costa rica for the adventurous - divediscovery.com · costa rica for the adventurous this unique...
TRANSCRIPT
P a g e |1
COSTARICAFORTHEADVENTUROUS
ThisuniqueadventureleadsyoutoexploretheCaribbeanandPacificwithintwoweeks.TakeaboatridethroughthewatercanalsinTortuguero,hiketheArenalNationalPark,explorethegemoftheSouthPacific;theOsaPeninsulaandhittheGuanacastewavesforaperfectending.Drivingthroughmountains&valleyscombinedwithregionalflightsmake
itaperfectwaytoseeCostaRicafrombelowandabove!
SanJose-Tortuguero-ArenalVolcanoNationalPark-OsaPeninsula-Guanacaste15Days/14Nights
2PersonsJulythroughlateSeptember
USD3760.00perpersontwinshare
P a g e |2
P a g e |3
P a g e |4
ClickheretoviewyourDigitalItinerary
P a g e |5
Introduction
KeyB&B:BedandBreakfastFB+:Dinner,Bed,Breakfast,LunchandActivitiesDaily
IncludedGreetingattheairportArrivalattheSanJoséInternationalAirport.Asyouexittheairportyouwillbemetandtransferredtoyourhotel.
1nightaccommodationatParkInnSanJoseinOneStandardRoom.
EarlyLandandboattransferfromSanJosetoyourhotelinTortuguerostoppingenrouteforbreakfast,approx.3hourtransfer.(Hotelguestsonly)
3Day/2nightpackageincluding2nights’accommodationsandtaxes,localguide,landandboattransfers,guidedtoursand entrance fees of the backwater canals of Tortuguero National Park, donation to the Caribbean ConservationFoundation,walkingtourofthevillageandmeals.
2nights’accommodationsatEvergreenLodgeinOneStandardRoom.(3Breakfasts,2Lunches,2Dinners)
TortugueroNationalParktourbyboatofthebackwatercanalsincludinglocalguideandparkentrancefee.(Hotelguestsonly).
BoatandoverlandtransferfromTortuguerotoGuápilesincludinglunchenroute.
PrivatetransferfromGuápilestoArenal,approx.3hourtransfer.
3nights’accommodationsatHotelArenalManoainOneSuperiorRoom.(Breakfastincluded)
RioBalsaClassII-IIIWhiteWaterraftingfulldaytourincludingtransfers,equipment,lunchandlocalriverguides(Lunchincluded).**Groupbasis**
Accommodation Destination Basis RoomType Duration
ParkInnbyRadissonSanJose SanJose B&B 1xStandardRoom 1Night
EvergreenLodge Tortuguero FB+ 1xStandardRoom 2Nights
ArenalSpringsHotel ArenalVolcanoNationalPark
B&B 1xJuniorSuitew/volcanoview
3Nights
AguiladeOsa OsaPeninsula FB+ 1xDeluxeRoom 3Nights
BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel
Guanacaste B&B 1xDeluxeRoom 5Nights
P a g e |6
GuidedhikeArenalVolcanoColada1968includingtransfers,localnaturalistguideandentrancefee.**Groupbasis**
PrivatetransferfromArenaltotheSanJoseLocalTerminal,approx.3hourtransfer.
DomesticflightfromSanJosetoDrakeBay,approx.45minutes.Luggagerestrictionsapply.
LandandboattransfertoAguiladeOsa.(Hotelguestsonly)
Aguila deOsa 4 day/3 night package including 3 nights’ accommodations, land and boat transfers, guided tours andentrancefeesofCorcovadoNationalParkandCañoIslandandmeals.
3nights’accommodationsatAguiladeOsaLodgeinOneDeluxeRoom.(Mealsincluded)
CorcovadoNationalParkhalfdaytourincludingtransportation,localguideandentrancefee.(Jotelguestsonly)
CañoIslandBoatTourincludingsnorkellingequipment,localguidesandentrancefees.(Hotelguestsonly)
BoatandlandtransferbacktoLocalAirstrip.(Hotelguestsonly)
DomesticflightfromDrakeBaytoSanJose,approx.50minutes.Luggagerestrictionsapply.
DomesticflightfromSanJosetoTamarindo,approx.50minutes.Luggagerestrictionsapply.
PrivateoverlandtransferfromTamarindoLocalTerminaltoyourhotel,approx.40minutetransfer
5nights’accommodationsatHotelBahiadelSol.PotreroBeachinOneDeluxeRoom.(Breakfastincluded)
Daysatleisuretoexploreonown.Optionaltoursavailableatadditionalfee.
PrivateoverlandtransfertotheLiberiaInternationalAirport,approx.1hourtransfer.Checkinatairportis3hours
ExcludedAirfaretoCostaRica;travelinsurance;gratuities;anylodging,toursormealsnotspecifiedintheitinerary;extrasinhotels(laundry,phonecalls,roomservice,etc.);personalequipment;costsassociatedwithchangestoyouritineraryforreasonsbeyondourcontrol.
P a g e |7
Day1: ParkInnbyRadissonSanJose,SanJose (Mon,1July)
SanJoseSanJose,affectionatelyknowntoitsresidentsas'Chepe',liesintheheartofCostaRicaandishometoalmosttwo-thirdsofthecountry’spopulation.Withfewbuildingsover100yearsold,themountainouscapitalisrelativelymoderncomparedtoitsLatinAmericancounterparts,butstillhasasignificantamountofculture,artandhistoryforvisitorstodiscover.WithanumberoftheatresfullofCostaRicanculture,museumsthatincludethelargestcollectionofAmericanjadeintheworld,andstreetsfullofbrightmuralsandpaintedbuses,SanJoseisaneclecticcitywaitingtobeexperienced.
