Oct. 29 - 5 Nov. 2011 including travel dates.
Extended Stay Possible - Contact Jim Frazier for more information

48th PAL host city - San Jose, Costa Rica

 

Costa Rica was first visited by Christopher Columbus and crew (Sept. 18, 1502) on the famous navigator's final voyage to the Western Hemisphere.  The Spaniards were greatly impressed with the Carib Indians who received them warmly, and were even more impressed with the gold rings they were wearing.  This helped fuel the subsequent stories of the "riches" of mythical "El Dorado" and the many exaggerated stories about the wealth of the New World just "lying there for the taking." Columbus is generally credited with naming the area "Costa Rica" ("Rich Coast," "Rich Coastland," or "Coast of Abundant Wealth"). However, there is evidence that the Spaniard who came up with this appealing name was actually Gil Gonzalez Davila.

Four Nights downtown San Jose at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica
               www.grandhotelcostarica.com
               Three Nights in Fortuna at the Arenal Volcano Hotel
               www.arenalmanoa.com