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Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Costa Rica - Trip code CC Wildlife
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232Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch. Containing 5% of the world's biodiversity, its thick forests teem with life, from brightly coloured toucans to slow-moving sloths. With adventure and beautiful beaches to boot, this two-week trip won't disappoint.

Why we love this trip
  • Tortuguero - Cruise the jungle waterways and explore the rainforest of this 'mini Amazon'
  • Adventure - Included white water raft on the Pacuare river, or opt to fly through the canopy on a zip wire
  • Manuel Antonio - Share the stunning white-sand beaches with sun-bathing iguanas and capuchin monkeys
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 14

    Lunch: 4

    Dinner: 3

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

  • i

    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

    7 nights comfortable lodge

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in San Jose

Our tour starts today in San Jose, Costa Rica's cosmopolitan capital. Lying in a fertile valley, at an altitude of 1,150 metres, coffee and sugar are big industries here - coffee is even planted between buildings and along the roadsides on the outskirts of the city?

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting, and for those that wish there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in San Jose at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), which is around a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head out and explore the city - the barrios are easy to navigate, laid out in a grid pattern of avenues and streets. The National Museum (Museo Nacional De Costa Rica) is also well worth a visit.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Visit the Poas Volcano, explore San Jose including a Toucan Rescue Ranch

This morning, we'll head to Poas Volcano National Park (a one-hour drive away), where you can spot the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rising majestically from the tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter and 314 metres deep, the main crater is one of the largest in the world. It's erupted 40 times since 1828, most recently in April 2017. Due to recent volcanic activity, time at the crater viewpoint is restricted to 20 minutes. If activity increases again, the authorities may choose to close the park - in that case, we'll visit the Doka coffee estate instead for a tasting session of Costa Rica's finest export.

After our visit to Poas, we'll return to San Jose, calling first at a Toucan Rescue Ranch located just outside the city. Here, we'll get our first insight into Costa Rica's varied wildlife, learning about rescued species including parrots, macaws, sloths, spider monkeys and toucans. The centre does not permit visitors to handle wildlife, and they concentrate on rescue and rehabilitation as a priority.

On returning to the city, we'll spend some time exploring San Jose, stopping by some of its main architectural highlights and ending at the large Central Market, frequented by locals and tourists alike.

This evening, you might like to take a taxi out to the gastronomic area around the Barrio Escalante, where craft beer pubs and quirky restaurants are a growing trend.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Drive to San Gerardo de Dota and the Savegre Cloud Forest

This morning, we'll drive south out of San Jose for around three hours, down to the wild cloud forest of Savegre, famously one of the best places in Costa Rica for sightings of the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. The peaceful region gives us the perfect introduction to Costa Rica's nature. Hikers will enjoy the forest trails and the journey through the alpine-like hills, while nature lovers visit for its biodiversity - the area around San Gerardo de Dota contains around 200 species of bird and countless plant types including various orchid species.

This afternoon, we'll explore the trails around our lodge, perhaps crossing the path of the river, as we delve into the surrounding cloud forest.

It's worth noting that our lodge for the next two nights is at high altitude and can get chilly. we'd recommend packing a couple of warm layers.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Early morning search for quetzal, free day to explore the forest

We'll have an early start today, as we set out to explore the trails surrounding our lodge in the search for the quetzal. The males of the species are vivid, with a red breast, green crest and the iconic long green tail that dangles from the branches. Despite the bright colours, they're effective at camouflage and are surprisingly difficult to pick out among the green trees. Binoculars are a useful addition to your kit here, as our tour leader will be diligently attempting to find us one of these famous birds.

After returning to the lodge for breakfast, we'll have the rest of the day free. There are enough walks and trails around the lodge to easily spend a day here. The forest is rich in flora and fauna, and the mountainous cloud forest landscapes are the perfect canvas for keen photographers.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 - Travel to rural Turrialba, free afternoon and evening meal at a traditional finca (farm)

Today, we'll head to Turrialba, an important agricultural region thanks to its fertile land and the origin of much of Costa Rica's coffee, sugar and Macadamia nuts, not to mention dairy.

