Association of German Women Entrepreneurs (VdU) 2016 Costa

Association of German Women Entrepreneurs
(VdU) 2016
Costa Rica Highlights
CST (Certification for Sustainable Tourism).
The Costa Rica Tourist Board has created the Certification on
Sustainable Tourism and it was designed to differentiate tourism sector
businesses based on the degree to which they comply with a sustainable
model of natural, cultural and social resource management.
It consists of a scale from 1 to 5 leaves, being 5 the top level of achievement. With
this purpose, in the product that we provide you, you will find in the hotels details
this advice indicated by CST (Certificate of Sustainable Tourism) and the number of
leaves. A property which doesn’t have leaves does not necessarily mean that they
do not have sustainable practices; it just means they are not yet certified on this
model.
During the last years, Swiss Travel has reached a successful Management Tourism
Sustainability System inside the company, by incorporating sustainable pillars as:
environment, economic and socio-cultural in the activities activity related to the
corporation, its employees and individuals. We like to promote a conscientious
contribution on everything we do. We support a philosophy on human development,
quality and sustainability, understanding the beauty of cultural differences and the
responsibility of each one of us in contributing for a better world. Swiss Travel
tour operator is certified under this model, with 4 leaves. On our tours we try to
promote services but specially hotels that might have the CST and/or eventually
sustainable practices.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
SAN JOSE
Early morning arrival into Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José, Costa
Rica. Meet your local guide who will accompany to the Finca Rosa Blanca Hotel to
proceed with the check in and have breakfast.
At mid-morning you will visit the German Embassy in Costa Rica, Dr. Ingo
Winkelmann, German Ambassador in Costa Rica will welcome you and with a cup of
Coffee the group will talk about Social and Politic situation in Costa Rica as an
introduction to our country. Then you will discover the culture and history of Costa
Rica’s capital city. Visit some of its historic residential areas, La Sabana Metropolitan
Park, the Gold Museum and the National Theater, an icon of the San José of the late
19th century. Lunch will be on your own, but you will have the vehicle and guide
available to choose the best place for lunch.
The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the hotel facilities in Finca Rosa Blanca.
Breakfast included
Overnight at Finca Rosa Blanca
Day 2
DOKA ESTATE COFFEE TOUR– POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast you will depart from your hotel to Poas Volcano area, located only
about 45 minutes from San Jose.
The Poas Volcano National Park is considered the largest active crater in the world,
with frequent, geyser-like eruptions. You will find incredible trails that lead through
cloud forests, where you will see stunted and twisted vegetation not only because of
the volcanic emissions, but also due to the rigors of the cold, windy, high-altitude
habitat. If weather conditions allow for it, you will have the chance of visiting and
seeing Lake Botos, which fills an extinct crater at the end of one trail. The area
around the Lake is home to many cloud forest birds like hummingbirds, tanagers,
flycatchers, toucanets, clay-colored robins and the resplendent quetzal.
You will also visit Doka Estate, one of Costa Rica’s premium coffee plantations, and
producer of internationally-acclaimed coffees. From the picking of the coffee berries
to the roasting and grinding of the coffee beans, you will see how Costa Rican
premium quality coffees are processed and prepared for you to enjoy them in the
mornings or while chatting with your friends at a café. Part of this tour especially
designed for you is a visit to the Coffee Plantation workers neighborhood, you will
have the opportunity to know about how they live and also how is their daily life out
of the coffee plantation.
Breakfast & lunch included
Overnight at Finca Rosa Blanca
Day 3
SAN JOSÉ – BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK – TORTUGUERO
Early in the morning, you will depart from San Jose Central Valley to the Tortuguero
area. On the way, you will pass through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, a flora
and fauna sanctuary covered by an emerald-green mass of vegetation. Besides, you
will have the chance to see from the comfort of the bus, open pasture lands, small
farming towns, and will also notice a change in the climate, as it becomes a bit
warmer and humid but very pleasant.
After breakfast on the way, the journey will continue to the embarking point deeper
into our Caribbean side, where the boats are waiting to transfer you to the lodge. A
two hour boat ride, will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the
rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of
this area. On the way to the lodge, you will have the chance to see different birds.
Upon arrival, there will be a short briefing of the lodge and the activities included
during your stay, followed by lunch.
