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Roots & Culture Tour
Traditional Food & Herbal Medicine Journey
Manzanillo, Talamanca, Costa Rica
January 6-13, 2016 (7 nights)
With Co-Facilitators Molly Meehan & Ayo Ngozi
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 herbalists Molly Meehan and Ayo Ngozi.
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, 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
Wednesday January 6
2:30 PM Group Meets at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose Costa Rica & Departs for Manzanillo
(try to get flights arriving no later that 1pm)
8:30 Welcome and Brief Orientation
(Bring USD you can use to pay for food when our shuttle stops along the way to Manzanillo and enough to last you a couple days until we go to an ATM, the town we stay in has no ATM, little cash is needed but is nice for purchasing water, souveniers, snacks etc)
Thursday January 7
8:00pm Breakfast
9:00 Welcome Orientation and Tour of Manzanillo
12:00 Group Lunch
1:00 Hike to BriBri Waterfalls
Tour and Cacao Workshop with Bri Bri Herbalist Catato Lopez Lopez in Volio
6:30 Dinner
*Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included on this day
Friday January 8
7:45 am Breakfast
9:30 - 1:00 Farm Tour and Lunch Finca Loroco Organic Seed Saving and Integrative Farm - BriBri and Lunch
4:00 Free Afternoon
6:00 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Saturday January 9
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!
*breakfast included on this day
Sunday January 10
7:45 Breakfast
9:00 Afro Caribbean Herb Walk & Traditions with local herbalist Alda
12:00 Group Lunch
1:00 Herbal Medicine Making OR Free Afternoon
6:30 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on this day
Monday January 11
7:00 - Breakfast
7:30-12:30pm Jungle Hike in Gandoca-Manzanillo Reserve with local naturalist
1:00 Group Lunch
Free Evening
*breakfast and lunch are provided this day
Tuesday January 12
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am
4:00 Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class & Despedida Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on this day
Wednesday January 13
Tour Ends
5:30 Private Shuttle Leaves for San Jose Airport (estimated 10:30am arrival)
| final_centro_ashe_waiver_form.pdf |
Registration and Payment:
Registration is required, please fill out the form downloadable form that is just under the registration link above, 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:
$1150 shared room
(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 $200 is due upon registration. Registration closes and payment in full due by December 1, 2015. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Donations Needed:
We are truly appreciative of those who are able to bring with them donations of HERBAL BOOKS, plant clippers, garden gloves, Dr. Bronners, tea tree essential oil, beeswax, lavender essential oil, activated charcoal tablets, wide mouth quart size mason jars with lids (plastic lids are best so they don't rust in the tropics), bandaids of all sizes, gauze, ace bandages, gauze, brown tincture bottles 1/2 oz, 1oz, 2oz, and 4oz, yoga mats, towels, books, sketchbooks, art supplies, sheets (single or double), tapestries, massage table, good cookware (hard to get around here!) Bulk organic teas by the pound are super appreciated especially red raspberry leaf, oatstraw, and nettles.
What's included In Your Trip:
The price includes your accomadations 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.
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.
Registration is required, please fill out the form downloadable form that is just under the registration link above, 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:
$1150 shared room
(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 $200 is due upon registration. Registration closes and payment in full due by December 1, 2015. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Donations Needed:
We are truly appreciative of those who are able to bring with them donations of HERBAL BOOKS, plant clippers, garden gloves, Dr. Bronners, tea tree essential oil, beeswax, lavender essential oil, activated charcoal tablets, wide mouth quart size mason jars with lids (plastic lids are best so they don't rust in the tropics), bandaids of all sizes, gauze, ace bandages, gauze, brown tincture bottles 1/2 oz, 1oz, 2oz, and 4oz, yoga mats, towels, books, sketchbooks, art supplies, sheets (single or double), tapestries, massage table, good cookware (hard to get around here!) Bulk organic teas by the pound are super appreciated especially red raspberry leaf, oatstraw, and nettles.
What's included In Your Trip:
The price includes your accomadations 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.
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.
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.
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!!"
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