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Jungles, mountains and coast: Costa Rica is a natural paradise
The group flight usually arrives into San Jose this evening. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients. This evening is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. Accommodation: Park Inn hotel (or similar) *Comfortable Hotel*
Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel to the north-east of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero's vast network of waterways, canals and swamps is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On reaching the pier we board a small motorboat for the one hour fifteen minute journey to our lodge, which is nestled in the heart of the main lagoon. Our afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered Green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Giant Leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January baby turtles start to hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's travel time will be in the region of five to six hours including a break for breakfast. Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar) *Comfortable Hotel*
An early morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of day wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and many of the 300+ bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon we return to the waterways for a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, the lodge is a tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take some time out to enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest. Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar) *Comfortable Hotel*
Leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier. Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the region of Arenal, passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal was Costa Rica's most active volcano until fairly recently, when it entered a resting phase and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening. Alternatively have a go on the Sky Tram / Sky Trek, departing at 3pm. In clear weather there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base, the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today's travelling time is around five and a half hours including a lunch stop. Accommodation: Eco Arenal, Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar) *Comfortable Hotel*
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Frío River combine to create a humid area that is very biodiverse and harbours a great variety of resident and migratory birds, three different species of monkey, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans. We transfer approximately 1.5 hours to the village of Los Chiles, found close to the Nicaraguan border. From here we board a boat for our river adventure, which lasts around 2.5 hours and passes through tropical rainforest and pastures until we arrive at the marshlands. The Olivaceous cormorant makes its nests in the area and Wood storks and jabiru (the largest bird in Central America and much endangered) can also be seen. Along the river we may also see Howler monkeys, Three-toed sloths, caimans, lizards, and turtles. Accommodation: Eco Arenal, Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar) *Comfortable Hotel*
From Arenal we travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the Central Highlands for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally means 'Green Mountain'. The high altitude supports a complex eco-system where plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400+ different varieties here. Today's drive is around four hours- the last 40km of road is gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. In the afternoon it's possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country. This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life for us! Accommodation: MTV Country Lodge (or similar) *Comfortable Hotel*
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old growth trees covered in moss whilst the surrounding mist permeates the atmosphere. The reserve’s geographic, topographic and climatic conditions have allowed for a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four ecological “Life Zones” that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of species - mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the trails of the reserve leads to a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear days, you can be privy to the breathtaking view of both of Costa Rica’s coasts: the Caribbean and the Pacific. These forests are also one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered Resplendant Quetzal. Following today's activity we transfer to San Jose. Accommodation: Park Inn Hotel (or similar) *Comfortable Hotel*
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it's time to bid Costa Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport are available to all clients today.
* Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat
* 7 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges
* All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners included
* Green turtle nesting season: July to October
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. Hotel
breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero
are also buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us
before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include 'Gallo Pinto', a black bean and rice dish
considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also
common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the
highlights of your time in the tropics.
* Travel by air-conditioned bus and boat
* 7 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges
* All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners included
* Green turtle nesting season: July to October
This trip has been graded 1 (Leisurely) with a safari rating of 3.
Driving distances are not very long and most of the roads that we travel on
are of good quality. However, the road which leads to the river on the way to
and from Tortuguero and the road into and out of Monteverde have poor
surfaces and this can result in slow driving times, particularly following
heavy rain. There are several included and optional walks on the itinerary
which occasionally involve walking on rough paths. These are suitable for
most levels of fitness. During times of heavy rain, trails can be muddy and
slippery and extra care should be taken. Many of the areas visited on the
trip are hot and humid and there is the chance of heavy rain year-round -
this is why Costa Rica is so green!
Please note that in the region of Tortuguero the sea has very strong rip
currents and is not suitable for swimming from the beach.
Hotels & Eco-lodges
7 nights in comfortable hotels and eco-lodges, all with en suite facilities
and some with swimming pools. Where possible we use family run
establishments: wooden lodges set in tropical gardens with eco-credentials.
In *San Jose* the Park Inn Hotel is conveniently located for the downtown
area of the city, with spacious and comfortable rooms.
At *Tortuguero*, we stay at Pachira Lodge, a property set in beautifully
kept gardens where wildlife often roams freely (look out for sloths and
monkeys here!)
In *Arenal* we usually use the Eco Arenal Hotel which is set in tropical
gardens and offers excellent panoramic views of the volcano. It is located
15-20 minutes walking distance or a 5 minute taxi ride from La Fortuna town.
We also use the Arenal Montechiari Hotel and the Arenal Paraiso on some
departures.
We usually stay at the MTV Country Lodge in *Monteverde*, a cosy option for
the cool climate of the cloud forest.
Please note that one or several of the named properties might be substituted
for similar alternatives in order to secure hotel availability. Please
discuss with your Customer Operations Executive if you require more details
regarding your specific departure date.
Optional single supplement, see Dates & Prices.
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners are included.
In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. Hotel
breakfasts are normally buffet style, and lunches and dinners at Tortuguero
are also buffet style. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us
before departure of any special dietary requests.
Costa Rican specialities include 'Gallo Pinto', a black bean and rice dish
considered to be a staple part of the local diet. Soups and stews are also
common, and fresh fruit is abundant and will no doubt be one of the
highlights of your time in the tropics.
We travel in a private, air-conditioned minibus suitable for the size of our
group: usually a 16 seater Coaster minibus. Boats are also used in
Tortuguero. There is a shared transfer to Tortuguero on Day 2 of the
itinerary in a larger coach.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 10 days *
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing on Day 1 of
the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Avianca. As flight timings and
schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our
specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot
be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in San Jose and ending in San Jose *
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in San Jose in the evening of
Day 1 of the land only itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
*Please note:* some clients booked on this holiday prior to August 2019 may
have direct flights into and out of San Jose with British Airways, these are
daytime flights and for anyone booked on these the flight inclusive holiday
duration will be 9 days (not the 10 stated above).
Costa Rica is located 10º north of the equator and has a tropical climate.
The average temperature range is 10ºC - 13ºC in the highlands, and from
22ºC - 26ºC in the lowlands. There is a rainy season from May to November
when there are daily downpours, though these are usually quite short and
there is still plenty of bright sunshine, so midsummer is not necessarily a
bad time to go. December to April is the driest time of the year but you
should still expect some rain.
Sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, waterproof poncho or waterproofs, warm sweater
(for cloud forest), short trousers, weatherproof shoes.
Swimming gear, umbrella, camera with telephoto lens, binoculars, torch, small
daypack for walks, insect repellent. Dark clothes will be required for the
optional turtle nesting excursion (seasonal). We also recommend bringing a
re-usable fabric tote bag so that you can avoid using unnecessary plastic
bags whilst in Costa Rica.
Please note that when travelling to/from Tortuguero there is a luggage limit
on the boats and you will be allowed one regular size suitcase/bag and one
carry-on size bag. Technically there is also a weight limit of 25 lbs but in
practice we find that this isn't enforced.
US dollars are widely accepted as payment in Costa Rica, however change will
likely be given in local currency and the exchange rate will fluctuate. We
suggest taking some US dollars with you but then using ATM's to withdraw the
rest of your money in local currency whilst you're there.
You should allow extra to cover the cost of meals not included in the price
of the holiday. Snack lunches are approximately USD15-18 and evening meals
USD25-32 per meal (excluding drinks). Average costs for drinks are USD1-2 for
mineral water or soft drinks, USD3-4 for a bottle of beer and USD4-5 for a
glass of wine.
*Optional excursions available during this tour:*
Tortuguero:
Turtle nesting tour (July to October only) - approx USD40 and can only be
booked directly with the hotel at check in.
La Fortuna / Arenal:
Ecotermales hot springs (4 hours) approx USD40.
Sky Tram/Sky Trek (zip-wire): USD84
Sky Walk: USD27
Monteverde:
Sky Walk suspension bridges approx USD27
Don Juan coffee tour USD40
Canopy tour approx USD45
All prices are per person and some excursions require a minimum number of
participants. Optional excursions can be paid for by cash, credit or debit
card. Please note: participating in some of the optional activities may
mean missing included elements of the tour.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. However,
it is usual for groups to tip guides and drivers and it would be reasonable
for each group member to contribute approx. USD3-5 per day for each staff
member for this purpose, although you may wish to tip more if travelling in a
small group. Porters at the airport and hotels are normally tipped about
USD1 per piece. Occasionally the tour leader will organise a tipping kitty
to facilitate these and other tips (such as waiting staff in restaurants)
which will be collected in advance at the start of the trip.
* Travel insurance
* Visas or vaccinations
* Single accommodation (available on request)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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