In the afternoon you will visit the village of Tortuguero where you will learn the
lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs
have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22
miles of the protected coastline.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Day 4
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Tortuguero is a great place for ecotourism lovers. During this day you can explore
the secondary canals of this paradisiacal place, where you can see different species
of mammals, birds and reptiles. Tortuguero offers a full contact with Mother Nature.
Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as refuge
for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to
September. After this tour, you will return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Day 5
TORTUGUERO – SARAPIQUÍ – LA FORTUNA
At mid-morning the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the
disembarking point in Caño Blanco. Upon arrival, one of our private vehicles and
bilingual (English/Spanish) guides will provide transportation to the area of
Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, continue towards the northern
lowlands, this route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as
Puerto Viejo (Sarapiqui), San Miguel, Venecia and Aguas Zarcas. Also, along the way
you will enjoy the beautiful scenery which includes amazing views of the mountains
and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture, so you will have
the opportunity according with the season to observe the crops of pineapple,
bananas and sugar cane.
On the way to La Fortuna you will have the opportunity to visit the Tirimbina
Biological Reserve to do a Chocolate Tour. Originally from Central America, the
Cacao plant has an extraordinary history; it was one of the most important products
for the Mayan and Aztec cultures, as well as other Central American cultures. The
discovery of America led to the introduction of chocolate in Europe, transforming it
into the product we all know today.
The cacao plot, which is not in commercial use, was formerly cultivated in the
ancient way – mixed with other forest trees. It was used for research purposes
several decades ago and is currently used for environmental education, showing the
traditional processes.
Arrive to La Fortuna Village late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will
welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. Check in at the hotel, where
you will spend the next 2 nights, followed by an evening at leisure.
Breakfast & lunch included
Overnight at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa.
Day 6
ARENAL CULTURAL & NATURE EXPERIENCE
After breakfast you visit on the way the Juanilama Agro-ecological Community,
where we are going to enjoy how to prepare Costa Rican typical dishes y a cooking
workshop with ‘’Doña Guiselle’’.
The community of Juanilama came about as an establishment of the Costa Rican
government agency of IDA. It includes territory that is located in the Pocosol
District in the San Carlos County, situated in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. The
Area of Conservation is known as "Arenal Huetar Norte".
In the afternoon you will visit Arenal Hanging Bridges. Nature lovers all around the
world come visit this unique attraction. It has a 3 km trail through the rainforest
that allows you to take in nature’s beauty at its most pristine state. With 15 bridges
from 5 to 100 meters long, one of them located at a height of 45 meters, you will get
a 360° view of the tropical rainforest, and if the weather is on your side, you will see
the most amazing views of Arenal volcano.
The best way to end an amazing day is at the Tabacón hot springs, relaxing and
treating your body to its naturally replenishing effects. When taking a break from
the soothing hot springs, you can dine enjoying a large variety of dishes at Ave del
Paraiso Restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included
Overnight at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Day 7
LA FORTUNA – SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT
Today you will visit Rancho Margot, here you will have a Tour of approximately 2
hours and will explore all aspects behind their sustainable and self-sufficient
practices.
In addition to being situated in a country with incredibly rich biodiversity, Rancho
Margot is located in an environmentally sensitive area known as the Biosphere of
Water and Peace, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve.
The Sustainable Ranch Tour explains that the UNESCO Agua y Paz (Water and
Peace) Biosphere Reserve is characterized by mountain ranges and plains. In the
mountainous zones are the volcanoes Miravalles, Tenorio, Arenal, Chato and
Platanar, among others, and in the plains area are lakes, flooded forests and
swamps. The reserve is comprised of eight core zones that are protected wildlife
areas legally constituted in the country and that are administered through
the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC). This agency divides the country
into 11 conservation areas, of which three are included in the Agua y Paz Biosphere
Reserve, these areas are: the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area (ACAHN), the
conservation area of the Arenal-Tempisque Biosphere Reserve (ACAT),
and Cordillera Central Volcanic conservation area (ACCVC).
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Day 8
ARENAL – SANTA ELENA, MONTEVERDE
After breakfast you will be picked up at the hotel for the Transfer from Arenal to
Monteverde. This service is considered a transfer-tour, as you will be crossing by
boat the Arenal Lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica.
The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Lake.
Then, will start the driving ascending through the Tilarán Mountain Range. The final
portion of your journey is on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the
beautiful mountain scenery.