DayItineraryUponyourarrivalinSanJosé,CostaRicaandafterpassingthroughimmigrationyouwillbemetbyamemberoftheNationalChamberofTourism(CANATUR)whowillgiveyouastickerthatwillfacilitateourrepresentativetoidentifyyouafterexittheAirportbuilding.
ArrivalattheSanJoséInternationalAirport.Asyouexittheairportyouwillbemetandtransferredtoyourhotel.Yourdriverwillprovideyouwiththetravelvouchersforyourservicesandreviewthemwithyouatthistime.
ConsultantNotesLocatedthreeblocksfromPaseoColon,thecity’smainavenue,andwalkingdistanceofdowntown.SamplelocalandinternationalcuisineatRBGBar&Grill,andenjoyadipintheshimmeringoutdoorpool.ItscomfortableaccommodationsfeaturefreewirelessInternetaccess,aminibarandacoffeemaker.TheorthopaedicmattressandplasmaTVcreatearelaxingenvironmentforyourevening.
Generalservices:Restaurant,bar,swimmingpool,WIFI,meetingfacilities,freeparking,gym.
Overnight:ParkInnbyRadissonSanJose ParkInnbyRadissonSanJoseislocatedintheheartofthecitynearpopularattractionsnamelyLaSabanaPark.TheroomsareequippedwithWi-Fi,aTV,coffeemaker,hairdryer,minibarandsafe.Forguests'enjoymentthereisanon-siterestaurant,outdoorswimmingpool,gymandundergroundparking.Fordailyactivities,guestscanvisitCostaRicanArtMuseum,CerroCedralandAvenidaEscazu.
P a g e |8
BasisBed&Breakfast
IncludedGreetingattheSanJoséInternationalAirport.
PrivateArrivaltransferservice.
ExcludedGratitudes.
Day2: EvergreenLodge,Tortuguero (Tue,2July)
TortugueroBorderingtheTortugueroNationalParkalongCostaRica’sbeautifulCaribbeanCoast,thevillageofTortugueroisknownforitsecotourismanditsextensivenetworkofcanals.Itissetamidsttropicallowlandrainforests,magnificentrivers,andpristinebeaches.Adefinitehighlightoftheareaistakingtheuniqueonceinalifetimeopportunitytowatchbabygreenturtleshatchalongtheshoreline.Visitorscanlookforwardtoawideselectionofexcitingactivitiessuchas:visitingtheTortugueroNationalParkwhichishometoover300speciesofbird,avarietyoffloraanddiversefauna.Otherpopularactivitiesinclude:hiking,sportfishing,canaltours,canopytours,andkayaking.Don’tmisstheopportunitytovisitandexplorethenearbyBarradelColoradoWildlifeRefuge,theCariariNationalWetlands,andtheTurtleMuseumatSeaTurtleConservancy.
DayItineraryYouwillbepickedupinSanJosebyatransportrepresentativefromyourhotelinTortuguero.DrivethroughthemagnificentBraulioCarrilloNationalParkontheLimonHighway.
OnceinthetownofGuapiles,youwillstopatalocalRestaurantforadeliciousbreakfast.Thedriveintotalwillbeapproximately3hours.AtthemainportliningthecanalsyouwillboardaboatfortransfertoyourhotelinTortuguero,theboatridewillbeapproximately1hour.
UponarrivallunchwillbeservedattheLodge.Intheafternoonyourlocalguidewilltakeyoutothetownforaleisurelywalkwhereyouwillgetatasteoflocalliving.
ConsultantNotesOnlyafiveminuteboatridethroughthejunglecanalstotheentranceofwildlife-richTortugeroNationalPark.ThisremoteareaoftheCaribbeancoastisaccessibleonlybyplaneorbyboat;neverthelessyourlodgingwillbefirstclass.Theinfrastructureofthislovelylodgeisbuilttocoexistwithnature.Therainforestenhancesthehotelgrounds,whicharetrulyevergreen.
Generalservices:55Rooms,Restaurant,PoolandSpa,HikingTrails,RainforestCanals,CSTCertified,RainforestAllianceVerified
P a g e |9
Overnight:EvergreenLodge EvergreenLodgeislocatedintheforestsofTortugueroonCostaRica'sCaribbeancoast.Accommodationisavailableincomfortableguestroomswhichfeatureprivatebathrooms,hotwater,andceilingfans.Thelodgefeaturesanin-houserestaurantwithhighceilingsandadesignthatcomplementsthejunglesurroundingit.TherestaurantservesauthenticCostaRicanstylebuffetmealsandincludesafullyequippedbar.ThelodgeistheperfectlocationforguestswhowishtoexploretheTortugueroNationalParkanditssurroundingareas.
BasisFullBoardandActivities
IncludedEarlyLandandboattransferfromSanJosetoyourhotelinTortuguerostoppingenrouteforbreakfast,approximately3hourtransfer.**Groupbasis**
Lunch&dinner.
ExcludedGratitudes.
