Costa Rican Perspectives on Health & Happiness

• Day 1: Arrive in San José, Costa Rica. Experience a welcome dinner of delicious, local cuisine.
  Meals included: Dinner
  Accommodations: Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana (or similar)
• Day 2: San José – Enjoy a guided tour of the city. See the National Museum and Democracy Square and visit the Gold Museum and the National Theater. Later, learn about sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana (or similar)
• Day 3: Yorkín – Travel by coach bus to Bratsi, Bambú, stopping for lunch along the way. A boat will transport you up the river to our accommodations in Yorkín. Enjoy the remainder of the day and explore the area on your own.
  Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
  Acommodations: Stibrawpa Eco-Lodge (or similar)
• Day 4: Yorkín – Learn how the Bríbri people have used the bow and arrow for thousands of years and try it for yourself. Then, visit a cacao plot and harvest, roast, and sample the finished chocolate. Relax and enjoy Yorkín for the rest of the day.
  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  Accommodations: Stibrawpa Eco-Lodge (or similar)
• Day 5: Yorkín and Puerto Viejo – Participate in an activity aimed to protect the environment by planting cocoa, fruit, and timber trees. Meet the families and tour the plots to learn about the indigenous polyculture systems. Later, travel back down the river to Bambú, continuing to the beautiful resort town of Puerto Viejo. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the warm waters of the Caribbean.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Namuwoki Lodge (or similar)
• Day 6: Punta Uva – Bask in the Caribbean Ocean and the sun today. Embark on a magical sea kayak trip along the coastline and view the cliffs, caves, and rainforest. Paddle up the river and hike with a guide in the forest, catching a glimpse of monkeys, sloths, birds, turtles and more. Relax and enjoy the beautiful beach.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Namuwoki Lodge (or similar)
• Day 7: San José – Return to San José by coach bus, stopping at the stunning Cahuita National Park on the way. Explore the stunning coastline and tropical forest on your own, and spot the abundant wildlife and beautiful flora. Cahuita was one of the first national parks created in the country for the conservation of nature and benefit of all Costa Ricans and visitors.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana (or similar)
• Day 8: Nicoya Peninsula – A “Blue Zone” is a region where people commonly live past the age of 80 to 100 years. The Nicoya Peninsula has been named one of the five blue zones of the world. Scientists and demographers have classified these longevity hot-spots as having common health traits and lifestyles that result in higher-than-normal longevity. Travel to this special area today by bus. Later, visit the Curú Wildlife Refuge with a guide and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches and protected bays in Costa Rica.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Tango Mar Boutique Hotel (or similar)
• Day 9: Tortuga Island – Watch dolphins and other sea life from the boat as you travel to Tortuga. Snorkel along the volcanic reef and view an array of tropical fish. Enjoy a BBQ lunch and continue to explore this amazing island. Later, join a tour to Playa Vivos and witness the Bioluminescence algae, a unique and magical experience.
  Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
  Accommodations: Tango Mar Boutique Hotel (or similar)
• Day 10: Nicoya Peninsula – The day is yours to explore this beautiful area.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Tango Mar Boutique Hotel (or similar)
• Day 11: San José – Return to San José by coach bus, stopping for lunch along the way. Later, join an optional cooking class (separate fee) and learn to prepare a traditional Costa Rican dinner from scratch.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana (or similar)
• Day 12: Poás Volcano National Park – Enjoy a day trip to the Poás Volcano National Park and the Peace Waterfall Gardens. View and learn all about these amazing places with a local guide.
  Meals included: Breakfast
  Accommodations: Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana (or similar)
• Day 13: Return home with wonderful memories of Costa Rica and a new perspective on health and happiness.
  Meals included: Breakfast

Tentative price with round trip airfare from MSP – $4,000 per person/double occupancy

Tentative price when booking your own flights – $3,000 per person/double occupancy

Price includes:

• Round trip air from MSP, plus air taxes and fees/surcharges
• All lodging and transportation in Costa Rica
• Some meals
• All experiences/excursions unless noted
• Travel insurance
• Bus transportation from Superior to MSP (if applicable)

Not included in price:

• Some meals, most gratuity
• $82 Cooking Class fee
• $279 Cancelation Protection plan

Single room supplement is $861.
Please contact Heather Thompson at 715-394-8593 with questions or for more information.

Registration Form and deposit of $500 (per person) is due by February 1. Final payment will be due March 15.

Submit a check (payable to UW-Superior Alumni Association) with your form(s) or pay online at bit.ly/UWSCostaRica

You may book your own airfare to arrive in San José anytime on May 19, but transportation from the airport will be on your own if you don’t arrive by 1:30 pm.

A valid passport with at least one blank page is required.

One-way flights are not allowed when traveling to Costa Rica.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Colón. You will want plenty of cash to use during the trip, and we will stop to exchange US cash, or you can use an ATM when we arrive.

The national language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but many people in high-tourist areas speak English. In Yorkin, you will hear the local community speak Bri Bri.

It is recommended that you visit your health provider at least 3 months before the trip to discuss any travel related considerations (immunizations, medications, etc.). The water in Costa Rica is safe to drink.