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Roots & Culture Tour ~
Traditional Food & Herbal Medicine Journey
Manzanillo, Talamanca, Costa Rica
January 26-February 1 , 2015 (6 nights)
Our first two trips for 2015 sold out very quickly, so we have decided to run a third with a minimum of 6 participants. We are currently accepting a waiting list on this trip through November 20, 2014 at which time we will contact our list and deposits will need to be made before December 1, 2015! Please email [email protected] to sign up!
The Roots and Culture Tour is an incredible opportunity for all those interested in sustainable and just local agricutlure as well as traditional herbal medicine. Join us in the amazing Talamanca Region of Costa Rica, also known as the Caribe Sur (South Caribbean). This tour will bring you in direct contact with Talamancan farmers, herbalists, and naturalists, and will provide you with practical insight into the local food system and traditional healing in this area known for its autonomy, incredible biodiversity, and unique mix of Indigenous and Afro-Costa Rican cultures. You'll see how large scale plantation agriculture, development, socialized healthcare eroded traditional healthcare, and even tourism have threatened food sovereignty & local economies in this area, and how local people are working together to face the challenges of protecting their land, their culture and to create a more sustainable Talamanca. You will explore incredible farms and gardens, the depths of the Costa Rican jungles, as well as the beauty of the infamous coastlines. You will have classes with local herbalists, tour local sustainable farms, visit the farmers market, connect with the local women's cooperative farming project, learn traditional cooking incorporating herbs with local chef, hike with local naturalists, and have workshops on plant healing with community herbalist Molly Meehan.
During the tour you will be staying in Manzanillo, a beach town along the Caribbean Coast known for its amazing coral reefs, frequent sloth, monkey and toucan sightings, and entry into the Gandoca/Manzanillo National Reserve. The trip is rooted in popular education style, please come open to share and join in participatory analysis of how the issues facing the local food system and traditional healers in Talamanca, apply internationally and how we can each in turn work in solidarity moving forward.
This trip is unique, the entire intention is to share the story of real Costa Rican Culture, through Costa Rican people, and support the while supporting the local economy. Quite often it is easy while traveling to stay at foreign owned hotels and support foriegn owned businesses, but we are careful to create meaningful opportunities for our groups that help to build relationships supporting local folks. Everywhere from the cabinas you stay to all of the tours you go on are all supporting local Costa Rican people, we thank you for supporting this unique experience and alternative to mainstream tourism!
Please Click Here to Read Important Travel Info
Trip Itinerary
Monday January 26, 2015
5:00pm Group Meets at Cabinas Bucus in Manzanillo, Talamanca, Costa Rica
Brief Tour of Manzanillo
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Group Opening ~ Orientation
*Dinner is included on this day
* If you have chosen to take the private bus (additional $50 to trip) down from San Jose to Manzanillo the bus will leave at 12 noon from in front of Costa Rica Backpackers/Costa Rica Guesthouse in San Jose. You will most likely need to fly into San Jose the day before and stay the night at one of the recommended hotels on the travel information page. *A minimum of 6 participants must book for the private bus.
Tuesday January 27, 2015
7:45 am Breakfast
9:30 - 1:00 Farm Tour and Lunch Finca Loroco Organic Seed Saving and Integrative Farm - BriBri and Lunch
Return to Manzanillo, afternoon rest time
6:00 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Wednesday January 28, 2015
7:00 - Breakfast
7:30-12:00pm Jungle Hike in Gandoca-Manzanillo Reserve with local naturalist Omar Cook Campbell
12:00 Group Lunch
3:00-6:00 Tropical Herbal Medicine Making with Molly Meehan
Free Evening
*breakfast and lunch are provided this day
Thursday January 29, 2015
8:0 Breakfast
9:00 am Depart for visit to Catato & His Family, learning indigenous BriBri uses for medicinal plants
4:00 Return to Manzanillo
6:30 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on this day
Friday January 30, 2015
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Depart for tour of El Yue Local Womens Cooperative Agriculture/Plant Medicine/Community Center Project
Lunch at El Yue (Many folks bring donations (financial), art supplies, bilingual books, computers etc to donate here)
5:00 Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class
*breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on this day
Saturday January 31, 2015
8:45 Breakfast
9:30 am Leave to go to Puerto Viejo Farmers Market - Meet Local Farmers, See Local Tropical Produce!
