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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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You’ll also need some extra money to cover meals not included in the tour price, other sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry. You will also need to allow for San Jose airport taxes (approx. US$28),
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 trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Turrialba - Full day Whitewater rafting US$85; Half day US$80; Visit to Serpentarium US$15; Finca visit local farm and dinner US$12; CATIE US$20. Catie inc. Lunch and guide US$45
Tortuguero - Turtle watching (in season) US$30; Bird watching tour US$20. Spa US$60
Arenal - Hot springs US$37 (US$47 with dinner) plus transport; Waterfall walk US$15; Half day Safari float US$51; Caño Negro excursion US$63; Rafting US$85 (grade II or III).
Monteverde - Canopy Bridges US$45; Night walk in Reserve US$30; Canopy tour US$66; Butterfly garden US$12; Orchid gardens US$10; Eco Farm US55 inc. transport;
Manuel Antonio - Boat trip around NP US$75; Wildlife guide US$15; Dolphin tour US$69.
San Jose - La Paz Waterfalls - US$79 inc. lunch and transport
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, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly, you should allow US$30 for group tipping. 10% is expected in restaurants.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Costa Rican Colón.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US Dollars are legal tender in Costa Rica and they are accepted in most restaurants, hotels and shops. It is advisable to carry approximately US$200-300 cash of your total spending money, in mixed denominations. Please note that US $100 and $50 bills are often not accepted. (Pound Sterling is also not readily exchanged.)Where to Exchange: San José and major towns.
ATM Availability: It is not good to rely on ATM’s and they can be very temperamental. Generally accept Cirrus and Maestro, Visa over Mastercard.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers Cheques are not always easy to exchange. US$ Travellers cheques can usually be changed on Days 4, 7, 10 and 11.
Additional Information: US$ bills must be clean and not have any nicks or tears. Please note there is a 23% sales tax in Costa Rica.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Costa Rica | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $2.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $2.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $2.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $20.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | $10.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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Costa Rica: UK, CAN, USA and most EU citizens do not currently require a visa for a stay up to 90 days. Citizens of AUS,NZ and IRE can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. But these requirements change rapidly, so check with your embassy.
Back to topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Back to topPlease note: If you are entering from any of the following countries (Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, French Guyana, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Gambia and Sudan) are now required to produce an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis documenting yelllow fever vaccination before entry to Costa Rica will be granted. Certificates are valid 10 days after the date of vaccination.
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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 http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topCosta Rica has a tropical climate with high temperature humidity and rainfall. The average temperature is 21°C in the highlands and variable in the lowlands. The rainy season is from May to November but it does still tend to rain, usually in short bursts through out the year. Bear in mind that Costa Rica has 12 microclimates and weather can vary significantly in one day.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs /20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage – don’t overload yourself.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topLightweight clothing is essential in midsummer though a warmer sweater is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands (especially in Monteverde). A good waterproof is essential, and you should consider waterproof trousers. The jungle lowlands are hot and muggy, and it can rain at any time of year. Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended on jungle walks. PLease note there is a laundry next to the hotel in La Fortuna / Arenal
Back to topLightweight trail/walking boots for jungle walks, comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. In the rainy season waterproof boots are recommended.
Back to topWe recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a small umbrella, a torch, insect repellent, beach towel and a waterbottle. Binoculars are very useful for bird and animal spotting.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topWater-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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