Once in Monteverde you will experience a Cultural Tour named El Trapiche. The
tour begins with an interactive walk through the different plantations, including
sugarcane, coffee, bananas, arracache (a local legume), avocado, macadamia nuts as
well as other products. In each plantation, the guide will explain you the artisan
process using typical artifacts that are involved in the production. Also you will visit
a Tilapia fish project and a small-trapiche where you will see how the sugar cane is
grinded and how, at the end of the process, delicious candy and brown sugar are
obtained. Lunch will be served later on.
Dinner is included in a local restaurant in the town of Santa Elena.
Breakfast, Lunch & dinner included
Overnight in Hotel El Establo
Day 9
CASEM - SANTA ELENA, MONTEVERDE
Today you will visit a beatifull project developed by a group of women and
neighbors of Santa Elena, the CASEM (Cooperative of Artisans, Santa Elena,
Monteverde) CASEM COOP was founded by eight women in 1982 and has since has
grown to ninety-four women and three men.
CASEM is the most important crafts Centre in the area, offering gifts inspired by the
natural charm of Monteverde. The majority of our products are handmade by local
artisans, often using raw materials indigenous to the area, so every purchase you
make aids the sustainability of our community. You are also contributing to the
livelihood of impoverished local families who benefit from the income generated at
CASEM COOP.
You will have the opportunity to share with local artisans and learn with them how
to reproduce the nature in a handmade product.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight in Hotel El Establo
Day 10
MONTEVERDE TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
At middle morning you will be transferred from Monteverde to San Jose. Once you
arrive to San Jose, you will be taken to San Jose down town to enjoy a lunch by your
own and then have a presentation of the Humanitarian Foundation by Gail Nystrom,
the founder.
The Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF) is a non-profit organization
committed to developing creative and economical solutions to a wide range of social
problems in Costa Rica. The CRHF provides opportunities to exchange friendship,
goods, services, and financial resources for critical needs among different cultures,
socio-economic classes, and language groups. The group is going to have an ample
vision of the Immigration situation from Nicaragua to Costa Rica, and the possible
solutions to the poverty in the country.
Breakfast and Farewell dinner included
Overnight in Real Intercontinental San Jose Hotel.
Day 11
DEPARTURE FROM SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
According to your flight information you will be picked up at the Real
Intercontinental hotel transferred directly to the Juan Santamaria Airport in order
to take your flight back home.
COACH DESCRIPTION
Toyota Coaster Mini-buses with a
capacity for 22 passengers. Includes air
conditioning, reclining seats, luggage
rack, 2/1 seat configuration
Senior Mini-buses with a capacity for 27
passengers, with air conditioning, reclining
seats, DVD, luggage storage compartments,
2/2 seat configuration.
HOTELS DESCRIPTION
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Inn
800 mts North from Britt Distribution Center, Barrio Jesús, Santa Bárbara de
Heredia.
Telephone: (+506) 2269 9392
www.fincarosablanca.com
Nestled in 10 acres amid fruit trees and dramatic tropical flora is the enchanted
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn. It was built with the goal of sustainable
tourism and acute environmental awareness. The architecture is brilliant and
unique awarding a Santa Fe feel with fabulous art work and exquisite landscaped
gardens. There's a lovely lounge area with a crackling fireplace with an extensive
library. Come bathe in our spring fed ionized pool and 12 ft cascading waterfall
adjacent an open air game room with Jacuzzis and exercise bikes. Indulge in the
restaurants four- course gourmet meals made with all natural produce from the
organic vegetable garden.
The Inn offers the extraordinary Master suite, three elegant yet whimsical junior
suites, two spacious villas, and three uniquely appointed double rooms, each with its
own private veranda. The rooms have been named to reflect their most
distinguishing feature. For example "Las Mascaras' is decorated with masks from
around the world, "La Ventana' has a famous window mural, "Blanco y Negro' has
black and white tiled floors and bed made of coffee wood. The rooms are exquisite,
unique and unforgettable.
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
1 mile north from the Tortuguero town, 6941, Costa Rica
Telephone: (+506) 2257-0766
http://www.tortugalodge.com/
The lodge is situated on 50 acres of private land. Here you'll discover delectable
meals created by the chef, Valentin, who specializes in local and international dishes.