Day3: EvergreenLodge,Tortuguero (Wed,3July)
DayItineraryTortugueroNationalParkisknownasCostaRica`s"littleAmazon".Therearenoroads-travelisbyboatalongaseriesofriversandcanalsorbyfootonforestpaths.TheparkconsistsofanetworkofwaterwayssurroundedbyavasttropicalrainforestandisoneofthebestplacestoobservewildlifeinCostaRica.
Tortugueroisamustforvisitorswhowanttoexperiencetheamazingwondersofthetropicalrainforest!InTortuguerovisitorswilllikelysee2or3speciesofmonkeys,iguanas,crestedbasilisklizards(theylooklikeminiaturedinosaurs!),sloths,lotsofwaterbirds,toucans,parrots,parakeets,caiman(cousinsofalligators),andpossiblycrocodiles,aswellascolorfultropicalforestbirds.
P a g e |10
Activities
TortugueroCanalsThecanalsofTortugueroareapopularattractioninCostaRica.Withrainforests,wildlife,seaturtles,crocodilesandalabyrinthofnaturalwaterways,theregionoffersanauthenticrainforestexperience.VisitorscanexplorethelushfloraandabundantfaunaoftheCaribbeancoastalwaterwaysbyboat.
BasisFullBoardandActivities
IncludedBreakfast,lunch&dinner.
TortugueroNationalParktourbyboatofthebackwatercanalsincludinglocalguideandparkentrancefee.**Groupbasis**
ExcludedGratitudes.
Day4: ArenalSpringsHotel,ArenalVolcanoNationalPark (Thu,4July)
ArenalVolcanoNationalParkTheArenalVolcanoeruptedviolentlyJuly29th1968destroyingtheregionwestofitsbasewithhotgases,rocksandlater,lavaflows.Todaythevolcanosteamsquietlyandheatslocalriversthathavebeendevelopedintopopularhotspringsandspas.Forestvegetationisquicklyreturningandcoveringthemassiverockfragmentsandlavaflows,andrainforestwildlifeonceagainflourishesinandaroundthepark,
DayItineraryAfterbreakfast,boardtheboattobringyoubacktothedocksliningtheTortugueroCanals.
AtthedocksboardgroundtransfertoGuápileswhereyouwillstopforlunchincluded.
YouwillbepickedupinGuapilesbyoneofourtransportrepresentativesfortransfertoyourhotelinArenal.TransportservicewillbeinaminivanwithAC,approximately3hourtransferplusanystopsontheway.
ArenalisoneofthemostpopulardestinationsinCostaRica.Thevolcano,althoughinactiveforthepastfewyears,isamajesticsite.Thispicturesqueregionoffersnaturalbeauty,amazingwildlifeandplentyofoutdooractivitiesforvisitorsincludinghikingtrails,thefamousLaFortunaWaterfall,zip-linetours,rafting,canopybridgewalks,waterfallcanyoning,
Afternoon TortugueroCanals
P a g e |11
organicfarmtoursandmore.Therearealsoavarietyofrelaxinghotspringswithwarmsoothingwatersheatedbythevolcano.
ConsultantNotesAtonly8kms.fromthequainttownofLaFortuna,ArenalSpringsResortoffersexceptionalviewsoftheArenalVolcano.Surroundedbyanabundanceofrainforest,ArenalSpringshasapicture-perfectvolcanoatitsfrontdoor.Anumberofgeothermalhotspringsdotthearea,providingvisitorswiththeultimatewaytorelaxafteralongdayspentexploringArenal.TheArenalSpringsResortistheperfectgetawayforguestslookingtoremainclosetonaturebutstillretainthecomfortandamenitiesofamodernhotel.
Generalservices:65Rooms,Restaurant,Pool,Spa,Wifi,AC,Handicapfriendly,CSTCertified.
Overnight:ArenalSpringsHotelArenalSpringsHotelislocatedjust5milesawayfromthetownofLaFortunaonthewaytowardstheArenalVolcanoNationalPark.Guestroomsaresurroundedbyexoticgardens,andbeautifulflowers,whereCostaRica'snativespeciesofbirdsandanimalsarereadilyseen.FeaturedattheArenalSpringsHotelisthenaturalhotspringsrichinmineralsaltsandions;theNatriaHealthSpa;SakanaPoolsideRestaurantandtheTi-CainRestaurantthathasthebestviewsoftheArenalVolcanoonthepremises.
BasisBed&Breakfast
IncludedBreakfast.
BoatandoverlandtransferfromTortuguerotomeetingpointinGuápilesincludinglunchenroute.**Groupbasis**
PrivatetransferfromGuapilestoyourhotelinArenal,approx.3hourtransfer.
ExcludedGratitudes.
P a g e |12
Day5: ArenalSpringsHotel,ArenalVolcanoNationalPark (Fri,5July)
DayItineraryJust30minutesfromLaFortuna,yourraftingtripontheBalsa-SanCarlosclassll-lllRiverwillgiveyouachancetoseeriversidewildlifelikeherons,monkeys,sloths,andiguanaswhileyouenjoypaddlingthroughgentlerollingrapids.Greatforadventurousfirst-timersandrecreationalpaddlers,theriverpassesthroughfarmlands,tranquilriverpoolsandarainforestrivercanyon.Thistripcombinesfunandnature.Yourbilingualguideswillgiveyouasafetytalk,paddlinginstructions,lifejackets,andhelmetsbeforeyoustart.
