Discounted
E-bike option

Cycle Costa Rica

Costa Rica - Trip code CCR Cycling
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
214Kg 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.

 

Discover a diverse land, rich with nature, towering volcanoes, and abundant wildlife on our cycling tour through Costa Rica. Come along for the ride to explore the lush rainforests of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast before cycling through the ever-changing landscapes of the interior, past active volcanoes, lakes and cloud forests. Finally, unwind on the beautiful beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast.

Why we love this trip
  • Cycle from coast to coast - Pedal your way through Costa Rica's diverse beauty from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
  • Nature and wildlife - Spot sloths, monkeys and brightly colours frogs, together with spectacular birdlife.
  • National Parks and volcanoes - Tick off bucket-list sites such as Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Miravalles.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 13

    Lunch: 3

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Bicycle

    Boat

  • i

    Accommodation

    11 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights premium hotel

  • i

    Cycling grade:

    Leisurely and Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join tour San José

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 if you can't wait for your fill of Costa Rican history.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Journey to Tortuguero National Park by bus and boat

We'll have an early start this morning as we leave the capital behind and head to the Caribbean coast. Our destination is La Pavona Pier, around a three-and-a-half-hour drive away. The journey takes us through Braulio Carillo National Park and on arrival we'll board a boat and continue along the Tortuguero River, towards the richly diverse landscapes of the Tortuguero National Park. The first part of the cruise takes around an hour before we stop off at the Visitor Centre for a brief orientation, after which we'll continue by boat to our lodge.

After lunch, this afternoon is free to explore your surroundings in a little more detail, with the option to rent a kayak, or just relax on the beach.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Exploring Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero's remarkably rich landscapes include rainforests, mangroves, swamps, beaches and lagoons and we'll spend this morning discovering its stunning natural diversity. After an early morning coffee, we'll head out on a guided boat tour along some of the park's canals and waterways, which provide a home for manatees, crocodiles, Tropical Gar and an abundance of freshwater fish.

Returning to the lodge for breakfast, we'll then set out on a jungle hike through the surrounding rainforest. These forests are home to sloths, three of Costa Rica's four species of monkeys and a huge variety of birdlife.

After lunch, the afternoon is then free for optional activities.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Boat and bus to Guapiles. Afternoon cycling

Leaving Tortuguero this morning, we'll head back to La Pavona Pier by boat, a journey of around two hours. From here, we'll drive on to Guapiles, lying in the heart of the country's banana-growing region, where we'll stop for lunch before driving on to the starting point of our cycling adventure close to Sarapiqui.

After making sure our bikes are properly adjusted, we'll begin with a relatively easy introduction, riding along tarmac roads that take us through a rural setting of farmland and banana plantations. Our ride will be mainly on the flat today and afterwards, we'll drive for around 90 minutes to our hotel in the small crossroads village of Muelle de San Carlos.

Please note, on some departures, we'll be staying in the town of Guapiles instead and will drive on to Muelle tomorrow morning before the ride instead of today.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 50 metres/170 feet and descent of 180 metres/590 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Cycle to La Fortuna

Starting from our hotel today, we'll cycle through a landscape of undulating terrain, passing through a rural landscape of farms, cultivated fields and patches of tropical forest. Arriving in Muelle, we'll stop and look for some of the huge iguanas that can occasionally be found here, before continuing on to La Fortuna. Weather permitting, we might be accompanied by the spectacular backdrop of the Arenal Volcano as we arrive at our next hotel by bike. This afternoon is free to explore a little of La Fortuna at your leisure - you might like to visit the local La Fortuna Waterfalls.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 28 kilometres/17.3 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 330 metres/1082 feet and descent of 150 metres/500 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Free day in La Fortuna

There's no cycling today and you're free to enjoy the area at your leisure. There are several optional activities you could try including canopy tours, zip lines and hot springs. The city's downtown area is dominated by the Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and the town itself is blessed with a number of thermal springs where you can relax and unwind in the natural hot water pools.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Cycling in the Arenal Volcano National Park

We'll start today with a short drive to Lake Arenal, the largest man-made lake in Costa Rica. Beginning our day's riding at the base of the volcano, we'll follow the northern shore of the lake and negotiate our way through a landscape of rolling hills, rainforest and pastureland. The Arenal Volcano lies at the heart of a stunning national park that covers some 9,884 acres and is home to 850 species of birds including the endangered resplendent quetzal. We'll enjoy some fine views of the lake and the volcano during our ride this morning, before finishing the rest of the journey by car after lunch.

