COSTA RICA TOURS
COSTA RICA HOLIDAY TOUR

                     COSTA RICA HOLIDAY
                           10 Days - 9 Nights

Lush forests and stunning waterfalls...rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines...Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise.

Day 1 - San Jose, Costa Rica
Welcome to the "rich coast," friendly land of democracy and rare natural beauty. With naturalist guides, see exotic birds and wildlife, hike in jungle rainforests, view volcanoes, soak in hot springs and cruise through biological reserves. Relax on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Caravan provides transfers from the San Jose airport to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Dine at your hotel, then join Caravan for an 6:00 p.m. welcome briefing.  D
 
Day 2 - Poas Volcano, Cloud Forest Hike
This morning enjoy a drive through Costa Rica's famous coffee growing region. Next, weather permitting, visit Poas Volcano. You can safely view inside the dramatic crater from an overlook. Next, hike the Escalonia Cloud Forest Trail, home to epiphytes, orchids, ferns and tropical hummingbirds. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but with less rain and more humidity. Lunch. Visit the National Museum. See ancient mysterious stone spheres. Then, see San Jose's Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park and the National Theatre. Visit the Gold Museum. Enjoy dinner.  B L D
 
Day 3 - Butterfly Garden, Tortuguero Park
Scenic morning drive through Braulio Carrillo Park. Look for cascading waterfalls. Visit a butterfly garden. See a banana plantation. Then, cruise through rivers and canals to the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds. Look for toucans, parrots, kingfishers and the rare green macaw. Enjoy lunch. Next, an afternoon boat excursion into Tortuguero Park. Look for otters, turtles and manatees. Listen to the joyful sounds of the jungle. Enjoy a two night stay at your lodge. Dinner.  B L D
 
Day 4 - Tortuguero Park, Canal Cruise
Cruise this morning with naturalist guides along canals lined by raffia palm, habitat of howler and white-faced monkeys, green iguanas and tropical birds. Look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the montezuma oropendola. Then, enter the mysterious reflecting waters of Cano Palma wildlife reserve. Next, visit the Green Turtle Research Station. Learn about efforts to protect the turtle's nesting habitat, eggs and young hatchlings. Walk along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches with a naturalist guide. Next, to Tortuguero village. Meet Costa Rican school children on your visit to a local school (when in session). Return to your lodge for lunch. Free time to enjoy the swimming pool and tropical flower gardens at your lodge. Dinner.  B L D
 
Day 5 - Pineapple Tour, Fortuna
Morning cruise on Tortuguero River. Enjoy lunch. Visit a pineapple plantation. Sample Costa Rica's famous sweet organic pineapples. Next, through scenic countryside to the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay in Fortuna. Dinner.  B L D
 
Day 6 - Cano Negro, Hot Springs, Arenal
Head north this morning, passing through sugar cane, teak and orange plantations. Then, cruise on the Rio Frio which runs through the world famous Cano Negro wildlife refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Look for whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, anhingas, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch for caimans, crocodiles, spider monkeys and web-footed, water-walking lizards. Lunch. Return to Fortuna. Free time to explore this charming village. Then, enjoy a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs. Weather permitting, see nearby Arenal Volcano's softly glowing lava flow. Enjoy dinner.
   B L D
 
Day 7 - Hanging Bridges, Guanacaste
This morning enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the rainforest at the Hanging Bridges, rated one of Costa Rica's top tourist attractions. Hike on six suspension bridges, through lush tropical rainforest canopy. Enjoy views of a waterfall and look for tropical birds. Later, a scenic drive around Lake Arenal. Enjoy lunch. Then, tour a coffee cooperative where thousands of small family farmers process their coffee. Enjoy fresh Costa Rican coffee. Next, enter the Guanacaste province. Drive through the only tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. Stop in Liberia. Then, to Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific Coast for a two night stay. Dinner is at your resort.   B L D
 
Day 8 - Pacific Coast, Guanacaste
This morning drive to the nearby Natural Trail of Hacienda Pinilla. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is home to the playful howler monkey. Lunch. Enjoy a carefree leisurely afternoon. Time to beachcomb or swim the pristine beaches of your resort. Dinner.   B L D
 
