Costa Rica

San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and has one of the oldest Opera Houses in the Americas right on the main square. Of more interest is the large vault built under Opera House which contains some of the most valuable gold carvings ever found in the Americas.

Once we begin to journey outside of the Capital City we will make a stop at a coffee plantation where a “tico” (name the natives call themselves) will explain how the process of making fine coffee is done. Perhaps a cup of their best will make us appreciate the effort that goes into a great cup of coffee.

Besides a restful boat ride on Lake Arenal we will have an opportunity to see an active (sort of) volcano up close. If we are lucky we might even see the volcano clear its throat with a mighty blast of steam.

Of course the very best of Costa Rica is it’s rain and cloud forests. Our stop in Monteverde will be one spectacular vista after another. 100 foot high trees and more bird species than you can count like bell birds, hummingbirds, and over 100 species all trying to eat the fruit on the feeding table… and maybe, if we are really watching carefully we may spot the national bird – the Resplendent Quetzal.