Free Day to Relax and Have Fun, explore Puerto Viejo!
6:30 pm Despedida Group Dinner
*breakfast and dinner provided on this day
Sunday February 1, 2015
6:00 Private Shuttle Leaves for San Jose - We will drop off at airport (expect to arrive at airport by 11am, we are not responsible for traffic, road closures etc, that could cause you to loose your flight, we do not recommend getting a flight that leaves before 1:30 pm on Sunday).
Our private shuttle ($50 per person) that picks you up directly from Cabinas Bucus and takes you to San Jose to drop off first stop at the airport, and second stop in downtown San Jose next to Costa Rica Guesthouse & Costa Rica Backpackers Hostel. This is not required or included in the trip and is available as an add on, public bus info is below:
Public Bus Info Caribe Sur - San Jose
7:00 Public direct bus leaves Manzanillo to San Jose, otherwise three buses leave the town north in Puerto Viejo to go to San Jose around 11:30, 1:00, 3:30 to go to San Jose.
**Please note dates and times of these activities may change slightly simply based on weather. We always do our best to honor all planned activities.
Traditional Food & Herbal Medicine Journey
Manzanillo, Talamanca, Costa Rica
January 26-February 1 , 2015 (6 nights)
Our first two trips for 2015 sold out very quickly, so we have decided to run a third with a minimum of 6 participants. We are currently accepting a waiting list on this trip through November 20, 2014 at which time we will contact our list and deposits will need to be made before December 1, 2015! Please email [email protected] to sign up!
The Roots and Culture Tour is an incredible opportunity for all those interested in sustainable and just local agricutlure as well as traditional herbal medicine. Join us in the amazing Talamanca Region of Costa Rica, also known as the Caribe Sur (South Caribbean). This tour will bring you in direct contact with Talamancan farmers, herbalists, and naturalists, and will provide you with practical insight into the local food system and traditional healing in this area known for its autonomy, incredible biodiversity, and unique mix of Indigenous and Afro-Costa Rican cultures. You'll see how large scale plantation agriculture, development, socialized healthcare eroded traditional healthcare, and even tourism have threatened food sovereignty & local economies in this area, and how local people are working together to face the challenges of protecting their land, their culture and to create a more sustainable Talamanca. You will explore incredible farms and gardens, the depths of the Costa Rican jungles, as well as the beauty of the infamous coastlines. You will have classes with local herbalists, tour local sustainable farms, visit the farmers market, connect with the local women's cooperative farming project, learn traditional cooking incorporating herbs with local chef, hike with local naturalists, and have workshops on plant healing with community herbalist Molly Meehan.
During the tour you will be staying in Manzanillo, a beach town along the Caribbean Coast known for its amazing coral reefs, frequent sloth, monkey and toucan sightings, and entry into the Gandoca/Manzanillo National Reserve. The trip is rooted in popular education style, please come open to share and join in participatory analysis of how the issues facing the local food system and traditional healers in Talamanca, apply internationally and how we can each in turn work in solidarity moving forward.
This trip is unique, the entire intention is to share the story of real Costa Rican Culture, through Costa Rican people, and support the while supporting the local economy. Quite often it is easy while traveling to stay at foreign owned hotels and support foriegn owned businesses, but we are careful to create meaningful opportunities for our groups that help to build relationships supporting local folks. Everywhere from the cabinas you stay to all of the tours you go on are all supporting local Costa Rican people, we thank you for supporting this unique experience and alternative to mainstream tourism!
Please Click Here to Read Important Travel Info
Trip Itinerary
Monday January 26, 2015
5:00pm Group Meets at Cabinas Bucus in Manzanillo, Talamanca, Costa Rica
Brief Tour of Manzanillo
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Group Opening ~ Orientation
*Dinner is included on this day
* If you have chosen to take the private bus (additional $50 to trip) down from San Jose to Manzanillo the bus will leave at 12 noon from in front of Costa Rica Backpackers/Costa Rica Guesthouse in San Jose. You will most likely need to fly into San Jose the day before and stay the night at one of the recommended hotels on the travel information page. *A minimum of 6 participants must book for the private bus.
