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COSTARICAFORTHEFAMILYOFADVENTURERS

JoinusonthisCoasttoCoastAdventure!Ziplinethrutherainforest,takeaboatrideinthemiddleofthejungleandrelaxatthepristineGuanacasteBeaches.

ThisadventurecannotbecompletedwithoutdivingintothewarmwatersofNorthPacific-isoneofakind!

JulythroughlateSeptember2019

ArenalVolcanoNationalPark-Tortuguero-Guanacaste11Days/10Nights

4Persons

US $3025.00 per person (Parents) US $938.00 per person (Kids under 12 yrs)

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01July2019-11July2019

ClickheretoviewyourDigitalItinerary

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Introduction

KeyB&B:BedandBreakfastFB:Dinner,Bed,BreakfastandLunch

IncludedArrivalmeetandgreetservice.PrivatetransferfromtheLiberiaInternationalAirporttoyourhotelinArenal,approx.3.5hourtransfer.

3nights’accommodationsatHotelArenalManoainOneSuperiorRoomw/volcanoview.(Breakfastincluded)

ArenalMundoAventuraCanopyZiplineHalfDaytourincludingtransfers,localguideandequipment.**Groupbasis**

Dayatleisure/optionaltoursavailableatadditionalfee.

PrivateearlytransferfromGuapilestoyourhotelinArenal,approx.3hourtransfer.Breakfastenrouteincluded.Lunch&dinneratLodgeincluded.

LandandboattransferfromGuápilestoyourhotelinTortuguero.(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)

BoattransfertoTortugueroAirstrip,approx.10minutetransfer.

DomesticflightfromTortuguerotoSanJose,approx.25minuteflight.Luggagerestrictionsapply.

PrivateoverlandtransferwithBilingualDriver-HostfromSanJoséLocalTerminaltoyourhotelinTamarindoincludingstopatLasPumasCatZoo.Entrancefeeincluded.

Accommodation Destination Basis RoomType Duration

HotelArenalManoa ArenalVolcanoNationalPark

B&B 1xSuperiorRoomw/VolcanoView

3Nights

EvergreenLodge Tortuguero FB 1xStandardRoom 2Nights

BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel

Guanacaste B&B 1xFamilyRoom 5Nights

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5nights’accommodationsatHotelBahiadelSol.PotreroBeachinOneFamilySuite.(Breakfastincluded)

Scubadiving/2TankTourincludingtransfers,guide,snacksandequipment.**Groupbasis**

Scubadiving/2TankTourincludingtransfers,guide,snacksandequipment.**Groupbasis**

Daysatleisure/optionaltoursavailableatadditionalfee.(Breakfastincluded)

PrivatetransferfromyourhoteltotheInternationalAirportinLiberia,approx.1hourtransfer.

Checkinatairportis3hours.

ExcludedAirfare to Costa Rica; travel insurance; gratuities; any lodging, tours ormeals not specified in the itinerary; extras inhotels(laundry,phonecalls,roomservice,etc.);personalequipment;costsassociatedwithchangestoyouritineraryforreasonsbeyondourcontrol.

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Day1: HotelArenalManoa,ArenalVolcanoNationalPark (Mon,1July)

ArenalVolcanoNationalParkTheArenalVolcanoeruptedviolentlyJuly29th1968destroyingtheregionwestofitsbasewithhotgases,rocksandlater,lavaflows.Todaythevolcanosteamsquietlyandheatslocalriversthathavebeendevelopedintopopularhotspringsandspas.Forestvegetationisquicklyreturningandcoveringthemassiverockfragmentsandlavaflows,andrainforestwildlifeonceagainflourishesinandaroundthepark,

DayItineraryUponarrivaltotheLiberiaAirportandafterclearingcustomsandimmigration,youwillbemetbyoneofourtransportrepresentativesfortransfertoyourhotelinArenal.TransferwillbeinaminivanwithACapproximately4hoursplusanystopsontheway.

ArenalisoneofthemostpopulardestinationsinCostaRica.Thevolcano,althoughinactiveforthepastfewyears,isamajesticsite.Thispicturesqueregionoffersnaturalbeauty,amazingwildlifeandplentyofoutdooractivitiesforvisitorsincludinghikingtrails,thefamousLaFortunaWaterfall,zip-linetours,rafting,canopybridgewalks,waterfallCanyoning,organicfarmtoursandmore.Therearealsoavarietyofrelaxinghotspringswithwarmsoothingwatersheatedbythevolcano

ConsultantNotesFacingArenalVolcano,ArenalManoahasgardens,volcanoviewroomsandanadjacentfarmopentoguests.Setinverdantplains4mileswestofLaFortuna,ArenalManoaroomsfeaturepanoramicviewsofnearbyArenalVolcano.Borderedbyasmallriver,thisattractivecountryhotelissetamonglushmanicuredgroundsandpastoralsceneryincludinganadjacentdairyfarmavailableforguestvisits.Thehotelincludesaconferenceroomfor150people.Manyareatourscanbearrangedatthehotel.

Generalservices:80Rooms,Restaurants,PoolandJacuzzi,Wi-Fi,AC,MembersoftheCostaRicacodeofConduct.

Overnight:HotelArenalManoa HotelArenalManoaissetinthelushgreencountrysideofLaFortunaandfeaturesaspectacularviewoftheArenalVolcano.Accommodationisavailableincomfortablejuniorsuiteswithmodernamenitiesincludingairconditioning,satelliteTV,andasafetydepositbox.Dinersmayenjoyamealatthein-houserestaurantwhichservesbothlocalandinternationalcuisineorenjoyabeverageatthepoolsidebar.Thehotelalsofeaturesaspawhichoffersaselectionofrelaxingtreatments.

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BasisBed&Breakfast

IncludedArrivalmeetandgreetservice.

PrivatetransferfromtheLiberiaInternationalAirporttoyourhotelinArenal,approx.3.5hourtransfer.

ExcludedGratitudes.

Day2: HotelArenalManoa,ArenalVolcanoNationalPark (Tue,2July)

DayItineraryThisauthenticadventureinharmonywiththeenvironmentisfullofadrenaline-Startingwithatractorridecrossingthrutherainforestwhereyouwillgettothefirstof12cablesofpureadrenalinesurroundedbyimpressiveviewsovercanyons,ArenalVolcano,CerroChatoandFortuna&PinoBlancoFalls.TourendsupwithavisittotheMalekuCulturalRescueCentreandtheFrog&ButterflyGarden.Tourduration:3.5hrs.approx.

Includes:Transportation,localguideandequipment.Whattobring:Comfortableclothing,Walking(closed)Shoes,Sunscreen,LonglightPantsandbugrepellent.

Activities

BasisBed&Breakfast

Morning CanopyTourArenalMundoAventura

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IncludedBreakfast.

ArenalMundoAventuraCanopyZiplineHalfDaytourincludingtransfers,localguideandequipment.**Groupbasis**

ExcludedGratitudes.

Day3: HotelArenalManoa,ArenalVolcanoNationalPark (Wed,3July)

DayItineraryHotSprings

Takeadvantageofthebenefitsthatourhotspringsbringtoyou.Ourwaterswillrelaxyou,yourbodywillfeelrevitalizedandyouroverallhealthwillbebetter.

ConsultantNotesLaSacaRestaurant

Arichculinaryexperiencethatwelcomesyoutotastethebestkindofflavourswithahigh-levelservicethatwillmakeyourexperienceanunforgettableone.Wealsohavedifferenttypesofwinesrangingfrominternationalones,Italians,Chileans,Argentinian,Spaniard,French,Australian,etc.Weinviteyoutotryourfamousflameddessertofthehouse¨Volcándealmendra¨Hours:daily,6:30a.m.to10:00p.m.

AlambiqueBistro

AnexquisitemixtureofflavourinaterracewithabeautifulviewtotheArenalVolcano.Delicioussnacksandamenuwithdifferentkindsofpizzas.Hours:daily,12:00p.m.to10:00p.m.

Güipipia

Locatedbythehotspringwaters,the¨Güipipia¨wetbarhassnacksandavarietyofinternationalbeers,alsoweofferdifferentcocktailswithdailydiscounts(onlyinourhappyhour,from5:00pmto6:00pm)Hours:daily,2:00p.m.to10:00p.m.

Uyuyui

Locatedinthemainpool,¨Uyuyui¨wetbaroffersrefreshingcocktailsofthehousemadewithfreshtropicalfruitslikethe”VolcándeManoa”and“ManoaPuravida¨foryourenjoymentonly.

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Hours:daily,10:00a.m.to6:00p.m

AtLeisureYouhavenosetengagementsatthistime.

BasisBed&Breakfast

IncludedBreakfast.

Dayatleisure/optionaltoursavailableatadditionalfee.

ExcludedGratitudes.

Day4: EvergreenLodge,Tortuguero (Thu,4July)

TortugueroBorderingtheTortugueroNationalParkalongCostaRica’sbeautifulCaribbeanCoast,thevillageofTortugueroisknownforitsecotourismanditsextensivenetworkofcanals.Itissetamidsttropicallowlandrainforests,magnificentrivers,andpristinebeaches.Adefinitehighlightoftheareaistakingtheuniqueonceinalifetimeopportunitytowatchbabygreenturtleshatchalongtheshoreline.Visitorscanlookforwardtoawideselectionofexcitingactivitiessuchas:visitingtheTortugueroNationalParkwhichishometoover300speciesofbird,avarietyoffloraanddiversefauna.Otherpopularactivitiesinclude:hiking,sportfishing,canaltours,canopytours,andkayaking.Don’tmisstheopportunitytovisitandexplorethenearbyBarradelColoradoWildlifeRefuge,theCariariNationalWetlands,andtheTurtleMuseumatSeaTurtleConservancy.

DayItineraryYouwillbepickedupinArenalbyoneofourtransportrepresentativesfortransfertoGuápiles

OnceinthetownofGuapiles,youwillstopatalocalRestaurantforadeliciousbreakfast.Thedriveintotalwillbeapproximately3hours.

AtthemainportliningthecanalsyouwillboardaboatfortransfertoyourhotelinTortuguero,theboatridewillbeapproximately1hour.UponarrivallunchwillbeservedattheLodge.Intheafternoonyourlocalguidewilltakeyoutothetownforaleisurelywalkwhereyouwillgetatasteoflocalliving.

ConsultantNotesOnlyafiveminuteboatridethroughthejunglecanalstotheentranceofwildlife-richTortugeroNationalPark.ThisremoteareaoftheCaribbeancoastisaccessibleonlybyplaneorbyboat;neverthelessyourlodgingwillbefirstclass.

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Theinfrastructureofthislovelylodgeisbuilttocoexistwithnature.Therainforestenhancesthehotelgrounds,whicharetrulyevergreen.

Generalservices:55Rooms,Restaurant,PoolandSpa,HikingTrails,RainforestCanals,CSTCertified,RainforestAllianceVerified

Overnight:EvergreenLodge EvergreenLodgeislocatedintheforestsofTortugueroonCostaRica'sCaribbeancoast.Accommodationisavailableincomfortableguestroomswhichfeatureprivatebathrooms,hotwater,andceilingfans.Thelodgefeaturesanin-houserestaurantwithhighceilingsandadesignthatcomplementsthejunglesurroundingit.TherestaurantservesauthenticCostaRicanstylebuffetmealsandincludesafullyequippedbar.ThelodgeistheperfectlocationforguestswhowishtoexploretheTortugueroNationalParkanditssurroundingareas.

BasisFullBoard

IncludedPrivateearlytransferfromGuapilestoyourhotelinArenal,approx.3hourtransfer.Breakfastenrouteincluded.Lunch&dinneratLodgeincluded.

LandandboattransferfromGuápilestoyourhotelinTortuguero.(Hotelguestsonly)

ExcludedGratitudes.

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Day5: EvergreenLodge,Tortuguero (Fri,5July)

DayItineraryFreemorningtoenjoythepool,walkaforesttrail,orsimplyrelaxbeforelunch.Intheafternoon,youwillenjoytheWildlife-richTortuguerotouringthenavigablerainforestcanalsbyboat.Thistourwillallowyouthechancetoseealargediversityofbirdspecies,monkeys,sloths,crocodiles,andiguanas.Bring:lightweightclothing,watershoes,sunscreenandprotectivesungear,camera,binoculars,insectrepellent,alightrainjacket.

ConsultantNotesTortugueroNationalParkisknownasCostaRica`s"littleAmazon".Therearenoroads-travelisbyboatalongaseriesofriversandcanalsorbyfootonforestpaths.TheparkconsistsofanetworkofwaterwayssurroundedbyavasttropicalrainforestandisoneofthebestplacestoobservewildlifeinCostaRica.Tortugueroisamustforvisitorswhowanttoexperiencetheamazingwondersofthetropicalrainforest!InTortuguerovisitorswilllikelysee2or3speciesofmonkeys,iguanas,crestedbasilisklizards(theylooklikeminiaturedinosaurs!),sloths,lotsofwaterbirds,toucans,parrots,parakeets,caiman(cousinsofalligators),andpossiblycrocodiles,aswellascolourfultropicalforestbirds.

Activities

TortugueroCanalsThecanalsofTortugueroareapopularattractioninCostaRica.Withrainforests,wildlife,seaturtles,crocodilesandalabyrinthofnaturalwaterways,theregionoffersanauthenticrainforestexperience.VisitorscanexplorethelushfloraandabundantfaunaoftheCaribbeancoastalwaterwaysbyboat.

BasisFullBoard

IncludedBreakfast,lunch&dinner.

TortugueroNationalParktourbyboatofthebackwatercanalsincludinglocalguideandparkentrancefee.(Hotelguestsonly)

ExcludedGratitudes.

Afternoon TortugueroCanals

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Day6: BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel,Guanacaste (Sat,6July)

GuanacasteSetalongthespectacularPacificCoastinnorth-westernCostaRica,Guanacasteisrenownedforitspristinebeaches,volcaniclandscape,andexoticcreatures.ThisCostaRicanprovinceisconsideredthequintessentialtropicalparadise.Guanacaste'slandscapefeaturesvastopengrasslandplainsscatteredwithdrytropicalforestedgedbywhite-sandbeaches.VisitorscanspendalazydayontheendlessPlayaBlancaBeach,enjoyfirst-classdivingaswellasavarietyofwatersportsatthemagnificentPlayaHermosaBeach,andvisitSantaRosaNationalPark,featuringunspoiltindigenousvegetationandinhabitedbyover200birdspecies.Don’tmissthePapagayoPeninsulaknownforitsworld-classgolfcourse.

DayItineraryBoattransferservicetoTortugueroLocalAirstrip.

MeetourBilingualDriverHost.Theareselectedfortheirdrivingskills,knowledgeofthecountryandorientationtowardscustomerservice.He/sheisresponsibleforstayingwiththevehiclewhileclientsareatrestaurants,doinghikesorothertourssothatallpersonalbelongingsleftinthevehiclearesafe.Thisserviceoffersyoumoreflexibilityintraveltimeasyoucanrequeststopstophotographgorgeousscenery,viewwildlife,visitnicelocalrestaurants,meetlocalpeople,ortakecoffeebreaksandstretchwhenyouneedit.(Pleasenotethatguidednaturehikesmustbecontractedseparately.)

SituatedinCañas,Guanacaste,LasPumasRescueCentrehasbeenananimalshelterhometoinjuredorabandonedCostaRicananimalssincethe1960s.Speckledwithbrightaccentcoloursandanimatedanimalmurals,LasPumasismainlyfocusedonrehabilitatingCostaRicanjunglecatsbutalsoextendsahelpinghandtootheranimals,includingdifferenttypesofbirdsandmonkeys.

ConsultantNotesBahíadelSolBeachoffersvisitorsallthemodernamenities,anoutdoorpool,Jacuzzi,spa,souvenirstore,yogaclassesatnocostforallourguests,toursallframedinanimpressivetropicalscenariothatincludeslushandtropicalgardenswithnativeandexoticspeciesandawidefrontfacingthebeach.

Overnight:BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotelislocatedonPotreroBeach,GuanacasteandoverlooksthecrystalbluewatersofthePacificOcean.Accommodationisavailableinavastselectionofguestroomsandsuiteswhichfeaturemodernamenities.Theseincludeairconditioning,Wi-Fi,mini-bar,andaflat-screenTV.GuestsmayenjoyamealtheNasuRestaurantwhichspecialisesinseafoodandinternationalcuisine.Thein-housespaoffersaselectionofluxurioustreatmentswhichoffergueststheultimateinrelaxation.Yogaclassesareavailabledailyatnoadditionalcosttotheguest.

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BasisBed&Breakfast

IncludedBoattransfertoTortugueroAirstrip,approx.10minutetransfer.

DomesticflightfromTortuguerotoSanJose,approx.25minuteflight.Luggagerestrictionsapply.

PrivateoverlandtransferwithBilingualDriver-HostfromSanJoséLocalTerminaltoyourhotelinTamarindoincludingstopatLasPumasCatZoo.Entrancefeeincluded.

ExcludedGratitudes.

Day7: BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel,Guanacaste (Sun,7July)

DayItineraryWeprovide2tankdivetripsdailyMonday-Saturday.WedivemostlyattheCatalinaIslands,volcanicrockformationsapprox.40mins.boatridefromtheshore.Startingat7.30amatourdiveshopinFlamingo,forpaperworkandequipmentfittings,returningtoshorearoundmidday.

ThetemperatureintheNorthPacificcoastofCostaRicarangesbetween16-30ºC/60-86ºFdependingonthetimeofyear.Visibilitycanchangeonadailybasis.

Ourrockyunderwaterterrainishometoahugevarietyofmarinelife,someseasonal.Wecanseewhitetipreefsharks,giantmantarays,stingrays,eaglerays,jewelandgreenmorays,nudibranchs,angelandbutterflyfishandschoolsofdamsels,jacks,gruntsandspadefish.

Ourdivetimesarebasedon40minmax.Bottomtimeanddepth18m/60ft.

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ConsultantNotesIncluded

Alldivingequipmentisincludedaswellasdiveguidesforgroupsofupto4-5divers.Alsoincludedistransportationandrefreshments(water,icedtea,fruitandcookies).

Whattobring

Pleasebringyourscubadivinglicence,towels,cameras(plentyofdryspaceisavailableonboard),Creditcardorcashforpayment,cashfortipsorextraservices(seebelow),sunscreenand/orasunhat.

Otherimportantinformation

•Pleaseensurethatyouleavesufficienttimebetweendivingandflying!•Proofofcertificationisrequired.Youmustshowyourdivelicencetostaffatthestorewhencompletingpaperwork.Lackofproofmayrequireadditionalcostandtraining.

Activities

BasisBed&Breakfast

IncludedBreakfast.

ScubaDiving/2TankTourincludingtransfers,guide,snacksandequipment.**Groupbasis**

ExcludedGratitudes.

Day8: BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel,Guanacaste (Mon,8July)

DayItineraryWeprovide2tankdivetripsdailyMonday-Saturday.WedivemostlyattheCatalinaIslands,volcanicrockformationsapprox.40mins.boatridefromtheshore.Startingat7.30amatourdiveshopinFlamingo,forpaperworkandequipmentfittings,returningtoshorearoundmidday.

ThetemperatureintheNorthPacificcoastofCostaRicarangesbetween16-30ºC/60-86ºFdependingonthetimeofyear.Visibilitycanchangeonadailybasis.

Morning ScubaDiving/2Tank

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Ourrockyunderwaterterrainishometoahugevarietyofmarinelife,someseasonal.Wecanseewhitetipreefsharks,giantmantarays,stingrays,eaglerays,jewelandgreenmorays,nudibranchs,angelandbutterflyfishandschoolsofdamsels,jacks,gruntsandspadefish.

Ourdivetimesarebasedon40minmax.Bottomtimeanddepth18m/60ft.

ConsultantNotesIncluded

Alldivingequipmentisincludedaswellasdiveguidesforgroupsofupto4-5divers.Alsoincludedistransportationandrefreshments(water,icedtea,fruitandcookies).

Whattobring

Pleasebringyourscubadivinglicence,towels,cameras(plentyofdryspaceisavailableonboard),Creditcardorcashforpayment,cashfortipsorextraservices(seebelow),sunscreenand/orasunhat.

Otherimportantinformation

•Pleaseensurethatyouleavesufficienttimebetweendivingandflying!•Proofofcertificationisrequired.Youmustshowyourdivelicencetostaffatthestorewhencompletingpaperwork.Lackofproofmayrequireadditionalcostandtraining.

Activities

BasisBed&Breakfast

IncludedBreakfast.

ScubaDiving/2TankTourincludingtransfers,guide,snacksandequipment.**Groupbasis**

ExcludedGratitudes.

