Highlights
San Jose, Coffee Plantation, Arenal Volcano, Cano Negro Refuge, Lake Arenal Cruise, Farm Tour and Lunch, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Choice on Tour, Guanacaste
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 | Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose |
Day 2 – 4 | Mountain Paradise Hotel, Arenal |
Day 5 – 6 | El Establo, Monteverde |
Day 7 – 8 | Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Guanacaste |
Extend Your Vacation With
Day1San Jose
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city for an overnight stay.
Day2San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
This morning set out for an exciting soft-adventure jungle experience in Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica, in search of wildlife such as macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Depart your San Jose hotel via private transportation for a transfer to the dock where you board an open-air boat with other travelers to journey into Tortuguero’s unspoiled paradise. Check into an eco-lodge built in harmony with nature using the best sustainability practices – where fans create breezes instead of air conditioning and meals feature locally sourced ingredients prepared with Caribbean flair.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day3Tortuguero National Park
An early morning bird watching excursion* is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Join your fellow lodge guests on a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day4Tortuguero National Park - San Jose
Depart Tortuguero National Park today to return to San Jose. Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for the start of your Tropical Costa Rica tour.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
The overall activity level of this extension is a level 2. This means you can partake in a two-hour walking tour covering up to 2 miles (including breaks), over a variety of terrains. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease and handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet. While this level is appropriate for travelers that require mobility assistance devices, there could be times when you may have to sit out on some of the included activities.
Fully-guided extensions are perfect for travelers who want the complete experience of a new destination and local experiences. Travelers will have a dedicated guide throughout this entire extension.
We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 4 passengers is not met to operate.
Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
Your transfer from the San Jose hotel to the dock and on the land return back to the San Jose hotel is private. Upon arrival at the dock, the boat transfer is provided by your Eco Lodge, which you will be joined by other like-minded adventurous guests of the lodge. During your time in Tortuguero, the Eco Lodge will provide you with an exclusive local naturalist guide and all included activities and meals. This price includes activities and meals as outlined; roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero; 1 night in San Jose and 2 nights at the Evergreen, Aninga or Pachira Lodge.
*Morning bird watching excursion is weather-dependent.
Order of sightseeing is subject to change.
In keeping with best practices for sustainability and responsible tourism set forth by the Rainforest Alliance, the hotel in Tortuguero does not offer air conditioning.
Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the 2-night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Please make arrangements with the concierge’s desk at the hotel in San Jose for luggage pick up and for storage until your return from Tortuguero.
For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
Available Options
Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River • $55pp
Branches reaching out into the swamp, creatures bustling through the undergrowth, and long-necked birds wading into the cloudy water. The mangroves of Costa Rica are not only essential to the larger ecosystem but also function as an ethereal waterway that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to another world. Mangrove trees live in swamps where salt water meets fresh water, creating a flourishing home for a wide variety of animals. On your kayak, discover an intimate look at the local wildlife as you gently paddle six miles down the Ora River. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and explorative iguanas scurrying up the trees. Follow your guide as you coast along the water, making your way along the winding river and taking in the nature all around you. Availability is based on river or sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. This tour often runs at the same time as the Dolphin & Snorkel Adventure due to the tide schedule. Therefore, you can only book one of these optional tours, not both. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Experience • $65pp
Get a different perspective of the Costa Rican wildlife when you venture into the natural habitat of a dolphin family. With a guide, get a firsthand look at these elegant creatures and watch as they play along the water’s surface. Home to an abundance of animals, keep an eye out for other creatures as well. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales or turtles! Afterwards, try your hand at fishing as you cast your line into the blue waters of the Pacific. You’ll also get a chance to swim and snorkel in the warm waves along the coast, getting a closer look at the sea life. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Activity is dependent on ocean and weather conditions. This tour often runs at the same time as the Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River due to the tide schedule. Therefore, you can only book one of these options. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Canopy Adventure • $75pp
Experience the unique sensation of flying through nature! For nature lovers, the greatest adventure of all is to take a Zip Line Canopy Adventure Tour. Selvatura Adventure Park and Canopy Tour is one of the best soft adventures in Costa Rica. Canopy Tour guides start by outfitting you with the appropriate equipment; then they take you through each of the 12 cables and 19 platforms and through the Tarzan Swing (optional). Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica, and is the only zip line canopy tour located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. Feel pure adrenaline and excitement of flying up to 35 miles per hour, viewing magnificent landscapes. Zip lines ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height let you experience the cloud forest from a whole new perspective. The tree top canopy tour not only offers a great adventure but also an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trained personnel (accredited by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) accompanies you throughout the tour. If you are looking for a fun adventure and amazing rides, this canopy tour is your best choice. Please note: This option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure and is non-refundable within 15 days of departure. This adventure is NOT recommended for clients who have high blood pressure, back or heart problems or women who are pregnant. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Monteverde Hanging Bridges • $75pp
Explore the cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde from up above as you walk among the treetops with a local expert. Embark on a guided walking tour high above the forest floor on a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” tour and gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. Admire the forest floor bursting with natural wonders, wildlife, and take in the amazing vistas. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get up close to the indigenous wildlife in their natural habitat as your local expert shares stories of this incredible landscape and the ecology of the cloud forest. Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Cancellation Waiver
Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.