Tuesday January 27, 2015
7:45 am Breakfast
9:30 - 1:00 Farm Tour and Lunch Finca Loroco Organic Seed Saving and Integrative Farm - BriBri and Lunch
Return to Manzanillo, afternoon rest time
6:00 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Wednesday January 28, 2015
7:00 - Breakfast
7:30-12:00pm Jungle Hike in Gandoca-Manzanillo Reserve with local naturalist Omar Cook Campbell
12:00 Group Lunch
3:00-6:00 Tropical Herbal Medicine Making with Molly Meehan
Free Evening
*breakfast and lunch are provided this day
Thursday January 29, 2015
8:0 Breakfast
9:00 am Depart for visit to Catato & His Family, learning indigenous BriBri uses for medicinal plants
4:00 Return to Manzanillo
6:30 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on this day
Friday January 30, 2015
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am Depart for tour of El Yue Local Womens Cooperative Agriculture/Plant Medicine/Community Center Project
Lunch at El Yue (Many folks bring donations (financial), art supplies, bilingual books, computers etc to donate here)
5:00 Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class
*breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on this day
Saturday January 31, 2015
8:45 Breakfast
9:30 am Leave to go to Puerto Viejo Farmers Market - Meet Local Farmers, See Local Tropical Produce!
Free Day to Relax and Have Fun, explore Puerto Viejo!
6:30 pm Despedida Group Dinner
*breakfast and dinner provided on this day
Sunday February 1, 2015
6:00 Private Shuttle Leaves for San Jose - We will drop off at airport (expect to arrive at airport by 11am, we are not responsible for traffic, road closures etc, that could cause you to loose your flight, we do not recommend getting a flight that leaves before 1:30 pm on Sunday).
Our private shuttle ($50 per person) that picks you up directly from Cabinas Bucus and takes you to San Jose to drop off first stop at the airport, and second stop in downtown San Jose next to Costa Rica Guesthouse & Costa Rica Backpackers Hostel. This is not required or included in the trip and is available as an add on, public bus info is below:
Public Bus Info Caribe Sur - San Jose
7:00 Public direct bus leaves Manzanillo to San Jose, otherwise three buses leave the town north in Puerto Viejo to go to San Jose around 11:30, 1:00, 3:30 to go to San Jose.
**Please note dates and times of these activities may change slightly simply based on weather. We always do our best to honor all planned activities.
Registration and Payment:
Registration is required, please fill out the form downloadable at the bottom of this page and return to us ASAP. Please note you must fully fill out the form, SIGN AND DATE, and return as an email attachment before registration is complete.
Cost:
$850 shared room or $1000 private room per person
(Shared rooms may have 2-3 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
A non-refundable deposit of $300 is due upon registration. Registration closes and payment in full due by December 1, 2014. Once payments are made in full Centro Ashé is unable to issue refunds of any kind because we prepay for the activities/accomadations you receive on the trip and do not receive refunds for said payments.
What's included:
The price includes your accomadations at Cabinas Bucus in Manzanillo, Costa Rica, each of the tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary as well as breakfast each morning. We will include certain lunch and dinners in the trip, please read the itinerary carefully so you know which meals you are responsible for. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica, transportation back to San Jose from Manzanillo at the end of the trip, we do offer a private shuttle at an additional charge for those that prefer.
How to Pay:
We accept credit card via Paypal, check or money orders, please contact [email protected] in order to make a payment. You will receive a receipt upon payment. To pay by credit card via PayPal please scroll to the bottom of this page!
Please read the Disclaimer:
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Centro Ashé acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Centro Ashé and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Centro Ashé is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Centro Ashé. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Centro Ashé is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.centroashe.org and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
Register and Pay for the Roots and Culture Tour Below!
January 26-February 1, 2014 (6 nights)
Please not $8 processing fee per Paypal transaction.
