Join other Horned Frogs for a TCU Alumni Association Lifelong Learning Insider's trip to Costa Rica, one of the most popular destinations in Latin America. On this lifelong learning adventure, you can hike through a rainforest, view one of the world's most active volcanoes, unwind in a hot springs spa or just relax on the beach – all in the same country. Costa Rica is home to more than 5% of the world's biodiversity: over 800 species of birds, over 200 species of mammals, and thousands of butterfly species.
During this trip, Frogs will visit TCU's Tropical Research Station, situated in a rainforest in the San Lorenzo Valley. This international conservation program provides opportunities to immerse TCU students in the environmental challenges of one of the world's most biologically diverse landscapes. TCU is unrivaled by universities of similar size in opportunities for students and faculty instruction and research such as this.
Traveling with the group and offering unique insights on what will be seen and experienced each day will be Dr. Mike Slattery, TCU's Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies.
Please note: This trip involves some outdoor activity, primarily hiking through rainforests and national parks. You do not need to be in great physical condition to thoroughly enjoy your time in Costa Rica. However, we recommend this trip only for those who are to some degree physically active. Some more strenuous activities, such as zip-lining through the canopy, will be by choice. Those traveling on this trip should be at least 21 years old.
Mark your calendar and make your reservation today for this exclusive opportunity. This trip is limited to the first 36 people who register with Gulliver’s Travel. Please respond quickly to guarantee you are included on the trip. You will receive all tickets and confirmations one month prior to departure.
Arrive at the San Jose International Airport with private transfers (only included with the group flight) to the Marriott Costa Rica, voted by Conde Nast as one of the best hotels in Central America and Mexico. The hotel is a beautiful colonial hacienda set on a 30 acre coffee plantation.
Visit Costa Rica's Sibu Chocolate farm, whose classic collection of handmade truffles and caramel is inspired by Costa Rica's rich tropical flavors and indigenous heritage. Following the tour, lunch will be served at the farm along with special remarks by Sibu Chocolate founder Julio Fernandez, a Costa Rica historian and naturalist. Weather permitting, the next destination will be a visit to the Poas Volcano. A welcome reception and dinner that evening will take place at the Corteza Amarilla, named after the vibrant yellow flowering trees found on the property.
Depart San Jose for the Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort, a Costa Rica five-star luxury hotel located at the base of the Arenal Volcano. In route to the Tabacon, the group will spend the afternoon at TCU's Tropical Research Station that will include lunch, a tour/hike and an opportunity to learn from Dr. Mike Slattery about this international conservation program. A group dinner will take place that evening at the mineral springs at the Tabacon Resort.
The day will start with a wildlife and nature river cruise on the Rio Frio and Cano Negro. An experienced guide will teach tour takers about the ecological history of the area and spot various animals as the group glides through the tropical rain forest, pastures and marshlands. The tour includes a buffet lunch. On the drive back to the hotel, a stop for ice cream and coffee will take place at the Iguana Café, famed for the many iguanas that roam the property and drape the trees. At sunset, guests will depart for the Arenal Volcano viewing experience where, if the weather is clear, spectators may be treated to eruptions of lava that shower down the cinder cone. Guests will have dinner on their own at either the Tabacon Resort or in the town of Fortuna.
Depart the hotel for Sky Trek Park. Start the morning with a guided walk that includes 3 km of trails, with a combination of suspension bridges, observation points and waterfalls. On the trip back to the base, take the slow-paced Sky Tram gondolas that soar smoothly through the rainforest, or for those seeking an adrenalin rush, return by a fast-paced zip line with a series of cables connecting one mountain to another. 
Lunch will take place at the tram's base. During the afternoon, one might choose to tour the town of La Fortuna and surrounding areas or visit the La Fortuna Waterfall which emerges from dense jungle greenery before plummeting some 200 feet into an emerald pool below. Guests will have dinner on their own at either the Tabacon Resort or in the town of Fortuna.
Board a bus for the transfer to Guanacaste. This province has stunning shorelines, bird watching, horseback riding, hiking, fishing and golf. On the way to Guanacaste, the group will stop for breakfast at Lake Arenal, the major source for electricity in the country. Upon arriving in Guanacaste, check into the Westin Playa Conchal Resort, revered as a world-class beach and golf resort. The grounds include tropical gardens, charming walkways, bubbling fountains and a host of amenities including an 18-hole, par 72 champion golf course. The all-inclusive plan for the group includes all meals and beverages.
These two days are free to enjoy the resort or take part in optional tours and activities. Play golf. Visit the Rincon Volcano National Park with a local volcanologist. Hike the dry forest in Santa Rosa National park. Enjoy water sports. Go fishing. Or simply lay on the beach.
Following breakfast at the resort, the group will transfer to the Liberia Costa Rica airport for the return trip home.
- Airfare on American Airlines from DFW to San Jose and from Liberia to DFW (optional - packages can be purchased without air)
- Airport transfers (for those purchasing the group air packages)
- Eight nights hotel (Costa Rica Marriott 2, Tabacon Grand Spa and Resort 3, Westin Playa Conchal 3)
- 8 Breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 5 Dinners
- Admission and tickets to all planned activities
- Transportation and guides for all planned activities
- Access America Travel Insurance
- Internet access at the Costa Rica Marriott and Tabacon Grand Spa
- Gratuities for bellman, maids and drivers
- Costa Rica departure tax
- Meals, snacks and others not specified
- Personal expenses such as laundry service, liquor*, phone calls
- Optional tours
* The Westin Playa Conchal is all-inclusive and includes alcoholic beverages.
Gulliver's Travel Service, Inc.
2800 S. Hulen, #110
Fort Worth, TX 76109
817-924-7766 or 800-796-7766
www.gullivers.com
For pricing and to register for the trip, please go to:
