Meals
A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 12 Breakfasts 5 Lunches 2 Dinners
Others
All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.
Guide
Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leaderโs ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour. Explore leader Tipping isnโt compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader thatโs done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. Weโre often asked about the recommended amount. Itโs a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but weโd recommend between ยฃ15 to ยฃ20 per person per week as a guideline Local crew Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a groupโs tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour. Accordingly, you should allow US$ 30 , approx. 18โ000 Colones per family member.
Accommodation
3 nights premium hotel 9 nights standard hotel 2 nights premium lodge Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included within the booking on all nights of this trip. Triple rooms in Costa Rica will contain two double beds. If you would like this option, please ask our Sales team for further information. Accommodation and service levels in Costa Rica are in general of good standard as they are used to catering for the North American Market. Almost every hotel we stay in has air conditioning or fans. We try to avoid the use of the large chain hotels and try to use a mix of jungle and mountain lodges as well as small family run hotels. They all have private facilities. Several of our Costa Rica hotels are found on the outskirts of town - these have better facilities and larger grounds and we will have transport on hand to take us into town for evenings. We use distinctive, comfortable accommodation on this taste of Costa Ricaโs natural beauty. Due to the popularity of some of the locations during our tour, we will be using alternative hotels in Sarapiqui, Arenal and Manuel Antonio, in all cases we use hotels of the same standard.
Transport
Bus, Boat Booking a land only package with Explore Customers who have chosen to book on the โLand Onlyโ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific โJoining Instructionsโ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the โLand Onlyโ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station. Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers. If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.
Optional
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Day 3: Finca visit local farm and dinner US$ 20 per person. Day 4: Turrialba - Half day White-water rafting US$ 80 per person (grade II to III) a minimum age of 12 applies to this activity; operates between May and October only. In the dry season (December to April) we offer the Pacuara River as an alternative, US$ 85 per person (grade II to III) a minimum age of 8. Day 6: Tortuguero - Turtle watching (in season, June to September) US$ 30 per person. Day 7: Sarapiqui - Bat tour (night walk) US$ 24 per person Day 7: Sarapiqui - Jungle zodiac boat trip for wildlife spotting US$58 inc. transport per person. Day 9: Arenal - Hot springs US$ 37 (US$ 57 with dinner) plus transport per person Day 9: Arenal - Full day white water rafting (grade II or III) US$ 89 per person. A minimum age of 10 applies to this activity. Day 9: Arenal - Farm to Table cooking class US$67 per person. Day 10: Monteverde - Night walk in Reserve US$ 48 per person. Day 11: Monteverde - Hanging bridges and canopy US$ 50-81 per person Day 11: Monteverde - Canopy tour US$ 50 per person Day 11: Monteverde - Walk in Monteverde Reserve $20 - $65 per person depending on numbers. Day 13: Manuel Antonio - Savegre river rafting US$ 98.00 per person min. A minimum age of 8 applies to this activity. Day 13: Manuel Antonio - Damas Island Kayak US$ 69.00 per person. Day 13: Manuel Antonio - Ocean Kayaking & Snorkelling US$ 69.00 per person Day 13: Manuel Antonio - Horseback riding and waterfall US$ 69.00 per person Day 13: Manuel Antonio - Mangrove boat tour US$ 69.00 per person Day 13: Manuel Antonio - Canopy Tour US$ 71.00 per person Day 13: Manuel Antonio - Butterfly & Reptiles combo US$ 69.00 per person
Not included:
Insurance
Travel Insurance is not included It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Flights
International flights not included in the tour cost Direct flights: Costa Rica is a relatively easy country to travel to with direct flights available from London Gatwick to San Jose with British Airways twice a week. Regional departures are also available with other airlines. You are able to book this tour on a โland onlyโ basis or as a โflight inclusiveโ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport. On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Others
Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nightsโ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately. Visa and Passport Information Costa Rica: Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizen of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA: (including those in transit) Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. Please note for your ESTA application you will be required to supply Point of Contact information. Exploreโ s USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. If you are leaving for the USA before this, please call the Explore team to get this information.(Not necessary if in transit) For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Exploreโs recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Vaccinations Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Start planning your experience
Itinerary of your trip Family Costa Rica Rainforest And Wildlife Adventure
- Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In San Jose
Day 1: Join Trip In San Jose
- Day 2 Day 2: Drive To Turrialba Via The Former Capital Cartago And Irazu Volcano
Day 2: Drive To Turrialba Via The Former Capital Cartago And Irazu Volcano
- Day 3 Day 3: In Turrialba Free Morning With Optional White-Water Rafting, Afternoon Visit To A Local Farm For Cheese-Making Tour
Day 3: In Turrialba Free Morning With Optional White-Water Rafting, Afternoon Visit To A Local Farm For Cheese-Making Tour
Experience Style
Mixed
There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโre also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.
Accomodation level
Medium
This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.
Experience Type
Small Group
Youโll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.
Physical Rating
Basic
Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.
Age range
Min: 7 / Max: 85
Age range allowed for this experience.
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