Costa Rica. for the Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle January 2018

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Trek Costa Rica for the Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle 20-28 January 2018

1 Trek Costa Rica for the Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle January 2018 Register online now at mariecurie.org.uk/newcastlecostarica or call

natural phenomena. Trek through tropical rainforest, see exotic wildlife and walk through the Arenal canopy. This is both a physical challenge and an opportunity to experience an incredible country.

2 Your adventure starts here Discover the volcanoes of Costa Rica. With day treks on Irazú, Poás, Arenal, Cerro Chato and Rincón de la Vieja, this adventure will take you up close to the craters, unique flora and fauna, and pristine rainforests that surround these natural phenomena. Trek through tropical rainforest, see exotic wildlife and walk through the Arenal canopy. This is both a physical challenge and an opportunity to experience an incredible country. Challenge yourself and raise vital funds for the Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle. Trekking for the Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle will help us to continue providing expert care, guidance and support for people living with a terminal illness, and their families. Last year our dedicated doctors and nurses cared for more than 600 patients at a cost of 4.6 million. This care would not be possible without the support of people like you. This image: Shutterstock Front cover: Thinkstock Costa Rica Simon Rawles/Marie Curie 2

3 Day 1 Depart the UK arrive San José We depart from the UK and fly to San José, Costa Rica. On arrival we will transfer to the centrally located hotel and, depending on available time, relax and explore the sights of San José. In the evening we will meet the guide and have a trip briefing. Day 2 Irazú Volcano to Prusia Forest Reserve 5-6 hours trekking After breakfast at the hotel we will transfer to Irazú Volcano for our first day of trekking. Irazú Volcano is still active; it last made international headlines when it erupted in 1963 on the day that former US President John F. Kennedy visited the country. The eruption decimated crops in the area but left the soil enriched for decades to come. We will spend the day trekking through stunning rainforests, Thinkstock 3

visiting some of the craters and continuing along the trail until we arrive at Prusia Forest Reserve in Irazú Volcano National Park, where we will meet the vehicle and transfer back to our hotel in

4 visiting some of the craters and continuing along the trail until we arrive at Prusia Forest Reserve in Irazú Volcano National Park, where we will meet the vehicle and transfer back to our hotel in San José. Thinkstock Day 3 Poás Volcano National Park and Laguna de Hule hike 5 hours trekking During our trek in Poás National Park, we will view the stunning crater and lake, said to be one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Keep an eye out for the wide variety of birds found here. After a short transfer we will trek the picturesque Laguna de Hule trail before a late afternoon transfer back to San José. 4

Day 4 Arenal Volcano 5-6 hours trekking After checking out of our hotel and having breakfast, we will transfer to the Arenal Volcano area, which is blessed with surrounding natural beauty, including

We will hike high above the treetops, across a system of suspension bridges on a dedicated canopy walk trail, allowing us to observe the rainforest at its best before staying in a hotel in the Arenal

5 Day 4 Arenal Volcano 5-6 hours trekking After checking out of our hotel and having breakfast, we will transfer to the Arenal Volcano area, which is blessed with surrounding natural beauty, including the imposing volcano itself and the amazing Lake Arenal. We will hike high above the treetops, across a system of suspension bridges on a dedicated canopy walk trail, allowing us to observe the rainforest at its best before staying in a hotel in the Arenal area. Day 5 Cerro Chato climb 5-6 hours trekking Cerro Chato is a dormant volcano that flanks the south-east side of the Arenal Volcano. It has been inactive for around 3,500 years and rests at an elevation of 3,740 ft (1,140 m). We will start from the west side of the mountain, and walk towards the crater lake up on the summit. After enjoying the panoramic views, we will descend the east side of the mountain to La Fortuna Waterfall, before continuing back to the hotel. Day 6 Arenal to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano 4-6 hours trekking Saying farewell to Arenal, we will transfer to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, following the circuit that treks to Chorreras Waterfall. Here you can choose to either spend some time swimming and enjoying the surrounding rainforest, or undertake an optional canyon canopy tour complete with zip lines and Tarzan swings. Tonight we will stay in a local hacienda in Rincón de la Vieja. Marie Curie Shutterstock 5

6 Day 7 Climb Rincón de la Vieja Volcano 5-6 hours trekking After breakfast we will start our climb to the summit of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Starting from100 metres, we ascend to 2,900 metres to be greeted by nine different craters and experience the change in microclimate. We descend down to Hermosa Beach to celebrate the completion of the five volcano trek. Day 8 Depart San José After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José for our overnight flight back to London, arriving the following day. Day 9 Arrive back to UK The itinerary is subject to change 6 Thinkstock

Essential information 250 registration fee (non-refundable) 3,650 minimum sponsorship What s included Return flights from UK to San José Local transfers

7 Essential information 250 registration fee (non-refundable) 3,650 minimum sponsorship What s included Return flights from UK to San José Local transfers Accommodation Thinkstock day trip with six 9days trekking Trek leader Trek grading: Challenging Doctor Luggage transfers while trekking All meals except in free time 7

