I'm starting to think seriously about a trip to Costa Rica in 2008 and wondered if others in the group would be interested. I need to keep it low-budget, so I am planning to stay at a private rainforest preserve owned by an old friend. Here's some description from the website:

Located on the lush Caribbean slopes of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, LA DANTA SALVAJE was founded in 1988 as a non-profit private forest reserve in an effort to protect the Costa Rican rainforest. Consisting of over 1,000 acres of primary growth bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park, the reserve forms part of the invaluable buffer zone necessary in preserving the integrity of the park and its surrounding area.

So far we have financed the project privately, but unfortunately just purchasing rainforest is not enough to protect it. It must be maintained as well, which means stopping animal and plant poachers, hunters and logging interests. In order to support and maintain the reserve, we began organizing these excursions.

We offer 4 day/3 night excursions deep into the jungle. A three-hour hike from where we leave the 4-wheel-drive vehicle leads visitors to a rustic lodge situated in the heart of the rainforest.

Day hikes, along a trail system originally forged by wild tapirs, provide visitors the chance to experience first hand the stunning display of natural landscapes, waterfalls (one of which measures 150 meters!) and plant species endemic to the region, including heliconias, orchids, giant ferns and many others.

Located next to one of the many beautiful waterfalls cascading down the rim of the canyon. the lodge provides a spectacular view of the canopy and the seemingly never-ending rainforest.

The groups are limited to a maximum of eight persons and trips take place approximately twice a month. In this way there is a minimal impact on the area's fragile ecosystems, and the reserve's animal population remains undisturbed.

Here's the link to the website, with more info and photos:
http://www.greencoast...

Any interest out there?

I would most certainly be interested, dare I say "I'm in".

I was actually supposed to go a few months ago and I had to cancel because of work, which is no longer a problem. When were you thinking?

ooooohhh.....that sounds sooooooooo cool!!!!

i'll (hopefully) be in australia most of the summer though and most of my funds will be going to that...however if i can land some writing assigments it might be possible.....keep us posted!!

and pencil in "Macchu Picchu" for 2009!!!!!

im in , that will be big trip #2 for me in 08 (only doing 2 big trips). Planning a hike/climb of kilimanjaro.

So let me know an anticipated date and cost., what gear ill need to bring, etc.

OK, so there's some interest -- good!

I'm corresponding with my friend (my ex-sister-in-law, believe it or not, but we still get along great) about more details. Price is $210/person for the adventure at the preserve, including meals, lodging and guides. Airfares will likely be the biggest expense.

We can customize the adventure however we wish. Here's an excerpt from her email:

"Yes, that price is all inclusive, save the rum we spice hot cocoa with. It's perfect on the cool nights by the fire over a game of Spanish/German/ English bastardization of Jungle Scrabble. David, my husband, is a tour guide and was for many years for a company call Gap out of Canada. He went all over Central and South America. He knows CR like an old friend. He can set up a perfect combo trip that is custom to the group, rafting, horseback, beach bum, Volcano, Ziplining through the jungle..."

She says December is the high season, so the priciest for airfare. I'll talk to her more about preferred times of year to be there. I'm fairly open about the time to go, except for business travel I know I have next year in February, May, July and September -- would like to avoid those months.

That sounds awesome! CR's on my list of places to go.. Eventually I'll make it to some of the group's gatherings...But in the meantime, i'm living vicariously through all of you while I'm stuck going to wedding after wedding..
brenda

looks like around 250-400 dollars R/T from Washington DC (IAD). US Airways and Delta Offer a single carrier one stop flight (goes to ATL) then to Costa Rica. United flies but contracts some Taca Airlines to do the flight.

210 is a great price for the stay at the preserve. count me 110% in on this one.

We could car pool or take Amtrak (47.50/each way) to DC. I dont recommend flying out of philly on this one, you would basically pay extra to take off on a small puddle jet , land, have a lay over in dc, then have another layover in atl.

Oh and My Vote is for March!

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Yeah, I thought maybe $210 was the price per night, so I clarified that before I posted it. Amazing, eh?

Thanks for the research on the airfare, Tom. I have to check, but I think DC is one of the preferred airports she mentioned for getting there.

I'm in! I'd be willing to drive a carpool to airport.....


-Tina

aack i am dying of jealousy!!! forgot that australia would be taking up 2 years' worth of vacation time......but i am still really interested, although only a maybe...!