New Year's Yoga Vacation in Costa Rica!
December 27, 2003 - January 4, 2004

Yoga and exploration in Montezuma, Nicoya Peninsula and Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs, Arenal National Park.

Some of Costa Rica's native birdlife

Join dynamic Iyengar yoga instructor, Carolyn Christie, and Yoga Awakenings Director, Elizabeth Prather, for a nine day yoga vacation that brings in the New Year with yoga practice amidst the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

After a welcome night in San Jose, Costa Rica, we will stay in the seaside village of Montezuma and then visit Arenal National Park, home to an active volcano and some relaxing and therapeutic hot springs. We will be staying at the famous Ecolodge, Arenal Observatory Lodge, which was built by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute who needed a close but safe vantage point from which to study the volcano.

The transition from one year to the next can be an opportunity for growth and healing. This retreat will include simple meditations and practices for opening one's heart in addition to the focused yoga practice that strengthens and heals our body and mind.

This will be a holiday filled with yoga, fun, ocean, and some spectacular sightseeing with plenty of time to relax and enjoy your spectacular surroundings!

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Vacation at A Glance

Beginners are welcome. This vacation is open to all levels of practitioner.

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Trip Highlights

Hotel Los Mangos

Then, it is hard not to be swept away by the magic of Montezuma....

The next morning we will take a short air flight to the seaside village of Montezuma, which is located on the Pacific coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula (see map below). Montezuma is a village with loads of charm and character. The surrounding area is characterized by natural beauty, miles of abandoned beaches, abundant wildlife and jungle waterfalls. The area is also home to Tortuga Island, known for its white sandy beaches and good snorkeling, and Cabo Blanco National Park, where howler monkeys, pelicans, frigate birds and more live within this protected lowland rainforest.

We will stay at Hotel Los Mangos which is located amongst numerous mango trees and has beautiful landscaping overlooking the ocean. The hotel has comfortable accommodations in spacious bungalows with private bath, and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

You will enjoy daily yoga classes at the hotel and these will take place in a beautiful covered wooden-floored pavilion situated amongst flowering trees, overlooking the ocean. Carolyn will teach 3 - 4 hours a day; including morning classes that will by more dynamic, late afternoon sessions which will focus on restorative poses and some pranayama classes, which focus on breathing techniques.

We will enjoy a guided group activity to explore the beauty of the area and there will be plenty of time to enjoy the nearby beaches, hotel swimming pool, Jacuzzi, or maybe a hike to nearby waterfalls, horseback riding on the beach, a canopy tour in the rainforest or other local activities.

Arenal Observatory Lodge

Map of the Arenal Volcano area

Arenal Volcano

Hotel Posada Canal Grande

On Day 6 we will journey from Montezuma to La Fortuna for our 2 night stay near one of Costa Rica's landmark attractions, Arenal Volcano. This beautiful mountainous region contrasts with the lowland beach areas you've just visited and will add to your understanding and appreciation of Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. And, yes, Arenal is an active volcano which frequently hisses and rumbles and, weather permitting, you may see the night sky turn red by lava spewing from the volcano herself!

We are thrilled to be staying at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, which was originally built by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute to study the volcano from a close but safe distance. The mountain lodge is located on 870 acres of land adjacent to the Arenal Volcano National Park, including 270 acres of primary rainforest with well marked hiking trails, 400 acres of reforestation projects and 200 acres of working farmland. The lodge also boasts a swimming pool and Jacuzzi in addition to hiking, canoeing or bird watching in the local area. All rooms have 2 separate beds, with private bath and are considered rustic and comfortable. All meals are served in their large dining room with large windows facing the volcano. The chef prepares a variety of continental and Costa Rican food, with an emphasis on fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

We will have daily yoga classes and take a guided hike with a naturalist around the base of Arenal Volcano, leaving plenty of time for you to enjoy the area. A highlight of our stay here with be an all day pass to Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, where mineral rich and therapeutic waters from the volcano have created an 'adult playground' hosting a variety of different temperature pools, all within beautifully landscaped gardens. The resort has a spa facility on site and you are welcome to schedule a volcano mud wrap, massage or other spa treatment during your stay (spa treatments not included in tour price).

