COSTA RICA FOR THE ADVENTUROUS - divediscovery.com · COSTA RICA FOR THE ADVENTUROUS This unique...

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.


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


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.


IncludedBreakfast,lunch&dinner

CorcovadoNationalParkhalfdaytourincludingtransportation,localguideandentrancefee.(Jotelguestsonly)

Unlimitedkayakuse.


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


IncludedBreakfast,lunch&dinner

CañoIslandBoatTourincludingsnorkellingequipment,localguidesandentrancefees.(Hotelguestsonly)

Unlimitedkayakuse.


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]


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


+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.

COSTA RICA FOR THE ADVENTUROUS - divediscovery.com · COSTA RICA FOR THE ADVENTUROUS This unique...

Documents

Transcript of COSTA RICA FOR THE ADVENTUROUS - divediscovery.com · COSTA RICA FOR THE ADVENTUROUS This unique...