape the doldrums of winter by joining this BOW Desti-nations Adventure to Costa Rica. Costa Rica was dis-covered by Christopher Columbus. He named it “Coast of Riches”. He saw the country from his ship. You’ll see riches he never dreamed of. Today Costa Rica is a model for other countries of the world. In 1948 they disbanded their army and have spent this money on education and health care. Costa Rica’s ecosystems contain 5% of the living organisms on our planet, and the government has protected this resource through the development of national parks and reserves. Cos-ta Rica is the destination for ecotourism. Join us for wild plac-es, great adventures, friendly people, and food to die for. Why stay home just to throw another log on the fire. JOIN TODAY!

Things you can cross off your bucket list!

Travel to Costa Rica Experience a Rain Forest Watch an Active Volcano See Monkeys in the Wild Learn How Pineapple Grows Discover Chocolate in the Forest Ride Zip Lines ½ Mile Long Rappel Water Falls (Canyoneering) Paddle a Raft in Whitewater Boat Amongst Crocodiles Hang Out at a Tropical Beach Join a Safe Supportive Group of Women Bent on Having Fun

Trip Itinerary DAY 1- HOLA! Following your flight into Costa Rica, you will be greeted by your bilingual guide and checked into your hotel. Lodging: Hotel Bueno Vista http://hotelbuenavistacr.com

DAY 2- You’ll travel by tourismo bus through breathtaking country to your first destination. A stop at the Corsican Pineapple Farm will give you your first true ‘taste’ of Costa Rica. You will learn about the importance of this delicious industry to the country, along with understanding its history and cultivation practices. Juicy and tasty! Lodging: Ara Ambigua Lodge http://www.hotelaraambigua.com

DAY 3– The adventure continues with a half-day, invigorating raft on the Class 2 & 3 whitewater of the Sarapiqui River. Lunch will be followed by the perfect way to spend any afternoon... uncovering the wonders of chocolate! Not only is the chocolate rich, but so is its extraordinary history in Central America. This day will wind down with an introduction to night critters of the area during a guided hike. Lodging: Ara Ambiqua Lodge

DAY4– Following breakfast, you will depart the Sarapiqui Valley for the region of Volcan Arenal, one of the 10 most active volcanos in the world. Today’s adventure: canyoneering! You will explore waterfalls and rappel your way to the pristine canyon at their base. A truly unique way to see the sights! Lodging: Arenal Observato-ry Lodge http://arenalobservatorylodge.com

DAY 5– A trip to Costa Rica would not be complete without a visit to Arenal Volcano. Check that off your list this morning! Hike volcanic rock and enjoy the ‘grumbles’ Arenal has to share. In the afternoon you’ll head to Sky Trek for a birds eye view of the rain forest below as you zzzzzzzzzip line across a scenic valley. Lodging: Arenal Observatory Lodge.

DAY 6– To the beach! Travel through a variety of views and vistas as you head west to the Pacific Ocean. Arrive and bury your toes in the sand and deep blue waters. Lodging: Punta Leona Hotel http://hotelpuntaleona.com

DAY 7– Did someone say they wanted to get up-close and personal with a crocodile? Here’s your chance! A cruise from the Tarcoles River through dense mangrove canals provides the opportunity to see not only American crocodiles of all sizes, but an abundance of exotic birds, iguanas, monkeys and lizards. You will be able to share your stories of feeding crocodiles with friends back home. Lodging: Punta Leona Hotel

DAY 8– After some final beach time, you will head back to San Jose, where that evening you’ll celebrate the week with a farewell dinner. Lodging: Hotel Bueno Vista http://hotelbuenavistacr.com

DAY 9- Adios! It’s flight day back to the US.

Your Trip Leaders:

Sterling Strathe Sterling has a master’s degree in environmental education and has been working professionally in outdoor skills education since 1989. He has organized hundreds of programs and has led groups on trips to Alaska, the Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Sterling is an avid outdoorsman. He’s been an instruc-tor for the Wisconsin BOW program, including Beyond BOW and International BOW offerings for more than 20 years. He currently owns an auction and real estate business.

Sue Kissinger

Sue is a Career Services Specialist at the University of WI– Stevens Point (UWSP), where she has worked for 23 years. Sue is an alumni of UWSP where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in forestry. Sue has taught several courses through BOW and has led trips to Iceland, Costa Rica and Belize. Through UW-Stevens Point, she has led six international student trips including Costa Rica, Be-lize/Mexico/Guatemala and Germany/Poland/Iceland. She has also travelled exten-sively throughout the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Belize, and Canada with her family. Sue loves to do anything outdoors and is always ready for a new adventure!

Trip Information:

Cost range based on number of participants: $2420 Group Size: Maximum of 16 – Minimum of 10

Payment Schedule:

• $700 upon Registration • $700 due November 1, 2014 • $700 due January 1, 2014 • Final Payment of $320 due on February 1, 2015

Cost Includes:

• All lodging and meals in Costa Rica • All transportation in Costa Rica • Admission & Tour Fees

Not Included:

• Round trip airfare (participants will book their own flights) • Gratuities (for trip and tour guides and drivers: est. $100-150) • Alcoholic beverages • Souvenirs/personal spending

Cancellation Policy:

There will be a $150 cancellation fee if you cancel on or before November 1, 2014. Cancellations between November 2, 2014 and January 1, 2015 will have a $500 cancellation fee. Cancellations after January 1, 2015 will forfeit all fees paid. If we are able to find an alternate participant from our waiting list or you can find a substitute, some fees may be returned.

Questions? Contact Sterling Strathe at 715.572.6418 or email sstrathe@tds.net.