On Day 8, we will begin our day with a yoga class, do some sightseeing and travel back to San Jose, the capital, in the later afternoon. We will spend our final night at the quaint bed and breakfast, Hotel Posada Canal Grande, with views of the San Jose central district in the distance and an easy transfer to the airport. Our evening will include a Farewell Dinner and some final time with your fellow travelers. The hotel has a beautiful pool and all rooms have two beds, private bath and overlook the lovely hotel gardens. A sumptuous breakfast is included on Day 9 and transfer to the airport on this day is included in your tour. If your plane departs in the afternoon or evening, there are optional tours available to a coffee plantation or around San Jose that we would be happy to organize for you (not included in the tour).

Elizabeth Prather, founder of Yoga Awakenings, will be leading your journey throughout Costa Rica, offering cultural insights and information which ensuring that your needs are met throughout your holiday.

Please Contact Us for more information

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Cost:

The cost of the 8 nights, 9 day vacation is US $1,600 per person, based on double occupancy.

Tour includes:

• Air and ground transportation within Costa Rica, including internal flights to/from San Jose and Playa Tambor, with continuing taxi to/from Montezuma and private van to/from San Jose to Arenal Volcano area, La Fortuna.
• Eight nights accommodation: (based on double occupancy - single occupancy may be arranged at an additional cost). All bungalows at Hotel Los Mangos have private bath, one double bed and one single bed. All rooms at Arenal Observatory Lodge have 2 beds and private bath.
• All breakfasts, three lunches and six dinners. (all included meals are vegetarian with chicken or fish options available at lunch and dinner)
• Daily yoga classes with Carolyn, including individual yoga instruction
• A guided group activity to enjoy the beauty of the Montezuma area
• Guided hike with a naturalist around the base of Arenal Volcano
• All day pass to Tabacon Hot Springs Resort
• Massage and spa treatments available by certified massage therapists in Montezuma and at Tabacon Hot Springs Resort (optional)
• Time for other optional activities: hike in the tropical jungle and to the nearby waterfalls, horseback ride, swing through the rainforest canopy, relax by the pool and Jacuzzi…aahhhhh

(International flights to/from San Jose, Costa Rica are not included)

Come join us on a journey to remember!

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Getting There:

There are regularly scheduled flights from major US and international airports to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Guests will be met at the airport for the short drive to your hotel.

For assistance with discount airfares to San José, Costa Rica, you may like to contact the Costa Rica Travel Store www.allcostaricatravel.com and click on DISCOUNT AIR. Alternately you may email them at rayh@costaricatravelstore.com, attention Ray Hagist.

(Please Note: The Costa Rica Travel Store is not associated with Yoga Awakenings in any way, and is merely recommended for your convenience.)

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Booking and Deposit:

• A deposit of $300 is required as soon as possible to reserve your space.
• Final payment is due no later than November 15, 2003.
• Upon receipt of a deposit, we will send you a pre departure information packet with more details about the tour, a recommended packing list and travel tips.
• Final tour documents will be sent out within three weeks of departure as needed.
• Please go to the Reservations Page for general registration information, to download a Registration Form or to make a secure online credit card deposit or payment.

Or, Contact Us directly for more information.

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Costa Rica:

Costa Rica is a country of 3.3 million inhabitants and its capital, San Jose. It is a country of impressive scenic beauty, a consolidated system of protected nature reserves and wildlife refuges, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. Costa Rica has 32 national parks protecting more than 12% of the country.

Costa Rica's year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night giving an "eternal spring" feeling.

Though the country comprises only .01% of the earth's landmass, it is home to 5% of the planet's biodiversity. There are more than 10,000 identified species of plants, 850 species of birds, 800 species of butterflies and 550 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians found here. The key to this biological richness lies in the many distinct life zones and ecosystems found in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is, and has been for many years, a relative sea of tranquility in a region that has been troubled by turmoil for centures. For more than 100 years, it has enjoyed a stable democracy and a relatively high standard of living for Latin America. Perhaps most significant, at least for proud Costa Ricans, is that the country does not have an army. When former Costa Rican president Oscar Arias Sanchez was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating a peace settlement in Central America in 1987, Costa Rica was able to claim credit for exporting a bit of its own political stability to the rest of the region.

In general, Costa Ricans (who call themselves Ticos, a practice that stems from their tendency to add a diminutive, either "tico" or "ito", to the ends of words to connote familiarity or affection) are friendly and outgoing people. And, in conversation and interaction with visitors, Ticos are very open and helpful.