Summer Vacation in Costa Rica?

The good folks over at Costa Rica Tours are at it again! They were kind enough to send me an email update that included information about their next BLACK HERITAGE TOUR IN COSTA RICA which is scheduled for August 27-September 2, 2008.

"Explore this rich heritage as we savor all the sights, sounds and flavors that are uniquely Black Costa Rican."

HIGHLIGHTS:
-- Participate in the annual Black Heritage celebration on the Caribbean coast;

-- Meet members of local civic organizations for dinner and a cross-cultural exchange in Limon.

-- Attend a special presentation on Black History in Costa Rica and the role of Marcus Garvey, the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association), and the Black Star Line Steamship Company.

-- Enjoy two nights at a mountain lodge in Turrialba where you can take a moderate hike in the rainforest to Guayabo National Monument, Costa Rica's most important archaeological ruin dating to 1,000 BC, or learn how to prepare traditional foods from Costa Rica's best-known African-Caribbean chef.


-- Visit the Tayutic Hacienda - a coffee and sugar cane plantation with historical significance as part of traditional Hispanic culture. It also has some of the most beautiful scenery in the county;
-- Relax at a beach resort on the Southern Caribbean Coast, named by Outside Magazine Travel Guide as "one of the seven best beaches in the world."

-- Have a lobster dinner at the area's most popular beach restaurant and take a Canopy Tour (optional) on a zipline through Gandoca-Manzanillo National Park.

-- Shop for crafts in Puerto Viejo and Moravia, and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner at a popular entertainment center in San Jose.

I've never taken their tour, but this last e-mail was very tempting. And at under $1600 for a week long adventure, it really does sound like something to consider. Maybe it's time to dust off my passport and head for warmer weather!