Click here for complete details.
Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.
Travel Protection is just $449 per person.
Travel Tips
At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.
A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.
A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a certain amount of these available.
A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.
We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees.
On every tour, we look to provide the highest quality accommodations in the best location.
People travel to Costa Rica for the country's natural beauty and wildlife and you will find unique accommodations that reflect the region. Many accommodations can be spread out and you should be prepared to walk a variety of terrain to get to public spaces like resort lobbies and restaurants; you may need to access your room through outdoor and/or partially unpaved pathways. Properties are located in natural settings so insects may be present. Hotels may lack typical US amenities such as air conditioning and modern features.
In Costa Rica, it is common practice to dispose of all toilet tissue for environmental reasons; waste containers will be provided in all rest rooms including hotels.
Here are a few details to keep in mind:
Check-in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances, the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service.
Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.
Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.
Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our guests. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest who has special mobility or other like needs.
If you have some extra time to explore San Jose before your tour begins, you'll find plenty to do! San Jose is a modern city located in central Costa Rica and offers an appealing variety of historic buildings, museums, and interesting sightseeing.
Perhaps visit the popular Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, a small piece of paradise within walking distance from the busy streets of San Jose.
Important historic and contemporary collections can be found at the Gold Museum, National Museum, Jade Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design – where you will find work from Costa Rican and other Central American artists.
Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our tour guests, there aren't any scheduled activities on your first day of this tour. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.
If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.
Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.
In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.
You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.
It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.
If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.
If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.
Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.
When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.
Costa Rica experiences two seasons, wet (May to November) and dry (December – April). Depending on the time of year be sure to pack clothes appropriately.
In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially when the temperature can vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. So always bring a light jacket, sweater or fleece. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.
Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.
While you may opt to wear shorts and tee shirts, long sleeves and pants are recommended for anyone who is sensitive to both sun and insects.
Rain gear, such as an umbrella, raincoat or poncho, and sturdy, closed-toed walking shoes with good traction are a must have!
Many walking trails in Costa Rica are on dirt or muddy roads, be prepared for all types of weather when packing shoes.
A reusable water bottle, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, toiletries and insect repellent are also highly recommended for Costa Rica. A small flashlight or headlamp is helpful when moving around properties as low-lumen lighting is popular to reduce ecological impacts to wildlife.
Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit! The Guanacaste region is well known for their beaches. You may want to take a swim in the Pacific Ocean or in a pool available at a few of your accommodations.
It used to be when traveling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.
You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport.
You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.
If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic stripe. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.
Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon, however US Dollars (no coins) are accepted everywhere we visit on our tour for purchases and tipping. If you intend to use US Dollars in Central American countries, the bills cannot be very old, torn or marked on; they will not be accepted by local banks or institutions. Change will be given in Costa Rican Colones in bills and coins according to the exchange rate.
When traveling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.
To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.
In Costa Rica, the plug type is A, which has two flat parallel pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.
Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.
In Costa Rica, the voltage is 110V, plug type A. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.
If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter.
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 5,250 feet/1,600 meters in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. But it can be confusing who to tip, when to tip, and how much. Baggage handling and waitstaff gratuities for included meals, the tips are handled by us. For hotel housekeeping staff, transfer drivers, on- tour motor coach drivers, and Tour Managers, gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. They can be converted and issued in the local currency, which is generally the preferred option. Personal checks should not be used. Here are a few of our suggestions:
Tour Manager: To express appreciation for your Tour Manager’s delivery of excellent service, 5-8 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day is customary. (When to tip: at the end of your tour.)
On – Tour Motor Coach Driver: To express your appreciation for a job well done, 3-5 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day is customary. (When to tip: at the end of your tour or time with your driver.)
Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section in your final tour documents for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 per person.
Hotel Housekeeping: It is common for travelers to leave a gratuity of $1 per day, per room for hotel housekeeping staff. (When to tip: each day before leaving for your touring)
Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:
1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.
2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.
3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.
We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.
During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.
As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for bellmen, door attendants and wait staff.
At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.
You’re in for a treat as you sample the truly unique flavors of Costa Rica. Local cuisine is Caribbean-influenced, prepared with locally-grown, simple ingredients.
The traditional cuisine here includes Casado - a delicious meal comprised of rice, beans, meat or fish, fried plantains, tortillas, and fruit.
Plantains - or plátanos - are a classic snack and will usually accompany meals. They can be served sweet from baking or frying, as well as in the form of chips.
For breakfast it is common to serve a hearty dish of black beans and rice with hints of onions and peppers, fried eggs, sour cream and corn tortillas. During other meals, delicious steaks can be found at many restaurants, and empanadas with chicken, rice and vegetables are also common.
A common appetizer, ceviche, is a dish of raw fish marinated in lemon juice with cilantro and onions.
For those with a sweet tooth, you'll be delighted to try the tapa dulce - brown sugar, native to Costa Rica, sold in a solid form. Dulce de leche is a thick syrup made of sugar and milk. And Tres Leches is a three-layered custard flan and Costa Rica's national dessert.