Day 9 - Handicrafts, Coffee Plantation
Morning drive through the cattle ranches of Guanacaste. Stop at the Monteverde Cooperative. Sample delicious Monteverde Cheese. Continue en route to the Central Valley, time to shop for colorful handicrafts, including painted oxcarts. Enjoy lunch. Return to San Jose. Farewell dinner.   B L D
 
Day 10 - San Jose
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning at your hotel. Caravan provides transfers throughout the day to the San Jose airport. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Hasta la vista!   B

B   Breakfast     L   Lunch     D   Dinner

Tour Includes:
- Meet and Greet at the Airport upon arrival, and Transfer to your hotel
- Tour Manager throughout your journey
- Sightseeing Excursions and Local Guide as described
- 3 Nights Accommodations in San Jose
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Tortuguero
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Fortuna
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Guanacaste
- 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
- Departure Transfer to the Airport

*On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

2010 Price Per Person:
Super Value   Double $995 Triple $975 Single $1195
Great Value   Double $1095 Triple $1075 Single $1295
Holiday Value   Double $1195 Triple $1175 Single $1395

Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $189 Triple $187 Single $222

2010 Departure Dates:
Jan   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*; Feb   1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*; ar   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31; Apr 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30; May   1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31; Jun   5, 7, 12, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28; Jul   1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31; Aug   1, 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21*, 28*
Sep   4*, 11*, 18*, 25*; Oct   2*, 9*, 16*, 23*, 30*; Nov   4*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 11*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 18*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 25*, 27*, 28*, 29*; Dec   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18**, 19**, 20**, 21**, 22**, 23**, 24**, 25**, 26**, 27**, 28, 29, 30, 31

*indicates Great Value date.
**indicates Holiday Value date
 
Hotels - listed by day
Day 1, 2 San José: Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel, Aurola Hotel
Day 3, 4 Tortuguero Park: Laguna Lodge, Pachira Lodge
Day 5, 6 Fortuna: Lomas del Volcan, Arenal Springs, Arenal Manoa, Magic Mountain
Day 7, 8 Guanacaste, Pacific Beach: J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa Central Pacific Coast
Doubletree Resort
Day 9 San José: Aurola Hotel San José, Barcelo San Jose Palacio Hotel, Aurola Hotel

Not Included in Tour Price:
The land price of the tour does not include Air Travel, Airline Fees, Airport or Departure Taxes, Transfers, Visas, customary end of trip Gratuities for your Tour Manager, Driver, Local Guides, Hotel Housekeepers, and any Incidental Charges.

Important Notes:
- Travelers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain, wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motor coaches are restricted.
- This tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. Hotels selected are small, comfortable, chosen for their location, and may be considered rustic. Air conditioning and elevators are not available in all properties used in this program.
- This tour will visit Poas Volcano which has an elevation of 9,000 feet.
- The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Deposit and Payment Policy:
- A $275.00 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your reservation.
- Balance is due 65 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
- More than 65 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit will be retained
- 64 - 21 days prior to departure: 25% of total price
- 20 - 2 days prior to departure: 40% of total price
- 1 Day prior to Departure and afterward: 100% of total price

Travel Insurance is recommended.

Important Notes:
- Travelers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain, wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motor coaches are restricted.
- This tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. Hotels selected are small, comfortable, chosen for their location, and may be considered rustic. Air conditioning and elevators are not available in all properties used in this program.
- This tour will visit Poas Volcano which has an elevation of 9,000 feet.
- The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.
  
Frequently Asked Questions:

What is included in the tour price?
Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price. 

What is not included in the tour price?
Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price. 

Can your tours be enjoyed by all age groups?
Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Most tours will be joined by adults of all ages. Children age five (5) and over are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. 

Do your tours include any evening activities?
Yes. Caravan includes an evening nature talk in Tortuguero, and evening visit to the hot springs by Arenal Volcano. Great for single travelers! 

How long will each day be?
A well paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation and you will arrive at your hotels between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day.

How large will my group be?
Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and lodges and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. 

Are meals included?
All meals are included on your Costa Rica tour. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Bottled water is provided free on the motorcoach and purified water is provided at the meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. 


      





 

Escorted Latin America Tours
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