EMAIL [email protected] to put your name on the list for this trip before November 20, 2014, we will run this trip with a minimum of 6 participants!
Registration is required, please fill out the form downloadable at the bottom of this page and return to us ASAP. Please note you must fully fill out the form, SIGN AND DATE, and return as an email attachment before registration is complete.
Cost:
$850 shared room or $1000 private room per person
(Shared rooms may have 2-3 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
A non-refundable deposit of $300 is due upon registration. Registration closes and payment in full due by December 1, 2014. Once payments are made in full Centro Ashé is unable to issue refunds of any kind because we prepay for the activities/accomadations you receive on the trip and do not receive refunds for said payments.
What's included:
The price includes your accomadations at Cabinas Bucus in Manzanillo, Costa Rica, each of the tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary as well as breakfast each morning. We will include certain lunch and dinners in the trip, please read the itinerary carefully so you know which meals you are responsible for. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica, transportation back to San Jose from Manzanillo at the end of the trip, we do offer a private shuttle at an additional charge for those that prefer.
How to Pay:
We accept credit card via Paypal, check or money orders, please contact [email protected] in order to make a payment. You will receive a receipt upon payment. To pay by credit card via PayPal please scroll to the bottom of this page!
Please read the Disclaimer:
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Centro Ashé acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Centro Ashé and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Centro Ashé is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Centro Ashé. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Centro Ashé is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.centroashe.org and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
Register and Pay for the Roots and Culture Tour Below!
January 26-February 1, 2014 (6 nights)
Please not $8 processing fee per Paypal transaction.
EMAIL [email protected] to put your name on the list for this trip before November 20, 2014, we will run this trip with a minimum of 6 participants!
Please fill out and email the form below, sign, and as an attachment to [email protected]
Please email the attachment in the .PDF format.
Please email the attachment in the .PDF format.
| updatedregistration_form_roots_and_culture.doc |
Reviews of the past Roots and Culture Tours:
"This tour is not for those who just want to "check out" on vacation - its for the conscious traveler, those who seek to learn to help improve their world when they return home. They will not return unrelaxed or disappointed but instead enriched, centered, and passionate about this gorgeous Costa Rican region less-traveled."
"This was my first trip to Costa Rica and I could not imagine visiting any other location in this country other than Talamanca and Manzanillo. After my 5 days here I admit to being a "square" farmer. This trip and the Roots and Culture Tour has changed my practice to being a "circle" farmer forever. Incredible. Thank you!"
**Square farming was referred to by Gonzalo Moreno of Finca Loroco as a broken and disconnected approach to farmer, where as circle has no end, is a constant flow of interrelationships.
"The Roots and Culture Tour embodies the beauty that is Talamanca and its people. From eating a fresh coconut, to hiking to an edible integrated farm while the guide tells wildlife jokes, to howler monkeys ("natural alarm clocks"), those are only a few of the amazing experiences to be had on this soulful, educational, and foodalicious adventure in Costa Rica."
"The tour, knowledge, and discussion with Molly, Popeye, Omar and the other hosts have completly changed my perspective on sustainable farming practices. Thank you!"
Molly and Popeye and Omar are full of endless knowledge . . . I could listen forever."
Review of 2012 Roots and Culture Tour:
January 10, 2012: Climate Change and YOU Can Make a Difference!Blog by Rural Coalition’s Bryn Bird
http://ruralco.org/blogs/january-10-2012-climate-change-and-you-can-make-a-difference
"I returned from a wonderful time in Costa Rica with Centro Ashe. It was certainly life affirming. The experience reminded me again why I am so passionate about my work with Rural Coalition and about the consumer choices I make every day that affects millions around the world. It was really amazing to see the parallel issues affecting Costa Rica and the United States. Molly took us to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and we learned of the racial tensions that remain and the struggle for the region’s indigenous farmers. It was unreal talking to farmers who have watched climate change in the past 10 years drastically affect their lives. The indigenous farmers at each farm we went to were all concerned because the Chinese fruit was blooming in January when it should be dormant. Each farmer we visited was sure to tell us that climate change is at the top of his or her concerns. For me the parallels were summed up when one farmer said, "I was told I could only grow bananas and survive as a farmer." It made me think of my family being told, "You have to grow corn to survive." This farmer went against the grain and was growing anything but bananas!! He even had carrots.... in Costa Rica!!!!