Includes:transportation,lunch,equipmentandlocalguides.
WhattoBring:Quickdryclothing,bathingsuit,adventuretypesandals/watershoesandchangeofclothes.
Activities
BasisBed&Breakfast
IncludedBreakfast.
RioBalsaClassII-IIIWhiteWaterraftingfulldaytourincludingtransfers,equipment,lunchandlocalriverguides(Lunchincluded).**Groupbasis**
ExcludedGratitudes.
Morning White-waterRaftingBalsaRiverClassII-III
P a g e |13
Day6: ArenalSpringsHotel,ArenalVolcanoNationalPark (Sat,6July)
DayItineraryAftertheArenalVolcano1968eruption,twodifferenthikingtrailsformedbylavaemerged.Trekthroughdifferentscenariosincludingopenlands,lagoonshoreandthelavamountaintrails.Thereisanincredibleviewpointclosetothevolcanoaswell.Includes:Transportation,entrancefeeandlocalbilingualguide.Whattobring:bugrepellent,sunblocklotion,lightclothing,hikingshoes,raincoat,cameraandhat.
Activities
ArenalVolcanoNationalParkTheArenalVolcanoeruptedviolentlyJuly29th1968destroyingtheregionwestofitsbasewithhotgases,rocksandlater,lavaflows.Todaythevolcanosteamsquietlyandheatslocalriversthathavebeendevelopedintopopularhotspringsandspas.Forestvegetationisquicklyreturningandcoveringthemassiverockfragmentsandlavaflows,andrainforestwildlifeonceagainflourishesinandaroundthepark,
BasisBed&Breakfast
IncludedBreakfast.
GuidedhikeArenalVolcanoColada1968includingtransfers,localnaturalistguideandentrancefee.**Groupbasis**
ExcludedGratitudes.
ArenalVolcanoNationalPark
P a g e |14
Day7: AguiladeOsa,OsaPeninsula (Sun,7July)
OsaPeninsulaCostaRica’sOsaPeninsulaliesbetweenthePacificOceanandtheGolfoDulceinthesouth-westernregionofthecountry.ThisvirtuallyuntouchedcorneroftheworldcontainsalmosthalfofCostaRica’swildlifespecies,offeringnatureloversthechancetoseeexoticanimals,birds,reptilesandamphibiansintherainforestoftheCorcovadoNationalPark.Thesurroundingwatersinvitevisitorstosurf,snorkel,fish,orsimplyrelaxonthewhitesandybeachesbeforeretreatingtotherusticPuertoJimenez,thelargestsettlementinthearea,foragoodnight’srest.
DayItineraryYouwillbepickedupinArenalbyoneofourtransportrepresentativesfortransfertotheSanJoseLocalTerminal.TransportservicewillbeinaminivanwithAC.
LocalairlineflightfromSanJosetoDrakeBay.Checkin1hourpriortoflightdeparturetime,approximately45minutes.
YouwillbepickedupattheairstripinDrakeBaybytransportrepresentativefromyourhotelforland4x4taxitransfertotheDrakeBaycoast,approximately20minutes.Onceontheocean,boardamotorboattoyourhotelinDrakeBay,approximately15to45minutetransfer.DrakeBayoffersvisitorsatasteofatropicalwildernessalongthecoastandintotheforestsofnearbyCorcovadoNationalPark.Howeveritalsoofferssomeofthemostattractiveandluxuriousnaturelodgesinthecountry.
ConsultantNotesRegardingluggagerestrictionsondomesticflights:Checkin45minutespriortoflightdeparturetime.MaximumLUGGAGEPERMITTED40POUNDSPERPERSONforcheckedinbaggageandonepieceofcarry-onluggagethatdoesnotexceed10pounds.Werecommendpackingachangeofclothes,anyessentials(includingtoiletriesandmedications)inacarry-onbagintheeventyourluggageisdelayed.Excessbaggageissubjecttospaceavailabilityontheplane.Additionalchargesapply.Itinerariesaresubjecttochangewithoutpriornoticetothepassengersandwithnoresponsibilityforthecarrier.
Overnight:AguiladeOsa Nestledamidstthejungle-coveredhillsidesoverlookingthetranquilwatersofDrakeBay,AguiladeOsaisanexquisiterainforestandmarineadventurehotelwherevisitorscanexperienceliferightontheedgeoftheOsa.Accommodationisofferedinbeautifullyappointedroomsequippedwithceilingfans,coffeemakerswithcomplimentarycoffee,fridges,mini-barswithsnacks,andtelephoneswithfreelocalandinternationalcalls.Thebathroomsarespaciousandequippedwithshowers,hairdryers,andcomplimentarybathroomamenities.Wi-Fiisfreeintheroomsandthroughoutthehotel.
GourmetdiningandanextensivebreakfastmenuareofferedintheGreatRoom,thehotel’sopen-airrestaurantwhichissituatedovertheriverandoffersdramaticoceanviews.Awidevarietyofinclusivepackages,tours,andexcursionsareofferedbythehotel.Theseincludejungletreks,fishing,scubadiving,snorkelling,birdwatching,hiking,beachtrips,riverkayaking,mangroveestuarytours,andmore.
P a g e |15
BasisFullBoardandActivities
IncludedBreakfast.
PrivatetransferfromArenaltotheSanJoseLocalTerminal,approx.3hourtransfer.