Day9-10: BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel,Guanacaste(Tue,9JulytoWed,10July)

ConsultantNotesNasuRestaurant

Morning ScubaDiving/2Tank

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THEBESTOFTRADITIONALANDGOURMETCUISINEINFRONTOFTHEOCEAN

NasuRestaurantatBahíadelSolspecializesininternationalcuisine,offeringcreativetropicalgourmetdishes.GuestscouldchoosebetweentraditionalCostaRicancookingwithoriginallocalproductsorthemostsophisticatedinternationalcreations,servedwithatropicaltouch.Enjoyaniceambianceatourelegantopenairrestaurantwhileadmiringspectacularviewsandthepeacefulsoundofwavescrashingintheshore…

Comeandenjoyourbreakfast,lunchanddinneroptionseverydayfrom6:30a.m.to10:00p.m.

BasisBed&Breakfast

IncludedDaysatleisure/optionaltoursavailableatadditionalfee.(Breakfastincluded)

ExcludedGratitudes.

Day11: EndofItinerary(Thu,11July)

DayItineraryPickupatyourhotelforadeparturetransfertotheSanJoseInternationalAirportforyourinternationalflight.Checkin3hourspriortoyourscheduledflighttime.

BasisBed&Breakfast

IncludedPrivatetransferfromyourhoteltotheInternationalAirportinLiberia,approx.1hourtransfer.

Checkinatairportis3hours.

ExcludedGratitudes.

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Transport

FlightInformation

Transfers

VoyageInformation

UrgentContactNumbers

Date Flight Airline DepartureAirport Time ArrivalAirport Time Class Ref

6Jul Scheduled TortugueroAirport[TTQ]

JuanSantamariaInternationalAirport[SJO]

Date Company PickUp DropOff Time Vehicle

1Jul DanielOduberInternationalAirport[LIR]

HotelArenalManoa Transfer

4Jul HotelArenalManoa Guapiles Transfer

4Jul Guapiles LaPavonaDock Transfer

6Jul JuanSantamariaInternationalAirport[SJO]

LasPumasRescueCenter Transfer

6Jul LasPumasRescueCenter BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel

Transfer

11Jul BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel

DanielOduberInternationalAirport[LIR]

Transfer

Date Boat Agency DeparturePort Time ArrivalPort Time Class Ref

4Jul Cruise LaPavonaDock EvergreenLodge

6Jul Cruise EvergreenLodge

TortugueroAirport[TTQ]

CompanyName Telephone EmailAddress ContactPerson

CostaRicaSunTours (506)2296-7757 dmatarrita@crsuntours.com DaisyMatarrita

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ServiceProviderDirectory

ServiceProvider Ref.Number

Telephone Address

BahiaDelSolBeachFrontBoutiqueHotel

+50626545339 PlayaPotrero,GuanacasteCostaRica

EvergreenLodge +50622226841 SanJosé,CostaRica

HotelArenalManoa +50624791111 LaFortunaAlajuela,CostaRica

LasPumasRescueCenter +50626696019 4.5kmfromCañas,onthewaytoLiberiaontheInteramericanHighway,Guanacaste,CostaRica.

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TravelInformation

Visitors to the Republic of Costa Rica will find that despite its small size, the country has an incredible number ofattractionsandactivitiestooffer.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.TheywillusuallyacceptforeigncardsbutinsomeregionsonlyVisa cards are accepted.Occasionally, payingwith credit cardsmay not be possible for technical reasons. Bringing agood supply of US dollars in cash is advised, as many things such as entrance fees to national parks or meals atrestaurants,canbepaidforwithUSdollars.

Although travellers can avoid additional exchange rate charges by taking traveller's cheques inUSdollars, fewer andfewerbusinessesinCostaRicaarewillingtoacceptthem,anditisbettertousetheATM.

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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.Stretchesof thePan-AmericanHighway leadingtoand fromthemajorcities tendtobeokay,but therest isamixofdust,gravel,potholesandperilouslymountainousroads.Beverycarefuldriving–especiallyifyou’reinahiredcarandwanttogetyourdepositback–andifyou’reanervousdriverthenconsiderpublictransportinstead.Youmustbeover21tohireacar,andthoughaninternationaldriver’slicenseissafest,youarelikelytobeabletouseafulllicensefromyourowncountry.Youwillneedacreditcardforthedeposit,whichwillcostatleastasmuchasthecarhirebutwhichyouwillhopefullygetback.

TherearemanydifferentcarhirecompaniesinCostaRica,predominantlyinSanJoséandatthemainairport,butitisadvisable to either book a car through a local travel agency or to be exceptionally careful to note and confirm anydamageorscratchestothevehiclebeforeyoudriveoff.Alsoensurethatthevehiclecomeswithasparetyre–adecentone!–andajack,becauseCostaRica’sroadsaresuchthatyoumaywellneedone.

