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1 8-The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, November 24, 1998 Destination of the Month: Costa Rica Ecological Paradise Jmagine a country with volcanoes, orchids, beacbes, butterflys and a rainforest. AIl of this and more can be enjoyed in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama. It's width ranges from 119 - 282 kms. The capital Sani Jose founded in 1737 is a mix of traditional and modem Spanish architecture. In the central valley tbe average temperature is 23C. The temperature is much higher in the coastal areas. The "warmn dry" season is December to May. Costa Rica is serious when it comes to preserving its natural resources with almost 22% of the country preserved as natural parks. Ecological tours are the most popular with the nature loyers visiting Costa Rica. Eco-tours can be joined from Sani Jose or Liberia. The ramn forest can be viewed from the top. The canopy tour takes you by way of pulleys and ropes up into tbe canopy of gigantic trees. Maybe you will see a two-toed sloth or a howler monkey on your way Up. For those who prefer to see nature on the ground, Mount Verde Cloud Forest has a safe system of nature trails to hike along. Not to be missed on your holiday is the active Arenal Volcano. A hike to the volcanoes edge, where you wait, watch and listen for an eruption that sends a mushroom cloud into the air. After admiring the incandescent lava and rocks stop at the Tabacon Hot Springs at the foot of the volcano. Relax and enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm thermal waters of the volcanic pools. Tours can be booked fromn your hotel to view the giant leatherback turties nesting on Playa Grande beach. You may want to take a boat ride down the river to witness the ram forest inhabitants such as tou- caris, monkeys, sloths and crocodiles. Looking for a beach holiday, Costa Rica offers the Melia Playa Conchal Beach and Golf resort located on the famous white sands of Conchal Beach on the Pacific Northwest coast. Local cuisine cari be experienced throughout Costa Rica. A common dish is Casado (rice, beans, stewed beef, fried plantain and cabbage). Lunch at a local restaurant may include iguaria if desired. Costa Rica is a unique destination to try for your holiday this winter. TAN BEFORE YOU TRAVELI F 1 gmmI Thîs MWeek Featuring: -MT /4 Puerto Vallarta... Eden Resort (Balcony Room) Ail Inclusive $90 Dec. 5 (7 nights) $9 0 Cancun... Sunset Lagoon (HoteI Roomn) Ail Inclusive $90 Dec. 5 (7 nights) $9 0 Varadero, Cuba ... Venta Club Tropico Ail Inclusive Dec. 13 (5 nights) $49800 mLiA 78 NIPISSING RD. MILTON 693-9393 Go1iger's Costa Simeralda Ail Inclusive from $-- - per person departure taxes extra 818-84186 z 9e Sunquest Vacations - December 1 Departure Costa Rica The Facts Flying Time: Toronto to Liberia 5 hours, Toronto to San Jose 5 Hours 20 Minutes Documentation: Valid Canadian Passport Currency: Colon. US. dollars widely accepted Language: Spanish Electricity: 11lOAC or 220 voltage What to Buy: Coffee, leather goods, hammocks, pottery woodcarvings, painted miniature OX carts. Golf: 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones IH at Playa Conchal Join aur 12-day Mediterrnean Crue Barcelona to Istanbul on the ragniflcent riaPRINCESS CRUISIES THE LOVE OAT"- ms Grand Princess JtdyQ4, or Sep taimelOdi, 1999 $ A ÔÔ CDN Fares ,nludng froff VVW5r tm ai FR detailS il: crises 6 OAKVILLE - 905 338-2077 A tan is natural sunburn Protection.I _______878-2324 550 Ontarlo St. S. *Open 7 days a week Milton (izza Mut Plazal a ise