DomesticflightfromSanJosetoDrakeBay,approx.45minutes.Luggagerestrictionsapply.
LandandboattransfertoAguiladeOsa.(Hotelguestsonly)
Unlimitedkayakuse.
AppetizersbeforedinnerontheJungleTerrace.
Dinner.
ExcludedGratitudes.
Day8: AguiladeOsa,OsaPeninsula (Mon,8July)
DayItineraryCorcovadoNationalParkhasoftenbeendescribedasoneofthemostbiologicallyintenseplacesonearth.Theparkextendsover100,000acresonthesouthwestcoastofCostaRica.Yourguidedwalkwillbringyouintoawonderlandofancient,steamyforestsdominatedbyhugetrees,hometomuchwildlifeincludingscarletmacaws,toucans,parrots,allfourmonkeyspeciesfoundinthecountryandjaguars-althoughtheseelusivecatsarerarelyseen.Bring:water,lightclothing,hikingshoes,repellent,camera,binoculars,sunscreen,umbrella.Includes:entrancefeeandlocalguide.
P a g e |16
ConsultantNotesDuetoestablishedlimitsinthenumberofvisitorstoCorcovadoandCañoIslandNationalParkstheLodgereservestherighttochangetheorderofthetours.
Activities
CorcovadoNationalParkOneofCostaRica’smostimportantecologicalareas,CorcovadoNationalParkwasoncedescribedbyNationalGeographicas‘themostbiologicallyintenseplaceonearth’.ThisrichecosystemstretchesalongthesouthernPacificcoastandencompassesbeautifuloceanbays,tropicalrainforestteemingwithlife,CentralAmerica’slargestwetlandarea,andthecountry’sbiggestmangroveforest,sprawledover20000hectares.Itsmyriadexoticcreaturesincludejaguars,ocelots,tapirs,redmacaws,quetzalsandred-eyedtreefrogs–nottomentionthedolphinsandhumpbackwhalesthatbreedinthecoastalwaters.Natureandadventureloverswillbeintheirelementhere,withahostofoutdooractivitiesonoffer,includingwildlifeviewing,fishing,surfing,andjungletreks.
BasisFullBoardandActivities
IncludedBreakfast,lunch&dinner
CorcovadoNationalParkhalfdaytourincludingtransportation,localguideandentrancefee.(Jotelguestsonly)
Unlimitedkayakuse.
AppetizersbeforedinnerontheJungleTerrace.
ExcludedGratitudes.
Day9: AguiladeOsa,OsaPeninsula (Tue,9July)
DayItineraryCañoIslandwasonceanimportantceremonialsiteandburialgroundforthepre-ColombianIndians.Itspossibletheyabandonedtheareawhenpiratesbeganarriving-thefirst,accordingtolegend,beingSirFrancisDrakebackin1579.TheislandisnowaNationalPark.Yourtourstartsafteraleisurelybreakfast,whenyouwillmeetyourguideattheGearHousetoselectyourflippersandmask.Itsthena40-minuteboatridetoCañoIsland.Atcertaintimesoftheyear,youmayalsoseepilotorhumpbackwhales,anddolphinalongtheway.Thesnorkelingsiteislocatedwithinamarinereserve,andisagoodplaceforspottingawidevarietyoffishandmarinemammals,including-ifyouarelucky-mantarays,turtlesandsmallwhite-
Morning CorcovadoNationalPark
P a g e |17
tippedsharks.Therearenofacilities,andvisitoraccesstotheinteriorisprohibitedwhileimportantinfrastructureworkiscarriedout.Howeverourboatcantakeyouclosetotheshoreandyouarewelcometowadeashoreandstrollalongthebeach.
ConsultantNotesDuetoestablishedlimitsinthenumberofvisitorstoCorcovadoandCañoIslandNationalParkstheLodgereservestherighttochangetheorderofthetours.
Activities
BasisFullBoardandActivities
IncludedBreakfast,lunch&dinner
CañoIslandBoatTourincludingsnorkellingequipment,localguidesandentrancefees.(Hotelguestsonly)
Unlimitedkayakuse.
AppetizersbeforedinnerontheJungleTerrace.
ExcludedGratitudes.
IsladelCaño
P a g e |18
Day10: BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel,Guanacaste (Wed,10July)
GuanacasteSetalongthespectacularPacificCoastinnorth-westernCostaRica,Guanacasteisrenownedforitspristinebeaches,volcaniclandscape,andexoticcreatures.ThisCostaRicanprovinceisconsideredthequintessentialtropicalparadise.Guanacaste'slandscapefeaturesvastopengrasslandplainsscatteredwithdrytropicalforestedgedbywhite-sandbeaches.VisitorscanspendalazydayontheendlessPlayaBlancaBeach,enjoyfirst-classdivingaswellasavarietyofwatersportsatthemagnificentPlayaHermosaBeach,andvisitSantaRosaNationalPark,featuringunspoiltindigenousvegetationandinhabitedbyover200birdspecies.Don’tmissthePapagayoPeninsulaknownforitsworld-classgolfcourse.
DayItineraryYouwillbepickedupbyarepresentativefromyourhotel.BoardamotorboatfromDrakeBaytothemainportoftheSierpeRiver,approximately1hourand30minutetransfer.TheboatridethroughtheSierpeRiverwilltakeyouthroughmangroveforeststoadmirethefloraandfauna.AttheportoftheSierpeRiveryouwilltakealandtransfertothePalmarSurairstrip,approximately30minutes.