The journey will take around three hours. We'll arrive in the afternoon and take some time to explore the small town before dinner. This evening, we'll be visiting a typical 'finca' (farm), for a traditional meal, giving us a chance to try the local cheeses and more.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Whitewater rafting through the forest-covered Pacuare River

One of Costa Rica's most scenic rivers, the Pacuare is great for both rafting aficionados and enthusiastic newcomers. Calm stretches between the class III-IV rapids give you time to appreciate the passage through rainforest-topped canyons and tumbling waterfalls. Macaws and blue morpho butterflies wheel past as we raft through the steep, green walls of the canyon.

Our adventure will be led by experienced rafting guides, who'll teach us the basics, so don't worry if you haven't tried rafting before. The first section of the canyon is mainly II-III rapids, giving us a chance to practice our skills. We'll then move into the III-IV rapids. The river has a good mix of rapids along the way, giving us the perfect mix of adventure and fun. It's worth noting that, while it's possible to raft year-round, it does depend on weather conditions. If the water levels on the Pacuare are low, there's another section of the river called 'Finca San Martin' that we'll raft instead - this is a four-mile stretch of class III rapids interspersed with calmer sections, creeks and waterfalls.

After our rafting adventure, we'll have lunch on the river before returning to our hotel in the early afternoon. This evening is free to relax and recoup from the day.

If you're not a confident swimmer, or the thought of rafting isn't for you, we can organise an alternative activity for you. You could choose to take a trip to CATIE and its huge botanical garden, or alternatively a visit to the community-led Aquiares coffee plantation, where you'll learn about the coffee-making process as well as some of the culture and traditions of the area. The Tour Leader will ask your group on the first day or two of the tour to confirm whether you want to raft or not so that they can make the reservations.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Journey by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park

This morning, we'll take a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Costa Rica's luscious Caribbean coast, driving through extensive banana plantations. From either Cano Blanco or Pavona, a boat will take us to our spectacular lodge in the Tortuguero National Park, where we'll spend the next two nights. Its complex canal system and narrow lagoons link small, isolated settlements and are rich in fish, including rainbow bass and grouper. They also support an abundance of birds, such as herons, storks and kingfishers as well as 60 species of mammal with howler and spider monkeys in the treetops.

Upon arrival at our lodge, we'll take a short walking tour of the car-less village of Tortuguero.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Full day to explore the park searching for wildlife

Today we'll begin to explore the Tortuguero National Park. To kick off our day, there's the optional activity of a bird-watching trip by boat at dawn, where we'll have the opportunity to spot some of Costa Rica's spectacular birdlife. Water birds such as herons, egrets and kingfishers are among the birds that may be spotted, although other species of birds such as toucans may be found in the area.

Later this morning, we'll go on a nature walk to understand more about the area's unique ecosystem. Then, this afternoon, we'll take to the waterways for further exploration. On our travels, we may come across the howler monkey, aptly named by the way it noisily protects its territory. Much shyer animals in this area include ocelots, tapir and the incredibly elusive jaguar. Please note some departures may do the waterways tour in the morning and the nature walk in the afternoon. Your tour leader will confirm.

Throughout the year, you might be lucky enough to see different species of turtle nesting close to our lodge. The best time to see this spectacle is between June and September when over five thousand green turtles come ashore to nest on Tortuguero's beaches. At this time of year, there's the option of an evening turtle walk in the company of experienced guides.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 - Drive to Sarapiqui; Visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour and night walk in the forest

Leaving our lodge this morning, we'll travel by boat back to either Cano Blanco or Pavona, before heading on to Puerto Viejo Sarapiqui. The journey will take approximately four hours.

After lunch, we'll visit La Tirimbina for a chocolate tour. During the two-and-a-half-hour tour, we'll learn the secrets and wonders of one of mankind's favourite foods: chocolate. Originally from Central America, the cacao plant has an extraordinary history; it was one of the most important products for the Mayan and Aztec cultures. The discovery of America led to the introduction of chocolate in Europe, transforming it into the product we all know today.