8 Where your money goes 130 pays for someone with a terminal illness to attend the day therapy unit at the hospice. 400 pays for someone to stay in a Marie Curie Hospice for 24 hours, so that they can receive the hands-on care they need in their final days. 1,250 pays for a portable oxygen system that will relieve distressing symptoms wherever the patient happens to be, so they aren t confined to bed. Many of our hospice trekkers find they exceed the minimum sponsorship level. You could make your support go even further by paying for 24 hours of care on a day of your choice. You might want to recognise an important birthday or anniversary, remember a relative or friend, or mark a significant milestone. We ll create a personalised keepsake certificate, and, if you d like, we can display it in the hospice reception on your chosen day. It costs 6,584 every day to cover the hospice s running costs. To find out more, contact your local hospice fundraising team. Adam Serfontein and his wife Rachael have donated 6,584 to the Pay for a Day project, which covers the cost of funding specialist roundthe-clock care for 24 hours at the hospice. Mr Serfontein, managing director of The Hanro Group, one of the region s largest commercial property companies, is a Pro Chancellor and Deputy Chair of Northumbria University and a board member of NE1, Newcastle s business improvement company. Mr Serfontein said: Through Pay for a Day, individual people, couples - like Rachael and I - groups or businesses can fund 24 hours of care at this fantastic hospice. We chose 18 December because it is exactly a week before Christmas, and is a very fitting time to think of people for whom time is limited, and their families and loved ones. It is a privilege to be able to do this. To know you are helping to sustain the vital care and outstanding levels of support the hospice provides is a very good feeling. People don t come to Marie Curie to die; they come to live. To enable the fantastic team to help these people and their families, just for one day in that quest, is a great thing to be able to do. 8

9 Frequently asked questions Who can take part? You must be 18 years old or over to take part. The group size will be around 25-35, including people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Most will be on their own, but some will go with friends, partners or relatives. How fit do I have to be? This is a strenuous challenge and you will need to train hard to succeed. All our challenges are designed to suit people who are fit and have trained to take part the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the adventure. Will I need specialist kit? We will send you a recommended packing list in your welcome pack which will detail any specialist equipment you may need. What is not included in the package? Registration fee Recommended vaccinations Tips and gratuities Travel insurance Personal spending money Single room upgrade What food and drink will there be? All meals are provided on the challenge and will include lots of carbohydrates such as pasta and potatoes, along with cereals, bread, fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs, plus some meat. There will be vegetarian options at every meal. Feel free to bring a few of your favourite snacks too. Please let us know in advance about any special dietary requirements. What about vaccinations? Typhoid, diphtheria, and hepatitis A and B vaccinations are advisable, and tetanus should be up to date. We recommend you seek professional medical advice from your GP regarding travel vaccines. How will I be supported? Beforehand: You will be sent a fundraising pack with great tips on how to meet your sponsorship target. We will be in touch regularly and will organise a briefing day where you ll meet other participants and hear more about the challenge. During the trip: Your group will be accompanied by a qualified medic and trek leader, as well as a Marie Curie representative. Local guides will escort the group along the route. Your luggage is transported by vehicle to each night s accommodation. 9

10 Can I cover the cost of the trip myself? We ask you to raise a minimum of 3,650. After tour operating costs, a minimum of 2,075* will go directly to Marie Curie, as well as anything you raise over the minimum sponsorship. If you would like to pay for the tour operating costs yourself, please contact us on for further information. What will the weather be like? There are several distinct climatic zones in Costa Rica as it is a tropical country where there is no winter or summer. Because of the changes in altitude, coastal temperatures can reach 28-32ºC (82-89ºF). Mountain regions can be considerably cooler, with temperatures dropping to as low as 5ºC (40ºF). What s the accommodation like? There will be good quality hotel accommodation throughout the trip, on a twin share basis. Passports and visas Participants should have at least six months validity on their passports from the date of return to the UK. No visas are required for British passport holders; other nationalities are advised to check with their embassies or consulates. Can I extend my stay? Anyone wanting to stay on after the trek can arrange to do so by contacting World Expeditions. Extension of your stay is subject to additional costs and dependent on availability. How can I help limit the environmental impact of travelling abroad for this trek? Marie Curie is committed to responsible tourism. This challenge is organised by our tour operator, World Expeditions, which will provide guidelines on responsible tourism. They offer a carbon offset scheme for anyone who wishes to offset the carbon footprint of their flights. *Based on minimum participant numbers. 10

11 Fundraising for Marie Curie When you take on an overseas challenge for Marie Curie, we re here to help and support you every step of the way. Your local Marie Curie fundraiser Once you ve registered, you will be put in touch with your local Marie Curie fundraiser who will help you with your fundraising plans and offer advice whenever you need it. Welcome pack We ll send you a welcome pack and fundraising guide full of tried and tested tips to help you smash your target. If you d like to see some ideas for fundraising before you get your pack, check out this page on our website. mariecurie.org.uk/event-fundraisingtips Getting started A great first step is setting up a JustGiving page. This is the quickest and easiest way to tell people that you re fundraising and gather your sponsorship online. Get personal Tell people why you re doing this challenge. People respond best to personal stories. Don t forget to add some photos or videos. Make the most of social media Announce your sponsorship page and ask people for donations on Facebook and Twitter. Add your JustGiving web address to your signature, so everyone you contact can see it. And don t forget to tweet about it too! Supersize your fundraising See if your employer will match your fundraising pound for pound, or up to a fixed amount. And ask your sponsors to Gift Aid their donation. Get in touch Please do get in touch if you have any questions or want support. We d love to hear from you on * *Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Your call may be recorded for quality and training purposes. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am 5pm. 11

12 Register now There are lots of ways to register for the Costa Rica Trek for the Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle: Online at: mariecurie.org.uk/newcastlecostarica Fill in the registration form and post to: Trek Costa Rica for Marie Curie Hospice, Newcastle Marie Curie PO BOX Links Place Edinburgh EH6 9AB If you have any questions feel free to call us on or us at We re here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left. mariecurie.org.uk Charity reg no (England & Wales), SC (Scotland) A694a

THE CANADIAN ROCKIES FOR MARIE CURIE June Register online now at mariecurie.org.uk/rockies or call

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