LocalairlineflightfromPalmarSurtoSanJose.Checkin1hourpriortoflightdeparturetime,approximately50minutes.
PrivateoverlandtransfertoyourhotelinPotreroBay.
ConsultantNotesRegardingluggagerestrictionsondomesticflights:Checkin45minutespriortoflightdeparturetime.MaximumLUGGAGEPERMITTED40POUNDSPERPERSONforcheckedinbaggageandonepieceofcarry-onluggagethatdoesnotexceed10pounds.Werecommendpackingachangeofclothes,anyessentials(includingtoiletriesandmedications)inacarry-onbagintheeventyourluggageisdelayed.Excessbaggageissubjecttospaceavailabilityontheplane.Additionalchargesapply.Itinerariesaresubjecttochangewithoutpriornoticetothepassengersandwithnoresponsibilityforthecarrier.
Overnight:BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotelislocatedonPotreroBeach,GuanacasteandoverlooksthecrystalbluewatersofthePacificOcean.Accommodationisavailableinavastselectionofguestroomsandsuiteswhichfeaturemodernamenities.Theseincludeairconditioning,Wi-Fi,mini-bar,andaflat-screenTV.GuestsmayenjoyamealtheNasuRestaurantwhichspecialisesinseafoodandinternationalcuisine.Thein-housespaoffersaselectionofluxurioustreatmentswhichoffergueststheultimateinrelaxation.Yogaclassesareavailabledailyatnoadditionalcosttotheguest.
P a g e |19
BasisBed&Breakfast
IncludedBreakfast.
BoatandlandtransferbacktoLocalAirstrip.(Hotelguestsonly)
DomesticflightfromDrakeBaytoSanJose,approx.50minutes.Luggagerestrictionsapply.
DomesticflightfromSanJosetoTamarindo,approx.50minutes.Luggagerestrictionsapply.
PrivateoverlandtransferfromTamarindoLocalTerminaltoyourhotel,approx.40minutetransfer
ExcludedGratitudes.
Day11-14: BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel,Guanacaste(Thu,11JulytoSun,14July)
DayItineraryBahíadelSolBeachoffersvisitorsallthemodernamenities,anoutdoorpool,Jacuzzi,spa,souvenirstore,yogaclassesatnocostforallourguests,toursallframedinanimpressivetropicalscenariothatincludeslushandtropicalgardenswithnativeandexoticspeciesandawidefrontfacingthebeach.
Canopy/Zipline,horsebackriding,snorkelling,rivertubing,sailingtours,hikesandNationalParksareavailablefromBahiadelSolHotelatadditionalfee.
ConsultantNotesNasuRestaurant
P a g e |20
THEBESTOFTRADITIONALANDGOURMETCUISINEINFRONTOFTHEOCEAN
NasuRestaurantatBahíadelSolspecializesininternationalcuisine,offeringcreativetropicalgourmetdishes.GuestscouldchoosebetweentraditionalCostaRicancookingwithoriginallocalproductsorthemostsophisticatedinternationalcreations,servedwithatropicaltouch.Enjoyaniceambianceatourelegantopenairrestaurantwhileadmiringspectacularviewsandthepeacefulsoundofwavescrashingintheshore…
Comeandenjoyourbreakfast,lunchanddinneroptionseverydayfrom6:30a.m.to10:00p.m.
BasisBed&Breakfast
IncludedBreakfast.
Daysatleisure.
Day15: EndofItinerary(Mon,15July)
DayItineraryPickupatyourhotelforadeparturetransfertotheLiberiaInternationalAirportforyourinternationalflight.
ConsultantNotesCheckin3hourspriortoyourscheduledflighttime.
BasisBed&Breakfast
IncludedPrivateoverlandtransfertotheLiberiaInternationalAirport,approx.1hourtransfer.
ExcludedGratitudes.
P a g e |21
Transport
FlightInformation
Transfers
Date Flight Airline DepartureAirport Time ArrivalAirport Time Class Ref
7Jul Scheduled JuanSantamariaInternationalAirport[SJO]
DrakeBayAirport[DRK]
10Jul Scheduled DrakeBayAirport[DRK] JuanSantamariaInternationalAirport[SJO]
10Jul Scheduled JuanSantamariaInternationalAirport[SJO]
TamarindoDeSantaCruzAirport[TNO]
Date Company PickUp DropOff Time Vehicle
1Jul JuanSantamariaInternationalAirport[SJO]
ParkInnbyRadissonSanJose Transfer
2Jul ParkInnbyRadissonSanJose LaPavonaDock Transfer
4Jul LaPavonaDock Guapiles Transfer
4Jul Guapiles ArenalSpringsHotel Transfer
7Jul ArenalSpringsHotel JuanSantamariaInternationalAirport[SJO]
Transfer
10Jul TamarindoDeSantaCruzAirport[TNO]
BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel
Transfer
15Jul BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel
DanielOduberInternationalAirport[LIR]
Transfer
P a g e |22
VoyageInformation
UrgentContactNumbers
ServiceProviderDirectory
Date Boat Agency DeparturePort Time ArrivalPort Time Class Ref
2Jul Cruise LaPavonaDock EvergreenLodge
4Jul Cruise EvergreenLodge LaPavonaDock
7Jul Cruise DrakeBayAirport[DRK]
AguiladeOsa
10Jul Cruise AguiladeOsa DrakeBayAirport[DRK]
CompanyName Telephone EmailAddress ContactPerson
CostaRicaSunTours (506)2296-7757 [email protected] DaisyMatarrita
ServiceProvider Ref.Number Telephone Address
AguiladeOsa +50688402929 CostaRica
ArenalSpringsHotel +50624791212
BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel
+50626545339 PlayaPotrero,GuanacasteCostaRica
EvergreenLodge +50622226841 SanJosé,CostaRica
ParkInnbyRadissonSanJose +50625215840 Ave6Street28494-1007SanJoseCostaRica
P a g e |23
TravelInformation
VisitorstotheRepublicofCostaRicawillfindthatdespiteitssmallsize,thecountryhasanincrediblenumberofattractionsandactivitiestooffer.Fivepercentoftheworld’sbiodiversitycanbefoundwithinCostaRica’sbordersandgreateffortshavebeenmadetopreservethisrichresource;protectednationalparksmakeupalmost25%oftheland–morethananyothercountryintheworld.Fromfishingandsurfingtowhitewaterraftingandexploringvolcanicregions,CostaRicaistheperfectplaygroundfornatureloversandadventuresseekersalike.
