in the heart of Monteverde. Your visit includes an exciting opportunity to fly through the cloud forest on a zip line canopy tour or to take a guided walk among the treetops on a series of hanging bridges! After your activity of choice, participate in a reforestation effort by planting a tree in this spectacular nature preserve. Finally, you will learn about some of the region's most beautiful wildlife with a visit to one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens. You’ll also see the hummingbird gallery containing more than 14 different species! Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Day 5: Sunday, March 29, 2009 Monteverde A morning nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. It is an elusive bird but keep your eyes peeled and you may get lucky! This afternoon, visit a local coffee production facility to see how a potent Costa Rican coffee bean is transformed into your morning cup of joe.Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Day 6: Monday, March 30, 2009 Monteverde - Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) Fun in the sun is in store as you travel to the spectacular Guanacaste region on the northwest Pacific coast. En route, make a special stop at a small cooperative where locals showcase their colorful handmade products. This afternoon, arrive at Playa Hermosa, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Day 7: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste) The day is yours to simply enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby marina and beaches or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of the amenities offered by your all-inclusive resort. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included. Day 8: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 Playa Hermosa - Sarchi - San Jose Take a leisurely ride through the countryside to Sarchi. This charming town is known for its authentic handicrafts. During your visit you will have the chance to tour the local oxcart factory, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs! Continue on to San Jose where you will enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. Day 9: Thursday, April 02, 2009 San Jose - Tour Ends Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica. Today breakfast will be included.

Experience It! _______________________________ Monteverde Cloud Forest There are only four places in the world with an ecosystem so unique that it produces a cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is one. Situated high on a mountain, the cloud forest is created when the arid air from the forest below the mountain combines with the moist, hot air of the rainforest. The result is a blanket of misty, wispy clouds that linger low in the forest, making it feel as if it were raining. This rare environment breeds a diverse world of exotic flora and fauna. One of the cloud forest’s most famous residents is the endangered resplendent quetzal. A remarkably colorful bird, this creature sports a golden beak that protrudes from a green-hooded head. The breast is a vibrant scarlet and the tail feathers are gray, black and white. A highly-elusive bird, quetzal sightings are rare but absolutely unforgettable.

For more information contact

Jean Cassetta ● Santa Clara County Medical Association ● (408) 998-8850 ext. 3010 YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day Day

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Herradura Hotel, San Jose Volcano Lodge, Arenal or Arenal Springs Lodge, Arenal Heliconia Ranch Cabicera, Monteverde Cloud Forest or Hotel Belmar, Monteverde Cloud Forest Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort, Guanacaste Herradura Hotel, San Jose On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Vacation Tours for All Ages-Collette Vacations Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6:00 PM (Wine & Cheese Provided) During the past few years, many of you asked if SCCMA works with a travel agency. We do now! SCCMA and Collette Vacations are now partnering to bring the SCCMA membership some excellent trips. Collette Vacations has been in business since 1918, and they are dedicated to fulfilling travel dreams. They help create wonderful travel experiences in 60 countries on all seven continents. They offer escorted tours, independent vacation packages, and custom tours – to all four corners of the globe. On Thursday, August 21, 2008 come join us for a brief slide show about Costa Rica, presented by Collette Vacations’ District Sales Manager Dan Smart. We will meet at 6:00 PM at the SCCMA headquarters for a brief slide presentation and Q & A. Also, if you are interested in other trips, please join us, and Dan can help with the arrangements and details. This is an informational event only. To RSVP, call Jean Cassetta, 408/998-8850 Ext. 3010, or jean@sccma.org.