Aspeedlimitof80kph(55mph)isenforcedonmosthighways.However,CostaRicansarenotoriouslydangerousdriverswhopaylittleheedtospeedlimitsandtrafficregulations.Becarefulgoingthroughtowns,asthespeedlimitdrops.Ifyouspeedordrinkdrive theCostaRicanpolicecan fineyouheavily, so it is suggested thatyoudon’tdoanything toantagonise them and, if you are pulled over, be extremely nice. Never try and bribe them. Use of seat belts ismandatory.

TaxisarenumerousandinexpensiveinSanJosé.Thetaxisarecolouredred(exceptthoseservingtheJuanSantamaríaInternationalAirport,whichareorange).Taxisareusuallymetered,butfewdriversusethemetersastheyfiguretheycanextractmoremoneyfromtouristsbynotdoingso.Makesuretheyputitonandthatithasn’talreadybeenrunning,or ask your hotel concierge howmuch a fare should be, and negotiatewith the driver to an agreed amount beforesettingoff.

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.

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TheCostaRicandietisfairlyhealthywithlowuseofdairyorhigh-fatdishes.Freshfruitsandvegetablesmakeupahighproportion ofmeals, while pork, chicken and beef are themost popularmeats. Seafood is available throughout thecountry,particularlyincoastalregions,withseabassbeingthemostcommonfishonmenus.

Mains water is normally heavily chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe to drink, may cause mild abdominal upsets.Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water isavailableand isadvised for thedurationof thestay,especially for thosewhoare liable tosensitivestomachs.Milk ispasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables aregenerallyconsideredsafetoeat.

ClimateandWeatherIntheCentralValley,wherethemaincentresofpopulationarelocated,theaveragetemperatureis22°C(72°F)andtheregionenjoysaspring-likeclimateyearround.Inthecoastalareas,thetemperatureismuchhotterandhumid,whilethePacificNorthwest can be extremely hot and dry. The rainy season starts inMay and finishes inNovember, althoughtherearedistinctregionalvariations.JuneandJulyarethewettestmonths,particularlyontheCaribbeanside,buttheseasoncanrunfromMayuntilDecember.The'warm'dryseasonisDecembertoMay,thoughtemperaturedifferencesbetweensummerandwinterareslight.March is theheightofthedryseason,andthehumidity is loweratthistime,makingthisapopulartimeforvisitors.

ClothingandDressRecommendationsLightweightcottonand linenclothing is recommended formostof theyearwithwarmerclothes forcoolerevenings.Waterproofingisnecessaryduringtherainyseason.Loose-fittingclothingisbest.Wearneutralbrownsandgreensforbirdingandwildlifeviewing.Alwaysbringmosquitorepellentforbothdayandnight.

ElectricityandPlugStandardsElectricsockets in theRepublicofCostaRicaareTypeB (NEMA5-15)and/orTypeA (NEMA1-15). Ifyourappliance'splug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plugadapterssimplychangetheshapeofyourappliance'splugtomatchwhatevertypeofsocketyouneedtopluginto.Ifit'scrucialtobeabletopluginnomatterwhat,bringanadapterforallthreetypes.

Electricalsocketssupplyelectricityat120voltsAC/60Hzfrequency.Ifyou'replugginginanappliancethatwasbuiltfor220-240voltelectricalinput,oranappliancethatiscompatiblewithmultiplevoltages,thenanadapterisallyouneed.Ifyourapplianceisn’tcompatiblewith120volts,avoltageconverterwillbenecessary.

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TermsandConditions

ItineraryTermsandConditionshttps://www.crsuntours.com/terms-and-conditions/

Pleasenote:

-AllpersonsenteringCostaRicamusthaveapassportvalidfor6monthspastthedateofentry.

-BaggagelimitperpersonforflightswithinCostaRica:Sansa:40lbs(18kg);charterflights:25lbs(12kg).

-AnychangesorcancellationsmadetotheseserviceswhileinCostaRicaareatthetraveler'sexpense.

-Norefundswillbegivenforunusedservicesasperourtermsandconditions.

-CostaRicaSunTourstermsandconditionsapply.

-Travellersareencouragedtotakeouttravelinsurance.