BankingandCurrencyCurrency
CostaRicanColón(CRC;symbol₡)=100centimes.Notesareindenominationsof₡50,000,20,000,10,000,5,000,2,000and1,000.Coinsareindenominationsof₡500,100,50,25,20,10and5.USdollarsarealsowidelyaccepted.
TheimportandexportoflocalandforeigncurrencyislimitedtoUS$10,000.Amountsabovethismustbedeclareduponarrival.
Currency exchange facilities are available at banks and bureaux de change. Some hotels may also change money.Additionally,smallstoreswillallowvisitorstopayforgoodsinUSdollars(smallnotesUS$20.00,US$10.00)andreceivechangeincolones.Wehighlyadvicenottoexchangecurrencyattheairportsbureauxdechange,theyalwaysgiveyouaverylowexchangerate;trytousealwaysbanksorhotelcashiers.
Banking
Bankinghours:StatebanksMon-Fri09h00-15h00.PrivatebanksMon-Fri08h00-16h00.
DinersClub,MasterCardandVisacreditcardsareallaccepted;AmericanExpressslightlylessso.ManybankswillonlyprocessMasterCardforcashcredits.CashmaybetheonlyformofpaymentinsmallertownsandruralareasbutmanyplaceswilltakeUSdollars,givingchangeincolones.
ATMsarecommonthroughoutthecitiesandsmalltowns.TheywillusuallyacceptforeigncardsbutinsomeregionsonlyVisacardsareaccepted.Occasionally,payingwithcreditcardsmaynotbepossiblefortechnicalreasons.BringingagoodsupplyofUSdollarsincashisadvised,asmanythingssuchasentrancefeestonationalparksormealsatrestaurants,canbepaidforwithUSdollars.
Althoughtravellerscanavoidadditionalexchangeratechargesbytakingtraveller'schequesinUSdollars,fewerandfewerbusinessesinCostaRicaarewillingtoacceptthem,anditisbettertousetheATM.
P a g e |24
Travel,TransportandGettingAroundSANSA (www.flysansa.com) operates services between San José and provincial towns and tourist resorts, includingTortuguero,Tamarindo,QueposandGolfito.Anumberofcompaniesalsoprovideinternalcharterflightsusingdifferentplanesizes.MuchofCostaRicaisriddledwithchallengingroads,soifyoucanaffordtoflythenitwillmakeyourlifealotmorecomfortable.
CostaRicansdriveontherightsideoftheroad.ThequalityoftheroadsinCostaRicais,forthemostpart,notgreat.StretchesofthePan-AmericanHighwayleadingtoandfromthemajorcitiestendtobeokay,buttherestisamixofdust,gravel,potholesandperilouslymountainousroads.Beverycarefuldriving–especiallyifyou’reinahiredcarandwanttogetyourdepositback–andifyou’reanervousdriverthenconsiderpublictransportinstead.Youmustbeover21tohireacar,andthoughaninternationaldriver’slicenseissafest,youarelikelytobeabletouseafulllicensefromyourowncountry.Youwillneedacreditcardforthedeposit,whichwillcostatleastasmuchasthecarhirebutwhichyouwillhopefullygetback.
TherearemanydifferentcarhirecompaniesinCostaRica,predominantlyinSanJoséandatthemainairport,butitisadvisabletoeitherbookacarthroughalocaltravelagencyortobeexceptionallycarefultonoteandconfirmanydamageorscratchestothevehiclebeforeyoudriveoff.Alsoensurethatthevehiclecomeswithasparetyre–adecentone!–andajack,becauseCostaRica’sroadsaresuchthatyoumaywellneedone.
Aspeedlimitof80kph(55mph)isenforcedonmosthighways.However,CostaRicansarenotoriouslydangerousdriverswhopaylittleheedtospeedlimitsandtrafficregulations.Becarefulgoingthroughtowns,asthespeedlimitdrops.IfyouspeedordrinkdrivetheCostaRicanpolicecanfineyouheavily,soitissuggestedthatyoudon’tdoanythingtoantagonisethemand,ifyouarepulledover,beextremelynice.Nevertryandbribethem.Useofseatbeltsismandatory.
