Spring 2014 WAPF-friendly Costa Rica Retreat

April, 19 - 26, 2014 

WAPF, GAPS and Gluten intolerant friendly
***SCROLL DOWN FOR PICTURES OF THE TENTS AND THE FARM AND ONE VIDEO OF GINA, THE ORGANIZER***

Waldorf/Steiner inspired activities for children from 4 to 12 years old

For children 12+ and parents below is the list of activities

Location

Most activities will be held at Los Pinitos, our 30 acre (12 ha) organic farm/forest property 7 km (4 miles) from the town of Turrialba. At 1100m (3300 ft) altitude, the yearly average temperature is a pleasant 21° C (70°F). The property overlooks the Turrialba Valley and the Central mountain range of Costa Rica with the highest peak of Central America in the distance.

Los Pinitos Organic Farm, Costa Rica

On the farm, beautiful hiking paths lead you along a river through our species-rich forest and shaded coffee fields with tropical fruit trees, palms, a large variety of tasty bananas, oranges, mandarins and lemons, pineapples, turmeric, gingers, wild raspberries, orchids, and many medicinal and ornamental plants. You will also get to know the Mayan lipstick tree. Further on you walk through lush pastures with living fences for our grass-fed Jersey cows. Wildlife includes more than 200 bird species (weaver birds, Toucans, parakeets, owls, etc.), armadillos, raccoons, squirrels and many others.

Childrens’ Activities (4 to 11 years)
Waldorf-oriented activities including group games, forest walks, building huts from natural materials, singing and dancing, rushing down a water slide, drawing and painting, flute playing, milking cows, feeding chicken, gardening, bird watching etc.

Adults’ Activities (12 years and up)
Day One (Sat April 19th): San Jose airport pick up *(with fresh coconut water). Dinner and sleeping at Los Pinitos (scroll down page for photos of the farm and tents)

Day Two (Sunday 20^th): Hiking tour of our farm. Learn about the challenges that organic farmers face today and how this is influencing the landscapes and farmers' communities in Costa Rica. Basic notions of self sufficiency in the tropics, medicinal plants. Discover the rich fauna and flora of our region. Nice Zip line/canyoning or go swimming/hiking to a beautiful river.

Day 3 (Monday 21st): visit to the volcan Irazu then head to a natural occurring hot spring and have a healing caly bath   Or go  Rafting on the very lush Peyibaye river

Day Four (Tuesday 22nd): Guayabo National Park and Monument (a UNESCO world heritage site!) and then have lunch with a typical Costa Rican farming family and enjoy visiting their farm and biodigestor after a typical meal

Day 5th (Wednesday 23rd): Visit CATIE botanical garden and collections. Farmers market, souvenir shop and coffee processing.  Learning how to make soap.

 

Day Six (Thursday 24^th): Caribbean beach excursion. 

Day 7th (Friday 25th); Hike through the biggest coffee farm of Costa Rica. Learn about coffee history, growing, processing, and environmental and social certification. If time permits, you can pick some coffee. Visit historic church, picnic and swimming in a (cool) pool under a huge waterfall

Day 8 (Saturday 26^th) : Airport drop off

*On the day of arrival there will be two scheduled  pick up in the afternoon

Program is not necessary in that order. Final program dates will be based on date of arrival.

Lodging

 

    

Each family will be accommodated in one or more tents with private bathrooms (click "pics" label to see more photos)  and electricity. Singles will have their own tents and shared bathrooms.
Food and Cooking

Nutrient and enzyme-rich food. Real butter, virgin coconut oil, sourdough bread and sauerkraut, stock. Delicious Caribbean and continental food will be prepared based on Dr Price’s findings and the Nourishing Traditions cookbook of Sally Fallon. Vegetarians (plenty of organic 100% grass fed cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs and soaked beans) and gluten intolerant will be accommodated (we cook with manioc root powder or other non gluten based starch) as well.

Raw Milk and Cheese produced on the farm

Cost for:

Cost for:

Single occupancy $1379.00

Double $1129.00 per person

Triple $1049.00 per person

Quadruple $989.00 per person

Children (4 to 11 yrs old) $989.00 as well

Children up to 3 years old do not pay (but must be supervised by parents) at all time.

Includes airport transfers and all activities, transport to activities, three WAPF meals a day and lodging.   Does not include airline tickets and exit taxes (approx $26.00). 

**5% discount will apply to those that register before the 30^th of January.  Past campers will get a 15% off.  Groups of 12 or more get one person free.  Nanny Service will be available for younger kids (0-4yr) at $3.00/hr.

Most activities and events directly benefit many small scale local farming families.

Forms of Payment

Please note that a $175.00 deposit is needed to confirm these prices and reservation.

· Payment is to be sent to my US Wells Fargo Account, please email me at gmuschler@gmail.com for account info.

· After deposit do email and let me know

The price includes:
• all transport (in Costa Rica) incl. airport shuttle,
• National Park fees,
• All food and beverages and accommodation in tents
• All activities organized by Los Pinitos Camp

Conditions
Children must be accompanied by parents or legal guardian at all times except during children only activities when they will be with teachers or monitors.