Designed to blend into the river environment, the pool features an environmentally
friendly purification system that uses an undetectable amount of salt instead of
commercial chlorine. For a day of relaxation, try the hammock hut, perfect for a midday nap.
All the accommodations are beautifully decorated and have almost as much window
area as walls, thus merging the indoors with the outdoors. The luxurious, 800
square foot suite, great for families, is made of sustainable-growth harvested
tropical woods. There are two bedrooms and two baths, with a sitting area indoors
and outdoors.
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa Hotel
7 Km West and 600 meters North of the Catholic Church of La Fortuna de San Carlos,
Alajuela
Telephone: (+506) 2479 1212
www.arenalspringshotel.com
Arenal Springs Hotel is located in the foothills of the majestic Arenal Volcano, just 7
Km away from the town of La Fortuna. The hotel boasts a spa with aesthetic and
therapeutic treatments, and others that can be performed in the hotel’s gardens or
in-room, upon request from the guest.
It offers 87 rooms, all Junior Suites all with an excellent view of Arenal Volcano. Each
room has air conditioning, cable TV, safety deposit box, hair dryer, refrigerator,
coffee maker, ceiling fan, complimentary wireless Internet access, reading lamps,
telephone, bath amenities, and a large terrace from which you will be able to see the
eruptions of the mighty colossus. Rooms for guests with limited mobility are
available as well as rooms for smokers and non-smokers. Each room is furnished
with two Queen-size beds or a King-sized bed. All rooms are built in modules of two
and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Two golf carts are available for transportation within the hotel. Here, you will also
be able to enjoy a large pool and a complimentary drink from the wet bar. This bar is
well-stocked with alcoholic beverages, soft and natural drinks, as well as an
assortment of delicious snacks. You can enjoy dishes of national and international
inspiration at the Ti-Cain restaurant.
Hotel El Establo
4 Km before reaching the Monteverde Reserve. Puntarenas
Telephone: (+506) 2645 5110
www.hotelelestablo.com
Located on a hillside, El Establo has the best view of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve. Guests can enjoy the green landscape from their room’s balcony or simply
by walking around this beautiful 1,000-acre property.
The Hotel has a total of 155 rooms distributed in 9 separate buildings; each one has its own
bellboy and emergency power generators. The spacious guest rooms feature Queen-size beds,
carpeted floor, balcony, rocking chairs, separate bath tub and shower, orthopedic mattresses,
four pillows per bed, 400-thread-count sheets, cable TV, mini-bar, coffee maker and phone.
Trails, pools, zip lines, restaurants, bars, tennis courts, a gym and a spa are some of the
amenities that guarantee a peaceful and rejuvenating stay. El Establo is the first hotel in
Monteverde with “Nature Friendly” anaerobic wastewater treatment plants and a private water
system (natural spring water for exclusive Hotel use). It has also received the Certification for
Sustainable Tourism from the Costa Rican Board of Tourism (ICT). The hotel implements a nosmoking policy inside its buildings.
Real Intercontinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica
Próspero Fernández Highway, in front of Multiplaza, Escazú, San José
Telephone: (+506) 2208 2100
www.intercontinentalcostarica.com
Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower is located in one of the most exclusive and trendy
areas of San José, the city of Escazú. Its location is perfect as it sits across the street from
Multiplaza, the city’s largest shopping complex and only 15 minutes from downtown and 20
minutes from the International Airport.
All of the 372 guest rooms are elegant and exquisitely decorated and feature individuallycontrolled air conditioning, wireless telephone with voice mail, wireless Internet access, minibar, electronic safe deposit box, CD clock/radio with MP3 and iPod connectivity, hair dryer and
private bathroom with rain shower and tub. 37” LCD TV screens are found in the standard rooms
and 42” LCD TV in the Club Floor, both with cable TV, and offering Dolby Digital Sound and Video
on Demand. Five different restaurants and bars complete the offering, each featuring a different
style, ambience, and cuisine style.
The InterContinental Club Tower offers exclusive access with a private check-in area and a
lounge area, where you will be able to enjoy your welcome cocktail. Additional services found
here are: butler service, buffet breakfast, daily service of drinks, coffee and hors d’oeuvres and
complimentary cocktails every night.
An extensive selection of leisure activities is available; including the new, contemporary-design
swimming pool, high-density surface tennis courts, 24-hour gymnasium, sauna, steam room and
Vichy shower, as well as the famous InterContinental Spa.