We'll start by taking a short hike through a forest to a former cacao-growing plot, learning about the cacao tree along the way. Upon arrival at the plot, we'll see a demonstration of the artisanal process chocolate-making process. There'll be plenty of opportunities to taste different kinds of chocolate, prepared on the spot in the traditional way.

This evening, we'll take a night walk in the Selva Verde Rainforest, in search of nocturnal species such as snakes and tarantulas.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Lodge

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Walk in the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve, drive to Arenal

Our lodge has many onsite trails in the secondary rainforest, leading right into the Selva Verde Reserve. This morning, we'll take a short walk on some of the trails, through a tropical paradise of towering almendro trees and keel-billed toucans.

Later on, we'll drive just over an hour to Arenal, skirting around the great central volcanic massif, passing through fertile farmlands that are rich with tropical crops. Arenal is a classic conical volcano which was famous for its nightly eruptions until it went quiet in 2010. We'll be exploring the national park on foot, taking a walk on the flanks of the volcano, which are covered by a tangled mass of vegetation on one side and starkly barren on the other. Our tour leader will point out interesting flora and fauna and provide more information about the science and history of the volcano, before taking us to a viewpoint for a closer look.

The town was renamed after an eruption in 1968 that decimated the towns around the volcano's western flanks. Translated as 'fortune', La Fortuna refers to the town's luck in being located on the volcano's eastern side, and so, fortunately, escaping destruction.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 11 - Free day around La Fortuna, optional hanging bridges and zip wire excursions

Today is free for you to explore the Arenal area as you choose. There are local treks to waterfalls and along lava trails, if you'd like to head out into the surrounding nature. For wildlife lovers there's the option to join a wildlife spotting tour, seeking the famous sloth, the poisonous blue jeans dart frog and the multi-coloured toucan among other species. There are also hanging bridges and zip-wire adventures, which allow you to discover the rainforest at canopy height, either by flying through it or taking a walk across suspension bridges, with a birds-eye view.

Your tour leader will be able to provide information on all the options.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - Drive south to Manuel Antonio National Park

Leaving the volcano behind us this morning, we'll depart early to descend to the Pacific Coast, enjoying staggering views over the Gulf and Peninsula of Nicoya. Heading south, we'll pause at Carara Biological Reserve, famed for the scarlet macaws and abundant birdlife which populate this transitional forest. Finally, we'll continue along the Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio National Park, where we'll spend the next three nights. It's worth noting that while Manuel Antonio is a haven for nature lovers, it has grown in popularity in recent years and so is often busier than you might expect.

Our journey time today will be between five and six hours.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Explore Manuel Antonio's wildlife and beaches

This morning, we'll explore the Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. During our time in the park, we're likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundi (part of the raccoon family) and tiny squirrel monkeys. This is also one of the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths. The sloth's diet is mainly made up of buds and leaves. As leaves provide little energy, sloths move only when necessary and even then, very slowly so they're quite easy to spot!

The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing on the white sandy beaches, enjoying a swim in the warm, azure waters. The sunsets from this coast are spectacular and must be seen to be believed.

Please note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays. If Day 13 of your departure falls on a Tuesday, our included park visit will take place on Day 14 instead.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 14 - Free day in Manuel Antonio, relax on the beach or revisit the park

Today is free to relax in Manuel Antonio. You could choose to revisit the park or relax on the beaches around the town.

If beach time isn't for you, there are also lots of other activities on offer, including boat trips, horseback riding or surf lessons.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 15 - Travel back to San Jose International Airport where the trip ends

We'll leave Manuel Antonio this morning and drive 160 kilometres, approximately four hours, back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), where we'll arrive at around 11am.

This is where our tour ends and the earliest time your flight can depart is 1pm.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Costa Rica

Climate

Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page. Costa 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 October and the summer from December to April, but it does still tend to rain, usually in short bursts. Bear in mind that Costa Rica has 12 microclimates and weather can vary significantly in one day.

