Costa Rica: A Living Laboratory of Sustainable Development – Exploring Nature, Gastronomy, Nutrition, and Cultural Exchange on a Post-SNEB Conference Tour

Deadline extended to June 15.

Once again, SNEB is partnering with Explorations by Thor for a post-conference international trip, especially for nutrition educators (see more about the 2019 post-conference tour at this link). Conference Chair Yenory Hernandez-Garbanzo is very excited to welcome you to her home – Costa Rica. Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, gastronomy, nutrition, culture, and peace to recharge your mind and body. Interest form is at the bottom of this page. (Note: Since all travelers will be flying independently to Costa Rica, you do not need to be attending conference to participate. The tour is also open to non-members and guests.)

Cost: $2,450 per person based on double occupancy (20 minimum travelers). Airfare is NOT included

Deadlines

  • June 15, 2023 – $500 Non-Refundable Deposit Due.
  • June 20, 2023 – Remaining Balance Due

Schedule

  • Day 1 (July 24) – Welcome to Costa Rica-Pura Vida! Early afternoon arrival at Juan Santamaría Airport, San José (SJO)! Airport transfer to your hotel for a welcome dinner. Overnight in San Jose
  • Day 2 (July 25) – A chocolate and biodiversity experience including tasting tours, connecting with biological corridors, lunch, and organic flower delights. Overnight in San Jose
  • Day 3 (July 26) – Sustainable Delight! Explore a Costa Rican organic coffee farm and the farmers market in Santa Ana with a farm-to-table lunch experience. In the afternoon, bridge culture and minds through educational exchange with local government officials, researchers, faculty, and students in Costa Rica. Overnight in San Jose.
  • Day 4 (July 27) – Nature’s Bounty! Explore the Mountains of Alajuela with a Visit to Volcan Poas and La Paz Waterfall Garden and a Delicious Snack Break with Local Strawberries. A relaxing evening option of a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife and/or natural hot springs dip in Fortuna´s Cloud Forest. Overnight in Fortuna.
  • Day 5 (July 28) – A Morning with the Majestic Arenal Volcano, followed by a gastronomy presentation by the Costa Rica Gastronomy Society President and a permaculture farm tour. Overnight in Fortuna.
  • Day 6 (July 29) – The Secret to Longevity: Travel to Guanacaste and experience Costa Rica´s Blue Zone through meetings with researchers, a doctor and centenarians. Overnight on the beach, Guanacaste.
  • Day 7 (July 30) – Relaxation and reflection: A free day on the beach in Costa Rica for personal time, reflection and group discussion. Overnight on the beach, Guanacaste.
  • Day 8 (July 31) – Journey´s End. Travel home from Liberia (LIR) Airport with provided transportation–recommended early afternoon flight.

Hotels

Details of registration cost:

Included:

  • Accommodations
  • Land transportation by private bus
  • Full time blingual guide
  • Gratuities for driver and guide(s)
  • Tours/Technical visits
  • Tastings as noted in itinerary
  • Meals as indicated in itinerary (water included, soft drinks not included)

Not Included:

  • International Airfare
  • Meals not shown on itinerary
  • Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages during included meals
  • Cost of valid U.S. passport or other documents necessary for international travel
  • Travel insurance (optional)
  • Airline seat upgrades
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Anything not specified above or noted as optional or at leisure
  • Souvenirs
  • Leisure activities on free days
  • Hotel charges for incidentals, including telephone calls, pay per view movies, mini bars, and snack trays, personal laundry, room service, and hotel penalties for smoking in hotel rooms.