Our final destination is the small town of Tilarán, located in the hills overlooking the western shores of the lake.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres/16.7 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 830 metres/2725 feet and descent of 800 metres/2625 feet, with an extra optional 17 kilometre/10.5 miles ride starting earlier in La Fortuna.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Cycle across the Guanacaste plains, swim in Llanos de Cortes waterfall, drive to Cañas

We'll start our day with an easy ride down towards the drier plains of Guanacaste today, enjoying spectacular views of the Pacific coastline and the chain of volcanoes that lie to the north. Our ride ends at Bebedero from where we'll take our bus to the Llanos de Cortes waterfall for a refreshing dip in the pool beneath the beautiful cascade. We'll then drive to our hotel in the small community of Cañas. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 420 metres/1380 feet and descent of 970 metres/3180 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Cycle through the foothills of Miravalles Volcano

We'll start early today to make the most of the cooler temperatures as we take on our most challenging ride. Beginning with a short drive to Bagaces, we'll start with a gentle uphill ride, heading north towards the Miravalles Volcano. The route is mainly uphill but the gradient is gradual, so the answer is low gears and a steady pace today. We'll make a number of longer stops too, making the most of the breathtaking scenery as we make our way to Yoko Termales, on the slopes of Miravalles Volcano. Finishing the day at the higher and cooler elevations of the slopes, we'll be rewarded this afternoon with a welcome dip in the natural hot springs.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 27 kilometres/16.7 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 700 metres/2300 feet and descent of 200 metres/660 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Explore the landscapes around the Miravalles Volcano

The Miravalles Volcano is the highest peak in the Guanacaste Mountains (2,023 metres/6635 feet) and sits in the heart of the largest geothermal field developed in Costa Rica.

We'll spend another day here to relax and enjoy more of its unique attractions, starting with a three-to-five-hour ride along the slopes of volcanoes and through the forest to Liberia (we'll return by vehicle) - the perfect excuse for revisiting the hot springs.

The volcano's verdant slopes form part of the area's protected zone, which is a lush haven of cloud and primary forest that provides shelter for coyotes, howler monkeys, peccaries and even pumas. For anyone not wanting to cycle, there are other options available including hot mud baths or a walk to Las Hornillas, to visit its active volcanic crater.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres/23 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 490 metres/1610 feet and descent of 920 metres/3020 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 11 - Early morning loop cycle from the hotel, drive to Manuel Antonio N.P.

Early this morning we'll explore the local area further on a circular bike ride. After the ride, there'll be time to shower and change before we check out of our hotel in the late morning.

We'll spend the rest of the day making our way by bus (a four-hour journey) to the Pacific Ocean and onto our final destination, Manuel Antonio National Park. We'll take a break in our journey for lunch and again at Tarcoles Bridge where we'll hopefully spot a few of the gigantic crocodiles that regularly bask beside the river's edge, before finally arriving at our hotel later this afternoon.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 200 metres/660 feet and descent of 200 metres/660 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - Manuel Antonio National Park

One of Costa Rica's most popular parks, Manuel Antonio provides a wonderful mix of world-class views and golden beaches along the country's central Pacific coastline.

Today is free for you to make the most of this idyllic spot, with plenty of options available for sea kayaking, canopy walks, fishing or just relaxing on the beach. The national park is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna and a walk through its primary forest provides a chance to look for sloths, monkeys, iguanas and over 180 species of birds including toucans, parakeets and potoos.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Free morning. Afternoon drive back to San José

After a relaxing morning, we'll drive back to San José after lunch. The journey will take around five hours and we'll arrive in time to enjoy a stroll through the centre of the city before dinner.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 14 - Tour ends San José

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in San Jose.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), approximately a 30-minute drive from our hotel.

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.


Tortugurero - Kayaks USD 10 per person, (guided tour USD 20 per person); Canopy Tour USD 45 per person (min 4)
Arenal - Canopy zip wire - USD 50 per person; Hanging bridges USD 65 per person; Hot springs - USD 35 per person; Viento Fresco waterfalls visit 10 USD per person
Miravalles - Waterfall Tour USD 40 per person; Tour of Hornillas USD 35 per person (Combination of both USD 55 per person)
Manuel Antonio - Canopy zip wire USD 70 per person including lunch; Las Damas Mangrove kayak trip USD70 per person; Las Damas Mangrove Boat trip USD 65 per person; Manuel Antonio NP USD 16 per person; Dolphin Watch USD 75 per person


Clothing

When cycling: quick drying cycle tops, padded cycle shorts, lightweight wind and water proof jacket and warmer breathable layers where local conditions require.

General: Pack essentially for hot weather. Bear in mind that the region is tropical (humid) and that days can be very hot. Lightweight rainwear or an umbrella is advisable all year. Casual clothes are the most practical (something with long sleeves, and long trousers for evenings), and tight fitting garments should be avoided. A swimming costume is recommended.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to tours that combine sightseeing with cycling.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike.

Equipment

It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

Water will be provided on the vehicle - please bring your own water bottle for refills.

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$ 35, approx. 20'500 Colones 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, Bicycle, Boat

Accommodation notes

Our accommodation in Costa Rica is largely local-run and wonderfully located, giving us an authentic Costa Rican experience. We opt for a mix of jungle lodges and family-run hotels, avoiding chains where possible.

It's worth noting that Costa Rica is a popular destination and as such, we use a number of different hotels - please refer to your final documents for the properties you'll be staying in.

Most of our accommodations offer comfortable en-suite rooms with either air-conditioning or a fan. The majority have swimming pools to cool off in at the end of the day. WiFi is usually available in common areas but it's worth noting it might not be as strong or as speedy as back home.

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. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

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.

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.

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Airport Transfers
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