TaxisarenumerousandinexpensiveinSanJosé.Thetaxisarecolouredred(exceptthoseservingtheJuanSantamaríaInternationalAirport,whichareorange).Taxisareusuallymetered,butfewdriversusethemetersastheyfiguretheycanextractmoremoneyfromtouristsbynotdoingso.Makesuretheyputitonandthatithasn’talreadybeenrunning,oraskyourhotelconciergehowmuchafareshouldbe,andnegotiatewiththedrivertoanagreedamountbeforesettingoff.
PublictransportviaroadinCostaRicarangesfromthelargecoachcompaniessuchastheTicaBus(www.ticabus.com)andTransnica (50622234242;http://transnica.com),whicharecomfortableandair-conditioned, to tiny little shuttlebuses in theNicoya Peninsula,where they pack you in and jolt you around for hours. Bus travel, however long andpotentiallyfrustrating,isinexpensiveandoftenquitefun.
Trainlinesarenowlimitedtotwocommuterroutes:fromHerediatoSanJosé,travellingonlyatpeaktimesandtakinghalfanhour;andfromPavasviaSanJoséandSanPedrotoCurridabat,runningonlyhourlyinthemorningandevening.
Food,DrinkandCuisineAdviceCostaRicaisanotamajorfoodiedestination,butwhatitlacksinsophisticationitmakesupforinchoice.
TheCaribbeancoasttendstobemoreinfluencedbytheislandnations.Jamaican-stylejerkchickenisastaple;riceandbeans(gallopinto)areubiquitous,butmorelikelytobepreparedwithcoconutmilk;andcurryspicesfeatureheavilyasingredients,creatingdisheswithaverydistinctflavourfromtheircounterpartsonthePacificcoast.
P a g e |25
TheCostaRicandietisfairlyhealthywithlowuseofdairyorhigh-fatdishes.Freshfruitsandvegetablesmakeupahighproportion ofmeals, while pork, chicken and beef are themost popularmeats. Seafood is available throughout thecountry,particularlyincoastalregions,withseabassbeingthemostcommonfishonmenus.
Mainswaterisnormallyheavilychlorinatedand,whilstrelativelysafetodrink,maycausemildabdominalupsets.Drinkingwateroutsidemaincitiesandtownsmaybecontaminatedandsterilisationisadvisable.Bottledwaterisavailableandisadvisedforthedurationofthestay,especiallyforthosewhoareliabletosensitivestomachs.Milkispasteurisedanddairyproductsaresafeforconsumption.Localmeat,poultry,seafood,fruitandvegetablesaregenerallyconsideredsafetoeat.
ClimateandWeatherIntheCentralValley,wherethemaincentresofpopulationarelocated,theaveragetemperatureis22°C(72°F)andtheregionenjoysaspring-likeclimateyearround.Inthecoastalareas,thetemperatureismuchhotterandhumid,whilethePacificNorthwestcanbeextremelyhotanddry.TherainyseasonstartsinMayandfinishesinNovember,althoughtherearedistinctregionalvariations.JuneandJulyarethewettestmonths,particularlyontheCaribbeanside,buttheseasoncanrunfromMayuntilDecember.The'warm'dryseasonisDecembertoMay,thoughtemperaturedifferencesbetweensummerandwinterareslight.Marchistheheightofthedryseason,andthehumidityisloweratthistime,makingthisapopulartimeforvisitors.
ClothingandDressRecommendationsLightweightcottonand linenclothing is recommended formostof theyearwithwarmerclothes forcoolerevenings.Waterproofingisnecessaryduringtherainyseason.Loose-fittingclothingisbest.Wearneutralbrownsandgreensforbirdingandwildlifeviewing.Alwaysbringmosquitorepellentforbothdayandnight.
ElectricityandPlugStandardsElectricsocketsintheRepublicofCostaRicaareTypeB(NEMA5-15)and/orTypeA(NEMA1-15).Ifyourappliance'splugdoesn'tmatchtheshapeofthesesockets,youwillneedatravelplugadapterinordertoplugin.Travelplugadapterssimplychangetheshapeofyourappliance'splugtomatchwhatevertypeofsocketyouneedtopluginto.Ifit'scrucialtobeabletopluginnomatterwhat,bringanadapterforallthreetypes.
Electricalsocketssupplyelectricityat120voltsAC/60Hzfrequency.Ifyou'replugginginanappliancethatwasbuiltfor220-240voltelectricalinput,oranappliancethatiscompatiblewithmultiplevoltages,thenanadapterisallyouneed.Ifyourapplianceisn’tcompatiblewith120volts,avoltageconverterwillbenecessary.
P a g e |26
TermsandConditions
ItineraryTermsandConditionsPleasenote:
-AllpersonsenteringCostaRicamusthaveapassportvalidfor6monthspastthedateofentry.
-BaggagelimitperpersonforflightswithinCostaRica:40lbs(18kg);charterflights:25lbs(12kg).
-AnychangesorcancellationsmadetotheseserviceswhileinCostaRicaareatthetraveler'sexpense.
-Norefundswillbegivenforunusedservicesasperourtermsandconditions.
-CostaRicaSunTourstermsandconditionsapply.
-Travelersareencouragedtotakeouttravelinsurance.