However, we were constantly given hope that we could make a difference here in the states each day with our purchasing power. I learned first-hand that buying co-operative coffee, chocolate, bananas, and other products really helps small farmers stay on their land. We met a group of 1,200 producers who grow organic/sustainable chocolate they sell to Switzerland and banana puree to Gerber! It made me realize I can have a direct impact on the market and world with my money. I am now eager to educate others on this.
If you all ever have a chance to join Centro Ashe for the trip it is an amazing experience and a side of Costa Rica most will never experience. It was like I knew a secret after spending a week in a village of 250 who only got electricity in the '90's! I would have blissfully stayed forever growing my organic bananas!!"
"This tour is not for those who just want to "check out" on vacation - its for the conscious traveler, those who seek to learn to help improve their world when they return home. They will not return unrelaxed or disappointed but instead enriched, centered, and passionate about this gorgeous Costa Rican region less-traveled."
"This was my first trip to Costa Rica and I could not imagine visiting any other location in this country other than Talamanca and Manzanillo. After my 5 days here I admit to being a "square" farmer. This trip and the Roots and Culture Tour has changed my practice to being a "circle" farmer forever. Incredible. Thank you!"
**Square farming was referred to by Gonzalo Moreno of Finca Loroco as a broken and disconnected approach to farmer, where as circle has no end, is a constant flow of interrelationships.
"The Roots and Culture Tour embodies the beauty that is Talamanca and its people. From eating a fresh coconut, to hiking to an edible integrated farm while the guide tells wildlife jokes, to howler monkeys ("natural alarm clocks"), those are only a few of the amazing experiences to be had on this soulful, educational, and foodalicious adventure in Costa Rica."
"The tour, knowledge, and discussion with Molly, Popeye, Omar and the other hosts have completly changed my perspective on sustainable farming practices. Thank you!"
Molly and Popeye and Omar are full of endless knowledge . . . I could listen forever."
Review of 2012 Roots and Culture Tour:
January 10, 2012: Climate Change and YOU Can Make a Difference!Blog by Rural Coalition’s Bryn Bird
http://ruralco.org/blogs/january-10-2012-climate-change-and-you-can-make-a-difference
"I returned from a wonderful time in Costa Rica with Centro Ashe. It was certainly life affirming. The experience reminded me again why I am so passionate about my work with Rural Coalition and about the consumer choices I make every day that affects millions around the world. It was really amazing to see the parallel issues affecting Costa Rica and the United States. Molly took us to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and we learned of the racial tensions that remain and the struggle for the region’s indigenous farmers. It was unreal talking to farmers who have watched climate change in the past 10 years drastically affect their lives. The indigenous farmers at each farm we went to were all concerned because the Chinese fruit was blooming in January when it should be dormant. Each farmer we visited was sure to tell us that climate change is at the top of his or her concerns. For me the parallels were summed up when one farmer said, "I was told I could only grow bananas and survive as a farmer." It made me think of my family being told, "You have to grow corn to survive." This farmer went against the grain and was growing anything but bananas!! He even had carrots.... in Costa Rica!!!!
However, we were constantly given hope that we could make a difference here in the states each day with our purchasing power. I learned first-hand that buying co-operative coffee, chocolate, bananas, and other products really helps small farmers stay on their land. We met a group of 1,200 producers who grow organic/sustainable chocolate they sell to Switzerland and banana puree to Gerber! It made me realize I can have a direct impact on the market and world with my money. I am now eager to educate others on this.
If you all ever have a chance to join Centro Ashe for the trip it is an amazing experience and a side of Costa Rica most will never experience. It was like I knew a secret after spending a week in a village of 250 who only got electricity in the '90's! I would have blissfully stayed forever growing my organic bananas!!"
Copyleft 2014 Centro Ashé