Costa Rica Holiday – A World of Nature

A holiday to Costa Rica offers a holiday with a difference. Costa Rica is a beautiful country in Central America renowned for its diverse culture and also it has everything from rainforests to volacanos. In fact the Arenal volcano is one of Costa Rica’s biggest tourist attractions.

One of the most bio diverse regions in the world and home to some of the most colourful and exotic flora and fauna on earth, Costa Rica’s greatest national treasure is its abundance of birdlife and other wildlife making Costa Rica a treasure trove for naturalists and explorers.

If you want to visit this amazing country the best time to visit is between October and April and we have a 12 day tour that is excellent value for money.

You travel with just 24 passengers on this Explorations tour where a smaller group setting means a more personal travel experience.

Journey to Costa Rica and discover the outstanding variety of flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rain Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park • Embark on many exclusive excursions • Take time for independent personal discovery • Join your fellow travellers this first evening for a welcome reception*.

 Day 2: San Jose – Tortuguero National Park

Begin the day travelling through the Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean low lands • En route, experience mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems, and Caribbean-style villages • Stop at a local banana plantation • Learn about the banana’s economic and social value • Later, your guide explains the rain forest eco-system as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park • Stay for two nights at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and wildlife • Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station • Discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

 Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Set out on an early morning bird watching excursion** that explores the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area • On a boat cruise, keep an eye out for wildlife that includes howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans, as well as exotic flora • Tortuguero National Park, a study in rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology, protects over 350 species of birds and mammals • Seek out green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered animals, including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

 Day 4: Tortuguero National Park – Sarapiqui

Embark on a leisurely boat ride to the mainland as you travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region • Visit an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are among the world’s best • Join a local expert at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a fascinating bat tour explaining the biological importance of these flying mammals. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

 Day 5: Sarapiqui

See first hand the process of producing chocolate from the cacao bean • Learn the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy • Add some zest to your life with an exhilarating Sarapiqui River rafting adventure • Before tonight’s dinner, a Costa Rican chef offers a cooking demonstration including the palmito (Hearts of Palm) picadillo, tortillas, plantains and refried beans. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

 Day 6: Sarapiqui – Arenal

Begin the day with an early morning bird watching tour along the natural forest trails and nearby stream • Visit a local school*** and learn about Costa Rica’s educational system and the children’s way of life in a small farming community • Later, in Arenal, behold the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

 Day 7: Arenal

Share in the experience of a real “Costarican lechero” (Costa Rican milkman) • Learn about local fruits and organic farming during a tour of the family-owned Finca Don Carlos with fields of orchards, grasslands, medicinal plants, rivers, and a private forest reserve • Follow a cheese-making demonstration with a traditional farm-style lunch • Spend the afternoon at leisure and enjoy the lodge’s amenities, relax in a hot spring, explore nature trails or go horse back riding. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

 Day 8: Arenal Horseback Ride, Arenal Canopy Zip-Line or Hot Springs

Today you get to choose from 3 amazing experiences! Explore Arenal Volcano Rain Forest by horseback, see it from above on a zip-line, or soak in the soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs • You may explore the Arenal Volcano Rain Forest on horseback, crossing rivers and following the trails, enjoying views of the San Carlos plains and the amazing lava paths of the majestic Arenal Volcano • Or, choose to go to Arenal Volcano Rain Forest for an amazing zip-line canopy tour • Gain a bird’s-eye-view of the endless primary forest, Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal Volcano • Or, soak away your worries in the luxurious soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

 Day 9: Arenal – Tarcoles

Travel the beautiful chequered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific coast • After arriving at your destination, the remainder of your day is at leisure • Explore the natural surroundings and exotic wildlife. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

 Day 10: Tarcoles – Manuel Antonio National Park – Tarcoles

Explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and primary forest • Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of native inhabitants like the three-toed sloth, agoutis, squirrel monkeys and iguanas • Take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its beaches • Relax for the rest of the day by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings • This evening, enjoy dinner by the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean (weather permitting). Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

 Day 11: Tarcoles – Sarchi – San Jose

After breakfast, travel to Sarchi, an important crafts centre • Learn about the traditional crafts of this region and witness local artisans as they produce colourful oxcarts • Tour of the Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation which highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy • Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

 Day 12: San Jose – Tour Ends

Your tour ends today. Today breakfast will be included.

 Please Note:

Taxes/fees to be paid in local currency or USD upon exiting the country are approximately 32 USD (approximately 16 GBP).

 Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the two night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Your main luggage stays in San Jose and joins you upon your return to the mainland.

 **Depending upon weather conditions (rain), the early morning bird watching excursion may be substituted with a canal cruise. The afternoon canal cruise will operate as scheduled.

 If you choose to go to Monteverde Cloud Forest, a boxed breakfast will be provided due to the early morning departure from the hotel. Elevation at Monteverde is 3,000 feet.

 To complete your holiday, we include return airfaresport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour.  If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers.  Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

 Hotel cheque-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM.  Rooms may not be available prior to that time.

 *In order to fully participate in the welcome reception on Day 1, a pre night is recommended unless your flight arrives before 5PM.

 ***The school is normally closed from mid-December to the end of February for the summer school holiday.

 To complete your holiday, we include return airfaresport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Explorations airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

 Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.

 IMPORTANT  TRAVELLERS  INFORMATION

We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore, it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have selected small, comfortable hotels for their locations and they may be considered rustic. Air conditioning and elevators are not available in all properties used on this tour. travellers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain; wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour.

 The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

 This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

 ___________________________________IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION________________________________

PASSPORTS & VISAS

Obtaining the proper proof of citizenship for entry to destination countries is the responsibility of each client.

A valid 10 year machine readable passport is required for each individual travellling outside of the United Kingdom. Passports must be valid for at least eight months beyond the return date from the destination.

Some countries require a visa in addition to a valid passport for entry into the country. It will be necessary for you to cheque with the appropriate embassy or consulate for specific information and entry requirements. Upon request, we can forward a visa application from a recommended visa service.

As some countries require your passport to be kept with you at all times as a form of identity, please ensure you keep it on your person in a safe and secure place. If your chosen destination does not require you to carry your passport, please ensure you leave it in a secure place, such as a hotel safety deposit box.

It is sensible to keep a separate note of your passport number and date of issue, therefore we recommend that our clients travellling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. These should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your chosen emergency contact.  Please remember to complete the details of two relatives or friends who may be contacted in an emergency on the inside back cover of your passport.

 Deposits are non-refundable.   60 – 29 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 50% of total price. 28 – 15 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 60% of total price. 14 – 8 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 75% of total price.  7 – 4 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 90% of total price. 3 days prior to departure or later: Cancellation fee of 100% of total price.  For ocean/river cruises and holidays to Antarctica deposits are non-refundable.   Balance due date to 90 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 50% of total price. 89-40 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 60% of total price. 44-21 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 75% of total price.  20-8 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 80% of total price. 7 – 4 days prior to departure: Cancellation fee of 90% of total price. 3 days prior to departure or later: Cancellation fee of 100% of total price.