Fruits grown in Costa Rica include pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon, passion fruit, guava, papaya, and mango. Exotic fruits include zapotes, a brown fruit resembling an avocado in appearance with a very sweet, red-orange pulp; carambola (starfruit), manzana de agua, a dark red pear shaped fruit; and pipas - green coconuts - which are very popular to drink with a straw.
Many hotels in Costa Rica require meals with an overnight stay. For that reason, you will have several dinners at your hotels. The hotels all feature regional cuisine and utilize local ingredients. Buffets are also common in many regions.
In order to enhance your experience on tour, five local guides and driver/guides will accompany the group in specific locations. These guides comes from the region and have a deep understanding of the people and culture. They are joining the tour to share their knowledge with you and to help spot wildlife. Please refer to your Tour Manager for the inclusions these guides will join your tour on and refer to the gratuities section for tipping recommendations.
Guests flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.
Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.
Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.
Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. We recommend one large bag that will be checked on the plane and onto the touring bus and one carry-on bag. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.
Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on cannot be bigger than 17 x 12 x 10 inches (43 x 30 x 25 centimeters) so it will fit under the seat or in the overhead racks on the buses. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.
Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.
The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.
Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.
Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.
The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.
For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.
The average price for meals in this region ranges from 10 to 15 US Dollars for lunch and 10 to 20 US Dollars for dinner. Tipping in Costa Rica is 10%, and restaurants will add it to your bill automatically.
Water is safe to drink in Costa Rica except for the most rural areas; however, you may want to drink bottled water to be cautious. Bottled water is provided daily on the coach, and you can purchase bottled water at convenience stores and hotels. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day of your tour to stay hydrated.
Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.
Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.
As you prepare for your tour, reading is the perfect way to learn about the culture, people and history of your destination.The following is a list of novel and book recommendations that will immerse you into the destination long before your arrival. Let this set the scene for you as you prepare for the tour of a lifetime and get excited about all that is to come!
Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica (Jack Ewing)
This novel allows readers to discover the ways that animals, plants, and people interact with one another through the rainforests of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica: A Traveler's Literary Companion (Barbara Raas)
This novel is composed of twenty-six stories that are organized perfectly for the curious traveler. These stories cover everything you can imagine for your future travels to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica After Coffee: The Co-op Era in History and Memory (Lowell Gudmundson)
This book dives into the political, social, and economic place that is taken by the coffee industry througout Costa Rican history.
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been.
One of Costa Rica's most popular and unusual souvenirs is a brightly painted oxcart miniature, which is a symbol of the country. Oxcarts, also called caretta, played a role in the history of Costa Rica; they provided the only means of transportation for coffee from the mountains to the coast.
There are some charming crafts in Costa Rica made of tropical woods. Beads, boxes, bookmarks, and even coffee makers carved from rosewood are all very lovely, popular items available in artisan markets all over the country. Note that the costs of these tropical wooden goods vary widely.
Beaded jewelry is available in glass, semi precious stones, seeds, shells, and wood. Several markets sell wooden jewelry and re creations of pre Columbian gold and jade designs.
The most famous product in Costa Rica is its strong, flavorful coffee, which makes a great gift for coffee lovers. Java is one of the country's best shopping bargains. Keep an eye out for shade grown coffee. It's a bit more expensive, but "shade grown" means that the coffee is grown in concert
with other tropical plants. It may or may not be labeled "organic," but it is a more sustainable way of growing coffee while protecting the tropical soils
and it requires fewer, if any, pesticides and herbicides. While you have to leave the view and the jungles behind, you can take a hammock home. You
can find several kinds of hammocks in Costa Rica including with and without wooden stretcher and support bars, two person hammocks, and hanging
chairs. Fabrics range from an open weave natural cotton to tight weaves that are brightly colored with geometric patterns. This souvenir represents the relaxation that is such a part of Costa Rica's "Pura Vida" philosophy.
Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.
Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Guests are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.
Costa Rica is 1 hour behind Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours behind Eastern Daylight Time.
Peace of mind for our guests is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.
If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:
1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.
2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.
3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.
If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home and, if applicable to your tour package, flights from city to city (inter-flights). In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:
1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.
2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.
We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.
If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.
If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.
Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.
Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature controlled and have toilet facilities on board. However, in certain countries, coaches with toilet facilities may not be available or they are for emergency use only. If this is the case, please be assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.
Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all guests to change seats. This ensures that every guest has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
The roads in Costa Rica are typically dirt paths and are often bumpy. Due to this, rides may seem longer than anticipated. In order to experience all that we have included on this tour, we will need to spend an average of 4-5 hours on your coach to travel to your next stay. You can expect winding and some unpaved roads along the way. After the rainy season, there are many roads that require maintenance.
Pricing
-
Double
$3,049pp
$3,149 -
Single
$3,849pp
$3,949
* For bookings made after 8/26/2024 call for rates.
* Included in Price: Roundtrip Group Transfer (one pickup) to/from NYC Airport, Round Trip Air from New York, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers **Single spacing is extremely limited!!
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $449 per person
* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change based on air inclusive package from NYC