Costa Rica McDougall Adventure 2008
Our next McDougall Adventure trip to Costa Rica is July 16 to 23, 2008.
Please call (800) 941-7111 or (616) 874-8155, or e-mail
carol@drmcdougall.com to sign up for
this upcoming adventure.
 The
weather at this time of the year is comfortable (mid 80s) with a
late afternoon shower, and the hills are green with foliage. The
animals are everywhere and easy to find. This will be our 11th
highly successful adventure trip to this same location. We have
added more local ocean adventures and a class 4 white water rafting
trip this summer. We have rented the entire El Ocotal Resort on the
Pacific Coast.
Visit:
http://www.ocotalresort.com
You can fly directly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) which is 25
minutes from the hotel. (An option to fly into San Jose (SJO) will be available
with free transportation to the hotel and a 5-hour sightseeing trip.) American,
Continental and Delta have frequent flights to Liberia from all over the USA.
Top 10 Reasons to Go to Costa Rica
 #1
Costa Rica is Our Favorite Travel Destination – Safe, Fun, and Convenient
Costa Rica is a premier destination for travelers from around the world. Over
the past 15 years we have taken ten groups to this ecological paradise (two by
cruise ship). Approximately half the people traveling with us have been on a
previous McDougall trip – for two important reasons: they love this trip and
traveling with us. Personally, our family has traveled there over 25 times and
the reason we keep going back is this is the one of the best travel destinations
for the dollar, that we have found. Costa Rica is a politically stable country
with a very low risk of the problems too often seen in this troubled world.
#2 The Best Value for Your Travel Dollar
The cost for a luxury resort (and this is one of the few with a traditional
Costa Rican atmosphere) on the beach with all meals and all adventure tours
provided would be enough to justify spending $2355 per person – and feel you
spent your money wisely. This trip is an extra special value because of the
quality of the food, guides, and education (see the following reasons). Compare
similar trips and you will be spending $2500 to $3500 and get much less.
 #3 No
Worries about the Food – Delicious Low-fat and Pure Vegetarian
We have trained the chefs to cook the foods and they present your meals with
professional pride. This cuisine is unique because native Costa Rican fruits and
vegetables are used to create delicious and healthy "local" dishes. Each evening
meal consists of a buffet spread across the dining area. The "tortilla lady"
prepares handmade corn tortillas for you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The
desserts are memorable and plentiful. Many of the lunches you will enjoy are
provided by countryside restaurants located at the adventure sites.
On the typical cruise the average weight gain is 8 pounds in 7 days – you may
have heard that figure. But not on this trip – with us you are very likely to
lose weight and will definitely return healthier. Coffee is served each morning
(for those in need) and alcoholic beverages are available from the bar (charges
for these drinks are not included in this package).
If members of your party are resistant to a week of vegetarian foods,
reassure them that there are several fine dining opportunities available nearby
(at their own expense). However, our experience has been that even children
unaccustomed to being without their junk food are eating with us within two to
three days – and receiving a life-changing education as a side benefit.
#4 "The Best" of Costa Rica from the Same Location - Without Changing
Rooms
We have your week planned so that you will see the natural wonders of Costa
Rica from one centrally located resort. Our destination – the Northwest section
of Costa Rica – is the most interesting section of this entire country – with
the most exotic birds, animals and plants – terrain varying from ocean to rain
forest. Each day you will travel to close-by adventures in a comfortable bus
with a small group of people and an official guide. This means you spend your
time enjoying yourself – not packing and unpacking, transferring, and
re-registering. The convenience of this trip is especially appreciated by
families with children.
#5 Most of You Will Be Able to Fly Direct
There are many nonstop flights to Liberia International Airport (LIR) located
25 minutes from the resort. In most instances customs is a breeze at this small
airport. Your plane will be met by our guides and you will be transferred with
little delay.
 #6
High Quality Adventures and Local Entertainment
Each day you will travel with a small group of people and an English speaking
official Costa Rican guide to a different adventure. These activities can
challenge you. There is horseback riding and/or wagon rides in the rain forest,
kayaking, snorkeling, rafting, hiking, bird watching and canopy tours (see
below). Regardless of your fitness level, you will have fun and get some much
appreciated exercise. You can repeat adventures as often as you like or just
relax around the resort. If you are looking for "tourist traps" to shop for
souvenirs, you should find another trip. There will be only a few opportunities
to buy high quality local items and post cards, because you will be too busy
interacting with the scenery, people, animals, and plants.
Each evening we have local musicians and dancers entertaining you at the
resort. These talented local people provide a cultural experience you will not
find anywhere else.
Five Days of Adventure
Tree-Top Tour: A canopy tour through the tree tops where you will have a
close look at the wildlife. Eleven cables – one a quarter-mile long – zip you
over the scenic rain forest. You will also visit the butterfly and reptile farm.
River Tour: You will travel in a rubber dinghy, steered by your oarsman and
guide, down the class 1 to 2 rapids of the Corobici River. On the August 2006
trip people saw more than 200 monkeys, 100 bats, 75 iguanas, several crocodiles,
many native birds, and an anteater.
Ranch Tour: Buena Vista Lodge is your departure place for a challenging
horseback ride or gentle wagon ride into the rain forest to see many varieties
of monkeys, iguanas, and birds. You will end up at volcano-heated mud baths and
mineral pools to soak your tired body.
Sailboat and/or White Water Rafting: We also plan a morning, ocean sailboat
trip, and a class 4 white water rafting trip. Additional water activities, like
ocean-kayaking and shore-line snorkeling, will be available.
Ocean and Beach Tour: Twin-engine, covered boats will take you along the
coast to isolated beaches. You may see seabirds, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Stops will be made for snorkeling and swimming. These clear, warm, and calm
Pacific waters are filled with large and interesting animal life. We had
close-up experiences with humpback whales (and a calf) during the August 2006
trip and saw whales and swam with giant mantas on the February 2007 trip.
Relaxing, Nature Hikes, Beach Strolls and Do What You Please: There is every
reason to miss one or more of the above, because you are in one of the world's
most beautiful destinations. You can also repeat any of the above tours as often
as you like during the five days of adventures.
#7 We Have the Best Guides in Costa Rica
Our familiarity with the people of Costa Rica has afforded us the opportunity
to know the most qualified official guides in Costa Rica and we have hand picked
the best to serve you during this trip. All are fluent in English,
well-educated, experienced, and fun to be with. These important people will
become a big part of your vacation memories. The guides also give lectures on
the local flora and fauna.
#8 We Attract Interesting People – You Will Make Long-lasting Friends
Quickly
Have you been on a trip lately where you made friends? That's a lot to
expect. However, because interesting, out-going people with common health goals
travel with us, you will find yourself enjoying the company of like-minded
people within minutes of your arrival. This is a unique experience in
companionship.
#9 You Will Enjoy a Comfortable Season in Central America
The temperatures are in the mid 80s to low 90s. This is the green season, so
expect dry mornings and evenings with afternoon showers on some days. The
foliage is in full bloom.
#10 Dr. McDougall will be providing $50,000 worth of education
Well, it could be worth that much money if you are considering bypass surgery
rather than this vacation. How much value do you place on your health? On your
mobility? On your family's health? The information provided by Dr. McDougall's
nightly lectures could easily save your life – not to mention your life-savings.
Plus, there is plenty of time to talk to John and Mary personally – they are at
the resort the entire week – and very approachable.
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