Time difference to GMT

-6

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Christian, Roman Catholic

Language

Spanish

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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 locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Turrialba- CATIE entrance with guide & lunch US$60

Tortuguero- Turtle Watching at night (June-September) US$49; Bird/wildlifewatching tour US$32; Spa Treatement (subject to lodge policies) US$43-72

Arenal- Hot Springs Entrance and dinner US$77; Sky Adventure Sky Tram & Zipline with transportation US$134; Sky Adventure Sky Tram Zipline & Suspension bridge walk with transportation US$163; Waterfall Walk Entrance US$20; Sloth Tour Entrance with transport US$78; Safari Float - Peñas Blancas River US$71

Manuel Antonio- Isla Damas Boat Trip (Transport Included) US$90; Catamaran & Sunset Tour (Transport Included) US$101; White Water Rafting Grade III - savegre River (Transport Included) US$119; Surf Lessons (Transport Included) US$90; Horseback riding + lunch (Transport Included) US$97; Whale watching (Min 4 passengers) Only runs Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from July 15th to October 15th US$170


Please note all optional activities in Costa Rica can be paid for by card (with exception of CAITE), or USD Cash only.

Please be aware that Class II-III white water rapids are available to all adults on rivers throughout Costa Rica. However, for Class IV rapids and above, some rivers may have lower and upper age restrictions. For specific information, please consult with our tour leader.

Clothing

Lightweight clothing is essential in midsummer though a warmer jumper is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands (San Gerardo de Dota can be very cool at night). A good waterproof is essential, and you could 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.

For your rafting excursion, take water shoes with a securely closed heel (not flip flops). Open toes are OK, but they should be securely fastened.

Footwear

Lightweight trail/walking boots for jungle walks, comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. In the rainy season waterproof boots are recommended.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of luggage and a daysac. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage - don't overload yourself.

Equipment

We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a small umbrella, a torch, insect repellent, a travel adaptor and a water bottle. Binoculars are essential for bird and animal spotting.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 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 group's 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$ 40 per person for group tipping.

For all non-included services and meals on your trip, please tip independently at your discretion.

Costa Rica

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£24
Dinner price
£32
Beer price
£4
Water price
£3.50
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the CRC is approximately CRC 800 to the British Pound. USD are accepted in some shops / restaurants. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in Colones. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Travellers Cheques
We do not recommend Travellers Cheques
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat

Accommodation notes

The accommodation in Costa Rica is largely very small, locally-run and wonderfully located. We opt for a mix of jungle lodges and small family-run hotels, avoiding large chains as much as possible. Due to the size of the accommodation, and its popularity, we may use a number of different hotels in various locations. Some of the alternative properties are as follows:

Tortuguero - Tortuguero Beachfront, Evergreen Lodge, Pachira Lodge, Aninga Lodge, Laguna Lodge, Turtle Beach.

San Gerardo de Dota - Trogon Lodge, Savegre Lodge, Suria, Suenos del Bosque or Mirador de Quetzales. All of these lodges provide a stay in the cloud forest, surrounded by nature. At 2,200 metres of altitude, it can be extremely cold here at night, so bring warm layers!

Arenal - San Bosco Inn, Arenal Country Inn or Arenal Montechiari. These La Fortuna-based inns have views to the Arenal Volcano and easy access to all of the activities in the surrounding areas

Manuel Antonio - La Foresta, Karahe, Hotel Manuel Antonio. The small town of Manuel Antonio has slowly started spreading up hill towards the neighbouring town of Quepos. On this tour we may use accommodation that is in either Manuel Antonio or in Quepos, just 10 minutes away. Hotels are typically wooden lodges, set in tropical gardens, bringing the nature in to you.

We may also use other hotels in these and other locations on the tour, in order to secure availability. If you'd like more information about your specific departure date, don't hesitate to ask.

Costa Rica

Food and drink

Please note that as of August 1, 2024, Costa Rica has implemented a comprehensive plastic ban on a wide range of items, including plastic bags, disposable plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons, straws, food containers, and more. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle (such as our Water To Go bottle), as well as any other reusable items you think you may need.


Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 
 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We 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. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

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.

All other nationalities must enquire at their own embassies.

USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via 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 a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen 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. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking 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 Explore's 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.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ 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 Polar 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.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

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.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ 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 the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Costa Rica

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.

Wildlife information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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