With
its 762 miles of coastline, 20 national parks, 8 biological reserves
and numerous protected areas, Costa Rica has enough to captivate
travellers of all kinds.
Day 1: SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
On
arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport a Tourcan
representative will meet and greet you and transfer you to the Parque
del Lago Hotel for check-in and overnight.
Day
2: SAN JOSE - BAJOS DEL TORO
After
breakfast transfer to Bosque de Paz, between Poas Volcano and Juan
Castro National Park, a scenic two-hour drive north of San Jose. At
Bosque de Paz you will have the opportunity to stroll through the
magnificent “peace forest,” clearing your mind of
everyday worries and refreshing your soul - reaffirming this
250-hectare (620 acre) private reserve's name. Trails winding through
this tropical forest reveal innumerable species of plants and
flowers, as well as exotic birds. Enjoy a delicious meal and a cozy
night at the wonderful Bosque de Paz Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day
3: BAJOS DEL
TORO – ARENAL VOLCANO
Morning
is at leisure to enjoy the wonderful view, walking in the cloud
forest, and other activities. Later today, we will depart for the
Arenal Volcano area. Check-in and overnight at Volcano Lodge -
offering a perfect view of the volcano. (B)
Day 4: ARENAL VOLCANO AREA
Today
you will visit Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, located in Los
Chiles. A boat trip in the surroundings of Caño Negro, which
consists of an 800-hectare lake and over 9,000 hectares of tropical
humid forest, will show you the great biological diversity that is
demonstrated in the fact that many species found here cannot be seen
in any other part of the country. This refuge attracts scientists,
students, birdwatchers and nature lovers of all kinds. Return to
Volcano Lodge for the overnight. (B, L)
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO - TAMARINDO BEACH,
GUANACASTE
Check-out
and departure in our shuttle bus for Tamarindo Beach. Check-in and
overnight at Jardin del Eden Hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 6: TAMARINDO BEACH AREADay
at leisure to enjoy the beach or make optional tours such us: Palo
Verde National Park, Extravaganza, Horseback Riding, Buena Vista Hot
Springs, Canopy Tour, and much more. Overnight at
Jardin
del Eden Hotel. (B)
Day 7: TAMARINDO BEACH AREA
Day
at leisure to enjoy the beach or for optional tours suggested.
Overnight at Jardin del Eden Hotel. (B)
Day 8: TAMARINDO – SAN JOSE
Morning
at leisure. Afternoon check-out and return to San Jose in our
shuttle bus service. Overnight at Parque del Lago Hotel.
(B)
Day 9: DEPARTURE DAY
Transfer
to Juan Santamaria International Airport and departure from Costa
Rica. (B)
***END OF SERVICES***
TOUR
COST: from C$1260 per person sharing twin
Child
rates available
Includes:
-
Arrival and departure transfer.
-
Accommodation sharing a twin room
at hotels mentioned, or similar
-
Meals as indicated: B =
Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
-
Unescorted transfers within Costa
Rica, as per itinerary
-
Entrance fee (use of trails) at Bosque de Paz
Private Reserve.
-
Guided tour of Caño Negro Wildlife
Refuge (transportation, boat ride, soft drinks, entrance fee, and
lunch).
-
Hotel taxes
Excludes:
-
International flights and departure taxes; meals
not mentioned in the itinerary; passport and travel visa fees; medical
or Travel insurance; items of a personal nature, such as beverages,
laundry, telephone calls, gratuities, etc.
Contact
Chris
Boecker
to join this wonderful journey.
GENERAL
INFORMATION - COSTA RICA
Costa
Rica is known for its hospitality, impressive scenic beauty,
consolidated system of protected areas, social and political
stability, high level of education and efficient, high-quality
services.
The
country stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in just
200 miles covering twenty thousand square miles. The beaches in the
Caribbean region are mostly surrounded by jungle. The vegetation is
determined by tropical rainforests and clear waters with coral reefs.
On the other hand, the Pacific beaches are drier due to the climate.
This area has more tourism-related development.
Costa
Ricas political divisions
include
seven provinces
and together
they offer endless
types of landscapes and climates, converting Costa Rica into an
attractive tourism destination with endless possibilities.
Heritage
and Culture
Costa
Rica’s culture is reflected in the racial mixes that co-exist
throughout the country. The main influence is European, which is seen
in the official language – Spanish – and the
architecture
of churches and other historic buildings. Indigenous influence is
less visible, but present in the traditional cuisine and the ceramic
handicrafts that are sold along the roads.
One
important aspect of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage is its
love
of peace and democracy. Costa Ricans strive to make their country
stand out as the exception in Latin America. For decades the
political system has been run by democracy, not dictatorships.
Costa
Ricans are proud to have over a century of democratic tradition and
more than 50 years without an army, which was abolished in 1948. The
money the country saves by not having armed forces is invested in
improving the Costa Rican’s standard of living, thus
contributing to social peace.
The
People
The
“Ticos,” as Costa Ricans are affectionately known,
are
famous for their hospitality. They are hard workers and most posses a
high level of education. Ticos love to offer a smile and a helping
hand to others. It is often said that the Ticos are Costa
Rica’s
biggest asset. Once you have experienced their friendship and
spontaneity, you won’t have any doubts about it.
Even
though the majority of Costa Rica’s four million inhabitants
are descendents of Spanish immigrants, many families come from
different parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and of course Central
America.
Geography
The
country’s Guanacaste, Central and Talamanca mountain ranges,
with elevations from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level include
several volcanoes (Arenal, Irazú, Rincón de la
Vieja,
Poás and Turrialba). The highest point is Cerro
Chirripó,
at 3,819 meters above sea level. Costa Rica has long coasts on both
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a wide range of rivers
that attract specialists in kayaking and whitewater rafting from
around the world.
Climate
Costa
Rica’s
climate is pleasant year round. The hottest areas are along the
coasts. Temperatures in mountainous areas are cool, giving a
sensation of “eternal springtime.” The average
annual
temperature is 31.7° C (89° F) on the coast and
16.7° C
(62° F) in the interior. The rainy season is from May to
November, and from December to April there are few rain showers.
Communications
Costa
Rica is connected
via satellite with other Central American countries, the United
States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, Asia and Africa. In
addition to offering direct-dial, fax and telex facilities, there is
also an efficient system of post and courier services.
Transportation
It
is easy to travel
throughout Costa Rica. Public transportation is fairly inexpensive.
Almost every city and town has a bus system. The buses that travel to
main tourist areas are high-quality coaches. Taxis are common and
inexpensive. There are several airlines that offer daily domestic
flights to main tourist attractions. There are also many car rental
companies, most of which offer four-wheel-drive options.
Health
and Education
For
a long time, the government of Costa Rica has dedicated an important
part of its budget to improving the minds and bodies of its citizens.
This policy has increased the number of educated, healthy people. The
country has achieved literacy and life expectancy rates similar to
Western Europe and North America. Costa Rica boasts a comprehensive
social security system, as well as hospitals, schools and
universities around the country.
This
means that
visitors deal with educated people and don’t have to worry
about many of the diseases and epidemics typical to many tropical
countries.
The
water is potable nearly anywhere in the country, although it is
recommended to drink bottled water in rural areas. If a tourist gets
sick while in Costa Rica, there are clinics and hospitals in San
José
with the same level of care as those in their home country, but with
a substantially lower price tag.
Banking
and Money
The
official currency is the colón. Also, US
dollars are
accepted in nearly all hotels and restaurants. Dollars and
traveler’s
checks can be changed in banks and hotels. Major credit cards are
also widely accepted.
Business
Hours
Stores
and businesses are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the majority
of restaurants from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Economy
Costa
Rica’s
economy is based mainly on tourism, technology and agriculture
(bananas, coffee and sugarcane).
Coffee
has historically been the most important source of income for the
country, and Costa Rica produces one of the world’s best
coffees. However, in recent years so-called
“non-traditional”
products have taken hold and have shown strong growth. The second
traditional product is the banana, of which there are enormous farms,
chiefly in the Atlantic area of the country. Pineapple, sugar,
oranges, rice and ornamental plants are also important crops.
The
tourism sector has become the most powerful activity for the Costa
Rican economy, creating new jobs and encouraging protecting the
biodiversity that tourists want to see.
Festivities
Although
government offices and banks essentially close on national holidays,
this is not inconvenient for travelers. They can exchange money and
traveler’s checks in their hotel. It is not recommended to
change money in the street.
However,
there are days in which nearly all businesses are closed, such as
Christmas, New Year’s Day, the last two or three days of the
year, and Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Some
festivals are attractive to visitors, like the week between Christmas
and New Year’s. During the week of the Annexation of
Guanacaste
(July 25th), the province of Guanacaste comes
alive in
parties and folklore. The Caribbean city of Limon’s colorful
Carnival is celebrated the week of October 12.
Language
Costa
Rica’s
official language is Spanish. On the Caribbean coast, a minority
group of Jamaican descendants speak a local version of English. The
majority of Costa Ricans understands and speaks a bit of English.
Time
Costa
Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Emergencies
Call
911 to report
emergencies. Incidents that are not in progress can be reported in
person at the nearest police station. In the event of a traffic
accident, vehicles should not be moved until the Transit Police and
investigator from the National Insurance Institute arrive on scene.
Entry
/ Exit Requirements
The
majority of foreigners are given a visa that allows them to remain on
Costa Rica soil for 90 days. The visa is conferred only with a valid
passport and proof of onward travel. Some countries need a visa to
enter.
The
exit tax is $26, payable either in Dollars, Colones or with a credit
card.
Contact
Chris
Boecker
to join this wonderful journey.
